Winter self-drive tours in Iceland

Iceland in winter offers a different experience from summer. The Northern Lights are visible on clear nights between October and March, ice caves inside Vatnajökull glacier are only accessible during winter, and the south coast waterfalls take on a different character under snow and ice. The main attractions remain open year-round and the main roads are cleared regularly. Events in Reykjavík including Iceland Airwaves, Christmas celebrations, and New Year's fireworks make the capital worth spending time in during this season.

Yes. Winter self-drive is possible and popular, though it requires more preparation than summer driving. The main routes including Route 1 are cleared and treated regularly. Road conditions can be more challenging between November and March, particularly during storms or on rural roads. Check road conditions at road.is before setting out each day.

A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for winter travel and is available as an upgrade on all self-drive packages. If you are not confident driving in winter conditions, a multi-day tour from Reykjavík or a guided group tour are practical alternatives where all transport is handled for you.

Most visitors do not need a special permit. If your driving licence is in a non-Latin script such as Chinese or Arabic, you will need to obtain an international driving permit from your home country before travelling. Licences in Latin script from most countries are accepted in Iceland without additional documentation.

A full Ring Road circuit in winter requires at least seven days, and ten days is more realistic given shorter daylight hours and the possibility of weather delays. Building flexibility into the itinerary is worthwhile in winter, as road closures and conditions can occasionally affect planned routes. Our Reykjavík-based team monitors conditions throughout your trip and can advise on route adjustments if needed.

Winter self-drive opens up several experiences that are not available in summer. Some options to consider:

• Hunt for the Northern Lights on clear evenings
• Explore ice caves inside Vatnajökull glacier
• See partially frozen waterfalls along the south coast
• Watch icebergs drift at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Visit the Snæfellsnes peninsula
• See fresh lava fields on the Reykjanes peninsula
• Bathe in geothermal pools and hot springs
• Walk in lava caves
• Visit Þingvellir National Park
• Explore Reykjavík's food and culture scene

For more ideas, see the Iceland winter must-sees and must-dos.

The Northern Lights are visible in Iceland between late September and mid-April on clear nights with sufficient solar activity. A self-drive package gives you the flexibility to head out whenever forecasts look promising, without being tied to a scheduled tour departure. The Icelandic Met Office publishes a three-day aurora forecast at en.vedur.is. A Kp level of 3 or above on a clear night gives a reasonable chance of a sighting.

For more detail, see the guides on the best time and best places to see the Northern Lights.

All self-drive winter packages include:

• Rental car of your choice
• Accommodation at the level you choose
• Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi
• Two drivers included as standard
• Breakfast every day
• Detailed itinerary with route notes and maps
• 24/7 helpline throughout your trip

At checkout you can choose from three accommodation levels:

• Budget: Guesthouses and country hotels with shared bathrooms

• Comfort: Hotels or guesthouses of around 3 stars with private bathrooms

• Quality: Hotels or guesthouses of around 4 stars with private bathrooms

Breakfast is included at all levels. For more detail on accommodation types, see the accommodation page.

Browse the packages on this page and select the itinerary that suits your dates and travel style. On the package page, enter your travel dates and group size, then choose your rental car and accommodation level at checkout. You can also add extra nights in Reykjavík before or after your tour and include activities such as glacier hikes or Northern Lights excursions.

A 5% deposit secures your booking. You will receive a confirmation email straight away, followed by your travel documents closer to your departure date.

Winter temperatures in Reykjavík average around 5°C (40°F) in October, dropping to around 1°C (33°F) in February, the coldest month. In rural areas temperatures are typically a few degrees lower. Wind is a significant factor and windchill makes conditions feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

Snow and ice are possible at any point during winter, with February the snowiest month on average. The Iceland weather guide covers seasonal conditions in more detail.

Daylight hours vary considerably across the winter season. In early October there are around 11.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:30am and sunset around 7:00pm. By the winter solstice on 21 December, daylight is reduced to around four hours, with sunrise around 11:30am and sunset around 3:30pm. Days begin to lengthen again from late December onward.

The long nights between October and March are the main reason Iceland is one of the better places to see the Northern Lights, as there are more hours of darkness during which aurora activity can be visible.

Pack for cold and changeable conditions:

• Thick warm winter coat

• Waterproof outer layers

• Thermal underlayers and fleeces

• Sturdy hiking boots

• Hat, scarf, and gloves

• Warm underlayers and extra socks

• Swimwear for geothermal pools

• Sunglasses for the low winter sun

• Moisturiser and lip balm

The winter sun stays low on the horizon and can cause significant glare when driving, particularly in the late afternoon. Sunglasses are worth keeping accessible in the car throughout the day.