Reykjavik in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Reykjavik

2°C (36°F) High Temp

-3°C (27°F) Low Temp

76mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

73% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Prime Northern Lights season with 19+ hours of darkness and minimal light pollution - visibility peaks around 10pm-2am with 65% clear night probability in February
Winter festival season including Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival (February 1-15) transforming the city with art installations and cultural events
Ice cave accessibility reaches optimal conditions - Crystal Ice Cave tours operate daily with stable formations, impossible to visit in warmer months
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - February rates average 40-50% below summer peak, with luxury hotels offering winter packages

Considerations

Extreme daylight limitation with only 4.5-8 hours of daylight (sunrise 9:30am, sunset 5:30pm mid-February) affecting outdoor activity timing
Unpredictable road conditions to popular attractions - Highland F-roads completely closed, Ring Road frequently requires 4WD and winter tires
Frequent weather-related tour cancellations - glacier walks and boat tours cancelled 30-40% of days due to wind speeds exceeding 15 m/s (33 mph)

Best Activities in February

Northern Lights Tours and Aurora Photography

February offers the longest darkness window with 19+ hours of night, making it statistically the best month for aurora viewing. Clear sky probability reaches 65% on average nights. Tours typically depart 8pm-10pm and return by 2am, with success rates around 75% for visible auroras. The moon phase in February 2025 provides ideal viewing conditions mid-month.

Booking Tip: Book same-day or 24 hours ahead to check weather forecasts. Tours cost ISK 8,000-15,000 per person. Look for operators offering free re-booking if no aurora appears. Most include hotel pickup and hot chocolate. Check current availability in booking section below.

Ice Cave Expeditions in Vatnajökull

February provides optimal ice cave conditions with fully formed crystal structures and safe accessibility. The famous Crystal Ice Cave reaches peak beauty with thick, stable ice formations. Tours require 4-6 hours including 2.5-hour drive each way from Reykjavik. Ice formations are most dramatic and Instagram-worthy during winter months only.

Booking Tip: Must book 5-7 days ahead due to limited daily capacity and weather dependencies. Super jeep tours cost ISK 25,000-35,000. Includes glacier gear and certified glacier guides. Tours cancel if wind exceeds safety limits. See current tour options in booking widget below.

Geothermal Spa Circuit

Outdoor geothermal bathing in February creates an incredible contrast experience - soaking in 38-40°C (100-104°F) mineral-rich waters while surrounded by snow and sub-zero air. Sky Lagoon and this destination are less crowded than summer with ethereal winter atmosphere. The thermal contrast provides unique therapeutic benefits and unforgettable photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for premium times. this destination costs ISK 7,000-15,000 depending on package. Visit during afternoon daylight hours (11am-3pm) for best visibility and warmth. Evening slots offer potential aurora viewing while bathing. Current spa packages available in booking section.

Golden Circle Winter Photography Tours

February transforms Golden Circle attractions with dramatic ice formations, snow-covered landscapes, and frozen waterfalls. Gullfoss creates spectacular ice sculptures, while Geysir performs against stark winter backdrops. Limited daylight (9:30am-5:30pm) creates golden hour conditions perfect for photography. Strokkur geyser eruptions create steam clouds more visible in cold air.

Booking Tip: Small group tours (max 8 people) cost ISK 15,000-22,000 with professional photo guidance. Book 2-3 days ahead. Tours include crampons for icy conditions and warm vehicle transport. Depart by 9am to maximize daylight. See current photography tour options in booking widget below.

Reykjavik Winter Cultural Walking Tours

February's Winter Lights Festival transforms downtown Reykjavik into an outdoor art gallery with light installations, making walking tours particularly magical. The compact city center (2-3 km/1.2-1.9 miles total) allows complete exploration despite cold weather. Indoor cultural stops provide warming breaks every 20-30 minutes. Local coffee culture peaks in winter months.

Booking Tip: Group tours cost ISK 4,000-7,000 per person lasting 2-3 hours. Book day-of or previous evening. Tours include museum entrances and café stops for warming. Self-guided options using local apps cost ISK 2,000. Current cultural tour options available through booking widget below.

South Coast Glacier and Waterfall Tours

February showcases South Coast waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss partially frozen with dramatic icicle formations impossible to see in warmer months. Black sand beaches create striking contrast against snow and ice. Diamond Beach features larger icebergs washed ashore during winter storms, creating constantly changing ice sculpture galleries.

Booking Tip: Full day tours cost ISK 18,000-28,000 including lunch and glacier equipment. Book 3-4 days ahead as tours frequently modify routes based on road conditions. Requires warm waterproof clothing and sturdy boots. Tours may substitute locations due to weather. Current South Coast tours in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

February 1-15

Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival

Annual festival transforming the city with light installations, art exhibitions, and cultural events. Features illuminated buildings, interactive light displays, and special museum exhibitions. Local artists create temporary installations throughout downtown area. Includes extended museum hours and special winter-themed performances.

Throughout February

Þorrablót Traditional Winter Festival

Traditional Icelandic winter feast celebrating historical food preservation methods. Restaurants and cultural centers offer traditional foods like fermented shark, smoked lamb, and rye bread. Provides authentic insight into Icelandic winter survival culture. Often includes folk music and storytelling.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof insulated boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) with aggressive tread - sidewalks become ice rinks and you'll walk on glaciers

Layering system: merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, windproof shell - indoor heating averages 22°C (72°F) requiring quick adjustment

Waterproof winter gloves plus liner gloves - essential for phone use and photography in -3°C (27°F) temperatures

Thermal underwear for lower body - critical for Northern Lights tours lasting 4-6 hours outdoors

Wool or synthetic winter hat covering ears - wind chill drops feels-like temperature to -10°C (14°F)

Crampons or ice cleats for walking - most rental companies provide but bringing own ensures proper fit

Waterproof camera protection - sea spray freezes instantly and snow damages electronics

Lip balm with SPF and heavy moisturizer - combination of wind, cold, and low humidity causes severe chapping

Portable phone charger - batteries drain 50% faster in sub-zero temperatures

Waterproof day pack for tours - sudden weather changes require carrying extra layers and equipment

Insider Knowledge

Download the 112 Iceland app before arrival - provides GPS location to emergency services during winter storms and is required for Highland travel

Grocery shop at Bónus (pink pig logo) for 30-40% savings over tourist-area markets - locals stock up on winter supplies here making it authentic cultural experience

Northern Lights forecasts change hourly - use Aurora Forecast app and be prepared to book tours same-day when conditions align perfectly

Rent cars with studded winter tires (mandatory November-April) and request GPS with offline maps - cell service disappears frequently during winter storms outside Reykjavik

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Northern Lights tours weeks in advance - weather changes rapidly and you'll waste money on cloudy nights instead of waiting for optimal conditions

Wearing cotton clothing layers - cotton retains moisture and becomes dangerous in sub-zero temperatures, choose wool or synthetic materials only

Planning full itineraries without weather buffer days - 30-40% of glacier and highland tours cancel due to conditions, leaving rigid schedules in chaos