February is January with a little more hope. The days are noticeably longer — gaining almost an hour of light per week — though February is still a stormy winter month, so check vedur.is. Ice caves are still open, northern lights still dance, and the landscape is still draped in snow. It's the sweet spot of Icelandic winter: cold enough for the magic, bright enough to enjoy it.
Weather & Conditions
Daylight
Highlights
- Ice caves still open and spectacular
- Northern lights season continues with long dark evenings
- Daylight increasing rapidly — more time for sightseeing
- Winter festivals in Reykjavík (Winter Lights Festival; Food & Fun in late February or March)
- Usually still low-season pricing, with fewer crowds than March
Warnings
Roads remain icy — 4x4 recommended; Winter tyres usual 1 Nov–14 Apr (3 mm tread; studs allowed) — confirm with your rental company
Highland roads still closed
Weather can still shut down roads at short notice
Shorter days than shoulder/summer — plan driving distances carefully
What You Can See
- Northern lights: Excellent. Nights are still long enough for strong displays.
- Midnight sun: No.
- Puffins: No — still at sea.
- Whales: Some operators running. Humpback sightings possible.
- Wildlife: Arctic foxes, Icelandic horses, often in snow. Seals sometimes seen on the south coast.
- Landscape: Snow-covered waterfalls, icebergs and dramatic winter light. Jökulsárlón is particularly stunning — don't step onto the floating ice (see safetravel.is).
What's Open & Closed
AvailableCheck first— possible, not guaranteedClosed
- Highland roadsClosed
Closed.
- Ice cavesAvailable
Guided tours run — the season usually lasts through March, weather permitting. Check with the operator.
- WestfjordsCheck first
Road conditions variable. Check daily.
- CampgroundsClosed
Mostly closed.
- Swimming poolsAvailable
Almost all are open.
- OtherCheck first
Golden Circle and South Coast attractions generally accessible; roads can close in storms.
Recommended Routes
What to Pack
Full winter gear — same as January. The extra daylight is welcome but the cold hasn't gone anywhere. Merino layers, wind- and waterproof shell, microspikes, headlamp (see safetravel.is for clothing advice).
6 Days in Iceland in February
- Day 1
Arrive → Blue Lagoon → Reykjavík. Winter Lights Festival if timing aligns.
- Day 2
Golden Circle full day. Extra daylight lets you add Kerið crater or Secret Lagoon.
- Day 3
Drive South Coast — Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara. Overnight Vík.
- Day 4
Drive to Jökulsárlón → ice cave tour → Diamond Beach. Overnight Höfn or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
- Day 5
Drive back west towards Reykjavík — a long winter drive, so check road.is and safetravel.is before setting off. Snæfellsnes (Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur) needs a separate day.
- Day 6
Reykjavík — whale watching, Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, Laugavegur shopping. Depart.
Budget Snapshot
Crowds & Pricing
Usually still low season, with great prices. Ice cave tours and popular hotels can book up — book ice cave tours in advance with the operator.
February is when Iceland starts to turn a corner. You still get the northern lights and the ice caves — the two crown jewels of winter — but the extra daylight changes everything. By late February, you have over 9 hours of light, which means you can actually do a proper South Coast drive without racing the sunset.
The Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík (usually early February) transforms the city with light installations, museum nights, and pool parties that last well into the evening. It's a celebration of the returning light after months of darkness, and the city's energy is palpable.
Ice cave season usually runs through March, depending on the weather, but warm, rainy spells can make caves unsafe at any point. If ice caves are the reason for your trip, book a guided tour and check conditions with the operator.
The photography in February is extraordinary. The sun stays low all day, so you get golden-hour quality light from sunrise to sunset. Kirkjufell with snow on it, backlit by a low February sun, is one of the most photographed scenes in Iceland for good reason.
Frequently asked questions
Is February too cold to visit Iceland?
February is cold (around -2°C to 3°C) but very manageable with proper layers. It's actually one of the best winter months because you get significantly more daylight than December or January while still having ice caves and northern lights.
Are ice caves open in February?
Yes — February is one of the best months for ice caves. The season usually runs through March, but conditions depend on the weather and warm, rainy spells can make caves unsafe at any time. Go only with a qualified glacier guide and check with the operator.