Driving in Iceland in Winter

Reasons to drive in Iceland in winter

The country looks extraordinarily beautiful 

Iceland’s landscapes are striking no matter when you come. This isn’t a place where you need blue skies for a view to be remarkable, which is just as well given the country’s reputation for changeable conditions – four seasons in one day, anyone? In fact, some would even say that the beauty of its lava fields, fjords, and black sand beaches benefits from the drama injected by a moody sky.

In winter, if you find yourself here when it’s cold, you’ll often encounter a thick layer of frost, ice, or snow, which only serves to accentuate the charcoal greys, browns, moss green,s and glacial blues of the countryside. Having your own rental car means that you can access panoramic views at your own pace, lingering for a while if you find one you particularly love or, especially, if the sun makes an appearance. 

The opportunity to see the Northern Lights

Iceland doesn’t only put on a show by day: inky black skies after nightfall become the blank canvas for the multi-colored displays of the Aurora Borealis. They appear, sometimes fleetingly, other times for hours at a time, from late August to April. But in winter, when the nights are long, you have many hours of potential sightings.

To see the Northern Lights, you need a bit of luck, as several factors need to line up in order for the aurora to be visible. Firstly, it needs to be dark, but you must also find clear skies, as clouds will obscure the Northern Lights too. This is where planning an Icelandic road trip can be a great idea, as you’ll have the flexibility to drive to any north-facing dark spot that takes your fancy as you wait for the aurora to show up. 

The ability to venture off the beaten track

Similarly, it’s this flexibility that opens up Iceland’s hidden gems by day as well. While there are plenty of sightseeing tours on offer, many of them follow the same well-trodden routes. Sometimes, it can be more satisfying to find a spot that others haven’t found - at least they haven’t at the time you are there.

While the country’s F-roads don’t enjoy winter service – they are mountain roads, after all – there are plenty of rural roads that do remain open throughout the year. Some of these are found within just an hour or two’s drive of Reykjavik. You really don’t have to drive far at all to find yourself off the beaten track. Rent a car and point it in whichever direction you like - it’s up to you.

The chance to feel off the beaten track at major sights

Winter is the best season to feel like you’ve ventured off the beaten track even when you haven’t. Far fewer visitors come to Iceland at this time of year, and a fraction of them hire a car. This means it’s really not hard to avoid the crowds, even if you’re keen to spend time at some of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations.

For instance, you might take a drive along the scenic south coast as far as the black sand Reynisfjara beach at Vik, where the basalt columns look even more incredible than ever when contrasted against a snowfall. Alternatively, you might continue east to Diamond Beach, where the soft light of a winter sunrise or sunset illuminates the icebergs that litter the beach.

What to expect when taking a road trip in winter in Iceland

The days can be relatively short, particularly in December and January 

One thing you just can’t escape in winter in Iceland is the scarcity of daylight. That said, even in December you can do a lot with the five hours of sightseeing time you’ll find yourself with, especially if you’re comfortable with driving in the dark at either end of the day. 

The days lengthen relatively quickly, too, so there’s a big difference within a couple of months – late February is a very different beast. Plan your itinerary so that you organize your sightseeing around the daylight. There’s no reason, for example, why you shouldn’t visit a hot spring or geothermal spa after dark – you might even get to see the Northern Lights while you’re in the water. 

If you're planning a trip during the colder months, it's important to understand the unique challenges and rewards of driving in Iceland in February, when road conditions and daylight hours start to change significantly

Weather conditions can be unpredictable 

Probably the best advice we can give you is to expect the unexpected. It’s an Icelandic cliché, yet absolutely true. At any time of year, the weather can be unpredictable, but if a fierce storm blows in, winter in Iceland can be an experience in itself. While this shouldn’t put you off planning a winter road trip, don’t underestimate how challenging conditions can get, and always heed local advice.

Main roads are cleared promptly, however. Snow plows and gritting lorries mean that the presence of snow and ice on major routes doesn’t cause problems for motorists for long. As you venture further out into the countryside, conditions might be a bit more challenging at times. Wind, too, can cause issues, particularly on exposed routes.

Preparation is vital

Fortunately, it’s straightforward to check what the weather is like and also whether the route you plan to take is easily driveable. The Icelandic road administration updates their map of road conditions on a regular basis and for major routes, this happens very frequently. Some places also feature webcams, meaning you can even take a look at the road itself before setting out. Try not to pack too much into your itinerary in case you have to hole up somewhere for a day or two while you wait for the weather and roads to improve.

Good preparation is an essential part of staying safe. Many travelers feel more confident driving in a 4x4 because of the extra traction, though it’s not essential if you’re planning to stick to main roads. Your rental vehicle will be fitted with winter tires.

You can do other things when getting ready for a winter self-drive trip in Iceland. These include but aren’t limited to ensuring you have plenty of fuel for the vehicle, keeping a supply of snacks and drinks in the car, making sure you have suitable clothing for when you will be outside, and informing someone – perhaps your accommodation provider or the Icelandic authorities – of your expected itinerary. 

Driving in Iceland in winter can be an absolute pleasure, so long as you’ve done your homework and taken sensible precautions. Why not lock in your rental car today and find out for yourself just how good it can be?