Iceland in winter brings frosted waterfalls, long dark nights ideal for Northern Lights viewing, and a range of excursions only available in the colder months. This guide covers what to expect from the weather, month by month, and what to pack to stay comfortable throughout.
So you’ve picked your itinerary and all the fun activities you’ll do during your Icelandic vacation. All that’s left for you to do is pack a suitcase and come enjoy it all IRL. But what should you pack and how well dressed should you be?
Read this complete guide to the infamous Iceland winter weather and how to pack for it.
- Browse Iceland winter vacation packages.
Your guide to Iceland’s winter weather
Let's dive right into what you can expect of Iceland's winter months. These are the cooler months of the year, but don't let that scare you. Iceland isn't as icy as the name may suggest.
Iceland winter temperatures by month
Which winter month are you planning to visit Iceland? Check the average temperatures and conditions for each month here:
October: Though Iceland records low temperatures and even snow as early as August or September, the winter weather really sets in from October. On average, you can expect temperatures around 6°C (42°F).
November: Degrees keep dropping and average temperatures are between 1°C (34°F) to 5°C (41°F) in November. This is often a rainy month with northerly winds. You'll start seeing snow dusting mountain tops.
December: Marking the middle of the winter, this is when temperatures can start dropping below freezing. Expect highs of 4°C (39°F) and lows of -1°C (30°F). While it may snow, you can expect some rain and wind in the cities.
Local tip: Don't forget about the short hours of daylight as Iceland celebrates the winter solstice in late December. You'll want to take full advantage of the short days for excursions and the long nights to catch sight of the Northern Lights.
January: January is usually the coldest month with temperatures just below freezing. Expect average temperatures around -1°C (30°F) or -2°C (28°F). This means it's a good time to see the snow-covered mountains and lava fields.
February: From this time of year, the weather may start to warm up slightly. Hovering just above freezing, you can expect snow or rain depending on the day's temperatures.
March: Iceland's winter weather usually continues through March, with snow, northern winds, and some rain. Around the country, the average temperature is 2°C (30°F).
April: As spring arrives, temperatures and daylight hours increase. The average temperature in April is 5°C (41°F).
What to pack for Iceland in winter
Now that you know what to expect of the weather, it should be easier to know how to pack for it. But the way you pack and dress will depend on what you’re used to and where you’re flying from.
If you’re coming from a warmer climate, make sure to pack more warm layers. Visiting from a cooler country? You may already be dressed the part.
Here’s a winter packing list to visit Iceland:
- Lightweight wool or fleece sweater
- Insulated rainproof and windproof jacket
- Water-resistant trousers and maybe snow pants
- Thermal base layers, such as long underwear (long johns)
- Warm gloves, scarves, and hat
- Winter boots or waterproof hiking boots and wool socks
- Hand warmers
- Packing cubes to separate your items depending on the weather
No matter how long you’re staying, your trip to Iceland won’t be complete without a visit to a geothermal spa or one of the many local pools or hot springs. Make sure to pack your swimsuit, a quick-dry towel, and some flip-flops.
You’ll find that places like the Blue Lagoon rent out bathing suits, but you might prefer to bring your own.
Are you visiting on a road trip? Bring some car chargers for electronics so you can stay connected during your time in Iceland.
- Pick the road trip that suits you with these self-drive tours of Iceland.
- Prefer to skip the driving? Check out these guided group tours.
And don’t forget your camera!
What clothes should I wear in Iceland in winter?
Our packing list above will give you a good indication of the kind of clothes you may need.
That said, if you're just passing through Reykjavík, you may find that a pair of jeans and a warm coat will get you through your city break. But if you're planning any excursions, it's good to come prepared with everything from the above packing list.
We recommend packing several layers so you can adapt to the daily weather and activity levels. This way you won't get too cold or too hot.
What pants should I wear in Iceland in winter?
Bring whatever pants or jeans you're comfortable with. That said, especially if you intend to go on excursions and walks, you'll want to also have thermal leggings as a base layer.
You may also want to bring a pair of snow pants or at least a waterproof layer to put on top of your normal clothes. They'll add a layer of protection if you come upon cooler, wetter, and snowier days.
Some excursions provide gear and layers to wear on top of your clothes. But for extra warmth make sure to dress as well as you can.
What shoes should I wear in Iceland in winter?
For a trip to Iceland in winter, you'll want to wear boots or at least insulated and waterproof hiking shoes. Your best bet is to have insulated winter boots to keep warm as well as dry.
Good sturdy boots will be your friends for all kinds of Icelandic terrain. This includes strolls along black sand beaches or short hikes to waterfalls or glacier lagoons.
Excursions like ice cave tours will provide added gear such as crampons, so you don't have to bring these with you.
- Roam around ice caves and lava caves on an Iceland adventure tour.
- Related: 17 Best day hikes in Iceland.
What coat should I wear in Iceland in winter?
The best things to look for in a winter jacket for Iceland are as follows:
- Insulation: a warm layer inside the protective shell jacket.
- Water-resistant: so it won't soak up snow or rain.
- A good hood: for added head protection and warmth.
- Plenty of pockets: so you can keep extra gloves, hand warmers, and snacks to hand.
What should I wear to go hunting for the Northern Lights?
When you're out on a Northern Lights tour at night, you may find that you get colder than during the day. Looking out for the aurora often means being out late, in colder temperatures, and keeping still for extended periods.
The best tip is to dress as warmly as you can, from head to toe. Set up your tripod and then stay warm with a hot beverage. You may want to bring extra gloves or heat packs to keep your fingers warm.
What do Icelanders wear in winter?
FAQs about Iceland's winter weather and what to pack
Planning a winter trip to Iceland raises a lot of practical questions about temperatures, snowfall, and what to wear. Here are answers to the most common ones.
Yes. Snow can start falling as early as August or September at higher elevations, and snow can lie on mountain tops as late as June and July. In the depths of winter, snow cover across the landscape is common, though in Reykjavík it may not settle as heavily as in the countryside.
While it snows in Reykjavík, it may not settle as much as in the countryside or mountains. Accumulation is usually around 2-5 centimetres (1-2 inches).
Reykjavík tends to be slightly warmer than other parts of the country, usually a few degrees above North Iceland or the mountains. You can expect temperatures around 0-5°C (32-41°F) depending on when you visit.
Iceland can get significantly colder than the monthly averages suggest, particularly when northerly winds add a wind chill factor. Temperatures occasionally drop as low as -30°C (-22°F), though this is rare. Dressing in layers and covering exposed skin is important on colder days.
The standard approach is a thermal base layer, a mid-layer fleece or wool jumper, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket. Add insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf for colder days and evenings. Sturdy waterproof boots are important for walking on Iceland's wet and sometimes icy surfaces.
Insulated, waterproof boots are the best option for winter travel in Iceland. They handle black sand beaches, snowy paths, and wet terrain equally well. Standard trainers or fashion footwear are not suitable for excursions outside Reykjavík city centre.
Winter driving in Iceland requires care, particularly on roads outside the capital. A 4WD vehicle is recommended from October through April. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website (road.is) publishes live road conditions and closures, which are worth checking daily during a self-drive trip.
