Iceland · February
Low seasonIceland · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 4° (39°)-2– (28–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 9° (48°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)8– (46–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)11– (52–)19 (66) | 13° (55°)10– (50–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)13 (55) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)11 (52) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)9 (48) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)8 (46) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-8– (18–)4 (39) | 0° (32°)-7– (19–)5 (41) | 0° (32°)-7– (19–)5 (41) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)7 (45) | 4° (39°)0– (32–)8 (46) | 8° (46°)4– (39–)10 (50) | 9° (48°)6– (43–)11 (52) | 9° (48°)5– (41–)11 (52) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-5– (23–)6 (43) | -1° (30°)-8– (18–)5 (41) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 0 | 3h UV 1 | 5h UV 3 | 7h UV 4 | 9h UV 5 | 8h UV 5 | 8h UV 5 | 7h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 | 4h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 6° (43°) | 8° (46°) | 10° (50°) | 12° (54°) | 12° (54°) | 11° (52°) | 9° (48°) | 7° (45°) | 6° (43°) |
🌧Rain Days | 14d106mm (4.2") | 12d91mm (3.6") | 12d91mm (3.6") | 10d79mm (3.1") | 10d70mm (2.8") | 7d52mm (2.1") | 8d57mm (2.2") | 9d80mm (3.1") | 14d124mm (4.9") | 14d120mm (4.7") | 12d98mm (3.8") | 13d100mm (3.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
February is the coldest winter month in Iceland — with highs of only 4°C (39°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 4°C (39°F) during the day and drop to 0°C (32°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 8°C (46°F), the coldest nights around -7°C (19°F) — frost does occur. With 3 sunshine hours per day and 12 rain days (91 mm (3.6 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 5°C (41°F), the water is still quite cool in February — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Darkness as the main event: barely 3°C (37°F), under four hours of daylight in December, and the strongest northern-lights season. The Ring Road usually stays passable while the highlands are closed. Reykjavík lives on swimming pools, wool and lit windows.
Packing list for Iceland in February
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is February a good time to visit Iceland?
- No — February is not among the recommended months for Iceland (Score: 18/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Iceland in February?
- In February, Iceland sees daily highs of 4°C (39°F). Nights cool to 0°C (32°F), with a daily average of 2°C (36°F). Peaks reach around 8°C (46°F), the coldest nights around -7°C (19°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Iceland in February?
- In February, Iceland receives an average of 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain over 12 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Iceland get in February?
- Iceland averages 3 sunshine hours per day in February — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Iceland in February?
- Water temperature in Iceland in February averages 5°C (41°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.