Iceland Winter Travel Guide 2025: Northern Lights, Tours & Local Secrets
If you’re reading this, it means that you are thinking of visiting Iceland during winter and looking for some great local tips!
Well, you’re in the right place.
I’m Dan, a born-and-raised Icelander and the founder of Wake Up Reykjavik where our mission is simple:
'To make sure everyone who visits Iceland has the best experience possible!'
Now to simplify and organize, we’ll be breaking this video into a few parts:
- How Crazy Is The Weather in Iceland during Winter?
- What’s the Best Winter Month to Visit Iceland (pro’s & con’s between months)
- Best Winter Tours
- Where to stay in Iceland? (Accommodation tips)
- Fast & Practical Travel Tips
How Crazy Does The Weather in Iceland get during Winter?
When you think of Iceland in winter, you might picture something like this:
Well, sometimes - but not always!
Here’s a quick look at the average temperatures during some of our winter months:
- September: 48°F
- December: 32°F
- January: 30°F
- March: 34°F
Surprisingly, it’s warmer than most travelers expect!
What makes it feel colder, though, is our famously chilly wind—it has a way of cutting right through you.
We usually get our first snowfall in December, which is always magical.
However, January and February are known as our "bad weather" months. If we’re going to have heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, it’s most likely during this time. That said, it can vary—last January was quite mild, but the year before brought plenty of snow.
Regardless of when you visit, as long as you dress warmly, you’ll be ready to enjoy Iceland to the fullest!
What’s the Best Winter Month to Visit Iceland? (Pros & Cons by Month)
You’re probably wondering, “Dan, do you have a favorite winter month in Iceland?” The answer is: absolutely!
My top picks are September, December, and late March/early April.
Here’s why:
September and Late March/Early April have a lot in common:
- Milder Weather: It’s not as bitterly cold as January, making outdoor adventures much more enjoyable.
- Fewer Crowds: The summer tourists are gone, allowing you to enjoy Iceland’s beauty in a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
- Better Prices: Flights and hotels are generally more affordable compared to peak seasons.
- Northern Lights: With longer nights and less chance of snowstorms, these months are prime time for aurora spotting.
I’m also a big fan of December, and here’s why:
- First Snowfall: December often brings the first proper snowfall of the winter season, turning Iceland into a winter wonderland.
- Christmas Spirit: Downtown Reykjavík lights up with Christmas decorations, and the holiday vibes are everywhere.
- Festive Activities: The Christmas skating rink opens on December 1st, and everyone’s in a great holiday mood.
- New Year’s Eve: Iceland goes all out for NYE with fireworks like you’ve never seen before. Plus, we host the Wake Up Reykjavík New Year’s Eve Party, which is always a blast!
But What About Other Winter Months?
While September, December, and late March/early April are my personal favorites, the other winter months—October, November, January, and February—can still be amazing. However, they come with some considerations:
- January & February: These months are known for lots of snow. While this can be romantic and cozy, it also means higher chances of tour cancellations or flight delays.
- Travel Tip: If you’re visiting during mid-winter, I recommend staying at least 5-6 days. That way, if a snowstorm disrupts your plans, you’ll have time to reschedule tours or activities. A short 3-day trip in January might leave you disappointed if bad weather strikes.
No matter when you visit, Iceland is incredible year-round. But knowing what to expect each month can help you plan the perfect trip.
5 Must-Do Winter Tours in Iceland
Winter in Iceland isn’t just about the cold; it’s about embracing the magic! Here are my top recommendations for winter tours that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Reykjavik Food Walk – The Perfect First-Day Activity
Kick off your Iceland adventure with the Reykjavik Food Walk. This tour is a delicious way to explore Reykjavík’s vibrant food scene while learning about local culture and history from expert local guides. You’ll visit the city’s best hidden gems, sample traditional Icelandic dishes, and warm up with some truly delicious cusiines. Bonus: it’s a fantastic way to orient yourself in the city!
2. Small Group Northern Lights Tour – Chasing the Aurora
The Northern Lights are on everyone’s Iceland bucket list, and for good reason! This season’s aurora forecast promises fantastic sightings, and this small group tour gives you the best chance to catch the lights.
Pro Tip: Book this tour early in your trip. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can reschedule and keep trying until you see those magical lights.
3. Golden Circle, Friðheimar & Secret Lagoon – Sightseeing Meets Relaxation
This tour is a triple treat:
- You’ll explore the sights of the Golden Circle: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss.
- You’ll visit Friðheimar which is a beautiful family run Tomato Farm for lunch
- And last but not least, the Secret Lagoon - or gamla laugin: You’ll End the day soaking in Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, surrounded by geothermal steam. Fun fact: many Icelanders learned to swim here back in the day!
You can find all the details about this tour here.
4. Glacier Snowmobile Tour
For adventure lovers, a snowmobile tour is a must. There are many different snowmobile tours to choose from: It’s possible to go for a snowmobile-only tour or one that combines snowmobiling with a visit to an ice cave, hot spring or sightseeing.
5. 2-Day South Coast, Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave Tour – The Ultimate Experience
Last but not least, one of our newest experiences offered at Wake Up Reykjavik which is the 2-Day South Coast, Glacier lagoon and Ice Cave tour. This one has it all.
You’ll explore all of the highlights sightseeing spot of the South Coast - my favorite area in Iceland. (B-Roll of Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Black Sand Beach). Including the Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon - or as we call it; 'Jökulsárslón'. Try saying that fast.
The highlight of this tour is without a doubt the visit to the incredible Ice Caves.
This experience includes an overnight stay at a charming hotel in the South Coast of Iceland with breakfest included. How awesome is that?
These tours showcase the very best of Iceland’s winter wonderland, from delicious food and northern lights to glacier adventures and geothermal relaxation.
Where to Stay in Iceland
When it comes to choosing accommodation in Iceland, I always recommend aiming for a centrally located hotel or Airbnb. Staying in the heart of Reykjavík not only saves you transit time but also cuts down on transportation costs for getting to and from the city.
Pro Tip: To check if a hotel is truly central, search for it on Google Maps and measure the walking distance from landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall or Hallgrímskirkja (the iconic big church). Both are excellent reference points for Reykjavík's downtown area.
In my previous blogs, I’ve avoided naming specific hotels. Why? Because hotel prices in Iceland, like elsewhere, can vary wildly based on availability. A hotel I love might be affordable now but could skyrocket in price when you book, leaving you feeling overcharged.
That said, I’m constantly asked, “What hotel should I book?” So, while keeping price changes in mind, here are a few recommendations based on personal experience and feedback from travelers.
Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with these hotels, they don’t know I’m recommending them, and I’m not being paid—these are purely my honest opinions.
Room with a View
This was a pleasant surprise when I stayed here. The room I had lived up to its name, offering a very cool view of the city. It was spacious, had a touch of luxury, and was reasonably priced at around $140 USD per night. Plus, you can’t get more central than this—it’s right in the heart of Reykjavík.
The Reykjavik EDITION by Marriott
This hotel had a lot of hype, and my expectations were high. The good: the hotel itself is stunning, with a sleek lounge area, a secret cocktail bar, a rooftop lounge, a spa, and a great restaurant. Everything outside the room felt top-notch.
However, the room itself was small and very basic. For the price I paid, I left feeling a bit underwhelmed. That said, they do have larger, more premium rooms available, but I can only imagine how much those would cost!
These are the only two hotels I’ve personally stayed at in downtown Reykjavík. Since I live in Iceland, staying in hotels isn’t something I do often.
However, I’ve been in the travel business for over a decade, helping thousands of travelers plan their trips to Iceland. Along the way, I’ve received plenty of feedback and recommendations about hotels from others.
Here are some hotels I haven’t stayed at myself but have consistently heard great things about:
- Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel
- Canopy by Hilton
- Alda Hotel
- Iceland Parliament Hotel
- Center Hotels Arnarhvoll
- Hotel Reykjavík Saga
When searching for accommodations on Booking.com, I’d suggest checking these hotels to compare prices and availability for your travel dates. They’ve received solid reviews and might be a great fit for your trip!
Quick & Practical Tips (Winter edition)
In this section, I’ll share some rapid-fire tips for visiting Iceland; quick, practical advice that doesn’t need a whole chapter in this blog.
1) Language & Payment: Almost everyone in Iceland speaks English fluently, and you can use cards everywhere. Icelandic and cash are optional but not necessary.
2) Airport Location: When you land in Iceland, you’ll arrive at Keflavík International Airport, not Reykjavík (the capital).
3) Travel Time to Reykjavík: Expect it to take around two hours to get from the airport to your hotel in Reykjavík—one hour to get through the airport and another hour to drive.
4) Parking in Reykjavík: If you’re renting a car, skip the confusing parking machines and download the EasyPark app. It’s much simpler to use.
- Parking Zones: Reykjavík uses a numbered parking system: P1, P2, and P3.
- P1 is the most expensive and not ideal for long-term parking.
- P3 is the cheapest and your best bet for budget-friendly parking.
5) Parking Garages: I recommend parking garages over street parking. There’s a great centrally located garage called Traðarkot, priced similarly to P3.
6) Free Parking Tip: For free parking in downtown Reykjavík, search for Rastargata on Google Maps. There’s a free parking lot there!
7) Rent Winter Gear: Missing a warm parka or sturdy hiking boots? Instead of buying them just for your trip, save money by renting from Iceland Cover. They have everything you’ll need.
8) No Uber or Lyft: Iceland doesn’t have ride-sharing apps, but we do have taxis. Hreyfill is the largest taxi company, and you can reach them at +354 588 5522.
9) Highest quality tours and experiences: Is something you’ll find at Wake Up Reykjavik. Best rated small group adventures! And If you have any questions related to Iceland, you can always shoot ME an email and I’d be more than happy to help out!