ICELAND IN WINTER | WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Iceland is one of the easiest international trips you can take from the East Coast, and winter is when it gets truly magical: snowy waterfalls, steaming hot springs and, if you're lucky, the northern lights dancing overhead.
But a winter trip takes a little more planning. Here's everything I'd want to know before booking, plus how to make my favorite Iceland itinerary work in the colder months.
HOW MUCH DAYLIGHT WILL YOU GET?
This surprises everyone! Around the winter solstice in late December, Reykjavik gets only about four to five hours of daylight, with the sun rising late in the morning and setting mid-afternoon. By February you're back up to around eight hours or more, which makes February and March great months for a winter trip.
Tip: Plan your sightseeing for the middle of the day and save hot springs, dinners and northern lights hunting for the dark hours.
WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES OF SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
Northern lights season runs roughly from September through March. You need two things: darkness and clear skies. A few tips:
Check the aurora and cloud forecast from the Icelandic Met Office each day.
Get out of the city lights. Even a short drive from Reykjavik makes a big difference.
Give yourself multiple nights. Clouds are the biggest obstacle, so more nights means better odds.
Book a northern lights tour if you don't want to drive at night. Many tour companies will rebook you for free if you don't see anything.
DRIVING IN WINTER
Renting a car gives you so much freedom, but winter roads can be icy and the weather changes fast. If you drive:
Rent a 4x4 with winter tires.
Check road conditions at road.is and weather alerts on safetravel.is every morning.
Hold your car door tightly! Wind gusts in Iceland are no joke.
Stick to main routes like the Golden Circle and the South Coast, which are usually well maintained.
Not comfortable driving in snow? Small-group day tours are a great option and still let you see all the highlights.
WHAT TO PACK
Waterproof outer layers, including a jacket and pants.
Warm base layers (wool is best), a fleece or sweater and a hat, gloves and scarf.
Waterproof boots with good traction, plus slip-on ice cleats for icy paths near waterfalls.
A swimsuit and flip-flops for the hot springs.
A portable charger. Phone batteries drain quickly in the cold.
DON'T SKIP THE HOT SPRINGS
There is nothing better than sinking into warm geothermal water while it's freezing outside. My favorite is Hvammsvik Hot Springs, a quieter, more natural alternative to the famous lagoons, with several pools of different temperatures overlooking a fjord. Book your time slot ahead!
Read more: A Day of Bliss at Hvammsvik Hot Springs
IS 3 DAYS ENOUGH?
For a first trip, yes! Three days is enough to explore Reykjavik, drive the Golden Circle and see the waterfalls on the South Coast. In winter, just know that shorter days mean fewer stops per day, so prioritize what matters most to you. My Ultimate 3-Day Iceland Itinerary is a great starting point, and I'd add a fourth day in winter if you can.
WHAT ELSE TO DO
Go whale watching from Reykjavik. Tours run year-round, though summer has the most sightings. Read about our whale watching tour.
Eat your way through Reykjavik. Cozy restaurants are the best part of a winter evening. Here are my top 5 restaurants in Iceland.
Walk around Reykjavik to see Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa and the Sun Voyager sculpture.
Thinking about a winter trip to Iceland? I'd love to help you plan it, northern lights tour and all!
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