Is Iceland Cold in Winter? How Cold is Iceland’s Weather REALLY?

Answering the question “Is Iceland cold?” seems like it would be a ridiculous answer to an even more ridiculous question…but hear me out!

I just recently returned from a trip to Iceland over New Years, and I was pretty much freaking out before I went…simply because I didn’t know how cold it was going to be.

Like…it’s Iceland, right? It’s freezing? It’s ICEland? 

And not for nothing, it’s Iceland in winter, so…?? Pretty cold, right? 

I just didn’t know what to expect. 

Thankfully, I recognized pretty quickly after I got to Iceland that while it is cold in Iceland in winter, it’s not as cold as you might think. 

And, I found out that so many people are worried about this (thanks to the Tiktok I posted), that I figured I’d write a blog post on it just to put your mind at ease.

Here’s what I’d say about whether or not Iceland is REALLY that cold: 

Like most answers to questions about travel, I am going with no, but also…a little bit of yes.

Yes, Iceland can be cold. But, no…it isn’t THAT cold. It’s not as cold as you’re thinking.

I scoured Facebook posts in Iceland travel groups before I traveled to Reykjavik, and I found many people who explained it like this: 

–  “I am from Michigan, and it wasn’t anywhere near as cold.”

– “I’m from Canada…we are used to crazy bitter winters, and it wasn’t that cold.”

– “I am from [fill in the blank], and it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.”

And I can confirm now, having been during winter myself, that those sentiments are true.

If you’re used to a ton of ice, wind, and snow in Michigan or the Midwest during winter. If you’re used to bundling up and wearing layers and keeping warm…Iceland won’t feel much colder.

By most accounts, is Iceland cold? Yes. It’s below freezing often, there is snow frequently, and the wind chill can be brutal at times.

But, no, it is not THAT cold.

To me, Iceland in winter felt like preparing for winter on the East Coast of the United States. 

I live in Delaware, and we have a winter season. We get snow from time to time, and we pretty much just wear layers and call it a day.

I expected Iceland to be much worse, but it really wasn’t! Iceland in winter just feels like a cold winter day. 

🚨A Caveat: There are times in Iceland where the wind advisory goes live, and this IS a time where Iceland feels MUCH colder. At times, it can be downright frigid. 

It is cold in Reykjavik, but, like I mentioned above, it isn’t unreasonably cold in Iceland. It’s not like you’re suddenly stepping foot into the Arctic Circle. 

It is definitely a little less cold in central-city Reykjavik simply because there are buildings and homes to block some of the wind. 

When you’re out in the open hiking or are near a waterfall, obviously the wind and cold is a bit more brutal there.

⭐Psst: You can get my full 4 day itinerary for Iceland here! Or, get my personal help planning a customized trip to Iceland!

Obviously, it can get relatively cold during winter in Iceland. However, it’s often warmer than you think, thanks to Iceland’s proximity to the Gulf Stream. 

What I found during our time in Iceland in December and January was that you should pay less attention to the temperature and more attention to the wind warnings and the “feels like” temperatures that you can get on some apps.

It’s worth noting that the weather will always be colder on the Northern side of Iceland vs the Southern side, and certain formations like glaciers will feel significantly colder.

In winter, temperatures in Iceland tend to average out around 32°F (0°C)

Granted, it can be quite a bit colder than this some days, with temperatures falling to 14°F (-10°C).

The coldest months in Iceland are December and January, but only by a few degrees. 

Winter in Iceland tends to be pretty mild overall, and, if I’m being honest…it never really gets *hot* in Iceland.

Even in the dead of summer, the temperatures are typically only hovering in the high 50s. 

I often joke that packing for Iceland was the easiest packing that I ever did for a trip, simply because I knew I’d have a coat and other layers on all the time…so I didn’t have to worry about having cute outfits- lol.

I keep saying this, but I’ll say it again- for Iceland, you need LAYERS. That’s it- the layers are the key to being comfortable. 

Here’s what I packed for Iceland in winter:

✅Down Jacket

I brought a knee-length down jacket to Iceland and wore it every single day. It kept me plenty warm.

✅Hats, Gloves, and Scarves

You definitely need a winter hat, a pair of insulated gloves, and a scarf. I brought two of each since they could theoretically get wet and not dry out in time. 

✅Merino Wool Base Layer

You NEED a base layer. I used the 32 degrees one from Costco, and it kept me warm, but I would recommend a merino wool base layer one for even more warmth. 

✅Long-Sleeved Shirts

Long-sleeved shirts for each day should be in your suitcase. These were part of my second layer.

✅Sweatshirts & Wool Sweaters

Third layer: a sweatshirt or wool sweater.

✅Fleece-lined Leggings

I lived in my fleece-lined leggings in Iceland. They were a fantastic second layer over my base layer. They also kept me warm on days that I didn’t wear the waterproof pants on the top. I think I brought 3 pairs? lol.

✅Waterproof Snow Pants

Waterproof snow pants are a must- especially if you’re going to be hiking or headed to any of the waterfalls. If you’re just staying in Reykjavik, you can probably get away without them, but they were a lifesaver for me. 

✅Wool Socks

Wool socks made a huge difference in keeping my feet warm during our trip to Iceland in winter! 

✅Waterproof or Water-resistant Boots

I would definitely recommend you pack boots instead of sneakers for Iceland. I had water-resistant ones, but waterproof would be even better. 

I went back and forth about what boots to bring, but my Sperry boots worked just fine. Many people had Columbia hiking boots, though, too!

The best time to visit Iceland totally depends on what you’re hoping to experience. For me, winter wins—specifically December or January.

It’s quieter, easier to get around without crowds, and let’s be honest—if I’m flying all the way to Iceland, I need a chance to see the Northern Lights. It just feels like a must.

Most people think that winter wouldn’t be a great time to visit Iceland (it’s me… I was one of those people), but it’s totally not true. You’ve been lied to!

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best times to visit Iceland based on what you’re hoping to see or do:

Northern Lights: September through April

Puffins: May through August (this is when they’re nesting!)

Glacier Walks: June through August

Here are a few more answers regarding the climate in Iceland and whether it’s really that cold:

TLDR: It’s cold in Iceland…but it’s not THAT cold in Iceland. 

Bundle up, wear layers, be smart, and you’ll be fine. 

Just be sure to plan ahead and always check the wind and weather advisories! The weather in Iceland is temperamental and can change on a dime- always be prepared!