How To Survive Iceland During Winter: Top 10 Tips

Planning a trip to Iceland during winter? Experience snow-covered landscapes and the unique northern lights, Icelandic winters offer a magical experience like no other. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure and explore Iceland during its winter months. Iceland is a breathtaking winter destination with its snowy mountains, ice caves, and glaciers. From packing the right clothes to choosing the best activities for this time of year, use these tips to make the most out of your stay in Iceland. Let’s get ready to explore wintry Iceland and all it has to offer!

1. Keep an eye on the weather forecast

Winters in Iceland last for five months, so the Icelandic people know exactly how to make this season the most wonderful time of the year. From cozy winter vibes in the vibrant city of Reykjavík to icy outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone. I’ve never experienced winter like this before and I loved it even more than I anticipated. Wondering how cold winters in Iceland are? Temperature wise Iceland is actually a lot warmer than you might think, especially when you realize how close it is located to the Arctic. The average temperatures in Iceland during winter, roughly from October to March are between -3°C and +7°C. The wind chill however, is a whole other story.

My own experience with the weather in Iceland during winter

During my trip in November and December the wind chill temperature was around -18°C, while the actual temperature fluctuated around -7°C. Iceland is a very windy island, so the wind chill is a serious thing to be reckoned with. That’s why I would definitely recommend to check the weather-forecast before heading out. This is an official website from the Icelandic government which gives very accurate and up to date information about current circumstances.

Even though it doesn’t seem to be very cold on paper during these winter months, it will most likely feel like it’s freezing. The wind chill can kill every warm fibre in your body within seconds, so I would really recommend to wear appropriate clothing and footwear before heading out to enjoy Iceland’s incredible nature!

2. Rent a car with all insurance included

When it comes to renting a car in Iceland during the winter, safety should be your top priority. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place before you hit the road. Sometimes, local rental agencies try to sell expensive insurance with your rental. Since Iceland is somewhat of a risky destination when it comes to damages to cars, it’s important to read the fine print. Volcanic ash clouds, silt, gravel and loose rocks are all possible damages to your car. With the right coverage, you can rest assured that any unexpected accidents or damages will be covered and that you won’t have to worry about any financial losses.

3. Layers, layers, layers!

Layers are absolute lifesavers during the Icelandic winter. They work exceptionally well in the Icelandic cold, especially during a roadtrip or while you’re exploring Reykjavík. The difference in temperature between inside and outside is huge, so you’ll definitely need a couple of extra layers for outside. Inside on the other hand, the heaters are blazing. That’s why I really like the fact that you can be warm and cosy and covered in layers when outside, but that you can also peel them off during drives or lunch on the road! Conclusion: you will absolutely need warm clothing during your winter trip if you want to experience the beautiful outside world that Iceland is famous for!

4. Base layers are everything!

That being said, your first layer should always be a thermal basic layer. Whenever you’re planning your outdoor pursuits, you need to make sure you have the correct clothing to match both the activity and a potential change in weather. In Iceland, the weather can change multiple times a day – and quickly. As the weather warms or cools, so do you, and you will need to add or remove layers. A base layer should be your first layer no matter what you do or where you go.

5. Wear sturdy footwear at all times

This one seems like a no brainer but I’m going to say it anyway: wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots in Iceland during winter! You will not only need them for their warmth, but also because it can be quite slippery all over the island and it’s nice to get a good grip on the ice and snow.

6. Use the road conditions websites in Iceland during winter

Every winter a lot of roads in Iceland close due to the icy weather or fast changing weather conditions which can result in very dangerous situations. The websites roads.is and umferdin.is are indispensable tools you need during your road trip through Iceland during winter. From an extensive map to live webcams, these websites cover it all. Not only the main road that goes around the island, but also all other small roads leading to the West-fjords or further inland. They advise you on whether and where it is safe to drive and give regular updates.

7. Bring your bathing suit!

Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful and unique geothermal pools in the world. These pools provide a natural source of heat, allowing visitors to enjoy warm waters even during the coldest days of winter. The hot springs are also a great place to relax and unwind, as well as providing therapeutic benefits. With its incredible landscapes and fascinating history, Iceland is the perfect destination for those looking for an unforgettable experience in geothermal pools. Since it get’s dark early during winter you might even be able to see the Northern lights while relaxing in a geothermal pool!

8. Download the Aurora Forecast App

Winter in Iceland is the perfect time to witness the magical Northern Lights! There are several great apps to help you track the Aurora Borealis. I used My Aurora Forecast and got lucky twice! With long nights and clear skies, there’s a high chance of seeing this natural phenomenon while visiting Iceland during winter. Enjoy a cozy night in a secluded cabin or take an adventure out in the snow. Either way you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful lights that will fill up the night sky. Make sure to bring your camera and capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

9. Cover your head

Iceland can get very cold, especially with the wind chill. The wind chill is blazing over the island more often than not. That’s why you will need to keep your body warm. By covering your head you will decrease the loss of warmth by around 10%. Apart from that you will also protect your ears from the icy winds that can otherwise be the cause of headaches and earaches. Covering your head will definitely help you stay warm during your winter in Iceland!

10. Bring a flashlight or headlight

Winters in Iceland are dark, really dark. When you are roadtripping through Iceland during winter it can really pay off to bring a flashlight or headlight to find your way when you’re in the countryside. The countryside in Iceland consists of tiny villages with sometimes only a couple of houses or farms. Besides the ring road, which is the main road when you drive around Iceland, there are a lot of (gravel) roads that don’t have street lighting. So especially when you go camping or stay in a cabin, a flashlight comes in very handy.

Visit Iceland During Winter

From the Northern lights and the Blue Lagoon to amazing restaurants and beautiful snowy landscapes, visiting Iceland during winter is going to be an amazing experience! Chase frozen waterfalls, go on a road trip through the country and enjoy everything Iceland has to offer! Find more tips for your Iceland trip

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