Iceland in February 2025: Weather and Travel

Iceland in February is cold and rainy/snowy with wetter conditions in the south and east. We recommend visiting Reykjavík, Akureyri, Höfn, and the southern coastal highlights.

Iceland Weather in February: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: -3–3°C (27–37°F)
• Total rain/snow: 11 cm (4 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 13
• Humidity: 78%
• Sunshine hours/day: 2 hours

February Climate Comparison (Averages) for Iceland's Top Tourism Areas

In February, Iceland is cold or freezes along the coast. Rainfall/snowfall varies greatly from place to place. Iceland gets about 8 hours of daylight on average across the country that enables daily excursions for sightseeing natural wonders and doing winter sports. Auroras, colorful twilights, and Icelandic culture are other highlights.

Reykjavík, Vestmannaeyjar, and the southern coast are at about 64° latitude and southward. There is an average of 8½ hours of daylight. At low elevations, the average high is about 3°C (37°F), the low is -2°C (28°F), and the humidity is about 77%.

The Best Places to Visit in Iceland in February

Touring in February highlights auroras, indigo and pink twilights, winter sports, and unusual culture. Each day provides about 10 hours of daylight and twilight for excursions to the wild exotic subarctic and the many towns as weather permits.

Consider Global Highlights for touring Iceland and the world. Trust Pilot highly rates our custom designed trips. Let us know your interests and goals for your tour, and we will make the best of the local resources and weather. Contact us to inquire about a tour.

1. Reykjavík — Visit the Highlights Such as Volcanoes and Do Winter Sports

Reykjavík is unusual for the range of exotic wonders nearby. There are active or recently active volcanoes, big geysers, geothermal pools, and glaciers. The capital has 130,000 people. There is an annual Festival of Lights in February to enjoy in the capital. There are 8½ hours of daylight and 2 hours of sunshine on average daily.

Reykjavík's weather in January and February is almost the same, but there is much more daylight and sunlight for highlights such as skiing at Bláfjöll Ski Resort when the snow and weather permits. Some people take helicopter trips to craters or hike with guides to lava vents that were active recently.

In February, it is low tourism season and prices are low. The city is brightly decorated for the light festival. In February, Reykjavík has an average daily high of 3°C (37°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F). Rain/snowfall is moderate. The 77% humidity makes frost that makes the pavements slippery.

2. Akureyri — Ski at the Ski Resort and See Wild Subarctic Scenery

Akureyri is on Iceland's far north coast. It is the second largest Icelandic town with about 20,000 people. Akureyri is a base to go out to ski at Hlíðarfjall that is Iceland's best ski resort. The resort is about 7 km (4 miles) away from the town.

Akureyri is a 5-or-6-hour trip from Reykjavík. The average of 10 hours of daily daylight and twilight is time for excursions to other places such as Lake Myvatn that is an hour's drive away. Goðafoss Waterfall nearby looks like a miniature Niagara Falls.

Prices and crowds are relatively less in February. In February, there is an average an hour of sunshine, low snowfall, a high of 3°C (37°F), and a low of -4°C (25°F).

Akureyri and other nearby tourist towns are at latitude 65.5° and northwards and are very close to the Arctic Circle. To see auroras, it is best to go to the far north.

3. Höfn — Enjoy Fresh Lobster and Fish, a Huge Glacier, Ice Caves, and Hiking

Höfn is a tourist town on the southeastern coast of Iceland. Höfn has beautiful fjord scenery, great seafood restaurants, and gourmet seafood and lobster restaurants. It is a 6-or-7-hour drive from Reykjavík.

You can hike on Vatnajökull Glacier that is bigger than any glacier in Western Europe. Now it is melting and producing waterfalls and lakes. Jökulsárlón is a glacial lake that is 248 meters (814 feet) feet deep. It is an hour's drive from Höfn.

In February, there are fewer tourists and lower prices, and you'll have a better chance to see seals and auroras. The rain/snowfall is lower than the rest of winter. On average, there are 2 hours of sunshine, highs of 3°C (37°F), and lows of -2°C (28°F).

4. The Southern Coast — Waterfalls, a Huge Glacier, Ice Caves, Lakes, and Geysers

You can drive along the southern ring road and see a variety of unusual and beautiful sights. At the Blue Lagoon at the far western tip of southern Iceland near Reykjavík, you can swim in or just relax in a huge geothermal pool called the Blue Lagoon.

Going eastwards, other beautiful and unusual places are the geysers at Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall. Then further east are Seljalandsfoss Waterfall that is 60 meters (200 feet) high and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

Then on the east side of the south coast, there are the Vatnajökull Glacier and the Jökulsárlón Lake area near Höfn that was described above. A several-day journey stopping at each of the highlights would give you a fantastic sight-filled tour during low season with lower prices.

Low Tourism Season: Touring Advice for February

There is low tourism in February in Iceland's cities and towns. There are no national holidays in February, and there are generally no holidays in Western Europe in February, so international tourism is low.

In February, you can visit Iceland for extended stays with more solitude and lower prices and still enjoy the winter activities such as skiing and aurora watching.

Since there is a good balance between daylight and darkness, you can better enjoy sightseeing and being in nature, and the winter is cheerier and less stark.

Aurora Watching in Iceland

The northern region of Iceland is the best place to go to see the auroras and experience the indigo/violet/pink skies because the skies are clearer. There is much less rain than in the south and less light pollution.

For darker skies and longer nights, you could go eastwards to Tromsø in Norway that is north of latitude 69° and within the Arctic Circle. For more information about Tromsø, see visiting Norway in February.

What to Wear in February

In February, Iceland gets severe winter storms, especially in the south. In southern Iceland, there is both rain and snow. It is best to be prepared for rain wherever you go. Since weather is unpredictable, keep an eye on the weather reports.

Iceland's weather changes swiftly and frequently. It is best to dress in layers and wear waterproof shoes with good traction. Bring raingear wherever you go in Iceland. Since geothermal springs and pools as well as heated pools are common, bring swimwear too.

Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Iceland:

• Warm waterproof boots with good traction for the outdoors. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Rain gear
• Coat and warm hat
• Gloves
• Swimwear for hot springs and spas
• Cardigans or thermals
• Polarized glasses

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Iceland

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