Weather in Iceland in February Travel Guide

 The weather in Iceland in March still feels like winter, but daylight hours start to increase fast. Snow and ice are common, especially outside the capital, but you’ll also catch clearer skies and a better shot at seeing the Northern Lights. Ice caves and glacier hikes are still on the table. Just pack layers and prepare for sudden changes.

Iceland in February at a glance

February is firmly winter in Iceland, with short days and dramatic weather shaping travel plans.

• Temperatures usually sit between 25 to 35°F (-4 to 2°C), with colder conditions inland and in the north.
• February can be a good time to visit for Northern Lights sightings, but it’s less ideal for long road trips.
• Visitor numbers are relatively low, with most travelers focused on winter experiences.
• Costs remain high overall, though accommodation is often slightly cheaper than in summer.
   

What is the weather like in Iceland in February?

February in Iceland is deep winter, which means snow-covered landscapes, limited daylight, and a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights if the skies stay clear. Weather can shift quickly, with snow, sleet, rain, and sunshine all possible within a few hours.

Storms are fairly common this time of year, and they can disrupt travel. Roads might close with little warning, especially in rural areas, and flights can be delayed. It’s smart to keep your plans flexible and check the weather and road conditions often.

Daylight hours are still short, with around 8 to 10 hours of light depending on when in the month you visit. That said, it’s enough time for winter activities like ice cave tours and glacier hikes. And with long nights and dark skies, February is one of the better months for catching the Northern Lights.  This is a great month to plan your Iceland itinerary. 
 

Average daily temperatures in February

February is still deep winter in Iceland. In Reykjavik, average highs hover around 36 to 38°F (2 to 3°C), and it gets down to the high 20s (-2 to -1°C) at night.

It’s colder inland and in the north, often staying below freezing all day. The weather shifts constantly—one minute it’s snowing, the next it’s rain or sleet. Winds make everything feel colder. 

The ocean stays frigid, around 39 to 41°F (4 to 5°C), so unless you’re geared up with a serious wetsuit, swimming is off the table. There’s more daylight than in December—about 8 to 10 hours now—but you’ll still want to plan outings carefully. Roads can be treacherous, but if you're prepared, it’s a great time for frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and maybe even the northern lights.

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Is February a good time to visit Iceland?

It’s cold. It’s dark. And it’s incredible. February in Iceland isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s the kind of trip you’ll talk about for years. You’ll have just a few hours of daylight, but the long nights mean excellent Northern Lights chances, especially once you get outside Reykjavik.

This is the best time for ice caves. The blue crystal formations inside Vatnajökull glacier only exist in winter, and tour guides run daily trips as long as conditions are safe. The main roads are plowed, but weather can change fast, so you’ll want winter tires and flexible plans.

There’s still plenty going on: snowmobiling on glaciers, thermal pools steaming in the snow, and the Winter Lights Festival brings some color to the capital in early February. Just pack well. This isn’t a throw-on-a-jacket situation. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Iceland.

• Prime Northern Lights viewing with long dark nights
• Access to stunning blue ice caves
• Winter Lights Festival in early February
• Harsh weather requiring proper winter gear
• Limited daylight hours for sightseeing

What about the crowds & cost?

February sits deep in Iceland’s winter low season. Visitor numbers are lower than around Christmas and New Year, and accommodation is generally cheaper than in summer. Daylight is limited, with long nights dominating, but this is prime time for Northern Lights viewing. Popular stops like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle remain open and tend to feel calmer than during peak vacation weeks. Ice cave visits and glacier tours typically run throughout the month, weather permitting.

Summer brings a very different experience. June through August sees the highest visitor numbers, long daylight hours, and the most expensive accommodation. September and October can be a useful middle ground, with returning darkness for aurora sightings and fewer people than summer. March and April gradually bring more daylight while winter activities continue. November and February usually deliver the best value for travelers prioritizing lower costs and quieter conditions, with the trade-off of unpredictable weather and limited daylight.  If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Iceland. 

Where to go to Iceland in February

February delivers Iceland's winter magic with high chances of Northern Lights sightings during long dark nights. Here are some of the best places to visit in Iceland. 

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a solid winter base. You’ve got cozy cafés, warm geothermal pools like Sundhöllin, and plenty of places to duck into when the snow picks up. Hallgrímskirkja’s tower gives you a clear view over the rooftops to the mountains. When the weather turns, museums like the National Museum or the Settlement Exhibition are good stops. Northern Lights tours leave most nights if skies are clear, but you might catch them right in the city if you stay up late.

South Coast

February transforms the south coast into something surreal. Waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss keep flowing, but parts freeze into strange, shimmering shapes. Reynisfjara’s black sand beach is especially eerie in the snow, and the basalt columns stand out even more. The walk to the DC-3 plane wreck is colder and longer in winter, so plan ahead. At Jökulsárlón, you’ll see bright blue icebergs drifting past seals. This is also the only time of year to visit the crystal-clear ice caves under Vatnajökull glacier.

Golden Circle

The classic Golden Circle loop stays open in February and feels calmer without the summer crowds. Gullfoss still thunders through the canyon, but the frozen spray adds something wild to it. Strokkur keeps erupting regularly, and the cold air makes the steam look even stronger. Þingvellir is covered in snow, and the rift valley feels still and quiet. You can warm up in the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir or at Fontana Baths by Laugarvatn, where locals soak between lake plunges and sauna sessions. 
 

What to do in Iceland in February

February is one of the most unique times to explore Iceland. The snow-covered landscapes, long nights, and cold air bring out experiences that just don’t exist in summer. Here are some of the best things to do in Iceland. 

Soak in geothermal pools

It doesn’t matter how cold it is outside—sitting in a naturally heated pool surrounded by snow never gets old. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, especially since it’s so close to Keflavík Airport, but there are plenty of other great options. The Mývatn Nature Baths in the north are quieter, and the Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle feels more relaxed. See our pick of the best geothermal pools in Iceland. 

Walk through ice caves

February is one of the best months for ice caving. Cold weather keeps the caves stable, and the formations inside are at their most dramatic. The crystal caves beneath Vatnajökull glacier are stunning, with clear blue walls that look unreal in photos but even better in person. Lava caves like Leidarendi near Reykjavik offer a different kind of thrill, with narrow tunnels and natural icicles dripping from the ceiling. Bigger caves like Raufarhólshellir have more space and easier access. 

Watch the Northern Lights

Clear skies and long nights make February prime time for aurora hunting. You can sometimes see them from the city, but your chances improve if you head into the countryside. Tours leave from Reykjavik nightly when conditions are good, but you can also check aurora and cloud forecasts online to plan your own outing. See our pick of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
 

Planning your itinerary

Our Iceland itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point—perfect for planning but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Iceland itinerary 5 days: A quick trip hitting Iceland’s highlights. Visit Reykjavik and the Golden Circle and take in the stunning scenery of the South Coast.
• Iceland itinerary 10 days: Ten days allows for a more relaxed pace and a chance to see multiple regions, including the East Fjords or Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• Iceland itinerary 14 days: Two weeks means you can really explore Iceland in depth, including the Beltway and possibly the remote Westfjords.
• Iceland Beltway itinerary: A full circuit of Iceland’s Beltway, typically done in 7-10 days. Expect constantly changing landscapes, from glaciers to fjords to volcanic plains, and the freedom to explore each region as you go.