ICELAND IN FEBRUARY 2024

WEATHER IN ICELAND IN FEBRUARY

February is one of the coldest months in Iceland but thankfully it’s not the darkest! In February the sun rises on average around 10:20 and sets at around 17:20.

This is something that we celebrate in Iceland. I mean, compared to the 3 hours of daylight we have in December, these 7 hours are like being on the equator! Luckily however, the average temperature doesn't change very much from December or January. That being said, February has the most amount of snow out of the year!

The average temperature in Iceland in February is 32° fahrenheit (0°C).

Fun fact:

During summer time, the Reykjavik Pond (located in central Reykjavik pond is a place for locals to bring their families and feed the birds and swans.

However, it usually freezes over during February, and when it does so - it turns into something completely different. It becomes th perfect ice skating rink...or the for romantic walks in the cold.

Just look at this beautiful picture of the pond!

NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND IN FEBRUARY

Here is a little Northern Lights motivation before reading any further…

If you were wondering if it's possible to see the Northern Lights in February then I can tell you. Absolutely!

In fact, thanks to the early sunset, February is one of the best months for a northern lights adventure!

Often I also get asked if it's possible to see the northern lights in Reykjavik in February. That's also a yes. However, due to the light pollution, it’s very uncommon. Your best chances of really seeing them in all their glory is to get out of the city, away from the light pollution.

For that you’ll have two options:

Book a Northern Lights tour (recommended)

Rent a car & try to find them on your own

To save you some time on searching for Northern Lights tours, this on here is without a doubt the best one (great value and affordable compared to others)

This blog post here will also really come in handy if you’re planning on going on a self-drive northern lights hunt!

Aside from ice skating and looking at the northern lights, what is there to do in Iceland in February?

TOP THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY 2022

THE ABSOLUTE BEST TOURS AND ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN ICELAND

Now, since you’re on your way to the incredible island of Iceland - why not create some truly unforgettable memories?

I never recommend tours that I haven't tried myself so that the ones I recommend are truly awesome.

You also get tours that have great value for what they cost.

These are tours that either take place in downtown Reykjavik or tours that offer convenient pick up and drop off from all (or most) hotels in the central Reykjavik area. That way – you’re free from the hassle of renting a car and the stress of driving and trying to navigate your way to the meeting location.

1. THE REYKJAVIK FOOD WALK

This is the single best thing to do in Reykjavik

Both in my opinion, but also according to the 4300+ travellers on Trip Advisor.

Seriously, if you only have time to do one thing in Reykjavik - do this one (trust me)!

The delicious Reykjavik Food Tour takes you on a 3 hour stroll through central Reykjavik, a great way to get to know our fair city, our culture and cuisine, through an awesome local guide. You’ll also learn some useful tips and enjoyable stories about the city while visiting the best local restaurants and hidden gems to enjoy some of the very best Icelandic food available.

You will taste the very best home-made Icelandic ice cream I have ever tasted in my life, home-made lamb soup, the catch of the day, our famous Icelandic hot dog and much more!

Personally, I think the Reykjavik Food tour is one of the single best ways to explore and get to know Reykjavik first hand.

Cost:

• $ 120 USD approximately for adults
• $ 80 USD approximately for children (4-12)
• Here you can find more information or to secure your ticket!

Duration:

Approximately 3 hours

Reviews:

The Reykjavik Food Walk is currently rated the #1 Food Tour in the world Trip Advisor with over 4,300+ 5 star reviews. (read the reviews).

Pro tip:

If possible, try to fit this tour in the beginning of your trip (preferably the first day) since you’ll really get to know the Reykjavik area in this tour.

You can find more information and/or secure your spot on the Reykjavik Food Walk here.

2. EXPLORE WATERFALLS & HIKE ON A GLACIER

Again.. Since you’ve made your way all the way to Iceland, why not explore the majestic Solheimajökull glacier?

It truly is an awesome experience!

This is a perfect activity for travellers that want to do something different, see some incredible sights and create wonderful, exciting memories!

You can find more information and/or secure your spot on a glacier hike & waterfall tour here.

3. GO SNOWMOBILING ON A GLACIER!

This is the perfect activity for all you adventure/thrill seekers!

Instead of hiking on a glacier – you’ll be travelling high speed on a powerful snowmobile!

P.S. bring your GoPro if you have one! Most of the helmets have mounts where you can attach your GoPro to capture some awesome footage to show your friends back home. (It’s a great way to make friends and family members jealous of your super cool trip to Iceland.)

Just kidding.. but not really – bring a camera if you have one!

Pros:

• A lot of fun
• Great way to explore the Icelandic glaciers
• Cool scenery that you’ll see on your way driving to the glacier

Cons:

• 7 hours duration (The glacier is located approx. 1.5 hours from Reykjavik. So it will take a while to get there.)
• Pricey (This is one of the most expensive tours that I recommend on this list. But in my honest opinion, it’s still worth it.

Find our best Snowmobile tour here!

4. EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF THE SOUTH COAST

I cannot say too many great things about this wonderful tour.

It’s one of the best ‘see it all / do it all’ tour if you want to explore as much as possible in one day.

You’ll visit my two favourite waterfalls in Iceland (Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss.) Not only that, but you’ll also explore the absolutely stunning black sand beach – it really is something else!

You can check out and secure your spots on my most recommend south coast tour here!

5. GOLDEN CIRCLE

If you’re been doing your research on things to do in Iceland, then chances are you’ve seen the name ‘Golden Circle’ pop up.

It’s a driving tour outside of Reykjavik that combines the three fantastic, classic sightseeing spots:

• Gullfoss waterfall
• Geysir
• Þingvellir national park

It’s a full day activity of sightseeing and fun.

You can check out my favorite Golden Circle tour here. Not only do you get these three spots but you also get to see a volcanic crater, a very cool tomato farm and more!

6. VISIT NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

This is as awesome as it sounds.

One of my favorite things to do in Iceland is to gather my closest friends and embark on a natural hot spring journey. It's extra nice during winter time since there's nothing that beats relaxing in a warm hot spring in the cold winter air.

You can check out my natural hot spring guide here.

8. EXPLORE REYKJAVIK

Reykjavik gets dark during winter time but the snow in February really brightens the city up.

I would definitely take an evening to explore the wonderful area of downtown Reykjavik. It’s a small area – filled with art, churches, cute coffee shops and great restaurants and bars.

Also you might not know!

Iceland is super safe. We have one of the lowest crime rates in the world and there aren’t any ‘bad neighborhoods´ or areas’ to avoid.

9. GO ON A NORTHERN LIGHTS ADVENTURE

The photo above says it all.

I definitely think it’s a must to attempt to see the magical northern lights if you’re visiting Iceland during the winter time.

The northern lights tour that I recommend is great for a few reasons:

• You won’t need to rent a car
• It’s a small group experience
• You get hot chocolate and biscuits on the tour (yummy)
• You can get a refund or reschedule if you don’t see the lights
• The tour has weather experts that monitor the best spots for each particular night with the highest chance of seeing the lights

You can check out my favorite northern lights tour here.

THANK YOU!

If you’re made it this far, then you’ve read my entire guide to visiting Iceland in Februar

Vúhú! Til hamingju (Wohoo, congratulations!)

I really hope you’ve enjoyed it and that it comes in handy!

Please feel free to drop me a comment below if you have any questions.

It would also mean the absolute world to me if you’d share this on your social media or with your travel buddies :)

Safe travels friends!

Your local Reykjavik guide,

Egill :)