Winter Guide

Going to Iceland in December, January, February or March but don't know what to do or expect? This handy guide will help you plan for the weather, shortlist things to do during Winter in Iceland, and highlight fun culture events into your travel calendar, so that you can make the most of this truly unique and picturesque time of year.

Winter Weather

It is safe to assume that exploring Iceland in Winter months is – as the name suggests – cold (the country is just south of the Arctic Circle after all). However the weather can very, ranging from freezing temperatures (0°C or 32°F) to below freezing temperatures. Keep in mind that the weather doesn’t just vary day-to-day, in Iceland, it can vary from hour to hour. This might be because there is very few daylight hours in the Winter months. You won’t have as much sun to warm the day, and when night comes (early), the temperature will drop. These conditions are likely to be emphasized with rain, snow, wind, or a mixture of all the elements.

You may even experience an interesting natural occurrence called, “polar night”, where the sun remains below the horizon throughout the day, making it continuously dark. Areas closer to the Arctic Circle, such as Akureyri the largest town in Northern Iceland, or Ísafjörður located north west, experience longer periods of continuous darkness often several weeks of no direct sunlight. In Reykjavik, however polar nights generally last from mid-November to mid-January, with only 4-5 hours of daylight during the shortest days of the year. The shortest day of the year usually occurs in late December, which is known as the ‘Winter solstice’. During this day, expect the sun to rise around 11am, and set between 3 to 4pm.

Winter Activities

The shorter days shouldn’t be seen as a shortage of things to do. In fact, Iceland is a unique place to visit in the thick of Winter. The low temperatures bring with it blankets of snow that makes for perfect conditions for activities such as: skiing, glacier hiking, exploring ice caves, snowmobiling, Northern Lights sightings, and thawing out in geothermal pools. Winter is generally less busy than the much more crowded Summer and shoulder seasons, which makes it can be a great time to visit. Similarly, for those who have Iceland on their bucket list but can’t justify the cost, consider visiting in the Winter months (outside of December) when flights and accomodation are often cheaper.

Skiing & heli-skiing

Don’t be tempted to compare skiing in Iceland to the more well-known Swisse Alps – it’s different – and in some ways it’s better. You probably won’t find luxurious mountain restaurants, rather you’ll find unobstructed natural beauty as far as the eye can see. You can go skiing as conveniently as an hour-drive from Reykjavik, in Bláfjöll, or the larger option Skálafell. Or if you’re after something more adventurous, Viking Heli Skiing and Arctic Heli Skiing operate in the mountainous Tröllaskagi penninsula in northern Iceland. Otherwise the popular area of Ísafjörður in the Westfjords you’ll find Dalirnir, which hosts the popular event, Ski Week.

Glacier hiking

Why go hiking, when you can go glacier hiking. It’s one of those bucket-list activities that you have to do if you’re going to Iceland. Iceland’s largest glacier, the Vatnajökull, is one of the largest glaciers in Europe. Glacier hiking can be challenging, especially during Winter with colder conditions, so plan to go with an experienced guide or tour provider. They will help you navigate the icy terrain and cavities, and equip you with the right gear such as: a harness, helmet, crampons, and ice-axe. Some reputable companies that offer glacier hiking tours in Winter include: Arctic Adventures and Iceland Mountain Guides.

Ice caves

The best time to go whale watching in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the whales migrate to the country’s waters to feed. The exact timing can vary, as it is depends on water temperature and the availability of food. It’s a great opportunity to take a boat tour to see lots of different species up close, including humpback whales, minke whales, and even killer whales. There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in Iceland, which typically depart from Reykjavik or other coastal towns, including: Elding Whale Watching, North Sailing, and Reykjavik Sailors.

Snowmobiling

Fishing in Iceland is popular during the summer months, because the waters are filled with some of the most popular fish to catch in Icelandic waters including: arctic char, salmon, and trout. River fishing is popular for catching arctic char and salmon. While sea fishing is popular for cod, haddock, and halibut. Finally, lake fishing can be a peaceful and relaxing way to spend a summer day, just keep in mind, if you have your heart set on ice lake fishing, you might want to consider going from November to April (see the winter guide).

Book a guided tour to make sure you’re following local fishing regulations and have the necessary licenses and permits. There are several companies that offer fishing tours, including: Arctic Adventures, Icelandic Mountain Guides, and Reykjavik Angling Club.

Geothermal pools

There is no better way to take in Iceland’s beautiful landscape of valleys and coastlines, then on horse back. Doing this in summer means you’re not at the mercy of shorter days or harsher weather, that may make the ride more tricky. You don’t have to be an experienced rider, there are tours that cater for all different levels. You can even opt to go on a multi-day horse riding tours, which can last for 3+ days, and include overnight stays.

For short tours, Efstidalur II Dairy Farm and Galtarviti Horse Ranch offer beautiful rides through the countryside. If you’re interested in a multi-day riding tour, check out: GJ Travel and Icelandic Mountain Guides. While, Reykjavik Riding and Laxnes Horse Farm run both short and multi-day horse riding tours.

Winter Events

If you visit Iceland in summer, not only will you have endless daylight to experience all the natural beauty, you will have the chance to attend some of the most exciting events of the year. If you’re the type of traveler who loves variety, and you want to have your scenic adventure with a side of culture and theatre, then time your visit with some of these popular and highly-anticipated special events that take place in June and August in Iceland.

June

Reykjavik Arts Festival

The Reykjavik Arts Festival is an annual summer extravaganza of events, including concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, film screenings, music, dance and visual arts. This festival is a showcase for both local and international artists and is a great way to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Reykjavik. It takes place in June each year, and lasts for about 10 days.

Secret Solice

Imagine going to a music festival where the sun doesn’t set. That is the beauty of Secret Solstice, a popular music festival in Iceland takes place in June. The three-day festival features a diverse range of international and local artists and offers a variety of activities, such as yoga classes and guided hikes. Some past performers include: Florence + The Machine, Nas, Solange, Wiz Khalifa, and The Chemical Brother. It is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene of Reykjavik and to discover new artists.

August

Reykjavik Culture Night

Iceland has a reputation for being a relatively expensive place to visit, but if you visit in August, during Culture Night, many of Reykjavik’s cultural institutions, such as museums, galleries, and libraries, are open late and offer free admission. This annual event happens on the first Saturday of August and is a celebration of Icelandic culture, art, and music. Culture Night, or Menningarnótt, is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant cultural scene in Reykjavik and learn more about Icelandic history and traditions.

Gay Pride

Reykjavik Pride is a joyful and welcoming event typically held in August as a week-long event with parades, concerts, performances, and workshops. Iceland is known for being a very LGBTQ+-friendly country, and the annual Reykjavik Pride festival is a celebration of this welcoming and inclusive culture. The main event is the Pride Parade through the streets of Reykjavik, which culminates in a large outdoor concert and celebration in the city center.