How cold is Iceland in February…really?

Are you coming to Iceland in February? If so, then you’re in the right place!

In this article, we’ll go over what whether to expect the temperature and how to prepare for it. 

No fluff or anything like that, just straight to the point. 

So let’s get to it! 

TL;DR 

Here’s a quick TLDR For those that just want the gist 

• Average February temps: about -2°C to +3°C (28–37°F), but it often feels colder because of wind and humidity. 

• Weather mix: snow, sleet, rain, and the occasional blizzard; storms do happen. 

• Daylight: roughly 7 hours at the start of February, climbing to ~10 hours by month’s end. 

• What to wear: thermal base layer + warm mid layer (fleece/wool) + Winter parka, plus hiking boots, hat, and gloves. 

• Don’t want to buy/pack it all? Use outdoor clothing rental in Iceland (e.g., IcelandCover in Reykjavík) to rent coats, pants, and boots and travel light. 

Iceland in February weather 

We’re still in deep winter in February and you can expect it to be quite cold. 

The daytime highs are around 0 to 3°C. (32 to 37°F) 

The evenings will get even colder, and the temperature will fall well below 0 

And this is, of course, without factoring in the wind chill. 

We’ve made a list of how cold Iceland is every month, check it out!

The wind 

Now the wind is ever present in Iceland. 

You can expect a fair amount of wind…all the time.  

7-10mps are quite common, but we’ll have plenty of days where the days are calm. 

Storms are quite frequent and you can expect one or two yellow warnings during February. 

There’s also a chance of orange and red warnings those are more serious but less frequent 

During a yellow warning, you can expect around 15 meters per second to be normal, while wind gusts can go all the way up to 20- 25 meters per second. 

This in and of itself is not cause for cancellation and it’s just normal way of life in Iceland. It isn’t until. an orange or red warning that you have to start thinking if you should stay put for the day 

Rain 

Even though February is one of the coldest months of the year you can still expect a little bit of rain because the average temperature doesn’t drop below 0. 

So with rain and wind chill even though the temperature says 0 or maybe even 4°C it means that it’ll feel a lot colder than that 

And it’s something a lot of people aren’t prepared for.  

Daylight 

February is still a very dark month.  

even though the days are getting longer you can expect around 7 hours of daylight in the beginning of the month and 10 hours by the end of the month. 

The good news is, is you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to see the Northern Lights. 

What to wear in Iceland in February 

Now it’s super important that you’re well equipped for the weather in Iceland in February. 

And that’s where good layers and quality outdoor clothing are crucial. 

Think layers. That’s the whole strategy. 

Base layers (next to skin) 

• Thermals (top & bottom) in merino wool or technical synthetic. 

• Wool socks (bring extras). 

• Avoid cotton, it traps moisture and chills you. 

Mid layers (insulation) 

• Fleece or wool sweater. 

• Or a light down/synthetic puffy if you run cold or will stand still (e.g., aurora viewing). 

• For legs, consider fleece-lined leggings or thermal tights under pants on colder/windier days. 

Outer layers (weather protection) 

• Waterproof, windproof jacket (a shell or winter parka) with a hood. 

• Water-resistant outdoor pants (shell or insulated, depending on your plans). 

• Breathability matters, wet from sweat is almost as bad as wet from rain. 

Accessories (small things, big difference) 

• Hiking boots with good grip (icy streets/paths). 

• Warm beanie, gloves/mittens (water-resistant), and a neck gaiter/buff. 

• Hand/foot warmers if you’re prone to cold. 

• Microspikes/ice cleats can be useful for slippery sidewalks and waterfalls. 

For more information on other months check out this article

Iceland in February travel tips 

Always check conditions on 

• Vedur.is 

• Road.is 

• Safetravel.is 

Drive safely. Don’t let other push you into speeds you’re not comfortable with 

Make sure to have some wiggle room for a weather warning. 

Outdoor clothing rental Iceland 

If you’re visiting for a week or a few days, buying heavy-duty gear can be pricey, and hauling it on flights is a headache.  

So why not rent it! 

We at IcelandCover rent all the outdoor clothes you need to stay warm in Iceland 

• Winter parka 

• Outdoor pants 

• Hiking boots 

• Gloves, hats, and other accessories 

Benefits: 

• Travel light: Free up luggage space. 

• Save money: Don’t buy gear you’ll rarely use. 

• Get Iceland-ready: Items chosen for local conditions. 

• Convenience: Easy pickup/return in Reykjavík. 

I hope you have a better understanding of how cold Iceland is in February and how you can be prepared for it. 

FAQ – How cold is Iceland in February really? 

How cold does Iceland get in February? 

 Typical daily range is -2°C to +3°C (28–37°F), but wind chill can make it feel well below freezing. 

Does it snow in February? 

 Yes. Snow is common, especially outside coastal south/west areas. Expect icy sidewalks and slick roads. 

How many daylight hours are there? 

 About 7 hours at the start of the month, climbing to ~10 hours by the end. 

Can you see the Northern Lights in February? 

 Absolutely, excellent odds if skies are clear. Long nights + increasing stability later in the month help. 

What should I wear? 

 Thermal base, warm mid (fleece/wool), waterproof & windproof shell/parka, insulated boots, plus hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter. Pack microspikes if you’re nervous about ice. 

Can I rent winter clothes instead of packing them? 

Yes, we at IcelandCover outdoor clothing rental offer coats, boots, pants, and accessories so you can arrive light and stay warm.