Winter Trip to Iceland: Top 10 Things to Pack

A trip to Iceland in winter is a truly spectacular scene of contrast, colors, and light, even if most tourists prefer to visit in the summer. Less visited in this season, this land full of beauty and charm covered in ice offers itself to you. Organize beautiful hikes on foot, by snowmobile, or even on snowshoes, and observe the splendor of volcanic and geothermal phenomena. Under the snow, the chiaroscuro is even more enchanting.

Discovering Iceland in winter is a completely feasible option as long as you are well equipped.

What to know about Icelandic weather in winter?

Despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle and contrary to popular belief, in Iceland, the coastal regions do not generally experience the extreme cold of continental boreal zones. Indeed, the country's climate, being rather oceanic, largely escapes the influence of polar currents. So, during the winter period in Iceland, temperatures are often less cold along the coasts. Along the entire south coast, it is not surprising to see rain showers in the middle of winter. However, the climate can be continental, and the cold can be much more extreme at the top of volcanic plateaus.

When traveling to Iceland in winter, consider the length of daylight, average temperatures, and precipitation. The Icelandic climate is characterized by sudden meteorological variations.

The Icelandic winter lasts on average six months, from October to April, with temperatures ranging from -5 °C to >8 °C along the coasts with frequent rain in the form of snow and strong winds. Moreover, the Icelandic language uses eight different names for wind, indicating that this weather phenomenon is important in the country's culture! Winter, in this area near the North Pole, is marked by very short days (from mid-November to late January).

When to visit Iceland in winter?

The months of October, February, and March are the best times to enjoy all the wonders of the winter season. In March, you might put on skis or snowshoes and enjoy longer days. During the end-of-year holiday period, days are very short, but you can stroll through the large Christmas market in Hafnarfjörður, near Reykjavik. Choirs, decorations, and Christmas costumes will be present, not forgetting the grand New Year fireworks in Reykjavik.

What to see during a winter stay?

In wintertime, the entire Reykjavík region as well as the southwest quarter of the island are perfect for day trips. A long weekend of discovery by self-tour is also possible. During a trip to Iceland in winter, must-sees include places like the Reykjanes Peninsula and the geothermal delights of the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle region and the spectacle of tectonic faults at Þingvellir. On the south coast, you can plan a tour to the village of Vík at the southernmost tip of the island. It's a spectacular region composed of magnificent cliffs, wide black volcanic sand beaches battered by offshore winds, and extraordinary waterfalls.

If you wish to rent a car, opt for a 4x4 and think about checking road conditions and weather conditions here.

Some sites or natural phenomena are only accessible in winter. This is certainly true for auroras borealis and ice caves located under glaciers. (Check out the aurora borealis weather forecast in Iceland.) Other unique activities are offered to visitors such as facing snowstorms in a huge super-jeep!

What to pack for a trip to Iceland in winter?

The Icelandic climate isn't as harsh as one might think. However, within half an hour, it's entirely possible to go from bright sunshine to a snowstorm. So it's not necessarily low temperatures that will bother you most but probably wind and snowstorms… Here's a list of essentials to pack.

1. Thin but warm clothing. Don't forget thermal underwear or even better woolen underwear that you can easily find locally. Wool dries very quickly and retains heat unlike cotton. The layering of clothing is the secret to staying warm and dry.
2. A waterproof parka.
3. Waterproof shoes. You'll spend a lot of time walking through mud and snow in winter so a pair of waterproof boots is essential. Also for city walks where sidewalks can become very icy and slippery; make sure not to risk painful falls by wearing inappropriate shoes.
4. Plan for one or two pairs of ski or hiking pants for outdoor activities (climbing, ice cave visits, trekking, snowmobiling…)
5. As surprising as it may seem—a swimsuit is indispensable! Iceland has many pools and natural hot springs listed here. Also enjoy half a day at Blue Lagoon—a must-do stop on any trip to Iceland.
6. A portable charger can be very useful if you're out in nature when your phone battery or worse your camera battery fails!
7. A tripod might be cumbersome for some but it’s an indispensable accessory for hunting the northern lights or photographing waterfalls. For photography enthusiasts don't forget also good zoom lenses capture wild animals such as arctic foxes Icelandic horses seals reindeers...
8. A water bottle! Icelandic spring water is among purest worldwide so don't waste money buying plastic bottles—and you'll double up doing something good planet-wise too! Just let cold tap run little before filling bottle eliminate hot water residue which has sulfur taste.
9. In Iceland rain can start without warning so having good waterproof bag protect electronic devices spare clothes crucial.
10. Finally—a thermos, always have hot drink handy!

So ready for an Iceland trip this winter? There's something adventurous about visiting this destination at this time which always leaves strong impressions friends—but what they don't know is...it's really easy!