Visiting Iceland in February | The Ultimate Guide

Visiting Iceland in February | The Ultimate Guide

Verified expert

The auroras over Jokulsarlon in Iceland in February

Find out everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in February. Learn about the weather, what to pack, and how to prepare for your trip. Find exciting February tours and the best things to do, like whale watching, chasing the northern lights, exploring glacier caves, and other fun activities.

In February, snow will have blanketed most of Iceland's landscapes and towns. With more hours of darkness than light each day, it's an optimal time to see the northern lights.

Despite the dramatic climate, much of Iceland in February is still as accessible as at other times of the year. It's possible to drive the entire Ring Road during February, but you can also base yourself in one place and visit many of the country's most iconic attractions from there.

That said, travelers should be aware that driving in Iceland in February can still be dangerous. Road conditions are frequently hazardous, weather can be unpredictable, it's very dark, and there's little road lighting outside of population centers.

There is, however, a great benefit to visiting Iceland during this time. In February, many popular destinations will be much quieter than during the high season. In fact, for the past few years, February has been among Iceland's least crowded months, which makes it a great time to plan your trip to avoid crowds.

With many unique and exciting winter activities, you won't run out of fun things to do during your visit. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in February.



What to Know About Iceland in February

Ice caving is great fun but not always a reliable activity -- we recommend going during February in Iceland

Those coming to Iceland in February are sure to have an incredible time immersing themselves in the quiet, wintry landscapes and thriving city culture. You should be aware of several things before arriving. These issues relate to keeping yourself safe, mainly with regard to driving and the weather.

Driving in Iceland in February

Video from 12-Day Winter Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road

Iceland's roads, though usually well-maintained, can be hazardous.

In the winter months, they're ice-layered and lined with snowdrifts. Heavy rain, snowfall, and omnipresent darkness can obscure vision, and strong winds can destabilize vehicles.

Therefore, it's essential that you only rent a car if you have experience driving in hazardous conditions and on icy, rural roads. We strongly recommend a four-wheel-drive car rental for this time of year. 

It's not possible to have chains on your tires, but all cars will have winter tires. Most car rental companies offer studded tires (tires with nails to add traction). We recommend that you request studded tires if they're not included in your rental.

Vestrahorn is right by the sea, but even the salty air cannot protect the ground from snow

It's a good idea to register your travel plans so that you can more easily be located if something goes wrong. It's also essential to check the weather website for the conditions of your route and destination before setting out. You should make sure to re-check the conditions every morning before traveling, as some areas are particularly vulnerable to dangers, such as avalanches in certain areas.

As previously noted, the roads into the Highlands, and many through the Westfjords, will undoubtedly be closed because they're labeled "F-Roads," which are only open during summer. In case you're wondering the "F" stands for "fjall", which is the Icelandic word for mountain.

Be careful where you park to avoid getting stuck in the snow. Most insurance packages don't include towing charges, and you'll have to pay a hefty fee for assistance if required.

You must never cross a road that's cordoned off, and you must never drive off-road. Doing such a thing in summer is ridiculous and damaging enough (not to mention illegal with huge fines and potential prison time), but it can possibly be fatal in winter.



Weather in Iceland in February

Godafoss in winter, wrapped in snow. One of the best things to do in Iceland in February.

The average temperature in February in the capital, Reykjavik, is 33.8 F (1 C). It's also one of the country's wetter months, with an average of 3.3 inches (83 millimeters) of precipitation.

February weather in Iceland is notorious for its unpredictable turns, and you'll probably get caught in snow, wind, and rain during your stay -- possibly even all on the same day!

The long nights are cold and dark, though the hours of light will continue to increase during your trip by nine minutes every day. Snow, once settled, brings light to the dark. On clear, cold nights, the northern lights are most visible, so bundle up and turn your eyes toward the sky.

What To Wear in February in Iceland

You'll have to plan for different weather conditions for an outside adventure during February in IcelandAs you would expect, when traveling to Iceland in February, you should take plenty of warm clothes with you.

  • Hiking boots: Even if you're planning to stay only in Reykjavik, it's a good idea to wear hiking boots. The streets can be icy - that could either be fresh ice or melting ice. You could certainly wear regular shoes, but your feet could get soaking wet and cold.

  • Gloves: Wearing high-quality, warm gloves is a must. The best options are leather gloves with an inner fleece lining.

  • Wind and waterproof pants: When venturing off far from Reykjavik, the weather can be unpredictable. It'll most likely be windy and wet, so you should definitely wear these items in Iceland in February.

  • Swimming suit: This may come as a surprise, but if you're planning to visit one of the many hot springs, geothermal pools, local swimming pools, the Blue Lagoon, or go snorkeling in Silfra, you'll want one.

As a general rule, you should wear warm layers like scarves, hats, and gloves. For comfort and ease of packing, fleece and wool items are the best option.

Daylight Hours in Iceland in February

When visiting Iceland in February, you'll find that they days are still relatively short. As the month progresses, you can expect slightly more daylight, so here's how the start of February compares to it's last day.

February 1st

  • Time of sunrise: 10:07 AM
  • Time of sunset: 5:16 PM
  • Hours of daylight: 7 hours and 9 minutes

February 28th

  • Time of sunrise: 08:38 AM
  • Time of sunset: 6:43 PM
  • Hours of daylight: 10 hours and 5 minutes


Is the Blue Lagoon Open in February?

You can still enjoy the wonderful warm waters of the Blue Lagoon in the February coldYes, the Blue Lagoon is open in February. It's open year-round. Although the outside temperature is often below zero, visiting the Blue Lagoon and swimming in its warm waters during winter is an incredible experience.

This is the best time for photography lovers to capture the thick steam coming out of the warm blue waters.

You can also check out the many other fantastic geothermal spas, hot springs, and public pools that can be found all around Iceland. For a lovely moment of relaxation within the Capital Region, you can visit the Sky Lagoon, or take a trip to the picturesque Hvalfjordur fjord for a dip in the luxurious Hvammsvik Hot Springs.



Things To Do in Iceland in February

Glacier hiking is one of the most exciting experiences in IcelandThose who heartily embrace the cold will find many things to occupy their time in an Icelandic February. Many activities can only be done during winter, like ice caving in the Vatnajokull glacier and northern lights hunting.

Others, like snorkeling in Silfra, develop a magical new charm in the snow and ice.

Here are our recommendations for things to do in Iceland in February.

Spotting The Northern Lights in Iceland in February

The Northern Lights over Buðir on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

The vast majority of travelers coming to Iceland throughout winter are likely to see the northern lights. One of the best things to do in Iceland in February is to marvel at the aurora borealis in the sky. That's because, at this time of the year, there's reduced cloud cover and dark skies.

The two magical ingredients to a northern lights hunt are clear skies and solar activity. The best spots to see them are outside of Reykjavik. That is because the light pollution in the city will compromise how bright the northern lights are. You can easily leave the city on a guided northern lights tour or a northern lights cruise.

If you book a northern lights tour, it's best to take it as soon as you get to Iceland, rather than waiting. The aurora borealis is unpredictable, so most operators will take you on a guided tour another time if you don't see the lights on the first attempt. Another reason to try to see the northern lights early during your trip is that the tours can also be canceled if the forecast is of low intensity and cloudy skies.



The Northern Lights over Þingvellir National Park, a site on the Golden Circle.

You'll want as many chances as possible, which means making time and being flexible if you don't see them the first time.

If you go hunting for the northern lights by yourself, check out the aurora forecast (anything above a 3 is considered worth setting out for) and the cloud cover forecast for the area.

If you're into photography, it's also worth making sure you have the right equipment and understand the correct settings for photographing the aurora borealis. Usually, the main requirement is staying patient while you wait.

Ice Caving in Iceland in February

An ice cave under Vatnajökull glacier reveals the incredible blue world within.

If you're wondering what to do in Iceland in February, another winter-exclusive activity is ice caving in the naturally formed tunnels beneath the Vatnajokull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. This opportunity is incredibly rare due to the sparsity and inaccessibility of glaciers and the particular conditions required for their formation.

Ice cave tours usually begin between mid-October and early November and stop running in March. Make sure to check before your trip to make sure tours will be available.

One of the factors that can limit the accessibility of ice caves is rainfall. After flooding, they're structurally unsound, and tours have to be canceled. Although February is a rather wet month, the average precipitation level is slightly lower than the other winter months, making it one of the more promising times to book an ice cave tour.

If you wish to explore an ice cave, you must be part of a guided group as it's too dangerous to go on your own. You can also combine your ice cave tour with a 2-day trip along the South Coast, or a 3-day excursion along the Golden Circle & South Coast. These tours will also introduce you to the region's surrounding sights and Iceland's famous black sand shoreline in the south. These tours include some of Iceland's most beautiful natural attractions, like the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Whale Watching in Iceland in February

Baleen whales are uncommon in winter, but still out there.Photo from Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Adventure from Reykjavik

Whale-watching tours are also conducted from Reykjavik in February. In fact, they're available throughout the year. More than twenty species of cetacean can be seen in Iceland's waters. Many of these species stay throughout the entire winter season. White-beaked dolphins, known for their social nature and acrobatic antics, are the most common species during February, and many of them feed and play in Faxafloi bay.

On the other hand, harbor porpoises are harder to spot than white-beaked dolphins, even though they're also resident year-round. There are also orcas, pilot whales, and beaked whales that are all spotted on tours throughout February, as well as minke whales that didn't migrate that year.

Two Minke Whales, pictured in Faxafloi bay. Usually, they are only found alone.Photo from The Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour

Like northern lights tours, operators may cancel whale-watching tours due to bad weather. There's also a chance you may not spot any marine life. If that's the case, you'll also be offered another trip for free. Be sure to take this excursion early on in your holiday so that you can repeat the tour if necessary and avoid any disappointment.

If you are partaking in a whale-watching tour, be sure to bring warm clothes to brace against the sea winds. Most operators will provide overalls that you can wear over your clothes for added comfort. But with the winds and low temperatures, wearing warm clothes is a must.



Lava Caving in Iceland in February

Snow pouring into a lava cave.Photo from Classic 1 Hour Lava Tunnel Caving Tour of the Raufarholshellir Lava Tubes

Lava caving is an enjoyable activity during February, although it's a little more daunting than in the summer months. The added appeal during February is the beautiful structures of ice that form inside the tunnels.

Because lava rock is very porous, water trickles slowly through it. When the water seeps through the caves' ceilings, it often freezes in the sub-zero temperatures before dropping, slowly forming beautiful icicles - or mini-stalactites. The water that does seep through often freezes when it hits the ground, forming equally mesmerizing ice shapes.

Viðgelmir cave has vast, colourful spaces.Photo from Family Friendly 1-Hour Lava Cave Tour of Vidgelmir

This ice creates a glitter effect for those exploring within and allows for some magical photos. It can also, however, make the ground incredibly slippery, so only those who feel confident on uneven surfaces should partake.

Tour operators will always provide you with crampons and a helmet, so you don't need to worry about bringing any additional safety equipment with you.

Those seeking an easier lava caving tour should look into touring Raufarholshellir or go explore Vidgelmir cave. Both of these are wide and open, requiring no climbing or crawling, and they have walkways throughout to make your trip easier.

Swimming in Public Pools in Iceland in February

Swimming pool in Reykjavik, Iceland

Public swimming pools in Iceland are a popular meeting place. Icelanders go swimming after work, on the weekends, and whenever they feel like relaxing with friends.

These are geothermal-heated pools and can be found in most towns around Iceland. In Reykjavik alone, there are seven public pool centers. The largest one has two Olympic-size pools (one indoor and one outdoor) as well as several smaller ones, hot tubs of different temperatures, and large public saunas.

Soaking in an outdoor heated pool while the air temperature is near or below freezing is one of the most unique and authentic experiences you'll have in Iceland.

Snorkeling in February in Iceland

The incredible underwater world of SilfraPhoto from Silfra Snorkeling & Horseback Riding

In February, going on a snorkeling tour in Iceland may seem like an activity only for daredevils. But with modern drysuit equipment, it becomes possible for almost anyone.

The snorkeling location, Silfra, is open year-round, and it's widely considered one of the top dive sites in the world.

Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park. It's a ravine filled with crystal clear spring water, with visibility that exceeds 330 feet (100 meters), thrusting you into a world of magical blue light and fascinating geology.

Silfra beneath the auroras.

The only thing that can make this activity more wonderful is being surrounded by snow and ice while you swim.

Snorkeling in a winter wonderland is a unique opportunity you can only experience in very few places worldwide and even fewer directly between two dividing tectonic plates.

Diving in Silfra is also possible, but the participants must be qualified drysuit divers or have ten officially logged drysuit dives over the past two years.

The conditions to snorkel in Silfra are as follows (though they may vary slightly between tour providers):

  • You must be over 16 years old
  • You must be able to swim
  • You must be taller than 4 feet 7 inches (145 centimeters) and weigh more than 99 pounds (45 kilograms)
  • You must have a medical waiver if over 60 years old
  • You must have a medical waiver if over 45 years old and a heavy drinker or pipe smoker
  • You must have a medical waiver if there are underlying neurological, circulatory, or respiratory problems
  • You must not be pregnant

Glacier Hiking in Iceland in February

Glacier hiking tours run throughout the year and is rewarding whenever you go. However, its appeal in February comes from the electric blue ice that covers the glaciers in midwinter and the ice caves that form across them. The two main glaciers open for glacier hiking in February are the Solheimajokull glacier and the Svinafellsjokull glacier, both in South Iceland.

With an experienced glacier guide, you can immerse yourself in these fascinating features and learn a great deal about Iceland's geology.

Horseback Riding in Iceland in February

Iceland horses have no issue with winter weather.

One thousand years of evolutionary isolation has turned the Icelandic horse into a strong and resilient animal - even in February's cold. Unless the conditions are bordering a blizzard, they're more than happy to be outside, socialize, and play in the snow. Horse riding tours are available throughout the year.

Riding horses is a great way to immerse yourself in the winter landscapes of Iceland and to understand the history of a nation that relied on these steeds for its survival and prosperity.

In addition to resistance to the cold, Icelandic horses also have a high level of curiosity and intelligence. These traits make them an absolute pleasure to spend a morning or afternoon with.

Riding an Icelandic Horse is one of the most authentic Icelandic experiences that you can partake in when visiting the country. Don't miss it!

Sightseeing in Iceland in February

Although much of Iceland's interior and parts of the Westfjords are inaccessible throughout winter, many destinations are still accessible for sightseeing. In fact, it's possible to traverse the entire Ring Road, either as part of a guided package or by driving yourself.

Most travelers coming to Iceland seek its beautiful natural sites, and in February, you won't be disappointed. Below are four of our hand-picked personal recommendations for the best sightseeing destinations in February.

The Golden Circle in Iceland in February

Gullfoss in winter, surrounded by ice.

Iceland's most popular tourist trail consists of three sites: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall. Each is renowned for its dramatic beauty and unique charm, and most visitors to Iceland make an effort to see them. February is no exception.

Thingvellir is beautiful under a thick blanket of snow, and many of its features, such as the waterfall Oxarafoss, are at least partially frozen.

The heat beneath the ground at the Geysir Geothermal Area makes it a plateau of multi-colored earth within a powdery white sea.

At this time of year, the Gullfoss waterfall will adorn the rocks surrounding it with crowns of frost. They will glisten beautifully beside the powerfully surging water.

Gullfoss waterfall can become even more spectacular if you're able to get just the right conditions for a shimmering rainbow.

The spectacular natural beauty that can be seen in a relatively short time makes Golden Circle tours one of the most popular activities for tourists in Iceland.



The South Coast in Iceland in February

The Diamond Beach near Jökulsárlón, where the icebergs wash ashore

Another beautiful region of Iceland that is definitely worth visiting in February is the South Coast. The reason is simple - it has an enormous range of landscapes and landmarks.

There are the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the glaciers Solheimajokull and Vatnajokull, the volcanos Eyjafjallajokull, Katla, and Hekla, and awe-inspiring sites such as Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Reynisfjara black sand beach, the plane wreckage at Solheimasandur, and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Touring the South Coast is incredibly popular throughout the year. One thing to be aware of is the wild coast at Reynisfjara beach. There's no landmass between the Icelandic coastline and the rest of Europe, meaning that the waves have been gathering strength while traveling a great distance. These waves can emerge unpredictably and have taken many people out to sea throughout the years. Heed the warning signs, and marvel at the waves from a safe distance.



Lake Myvatn in Iceland in February

A hot spring in Lake Mývatn.

The Lake Myvatn region of North Iceland is a particularly excellent sightseeing destination in winter, especially for fans of the series Game of Thrones.

Several scenes that took place north of The Wall were filmed here, such as the scenes in the wildling camp of Mance Rayder. The famous underground love scene between Ygritte and Jon Snow was filmed in Grjotagja cave.

Geological formations protrude from the lake's frozen surface, and the snow-topped lava at Dimmuborgir (which translates to 'Dark Fortress') creates a fascinating, ice-clad spectacle.

Snaefellsnes in Iceland in February

Mount Kirkjufell in the depths of winter.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a 56-mile (90-kilometer) stretch, often called "Iceland in Miniature."

Travelers here, no matter the time of year, can expect volcanoes, mountains, lava fields, stunning beaches, geological formations, fields, and historic villages. In February, the snow will cover the peninsula mountains, the rivers and waterfalls will be partially frozen, and the craggy coasts will captivate. At this time of year, it's also not uncommon to spot orcas from the shore. Snaefellsnes, in particular, is the best spot to view orcas in February.



Festivals and Festivities in Iceland

While most tourists come to Iceland seeking its natural wonders, many also come for the vibrant festival scene of Reykjavik. Not a month goes by without events gripping the capital, drawing visitors and locals alike. Below, you can find some of the major events in Iceland during February.

Winter Lights Festival

The Pool Night of the Winter Lights FestivalPhoto by Katrín Ásta Sigurjónsdóttir 

The Winter Lights Festival occurs every year on the first weekend of February. It's a celebration of the lengthening of the days and the beauty of the wintery world. The festival begins when lights across the city are turned on. It's then followed by days of events covering everything from music to sports, art to history, and industry to culture. Two unmissable nights of the festival are Museum Night and Pool Night, when the city's museums and public pools feature some unique entertainment.

Thorrablot

Thorrablot is a cultural festival that takes place from the end of January to the second half of February, based on the lunar month of Thorri on the old Norse calendar. During this festival, Icelanders honor their ancestors by dining on various food that have been eaten in Iceland through the centuries.

Some of the food items that are eaten during the month of Thorri, might not seem appetising to outsiders, but they were necessary for Iceland's survival for over a 1000 years. Some of these food items include hakarl (fermented shark), svid (boiled sheep's head), or hrutspungar (ram's testicles). If you're not the adventurous type, there is also some great tasting traditional food such smoked lamb (hangikjot), rye bread (rugbraud), or tasty stockfish (hardfiskur) which goes great with butter.

Food that is eaten during Thorrablot in Iceland

Photo from Wikimedia Creative Commons

Thorrablot is not typical a festival with a programme or planned events throughout the city, it's more like a month long celebration of Iceland's history and culture. Dinner parties are held for extended families or companies might have Thorrablot banquets for their employees, but there's no huge event downtown that's open to the public.

However, many of these delicacies are sold in supermarkets in Iceland during the months of January and February. So if you're visiting Iceland during that time, you can buy traditional Icelandic food and have yourself a little Thorrablot for you and your traveling party!

To make the most of the experience, you can also join a traditional Icelandic food tour or a guided food lovers walking tour of Reykjavik.

Valentine's Day in Iceland

Icelanders don't celebrate Valentine's Day like people in other countries. However, the date is slowly becoming a popular celebration, with luxury hotels and restaurants offering special packages and meals on February 14th.

If you're planning to be in Iceland on Valentine's Day, you can make it extra special by booking a table at one of the best restaurants in Reykjavik, which may be offering a special menu.

Another option is booking a spa day at the Blue Lagoon. In addition to swimming in the idyllic milky-blue warm pools, you can also have spa treatments that go from a two-hour massage to facial treatments using products such as algae, silica, and other minerals.

Woman's Day

On Women's Day, couples like to enjoy a date nightAn important day on the Icelandic calendar is Woman's Day, or "konudagur" in Icelandic, which is celebrated in the second half of February. Woman's Day is an Icelandic tradition to honor the woman of the house and is tied to the Norse calendar, which has 13 months based on the lunar cycle and was used during the settlement of Iceland.

The date falls on the first day of the month of Goa, on the Norse calendar. On Woman's Day, men celebrate the important woman in their life. They bring them flowers, take them out for dinner or offer them some special presents. Woman's Day is not just a romantic festivity, as children will also give their mother flowers or presents to celebrate the day.

If you were wondering, Icelanders also celebrate Man's Day, which is in the lunar month of Thorri (the month before Goa) and takes place in the second half of January.

Suggested Itineraries for Iceland in February

Reynisfjara beach, covered in snow, is more dangerous in winter than usually.

Now that you know all there is to know about touring Iceland In February, we'd like to suggest a couple of hand-picked itineraries that will help you make the most of your stay.

These suggestions are based on the number of days you have in Iceland, and you can easily amend them better to suit your tastes, plans, and budget.

The Stopover Traveler Itinerary (4 Days)

The botanical gardens in Reykjavík in winter.

The four-day (i.e. long weekend) Stopover Traveler Itinerary begins with arrival in Iceland at midday on the first day with an airport transfer bus from Keflavik International Airport to the Blue Lagoon. Here, you can soak in the azure waters to unwind from your flight. Once you've enjoyed a silica mask and some good relaxation, you'll head to your Reykjavik hotel and settle in. There you'll have time to wander the city taking in the sites before having dinner in one of its unique restaurants.

Since you only have a few days, you'll want to make the most of your time. For that reason, you should book a two-day tour that will take you across the South Coast, allowing you to see its many sites and explore an ice cave. That means you'll have to wake up early on the second day to meet your guide, hop into the minibus, and start the tour.

Reykjavík by night

You'll get to see many of South Iceland's great sites: majestic waterfalls, otherworldly black sand beaches, and the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. As you reach this final destination later in the day, you'll hunt for the northern lights while checking out the glacier lagoon. 

Enjoying the northern lights dancing above Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in greens, blues, purples, and reds, is one of the most breathtaking sights any traveler can behold.

The next morning, guides will take you to the Vatnajokull glacier to explore the ice caves. This otherworldly experience, through tunnels of ethereal blue ice, will undoubtedly be your holiday's highlight.



The incredible blue of an ice cave

After marveling at one of nature's greatest wonders, you'll head back along the South Coast to Reykjavik. Once in the capital, you'll check back into your hotel, then head out for a little taste of the city's nightlife.

Your departure will most likely be late afternoon on day four, leaving just enough time for a quick morning tour. We recommend a morning horseback ride.

After this authentic Icelandic adventure is complete, you can catch a Flybus shuttle back to the airport, marking the end of this short but rewarding holiday to Iceland in February.

If you're able to stay another day, we recommend this mini-bus tour of the Golden Circle.



The Getaway Traveler Itinerary (10+ Days)

Kirkjufell covered in ice.

The Getaway Traveler Itinerary requires a minimum of 10 days to fully immerse yourself in February's winter landscapes.

We recommend that you consider a 10-day Circle of Iceland self-drive tour or a 10-day South Coast self-drive tour that will allow you to explore the highlights of Iceland's magical landscape at your own pace.

However, if you have little experience driving on icy roads, you may prefer to opt for a holiday package and or guided tour.

Aldeyarfoss in the North.

These are two of the most popular packages:

  1.  A 9-day minibus excursion including the Ring Road, the East Fjords, and Lake Myvatn
  2. 10-day tour that allows you to immerse yourself in the south, Landmannalaugar geothermal area, and the beautiful Snaefellsnes peninsula

The getaway traveler should aim to see the northern sites like Lake Myvatn without missing the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Buying a package is the easiest way to organize your trip and ensure you make the most of your visit to Iceland in February.

The opening of an ice cave

As soon as you land at Keflavik Airport, you should head straight to the Blue Lagoon before settling into your accommodation in Reykjavik for the evening.

Planning for an early night is suggested because the next morning, you'll embark on an eight-day guided northern lights tour of the complete ring road, where you'll hike a glacier and explore an incredible ice cave. You will also explore the beautiful Snaefellsnes peninsula and go to all the major sites, such as Snaefellsjokull glacier and Mt. Kirkjufell.

Since it's the height of winter, it's a great time to see the northern lights. As long as you keep away from the light pollution of towns and cities, you are very likely to see the aurora in action above some of these amazing natural wonders while traveling the country.

Öxararfoss in winter.

To conclude, although Iceland is still cold and dark in February, it's still a lovely place to visit, and the people are warm and welcoming.

Considering the ever-growing balance between night and day, the relative lack of crowds, and the wealth of winter activities, the month has a charm that's sure to make your winter vacation extra special.



Whether you're planning on a stopover or a couple of weeks visiting Iceland in February, there are many wonderful places to see and activities to do. What would you most like to try? Have you visited Iceland in winter? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Link to appstore phone
Install Iceland’s biggest travel app

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.