Iceland in February: The Self-Drive Travel Guide

Thinking about visiting Iceland in February? It’s a great time to go, especially if you’re up for a bit of winter adventure. February still falls in the colder half of the year, but it’s not as extreme as the earlier winter months. The days are getting a little longer, the snow-covered scenery is stunning, and there’s still a good chance to catch the northern lights. Plus, you’ll have access to some of Iceland’s most unique seasonal experiences.

If you’re planning to rent a car and explore Iceland on your own, this guide walks you through everything you need to know, from road conditions and weather to what to wear, where to go, and what not to miss.

Related Resources:

• Iceland in January
• Best Winter Rental Cars in Iceland

Table of Contents

• Iceland Weather in February
• What to Pack for Iceland in February
• Driving Conditions in Iceland in February
• The Best Rental Car for Iceland in February
• Is February a Good Time To Go to Iceland?
• Reykjavik Iceland in February
• Best Things to Do in Iceland in February
• Best Festivals and Festivities in Iceland in February
• Self-Drive Itinerary for February
• What Does Iceland in February Look Like?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Iceland Weather in February: What to Expect

February in Iceland is still considered part of Iceland’s winter season, so there is likely going to be snow covering the ground and cold temperatures. But it’s also one of the wettest periods in Iceland, with an average of 109.2 mm (4.3 inches) of precipitation (snow and rain) through the month according to Iceland.org. Along with snow and rain, you’ll likely encounter some wind, especially along the southern coast, and it’s important to be prepared for all types of conditions.

Temperature and Weather in Iceland in February

The average temperature in Iceland in February ranges from about -3°C to +3°C (26°F to 34°F), though it can feel colder when the wind picks up. In fact, in 2024, the lowest minimum temperature in Reykjavik was recorded in February, and it was -10.8°C. Iceland weather in February can vary day by day, with snowfall turning to sleet or rain, then back again. Coastal areas like Reykjavik may be slightly milder, while inland and northern areas often stay below freezing.

Daylight Hours in February

One of the advantages of traveling to Iceland in February is that the daylight hours are increasing. At the beginning of the month, you’ll have around 7 hours of light. By the end of February, that stretches to about 10 hours, which is plenty of time for sightseeing and daytime activities. This increase in daylight makes a noticeable difference compared to the darker days of December and January.

Is Iceland Cold in February?

Yes, Iceland is cold in February, but it’s manageable with the right clothing. Strong winds can make it feel colder than it is, so windproof gear is key. With good layers and weather-aware planning, you’ll be able to enjoy everything the season has to offer, from northern lights to glacier tours. Always keep an eye on the forecast and road conditions via vedur.is and umferdin.is before heading out for the day.

What to Pack for Iceland in February?

Packing for Iceland in February means preparing for everything from snowstorms to sunny skies. Here are some of the most important items you’ll want to pack for your trip to Iceland in February:

• Warm, windproof and waterproof jacket to keep you dry during wet snow or rain
• Insulated, waterproof hiking boots with strong traction to handle icy paths and slushy streets
• Hats, gloves, and scarves
• Thermal base layer to retain heat and wick away moisture
• Warm mid-layer, such as a wool sweater or fleece
• Swimsuit for hotsprings
• Sunglasses for snow glare

For more packing tips for visiting Iceland in February and other months of the year, check out our entire Iceland packing list.

Driving Conditions in Iceland in February 

Driving in February offers freedom and flexibility, but also challenges. Snow and ice are common on all roads, and wind gusts can make driving unpredictable. However, main routes like the Ring Road and Golden Circle are plowed and monitored regularly. The South Coast and Snaefellsnes area are also relatively easy to drive through, but caution is still needed because the roads might still be snowy and slippery.

The secondary routes, such as the fjords or more remote areas, can present some difficulty. These roads are often less maintained during winter and may be impassable without warning. The Highlands and all F-roads are fully closed during February due to deep snow and potential flooding.

It’s essential to have a driver who has experience handling winter road conditions. If it’s your first time driving in Iceland and you’re uncertain about your winter driving skills, it’s important to be very strategic with the Iceland rental car you choose to ensure it has optimal handling and is well-equipped for the winter roads.

If you’re planning to self-drive, give yourself extra time for each journey. For example, what might be a 2.5-hour drive in summer could take closer to 4 hours in winter, especially if you stop frequently or encounter snow-covered roads. Drive cautiously, avoid traveling after dark when possible, and always consult https://umferdin.is/en and safetravel.is before heading out.

The Best Rental Car for Iceland in February

If you’re visiting Iceland in February and planning to self-drive, renting a 4WD or 4×4 vehicle is absolutely essential. These vehicles offer the stability and power needed to safely handle icy surfaces, wind gusts, and uneven snow buildup.

For smaller groups with minimal luggage, an economy or compact vehicle will be suitable. Larger groups of three to four people will do better in a mid-size or intermediate SUV, while even groups of more than four will need at least a full-size vehicle when visiting Iceland in February.

Self-drive tours are hands down the best way to get around during your trip to Iceland, and also the most fun. But it’s essential to rent the right vehicle for your adventure. All Hertz Iceland rentals for winter travel include studded winter tires and come with optional coverage add-ons. We can also offer advice at pick-up to help you choose the safest routes and adapt your itinerary to changing weather and road conditions in Iceland.

Is February a Good Time To Go to Iceland?

February is a fantastic month to visit Iceland, and here are a few of the reasons why:

• Travel costs are significantly lower than in the busy summer season, when prices for tours, hotels, and other activities peak due to high demand.
• The weather, while still wintry, is often milder than the coldest months of November through January.
• With long nights and clear skies, February offers excellent conditions for spotting the Northern Lights.
• It’s a great month to experience some of Iceland’s unique winter festivals.
• You will get to see Iceland’s winter attractions, including glaciers and hotsprings.

Reykjavik Iceland in February

Reykjavik Iceland in February is both cozy and cultural. With streets lit up for winter, coffee shops glowing with candlelight, and locals taking to the city’s many geothermal pools, the capital offers a uniquely warm experience, even in the middle of winter.

During the day, explore top sites like Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall, both of which look striking against the winter sky. Reykjavik also has a thriving Icelandic food scene in February, with everything from gourmet tasting menus to food trucks offering hot lamb soup and vegan pastries.

The city also hosts the Winter Lights Festival in early February featuring light installations, art, and free cultural programming across museums and public spaces. This is one of the top reasons to stay in Reykjavik Iceland in February. Definitely don’t miss it!

If the weather isn’t ideal for driving, Reykjavik is the perfect place to spend a slower day exploring museums, shopping for Icelandic wool sweaters, and relaxing in the Sky Lagoon.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in February

Iceland in February offers some of the most extraordinary winter activities in Iceland, especially if you’re open to adventure and exploration. Here’s a deeper look at some of the highlights:

1. See the Northern Lights

Although it isn’t guaranteed to see the aurora borealis in any month, February gives you a better chance than most months. So, when visiting Iceland in February, you could get very lucky!

February gives you long, dark nights, which is prime time for spotting the aurora borealis. The best chance of seeing them is on a clear night, far from city lights. Consider staying overnight in rural areas like Vik, Snæfellsnes, or near Jökulsárlón. Websites like Aurora Forecast and Vedur’s aurora page help predict when and where to go. If you’re interested in seeing them, check out our post about the northern lights in Iceland for helpful tips.

2. Glacier Hiking

Glacier hiking is a favourite pastime for tourists who visit Iceland in February, and this should come as no surprise since Iceland is home to some of the most breathtaking glaciers in the world. And these glaciers become even more captivating in the winter months. Although glaciers can be seen all year, their allure in February stems from the bright blue colour of ice caps in midwinter, which looks almost otherworldly. 

Southern Iceland is especially known for featuring some of Iceland’s best glaciers, and the glaciers in Solheimajokull and Svinafellsjokull areas are the most famous in the country. Guided hikes around Iceland’s glaciers are magical, plus you’ll learn a lot about Iceland’s geology.

Recommended Iceland glacier hiking tours:

3. Join an Ice Cave Tour

A must-see when visiting Iceland’s glaciers are the natural blue ice caves which form as a result of glacial melt during the summer months. When the melt refreezes in the winter, it leaves behind beautiful blue ice caves, which you can explore on a guided tour with a professional guide.

February is peak season for ice caves. Natural blue ice caves form under glaciers like Vatnajökull and are only safe to explore in winter. These caves have deep blue walls, crystal-clear ceilings, and winding tunnels. Go with a certified guide and prepare for early morning starts (and chilly toes).

4. Soak in a Hot Spring

It might sound funny to suggest a dip in the pool during winter as an enjoyable activity, but a swim in the Iceland hot springs during winter months can be an incredibly enjoyable experience. There’s something surreal about bathing in hot water while surrounded by snow. The Blue Lagoon is a classic choice, but you’ll find more peaceful alternatives like the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest geothermal bath and Laugarvatn Fontana, which even comes with an underground bakery. For a luxury experience near Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is hard to beat, and Reykjadalur hot spring river is a unique option (if you’re up for a snowy hike).

Conversing and hanging out in the pools in Iceland has been a popular pastime for the locals for many years, so visiting the pools and springs gives you the opportunity to participate in a local Icelandic cultural activity. 

5. Ride an Icelandic Horse 

With their thick winter coats and friendly nature, Icelandic horses are a joy to ride in any season. But February presents a great opportunity to see them with the extra layer of their beautiful winter coats. Icelandic horses are famously intelligent and curious animals that can also comfortably brave the lowest temperatures in the country’s winter, so they are often seen socializing and playing in the snow in February. Riding an Icelandic horse gives you the chance to experience what Viking warriors may have experienced in the past.

Many stables along the south coast offer short riding tours that take you through snowy fields and lava landscapes. This is a great family-friendly activity, even for beginner riders. There are many horse-riding tours that you can take while in Iceland, and you can find some of them here:

Recommended horse riding tours:

6. Explore Frozen Waterfalls and Winter Beaches

Winter transforms Iceland waterfalls like Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss into icy spectacles, often with sparkling snow draped across their cliffs. Beaches like Reynisfjara are also striking in winter, with waves crashing against snow-covered black sand and basalt stacks rising in the mist.

Best Festivals and Festivities in Iceland in February 

There are several fun cultural events and festivals that occur in Iceland in February, and luckily, most of them involve food! They offer tourists the chance to enjoy local cuisine at its finest and also immerse themselves in Icelandic history and culture. 

When visiting Iceland in early-mid February, you can enjoy the Þorrablót or Thorrablot festival, which is in tribute to the Norse god Thor. The festival involves singing, dancing, and feasting on traditional Viking and Icelandic meals. Fair warning though, some of the meals, like fermented shark and sheep’s head, can be an acquired taste. 

You can also experience the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik. For three days, typically near the beginning of the month, the city is engulfed by a magical display of lights, including the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall, which are lit up in tons of different colours.

Other food-related festivals in February in Iceland include Bun day or Bolludagur, when Iceland goes crazy for bun-based treats and Sprengidagur, which translates to ‘Bursting Day’ in English, when Icelanders attempt to eat the traditional Saltkjot & Baunir or salted lamb meat and peas until they literally burst. Both festivities take place prior to Lent.

Suggested 6-Day Self-Drive Itinerary for Iceland in February

Here’s a suggested 6-day winter itinerary to help you make the most of your February road trip in Iceland:

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Arrive and pick up your winter-ready rental car. Visit Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, and soak in Sky Lagoon to ease into the trip.

Day 2: The Golden Circle
Drive the iconic loop of the Golden Circle with stops at Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Warm up at the Secret Lagoon before staying overnight in Selfoss or Hella.

Day 3: South Coast Adventure
Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and walk along Reynisfjara beach. Optional glacier hike near Sólheimajökull. Overnight in Vik.

Day 4: Ice Caves & Jökulsárlón
Explore an ice cave tour at Vatnajökull, then visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. Stay near Höfn or backtrack to Vik.

Day 5: Scenic Return
Stop at Kerið Crater or Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Consider a short hike to Reykjadalur hot spring if conditions allow. Return to Reykjavik.

Day 6: Final Day in Reykjavik
Enjoy a relaxed morning. Grab a pastry at Brauð & Co., shop local wool at the Handknitting Association, and pack your bags for the airport. If you have time, you can always stop at the infamous Blue Lagoon enroute.

Picture of Iceland in February

Enjoy these gorgeous views of Iceland in the month of February.

Iceland in February FAQs

• • Will I see whales in Iceland in February?
    While whale watching is possible in February, sightings are less frequent than in summer. You may still spot orcas and other species off the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or from Grundarfjörður, especially on specialized winter tours.

 

• • Are there puffins in Iceland in February??
    No, puffins migrate during the winter and typically return to Iceland in April or May. You won’t see puffins in February.

 

• • Can you go in the Blue Lagoon in February?
    Yes, the Blue Lagoon is open year-round, and soaking in its warm, geothermal waters while surrounded by snow can be a magical winter experience.

 

• • Are waterfalls frozen in Iceland in February?
    Some waterfalls partially freeze in February, creating dramatic icy landscapes, but most still flow thanks to the strong currents beneath the surface.

 

• • Will it be snowing in Iceland in February?
    Snow is common in February, especially in the north and inland areas. However, conditions can vary daily, with periods of rain, snow, wind, and sunshine often all in one day.

 

• • Where to stay in Iceland in February?
    Stay in well-reviewed accommodations along your self-drive route, such as Reykjavik, Selfoss, Vik, and Höfn. Choose places with good heating, parking, and ideally breakfast included, as dining options can be limited in rural areas.

 

• • What to do in Iceland February 2025?
    In February, you can chase the Northern Lights, explore ice caves, visit frozen waterfalls, relax in hot springs like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, and enjoy winter festivals in Reykjavik.

 

Visiting Iceland in February

From seeing the Northern Lights and visiting the incredible blue ice caves to riding an authentic Icelandic horse in winter, swimming in the hot springs, and attending one of the country’s iconic festivals, Iceland in February will provide you with an adventure of a lifetime. 

Hertz Iceland provides winter-ready 4WD vehicles equipped with studded tires, insurance options, and local travel guidance. You’ll be able to pick up your rental car directly from the airport, making it easy and stress-free so you can be on your way to your first destination! Book your rental car online now and start planning your adventure to Iceland in February.

Rent a Car Now for February in Iceland