Iceland in February: 16 Reasons Why you should visit in Winter

Iceland in February: 16 Reasons Why you should visit

Iceland in February is it a good idea? Iceland is one of those places it doesn’t matter when you visit you will love it. The only thing to remember about visiting Iceland in February is to be prepared for cold, rain or beautiful sunshine.

One of the advantages of visiting Iceland in February is seeing the beautiful landscape covered in a blanket of snow with fewer tourists.

Iceland is a rugged, mountainous place with beautiful coastlines and tourism has increased dramatically over the last few years.

One of the main reasons for the increased tourism is the diverse range of things to do and see, from a road trip to see natural wonders, wildlife, cosmopolitan cities, and numerous wonders. Iceland in Winter has a lot to offer.

Iceland Weather in February

Wondering what is the weather like in Iceland in February? You might be a bit worried about the temperature in Iceland in February. And for good reason.

Iceland in February weather is all over the place. In February you can experience many unique things that are different or nonexistent at other times for the year, due to the weather or snow formation.

This time of the year there is only 6-7 hours of daylight in Iceland each day, with the sun setting early and rising late. The Iceland temperature in February is not ideal. The average temperature in Iceland in February is between 28 degrees Fahrenheit to 38 degrees.

One thing to also know about the temperature in Iceland in February is that it gets around 3 inches of precipitation which can be either rain or snow. Be prepared for any with Iceland February weather.

Reykjavik in February weather

February in Reykjavik is the coldest month of the year. Reykjavik weather in February is unpredictable.

When looking at Reykjavik weather, February is the coldest. In visiting Reykjavik in February just remember to take into consideration the Iceland temperature in February.

One of the most important things to buy for your trip to Iceland is a great pair of hiking boots. Check out my post on the best hiking boots for Iceland.

The Best Things to do in Iceland in February

Wondering what to do in Iceland in February? These are things to do in Iceland, February or in winter.

Visit the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a tourist route in Iceland that includes three major tourist attractions in southwest Iceland. The term ‘golden circle’ refers to the route itself, in which you begin in Reykjavik (Iceland capital) and travel to all three tourist destinations before looping back to Reykjavik. There are many tours leaving from the capitol and going on a day trip around the Golden Circle so check out these Golden Circle tours.

The Golden Circle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Iceland due to the beauty and uniqueness of each location. Due to being towards the end of Iceland’s winter months, February is a great time of year to travel the Golden Circle. Because of the close proximity of each location, you could easily drive this route in just one day.

The three stunning locations within the Golden Circle are:

Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland and therefore holds much historical, geographical and cultural significance to Iceland. When visiting Þingvellir, you can walk the path of early Icelandic parliament and where Iceland gained full independence from Denmark 1944.

Also, interestingly, Þingvellir is constantly expanding. Due to the tectonic plates, located underneath the ground that are moving in opposite directions. This causes the land below to slowly grow apart and expand.

Geysir Geothermal Area is a famous hot spring that erupts boiling water every few minutes, so beware and have your cameras ready! Some say that the Geysir has been erupting for over 10,000 years making it a strong aspect of Icelandic history. For a while it was privately owned by multiple people, before it was donated to the Icelandic people in 1935.

Gullfoss waterfall, believed to be the inspiration behind the routes name of “Golden Circle”. The Gullfoss waterfall is a two-tier waterfall known for the beautiful rainbows that the waterfall produces in sunshine. The waterfall is also known for the golden light during sunset.

READ MORE on my site: Golden Circle Iceland

Iceland in February northern lights are a must do in Iceland in winter

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern lights or aurora borealis as it is sometimes otherwise referred to as. Iceland’s location on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle allows for the northern lights to be seen almost every night (cloud and full moon dependent).

February is one of the best times to see the northern lights due to the increased hours of darkness during the winter solace. Around the full moon, the northern lights aren’t seen as well due to the increased light in the sky from the full moon.

The best places in Iceland to see the northern lights in February are in the Thingvellir National Park, Hella-hotel Ranga, Jokvlsarlon glacial lagoon, Skogar, and Snaefellsres Peninsula at the Budir hotel guest house in Hof.

This is a great, affordable Northern Lights Tour leaving from Reykjavic.

Visit the Ice Caves in Vatnajökull

Vatnajökull is one of the biggest glaciers in Europe by volume and covers an area of 8,100 square kilometers. Water goes underneath the glacier through the canals and forms caves.

During the summer the caves are formed and filled with water, from the rain. When the weather changes from summer to fall the water begins to drain from the caves, the caves strengthen and turn into ice. From November to March these caves are present and each year the caves form differently depending on the weather conditions. In some areas, the caves and ice reach a thickness of 1,000 meters.

To visit the caves you must be accompanied by a guide who knows which caves are safe to explore and the safety precautions required to be taken. It is best to prebook a tour to ensure you don’t miss out.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Jokulsarlon is a must see destination in Iceland. Located in the southeastern part of Iceland (just south of Vatnajokull) is a lagoon full of icebergs. This area has so much natural beauty you won’t want to miss it.

The lagoon was formed by the glaciers melting. This is an area where a lot of wildlife can be seen. You will be able to see seals swimming in the lagoon along with lots of birds.

What to do in Reykjavik in February

There are so many things to do in Reykjavik in February. From visiting the famous xxx church to eating a famous hotdog there is plenty to do.

One of the Best Things to do in Reykjavik in February is to attend the Winter Lights Festival. In 2020, the Winter Lights Festival will be held from the 6-9 February.

This is a great event with the long dark nights of winter to be illuminated by the lights on this festival.

Visit The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon might be one of the most famous geothermal spas in the world, with large numbers of visitors getting in the waters each year. The Blue Lagoon is a magical place in wintertime with the geothermal spas being a large contrast to the surrounding snow and cold weather.

While the outside temperature is cold the water temperature hot. Despite the limited hours of daylight in February the Blue Lagoon is open daily for visitors. The Blue Lagoon has become so popular that you now have to book online in advance to visit, you can no longer just arrive and go in.

Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss is Iceland’s largest waterfall reaching 60 m tall and 25 m wide. A slight detour off Route 1 will place you in a carpark where you can see the falls and for those who want to get a better view you can climb the steps to the left side of the falls a climb to the top.

In February the waterfall is surrounded by snow and is less crowded than in the high season. In the winter if you decide to stay at the waterfall past sunset you may be able to witness the Northern lights above the waterfall.

Stay At Iceland’s Bubble Hotel

Many people dream of sleeping under the stars or with the northern lights above you. If this is your reality the Bubble hotel is the perfect accommodation choice for you.

The Bubble hotel is a small selection of inflatable structures, located within a spread out area of the countryside. These bubble sleep two adults in a double bed, with a small number of amenities including often a small heater. The Bubble hotel is a great overnight accommodation option outside of Reykjavik, at one with nature and offer a one of a kind experience. A hotel with a 5 million star review.

Trek on a glacier

Glaciers cover 11% of Iceland’s total land area, making it a paradise for trekking, climbing and ice caving. Glacier treks in Iceland can vary from 3-3.5hours long to 9-hour adventures.

Glacier treks are classified from easy walking tours to challenging treks with ice climbing involved. The best places to go glacier trekking in Iceland are Falljökull, Svinafellsjokull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Vatnajökull.

To go glacier trekking in Iceland you are required to go with a guide who knows the area well, and how to avoid dangers such as crevasses, collapses of bridges or areas, or just changes in the weather or environment.

Sample The Cuisine

Iceland may not be well known for its cuisine but it should be. Around the country there is an abundance of restaurants and even food tours which you can take to discover the best of this cuisine.

This is a great February plan when it is cold outside and you can warm up with a nice hot meal and drinks. Friðheimar is a great place to sample soups, refreshing drinks, desserts, along with other typical dishes. Another unique restaurant to eat at is The Pearl , which is a revolving restaurant with incredible views of Reykjavik.

Alternatively, if you want to take discover more of the countries cuisine, you can join a half day tour which is a 4 hour walking tour with 13 dishes to sample, along with information on Icelandic food, and much more.

Conclusion – visiting Iceland in February and Iceland in February weather

Visiting Iceland is a one of a kind adventure with lost of places to discover and a true winter wonderland to explore. This time of the year offers you great opportunities to see the northern lights as well as glacier trek and visiting the snow caves. The Iceland February weather will be cold but as long as you are prepared you will enjoy it.

February is the perfect time to visit and explore what Iceland has to offer, with something wonderful and unique for everyone to enjoy and experience.

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