How Cold is Iceland in March…really?

Are you wondering how cold Iceland is in March? 

Then you’re in the right place! 

In this article, I’ll go over 

• The weather 

• What to wear 

• Give you some tips 

So let’s get to it! 

Quick overview 

Here’s a quick overview.  

• Average temperature: Around -2°C to +3°C (28–37°F) 

• Wind: Still strong, it can make mild temps feel below freezing 

• Snow: Common across the country, especially in the north 

• Rain: Can occur in the south, less so in the north. 

• Daylight: From about 10 hours early in the month to 13+ hours by the end 

• What to wear: Thermals, fleece or wool mid-layer, thick winter coat, and good hiking boots 

• Need gear? You can rent outdoor clothes in Reykjavík with IcelandCover and travel light. 

Weather in Iceland in March 

The weather in March can be all over the place.  

We’re coming out of winter…kind of. 

So you can expect very cold winter days but also, temperate and cozy spring days. 

It’s very hard to say how March will be since it can vary so greatly. 

Which is why it’s important to be prepared for the worst.  

Temperature 

Most days range between -2°C and +3°C (28–37°F).  

Reykjavik sits a little warmer than the north, which can easily drop below freezing at night. 

Wind 

Iceland is windy in March.  

A 3°C day can feel closer to -3°C when the gusts hit.  

This is what makes Iceland cold. It’s the low temperature combined with the wind. 

And then it’s raining as well! Hurray! 

Snow 

Snowfall is still common, especially in northern and inland areas.  

Reykjavik averages about 20 cm of snow this month, while Akureyri often gets even more. 

Icelanders like to go skiing this month so that gives you an idea of what type of weather you can expect. 

Rain 

The south will see more rain than snow most likely. 

But you never know! 

A classic day might look something like this,  

Sun, sleet, rain, cloudy, snowing, and repeat! That’s very normal.

Daylight 

We’re finally getting some sun! The days are getting longer and we’ll get around 10 hours of light at the start of the month and more than 13 hours by the end. 

Storms 

You should still expect a few weather warnings in March. 

A yellow warning or two are very normal. 

Always check vedur.is, road.is and safetravel.is before hitting the road. 

What to Wear in Iceland in March 

As I mentioned March is hard to predict so I recommend that you prepare for a cold winter month.  

Base Layer

Thermal underwear is king for sure.  

I recommend it for all months of the year.  

I love merino wool, but synthetic material is just fine of course! 

Good socks are also important. 

Mid Layer 

There are plenty of mid layers to choose from. 

I like fleece sweaters and pants. 

Wool sweater, hiking sweater, thin down jacket are good options as well.  

As long as it keeps you warm and breathes well. 

Outer Layer 

For March, you can still wear the winter parka. 

I know I’ll still be wearing mine!  

But you can also wear a few mid layers and a shell on top.  

Or a puffer + shell combo. 

Shell pants that can handle the wind and rain are also important. 

Hiking boots are also mandatory since you’ll be experiencing so many different climates.  

Accessories 

• Hat and gloves (windproof if possible) 

• neck gaiter for cold gusts 

• Hand warmers for Northern Lights nights 

• Crampons for slippery paths 

Iceland in March Travel Tips 

Driving 

Roads may still be icy. If you rent a car, get one with winter tires or 4×4 drive. Check road.is before leaving the city. 

Northern Lights 

March is usually the last good month to see them before summer light returns. Clear nights in the countryside give you the best chance. 

Activities 

Ice caves, glacier hikes, and hot springs are still open. The extra daylight means you can fit more into each day. 

Check out these tours!  

Storm Prep 

Always keep an eye out for the weather warnings. Plan your trip with some flexibility, you might have to stay put.

Rent Outdoor Clothing in Iceland 

If you don’t own the clothing you need, or don’t want to buy it for a single trip.  

Then renting the clohtes that you need is a great option to get quality items and save some money!  

At IcelandCover, you can: 

• 🧥 Rent waterproof & windproof coats (shells and parkas) 

• 👖 Hire outdoor pants  

• 🥾 Get hiking boots 

• 🧤 Add gloves, hats, and scarves 

Why rent? 

 ✅ Save space in your suitcase 

 ✅ Save money on expensive winter gear 

 ✅ Stay warm and dry with Iceland-tested clothing 

 ✅ Pick up or return easily in Reykjavík 

And that’s it! 

I hope you have a better understanding of how cold Iceland can be in March and how you can prepare for it. 

FAQ – How Cold is Iceland in March? 

Q: What’s the average temperature in March? 

 A: Around -2°C to +3°C (28–37°F). It’s cold but manageable with proper layers. 

Q: Does it snow in Iceland in March? 

 A: Yes. Snow is still common, especially in the north, though you’ll get a mix of snow and rain around Reykjavik. 

Q: Is March very windy? 

 A: Yes, the wind is one of the main reasons it feels colder than it looks on paper. 

Q: What should I pack? 

 A: Thermals, fleece or wool layers, waterproof outerwear, insulated boots, and warm accessories. 

Q: Can I rent clothes in Iceland? 

 A: Absolutely. IcelandCover offers outdoor clothing rental in Reykjavik, everything from coats and boots to gloves and pants.