If there is one thing to know about the seasons in Iceland it is this… they change incredibly fast!

One morning you wake up thinking it is still fall, and by the afternoon it is snowing and winter has arrived.

I am not making this up!

Just last week there was still a hint of fall in the air, but over the weekend, well winter most definitely arrived.

Now I am team summer all the way, but there is something so magical about that first fluffy snowfall that makes me feel excited for all the cozy winter days to come. So while I am in this state of loving winter (this will change once Christmas is over and I realize we still have months of winter to go) let’s talk about how wonderful Iceland is in the winter and why you should most definitely come for a visit during these cold dark months.

I won’t lie, it will be cold, there will only be a few hours of daylight, and it is highly likely there will be snow and the occasional fierce windstorm. But just imagine all the stunning Icelandic waterfalls you have been dreaming of covered in sparkling snow. Even better, picture yourself enjoying that waterfall all to yourself.

Sounds magical right?!

And those few hours of daylight we get during the winter months, don’t let that scare you off. Instead think about the most magical golden hour lighting you will get when the skies do brighten up. And let’s not forget about the Northern Lights, you get to enjoy those too if you’re lucky!

I am sure by now you are already booking your winter escape to Iceland. And to help you make the most out of your winter trip here is a handy guide to help you arrive prepared to enjoy all the charms of this chilly season.

What is the winter weather really like in Iceland?
Winter in Iceland officially is from late October to late April, although I have seen my share of snow storms in May, and no snow until January. You just never know with the Icelandic weather, which brings us to our most important fact to know about the winter weather in Iceland;

It is very unpredictable.

Whenever I am helping someone plan their winter adventure in Iceland one thing I always tell travelers is to have zero expectations of what the weather will be like, and be prepared to be flexible. As I am writing this it is currently raining a mixture of rain and snow, I can see sunshine on one side of the sky, and a rainbow just appeared.

As my Dad said multiple times on his trip in Iceland last month, the weather changes here every minute!

Basically you just need to be prepared for for anything and everything, but that is part of the Icelandic adventure. But to help you somewhat plan here are a few answers to the most common questions I get about the type of weather you can expect during the winter.

How cold is it?
This may come as a surprise to you, but the temperature in Iceland during the winter is not as cold as you would expect. In fact, the average temperature during the winter months rarely dips below 0 °Celsius. And even when the temperature does dip around freezing Iceland is a dry cold climate making it doable to keep warm if you dress appropriately. The wind chill though, that is a different story. If the wind is blowing (which it normally is) it can feel much colder than below freezing, so be prepared for that crisp breeze to hit your face and keep your ears and hands covered.

How much snow will there be?
While there quite possibly could be snow if you visit Iceland in the winter, but you could also wake up the next morning to a rainstorm that washes all the snow away. If you are staying in Reykjavik, it is unpredictable if there will be snow as temperatures hover around 0 °Celsius. If you are determined to build a snowman while in Iceland I recommend scheduling your trip during high winter from December to February when the chances of snow are greater.

What about the darkness? Does it even get light during the winter?
I have good news and bad news on this one. The darkness, it can be rough, and can make it hard to fit in a lot of adventures with the limited daylight. Starting in mid November and lasting until early February, the sun will start to rise between 10:00-11:00 am, and set between 3:00-4:00 pm so you have to make sure to make good use of the daylight while it is here.

But the good news, while the hours might not be long, the lighting during the winter months is absolutely stunning. Imagine the “golden hour” for the entire day! This breathtaking lighting makes those few limited hours of sunlight worth it.

Will the roads be safe to drive in the winter?
Driving in Iceland during the winter months is not a thing to mess around with. While I don’t typically recommend using tours for exploring Iceland, if you have never driven in harsh winter conditions (like snow storms, strong winds, icy roads) I highly recommend them vs driving on your own, your safety is the most important.

If you are comfortable driving in winter conditions here are a few tips to keep in mind before you hit the road.

Check the weather and road conditions, and check them again and again!
Before heading off for a road trip, no matter how long or short the drive is, always check the weather conditions and road cams. The weather in each region in Iceland can vary greatly, and change quite quickly, so it is best to check the conditions frequently, even the last few minutes before you head off, so you can plan accordingly.

Pay close attention to the road signs
While you are driving outside of the city you will likely come across weather and road condition signs on the side of the road. Pay attention to these signs as they have important information!

If you see the word Óveður, this means storm and the road conditions ahead are very bad. If you see this sign, I strongly recommend turning around and avoiding driving further if possible.

If you see the word Lokað, this means the road ahead is closed and will remain closed until the weather conditions have cleared up, so find a safe place to stop while you wait out the storm. Search for gas stations or nearby guesthouses if you’re stuck.

Rent a 4×4 vehicle
While it is possible to drive in Iceland during the winter without a 4×4 vehicle, I recommend renting a 4×4 as it is a much safer option. The roads can be very icy during the winter so it is better to be well prepared. It is legally required that vehicles be equipped with winter studded tires from November to April, make sure your rental car company guarantees winter tires on the vehicle before you rent.

Give yourself extra time and be flexible
When you are traveling to a new place you want to try and cram in as much as possible. I get it, I am more than guilty of making crazy busy schedules for myself when I am traveling. However, this is one case where I am going to ask you to try have an open schedule that allows plenty of time for driving each day. How ever long Google Maps tells you it will take to reach the next waterfall, add a bit of extra time to it and drive slower than you normally would.

Lastly, be prepared to cancel or change plans at the last minute. You never know when a terrible storm may hit and you will need to stop driving for the day. It is a good idea to know of a few accommodations in the area you will be traveling in case you need to stay somewhere overnight to wait out a storm.

Download the 112 app
This app is the Icelandic Emergency App and can be extremely helpful in case of a situation you need help. The app allows you to send out your exact GPS location so rescue teams can easily find you if you are ever in a dangerous situation.

What should I pack?
When I first moved to Iceland the “winter clothes” I brought with me, well they were laughable and more suited for an Icelandic spring. Every time I said how cold I was my Viking reminded me of a common saying in Iceland, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment”. Now, as annoying as it was to hear this over and over again while I shivered in my way to thin jacket this statement couldn’t be more true.

That being said, it is important to pack wisely for your winter trip to keep as warm and comfortable as possible. Here are a few of my favorite items that will be key in keeping you warm!

1. Waterproof Winter Parka / Outer Layer - The thicker and longer the better, the more of your body it covers the warmer it will keep you. I have a jacket similar to this one and it has kept me nice and warm the past few winters. Bonus, it isn’t too bulky which makes it easier to back.

2. Mid Layers - Fleece or wool layers are the best material to keep your body heat in so layer up with them! Wool irritates my skin (which is a bummer because those Icelandic wool sweaters keep you soo warm!) so I usually stick to my trusty North Face fleece to wear under my jacket.

3. Under Layers - Long johns or wool underwear can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping warm against the freezing wind. Get extra cozy with fleeced lined long johnss aka my go to at home outfit during the winter.

4. Accessories - Do not forget your gloves, hat and wool socks! Keeping you hands, feet and head warm is a top priority. I have this hat in a few different colors and it does a good job of staying put even when the Icelandic wind is blowing like crazy.

5. Winter Boots and/or Sturdy Shoes - While you don’t need to go out and buy a pair of winter boots if you don’t already own some you will want to bring with you a pair of shoes that will keep you sturdy when walking across uneven ground with snow and ice. You don’t want to worry about slipping while you are out exploring.

6. LAYERS - When in doubt, add an extra layer. Layers are key in the winter, you can always take layers off if you get too warm, but I think it is better to be too warm than too cold.

My Viking boys look pretty adorable all bundled up, but I may be biased ;)

What activities can I do in the winter?
With the limited day light and unpredictable weather it can be tricky to know what exactly you should plan to do on your Iceland winter escape. While you might have to move some plans around if an unexpected storm arrives there is still plenty of fun to be add in the winter months.

While on your winter escape to Iceland, check out some of these activities for a full on winter wonderland experience:

Check out one of the winter festivals: While the winter may be long this does not mean we stay bundled up inside for all of those months. In fact, it seems like almost every weekend in the winter there is some type of festival to check out! Experiencing a local festival is one of my favorite things to do when I am traveling so I highly recommend checking this post to see if there will be any festivals happening while you are in Iceland.

Go hiking: Iceland is known for its beautiful hiking trails so don’t let the cold weather keep you from checking them out. Head off to explore one of these 5 trails, they are all short distance from Reykjavik which is perfect for the winter months when road conditions and quickly changing weather is a concern. Please keep in mind that these hikes will require that you have the proper attire to be out hiking in the middle of the winter. The trails will most likely have snow and ice covering them so do not attempt hiking without proper equipment. Safety first!

Join a dog sledding tour: What could be more fun than spending the day with some cute dogs while exploring the Icelandic nature? Somehow this family operated tour missed my radar until last winter, but you better believe it is now on my Icelandic bucket list. Maybe next winter when my little Viking is a bit older we will check out this tour, but until then everyone else go do it and share your experience with me at #unlockingiceland!

Visit the North of Iceland: Interested in getting some skiing in while in Iceland? Head up north to the charming town of Akureyri where you can hit the slopes, relax in the Myvatn geothermal lagoon (like the Blue Lagoon but way less busy), and visit some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. The driving conditions across the country may not be ideal this time of year, but you can take a quick flight from Reykjavik to reach the capital of the north.

Relax in a hot spring or local pool: There is nothing more magical than sitting in relaxing warm water with snow dancing down onto your nose. Whether it be in a local swimming pool or a hot spring, this is a winter time must. An added bonus, the Northern Lights may even make an appearance if you go for an evening dip.

Ring in the New Year in Iceland: If there is one holiday you have to experience in Iceland it is New Years Eve! Never have I experienced a NYE celebration like the one in Reykjavik. The entire city lights up with fireworks all evening long with the most amazing display you will ever see at midnight. It is terrifying and amazing all at the same time, add it to your bucket list!

Okay, I could go on and on with this list, we haven’t even talked about the obvious things like seeing the Northern Lights or chasing frozen snow covered waterfalls, but I think you guys get the idea.

So while the winter in Iceland may be cold and dark, sometimes braving the colder temperatures is worth it, and visiting Iceland in the winter is definitely one of those times.

What are you waiting for? Bust out your winter gear and head up to Iceland!

Question of the Day?
Do you like traveling to cold places or somewhere nice and sunny in the winter months?