If you are preparing for a visit to Iceland during winter prepare for an experience of a lifetime! There is something magical about experiencing Icelandic winter. Racing against the few hours of daylight, staying up to hunt for Northern Lights, walking in the freshly fallen snow and exploring the frozen sights.
Iceland sure does not go to sleep during the winter season, rather it comes alive once again. With winter is just around the corner along with it’s swift change in weather it’s time to dust off the winter coat. The winds get stronger, air becomes colder and precipitation transits from rain to snow, but with the crisp and still winter days that happen in between you forget all about the frost bites on your nose.
Winter temperatures
Iceland follows the old Norse calendar consisting only of two seasons; 26 weeks of winter and 26 weeks of summer. The tradition goes that on the first day of winter the merchants on Skólavörðustígur, the street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja church, serve Icelandic meat soup, for free. What a wonderful start of the cold days ahead! The first day of winter is on October 27th and it’s last day is on April 18th, with the first day of summer being a national holiday! Who cares if it’s likely snowing on the first day of summer?
Icelandic winters are fairly mild and only slightly colder than other western European countries. Temperatures in Reykjavík can drop down to -10°C with highs reaching 10°C (14°F – 50°F), average temperatures hover around the 0°C mark.
Generally, quite a bit of snowfall can be expected during the winter times and the wind can be expected to throw a spanner in the works, so always be prepared for the ever changeable weather and keep up to date with weather forecast and road conditions!
Golden Hour over Gullfoss waterfall in the Golden Circle: Platinum Tour by Tom Archer. Feature
What do we wear during the cold Icelandic winters?
Our team of guides wear 66 North or Patagonia while guiding all year round as these are brands that we trust and love. You can go shopping (tax free for visitors!) when you arrive to keep you prepared for whatever kind of weather Icelandic winter throws at you. Though bear in mind, even with a tax reduction it may still be cheaper to purchase everything before you come.
Have you heard of the saying there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes? Words to live by when travelling to a colder climate! Before packing your bags make sure your winter wardrobe is complete. Let’s talk through it.
Three-layer method
The key to staying warm is staying dry, this is where the three layer method comes to good practise.
The inner layer. Preferably one of wool (merino is ideal) or polyester is to be worn directly in contact to your skin. These kind of fabrics breath well and manage to wick the moisture away.
The middle layer. Usually consists of a wool or fleece layer to keep you warm. Wool and fleece perform best as they also keep warm even if they manage to get wet. This layer insulates the heat and maximises the warmth.
The outer layer. A jacket or a large wool sweater. You need the other layer to be resistant to water and to protect you from the wind. So if if your top layer isn’t that waterproof then a shell or rain jacket is another necessary layer. A good Goretex outer shell that is still breathable is what we like to opt for. If you have a waterproof winter jacket then this is perfect!
If you are joining a Hidden Iceland tour then you can hire waterproof pants and jackets which are great for keeping you dry while in Iceland. These are waterproofs and not considered a warm layer, so make sure to have extra layers below too.
Hat, gloves and buff (scarf)
Half the battle in winter is keeping your skin covered and staying dry. The amount of layers is then up to personal preference. I think the record we’ve seen on our customers is 7. We usually make do with 3 as long as our outer layer is waterproof though. This is just as important for you hands, face and head. It doesn’t get so cold that protection is needed for safety generally but having a cosy hat and waterproof gloves will definitely keep your happiness levels high when hiking on a glacier. On a windier day having a buff or scarf to cover your face a little is always nice too.
And shoes!
Absolute essential for Iceland’s rugged terrain. I cannot stress this point enough, there is nothing worse than exploring the spectacular sights in Iceland with cold and wet feet! Wear a good, sturdy and waterproof shoe that preferably goes above your ankle.
This should keep you warm for even the coldest winter blizzards that Iceland can throw your way.
If you are joining us for a tour then you can rent some great waterproof boots from us that are perfect for adventurous hikes.
Hike up to the icefall on Falljökull Glacier by Amy Robinson. Feature
Winter activities
Visiting Iceland in the midst of winter offers a wide array of spectacular tour options with activities only available (and visible) during winter. Winter is the best time to see the northern lights dancing across the night skies and it’s also the time of year where the ice caves are accessible.
Experience the two in our Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Ice Cave Discovery 2 Day Tour where we travel the entire south coast of Iceland over the span of two days. We’ll visit the true highlights along the way dressed in winter uniform; Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black beach of Reynisfjara and the gorge with the impossible name, Fjaðrárgljúfur. After coming into our accommodation for the night and having a taste of the local produce in their restaurant we’ll put on our warmest clothes and try find the northern lights if the forecast is favourable. Often we can see them from right outside the guesthouse.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Gorge by Brendan Bannister
Skógafoss waterfall in winter by Brendan Bannister
Ice Cave Tour by Ömar Acar. Feature
After resting easy over night we set sails for a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where the ice bergs peacefully float about and wash up on the black beaches of the Diamond Beach. We then meet our partners from Local Guide of Vatnajökull and together we visit a remote part of the glacier in their amazing super jeeps, so we can access one of the more secluded ice caves in the region. From the jeeps we hike across the astonishingly beautiful blue ice to reach the ice caves. The hike is spectacular and well worth it, getting us to see the most amazing blues and textures within the ice caves. This is always a highlight of any trip to Iceland!
Have a read through our 4 day winter stopover itinerary for a further read on winter tours that we offer.
If you are joining one of our tours you can hire waterproof pants, jackets and hiking boots from us! Make sure to do so in the booking process, if not then just get in touch!
Hi I’m Dagný Björg, a Reykjavík-dweller, mother and designer who grew up in the remote West Fjords and spent her summers camping with her family all around the incredible country that is Iceland.
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