It is difficult to choose the right time to go to Iceland because each month and each season has its charm. The month of February will plunge you into the heart of the Icelandic winter. Sometimes rough, sometimes clement, always beautiful, the special atmosphere of the month of February will help you experience the “real” Icelandic winter.
Temperatures in the month of February average between -2 ° C and 2 ° C. It can be manageable, unless the wind gets going! Snow storms can be frequent at this time of year but they can have a special charm – read our article on how to deal with a stormy day in Iceland. The sun rises around 10 o’clock and goes down around 5 pm, which leaves you time to enjoy the sights of Iceland.
In winter, roads and trails that lead to the Highlands are inaccessible, and only road number one is open (most of the time, sometimes a section of this road closes for a few hours, if there is a lot of snow or a storm). If you are staying on the main road, a 4×4 is not mandatory, but a sizeable car is recommended.
The snowy landscapes are really something to see and if you are travelling in February you will certainly enjoy it! Do not just stay in the capital if possible, explore the country! If you are not comfortable driving on the snow, you can enjoy day trips that will take you to the north or west of Iceland. If you want a truly special experience, you can join an excursion to visit Landmannalaugar in the winter – it is absolutely magical!
The month of February is perfect to have the chance to observe the aurora borealis, provided the sky is clear. February’s weather is unpredictable and there are usually more clouds and rain / snow than other months, but when the sky is clear you can fully enjoy the wonders of winter. There is no shortage of activities: snow scooters, sled dogs, excursions to the northern lights, walks in the city or in the countryside and discovery of the cultural life are all possible options at this time of year. If you like skiing, it is also a very good time to come to Iceland!
We can not repeat it enough – go to the pool! It is a wonderful way to experience the joys of bathing and to get acquainted with the Icelandic way of life. Can you imagine a better activity than basking in a bath at 40 ° C, surrounded by snow and darkness? If you prefer a more luxurious experience, the Blue Lagoon or the Mývatn baths are a good option for bathing.
If you spend a little time in the capital, the Winter Lights Festival is perfect for enjoying the Icelandic winter evenings. Created to celebrate winter, all sorts of events, concerts and exhibitions take place for a few days, everywhere in Reykjavik. For movie lovers, the Stockfish Film Festival will delight those who love independent cinema. If you prefer music, the Reykjavik Blues festival can be of interest to you, and if you are a fan of electro, the SONAR Festival is for you!
During February the Festival of Þorrablót is taking place across the country; These are meetings between families, friends and communities during which Icelanders dance, sing and eat traditional dishes (including head of mutton and sour whale). If you are lucky enough to be invited, do not miss the opportunity to celebrate this Icelandic festival!
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