Iceland in February: Weather, Tips & Icey Adventure
While it is true that Iceland in February is cold and snowy, with short, dark days, the country is no colder than some of its neighbors in northern Europe. And, despite the weather, there are many exciting things to do in Iceland during this time.
Top on the list of most travelers heading for an Iceland tour in February is the magical Northern Lights. In addition to this, February is also a great time to enjoy indoor attractions (like the museums of Reykjavik) without too many tourists around, explore some of the country’s ice caves, and take a dip in the healing waters of a natural hot spring.
- Trish C.
- From USA
Iceland Weather in February
February is one of the coldest months of the year in Iceland. During this time of year, the average temperature in Iceland is 0.4 °C. However, days are longer during this month with an average of seven hours of daylight compared with the three-to-four hours of daylight that the country receives in December. This is also the month when the country receives quite a bit of snow and rain. All in all, Iceland’s weather in February is marked by unpredictability, since a sunny day can quickly turn into a stormy one, accompanied by rain, wind, and snow.
For a more comprehensive seasonal breakdown, make sure to check our travel guide for the best time to visit Iceland.
Weather in Iceland in February - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -1 | -1 | -1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | -2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 36 | 36 | 36 | 41 | 47 | 54 | 56 | 56 | 49 | 43 | 38 | 34 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 34 | 40 | 45 | 49 | 47 | 41 | 36 | 32 | 29 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 47 | 33 | 40 | 36 | 32 | 25 | 25 | 37 | 40 | 30 | 29 | 35 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -1 | -1 | -1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 47 | 33 | 40 |
Why Visit Iceland in February
Iceland in February sees plenty of snowfall, making it challenging to access some of its top trekking trails, especially in remote and high-altitude areas. However, there are many compelling reasons for visiting Iceland in February. We have listed some below.
- Fewer crowds: February is a low season when it comes to tourism in Iceland. This means that whether you want to explore its museums or take a dip in the hot springs, you will not be surrounded by throngs of people.
- Cheaper rates: Since fewer tourists visit Iceland in February, there is a chance that you will get great discounts on hotels and travel during this time of year.
- Northern Lights: February is one of the best months to see the famous dancing auroras. The Northern Lights are best observed outside cities and towns, although it is not impossible to spot them from the capital city of Reykjavik as well.
- Cool capital: Though the days are short and cold in February, Reykjavik knows how to turn on the charm. The city’s bars and restaurants remain open till late at night, there is plenty of high-quality holiday shopping to be done and you can relax in one of the many warm swimming pools heated by geothermal energy—a popular Icelandic pastime.
- Icy adventure: There is no better time than February to explore Iceland’s many ice caves, which is one of the highlights of any Iceland tour.
- Festive occasion: February sees many celebrations across Iceland. Highlights of this month include the all-encompassing Winter Lights Festival, which features several sporting, art, history, and music events, as well as the Stockfish Film Festival that showcases art-house cinema from Iceland and around the world.
Where to go and what to do
February is an excellent time to explore the spectacular ice caves of Iceland. Go on a guided tour to see the naturally-formed ice cave underneath the Vatnajökull Glacier, or head out to discover the man-made ice tunnel running beneath the Langjökull Glacier instead. Be part of a Northern Lights tour to see bands of green, white, purple, and yellow lights dance in the night sky, and take a dip in natural hot springs found in many parts of the country.
Although the Icelandic countryside might be covered with snow, there are areas that you can navigate on the back of sturdy Icelandic horses—look up companies that take tourists on horse-riding trips in February and make sure that you are swaddled in warm clothes. This is also one of the best months for riding a snowmobile on glaciers like Mýrdalsjökull, regardless of whether you are an experienced rider or a complete novice. Similarly, if you are a surfer and want to push your limits, try surfing in the frigid waters off the coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
You can also enjoy diving and snorkeling experiences in Iceland in February. Silfra Fissure, one of the world’s top snorkeling sites, is accessible even on the coldest day of the year. Do not want to take the plunge? Book a guided tour of the Golden Circle and tick dozens off your bucket list as you travel from one highlight to the next aboard an air-conditioned bus. For more ideas, check out our travel guides on how long to stay in Iceland and things to do in Iceland. Check out our guide on how long to stay in Iceland to get an idea of how many days you should spend in the country. We recommend at least a week in the country if you want to witness all the must-see highlights in the country. However, if you have fewer days on your hands, spending at least 3 days in Iceland would give you a satisfying glimpse of those highlights.
Our travel experts in Iceland can help you plan the right personalized trip to Iceland in February. There is no shortage of trips if you are looking to book a trip to Iceland in February.
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