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Winter
Icelandin winter.
Daylight by month, the things you can only do in winter, and how to handle the weather.
Daylight
Short days, but not dark all day. Around midwinter Reykjavík gets four to five hours of sun above the horizon, plus long twilight either side. By March it's back to about twelve.
| Reykjavík | Akureyri | |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Nov | 6 h 3409:55–16:29 | 6 h 0409:55–15:58 |
| 15 Dec | 4 h 1411:16–15:29 | 3 h 1311:31–14:43 |
| 15 Jan | 5 h 2110:56–16:17 | 4 h 3911:01–15:41 |
| 15 Feb | 8 h 3409:25–17:59 | 8 h 1809:17–17:35 |
| 15 Mar | 11 h 3807:48–19:25 | 11 h 3607:33–19:09 |
Sunrise to sunset on the 15th, Iceland time, worked out from the sun's position. Twilight adds usable light either side.
Winter-only must-dos
The things you can only do, or do best, in the dark half of the year.
Weather and roads
Reykjavík winters are milder than people expect, often around freezing, but the wind makes it feel much colder and storms can close roads at short notice.
Before any drive, check umferdin.is for road conditions, vedur.is for the weather and safetravel.is for alerts. Highland roads (F-roads) are closed in winter.
Not keen on driving on ice? Almost every must-do here has a tour with pickup from Reykjavík.
Good to know
Is Iceland dark all day in winter?
No. Around midwinter Reykjavík gets four to five hours of daylight, plus twilight. By February and March the days are much longer.
How cold is Iceland in winter?
Reykjavík is often around freezing, milder than many expect. The wind is the real problem, and the north and the highlands are colder.
Can I drive in Iceland in winter?
Yes, on the main roads, with care and a winter-equipped car. Check umferdin.is and vedur.is before every drive. F-roads are closed.
What can I only do in winter?
Natural ice caves in Vatnajökull, and the northern lights, which need dark nights from roughly September to April.
More guides
- Northern lights in IcelandWhen, where and how, and tonight's odds, live.
- Ice caves in IcelandWhich caves, which months, and what the tours really involve.
- Blue Lagoon alternativesNine other lagoons and hot springs, and where each one is.
- Iceland on a budgetThe cheapest way into every must-do, and what costs nothing.
- Iceland under €100 a dayA must-do every day for less than €100, from real prices.
- Iceland in 24 hoursA stopover day from the airport and back.
- 48 hours in IcelandTwo days: the city, a lagoon and the Golden Circle.
- 72 hours in IcelandThree days: add the South Coast.