Every night could be the night for the aurora. Let’s Hunt
Northern Lights – Long, dark nights make Iceland one of the best places on Earth to see Aurora Borealis.
Ice Caves – Explore crystal-blue caverns deep inside glaciers, formed during the coldest months.
Frozen Waterfalls – See Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss transformed into ice sculptures.
Glacier Adventures – Hike, climb, or snowmobile across Langjökull, Vatnajökull or Sólheimajökull.
Hot Springs – Soak in warm geothermal pools surrounded by snow at the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon.
Fewer Crowds – Experience Iceland’s top sights in peace with more space and serenity.
Winter Festivals – Enjoy cozy Christmas markets, dazzling New Year’s fireworks, and local traditions.
Otherworldly Landscapes – Snow, ice, and volcanic steam combine into scenes you won’t find anywhere else.
Arctic Adventures winter vacation tours include everything you need for a seamless Iceland experience. You’ll travel in a company of certified guides, with convenient transport from Reykjavík. What makes our multi-day tours a great choice:
Travel in small groups with balanced itineraries that combine sightseeing and adventure. Explore top regions like the South Coast, Snaefellsnes and Golden Circle and make the most of your days. Comfort, safety, and discovery are covered from start to finish.
Iceland in winter is a season of contrast — glowing skies, frozen waterfalls, and steaming hot springs. From glacier adventures to Northern Lights hunts, here are the best winter tours and activities that make this time of year so unforgettable.
Step inside a world of pure ice. Iceland’s natural ice caves form each winter inside its mighty glaciers, revealing walls of deep blue ice shaped by centuries of snow and melt. Explore the Crystal Ice Cave in Vatnajökull, the Blue Ice Cave in Skaftafell, or the Katla Ice Cave near Vík — open all year, yet at its most stunning in winter. For a unique year-round experience, visit the tunnel in Langjökull Glacier. Most natural caves are open between October and April. Our expert guides explore, assess, and look for new caves each winter to ensure every adventure is both safe and unforgettable.
When daylight fades, the Arctic sky comes alive. Join an expert-led Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík in a powerful Super Jeep, 4x4 Sprinter, small-group minibus, or even by boat. Our guides track real-time aurora forecasts to find the clearest skies far from city lights — maximizing your chances of witnessing this natural wonder. To keep you warm and cozy, we provide blankets, hot cocoa, and a chocolate bar. And if you’re staying at one of our Adventure Hotels, you’ll even receive a Northern Lights wake-up call if the aurora appears overnight.
Few things match the thrill of gliding across a glacier on a snowmobile. Ride over the endless white expanses of Langjökull, surrounded by panoramic mountain views. A valid driver’s license is required to operate a snowmobile, but non-drivers can join as passengers. All tours include helmets, overalls, and guidance from experienced instructors. Whether you’re a first-timer or thrill-seeker, this is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore Iceland’s frozen lands.
Yes — you can snorkel in Iceland even in winter! The Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park stays a steady 2–4°C all year, fed by pure glacier water filtered through lava for decades. This creates some of the clearest water on Earth, with visibility up to 100 m (330 ft). Float calmly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, surrounded by surreal blue light and stillness. No diving license is required — just swimming skills. Dry suits and gear are included, and expert guides will be with you throughout this unforgettable experience.
Glaciers are vast, shimmering worlds of crevasses and frozen ridges. Explore famous outlets like Sólheimajökull, Vatnajökull, or Falljökull on guided glacier hikes, available all year but at their most spectacular in winter when the ice turns deep blue and the snow blankets the landscape. Certified glacier guides provide all safety gear, including crampons, helmets, and harnesses, and offer optional add-ons like ice climbing or visits to natural ice caves. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, every step on the glacier feels like walking through another planet.
Shoe spikes are essential in winter. Photo by Arctic Adventures.
If you’re visiting Iceland between November and March, expect a true winter experience — snow-dusted mountains, icy roads, and crisp, changing weather. Storms can roll in quickly, but skies clear just as fast, often revealing glowing sunsets or dancing auroras.
Iceland’s winter climate is colder in the north and inland areas but surprisingly mild along the coast, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Average temperatures range from –2°C to +4°C (28–39°F) in most regions, with Reykjavík and the South Coast staying around 0°C to +1°C (32–34°F). The coldest months are January and February, when northern and northwestern regions can drop to –10°C to –11°C (12–14°F).
Days are short but atmospheric—expect 4–7 hours of daylight in December and January, extending to 9–10 hours by March. The long nights make it an ideal time for Northern Lights viewing.
Layering is key. Bring thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear, insulated gloves, and sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. In icy conditions, shoe spikes are essential for walking safely around attractions and city streets—available to buy during the booking process, for you to keep. We rent high-quality waterproof jackets, pants, and hiking boots, while all activity-specific safety gear is included.
All Arctic Adventures winter tours include safe, guided transport from Reykjavík in minibuses or Super Jeeps designed for winter roads. Self-driving in Iceland is possible for experienced drivers, but a 4x4 vehicle with winter tires is required, and routes may close due to weather.
Absolutely — Iceland in winter is one of the most magical travel experiences on Earth. From Northern Lights hunting and ice cave explorations to glacier hikes and hot springs, the season offers adventures found nowhere else. While days are shorter, guided winter tours make it easy and safe to explore Iceland’s snow-covered landscapes.
Winter in Iceland lasts roughly from October to April, with peak winter conditions from November through March. Expect short daylight hours, snow-dusted landscapes, and the best chance to see the Northern Lights. This is also the only time of year when natural ice caves are stable and open for exploration. Many Arctic Adventures tours, like our 2–8 Day Winter Multi-Day Adventures, operate throughout this period.
Iceland’s winters are cold, windy, and changeable, but not as extreme as the name suggests. The Gulf Stream moderates temperatures along the coast, keeping Reykjavík between –2°C and +4°C (28–39°F) on average. The coldest months are January and February, when northern and inland areas can drop to –10°C (14°F) or even lower during cold snaps. Windchill often makes it feel much colder, particularly on glaciers and open plains.
January is considered to be one of the quieter months. It's when all the fuss from the Christmas holidays is gone. But even so, January is an excellent time to visit Iceland because it's when all the ground is covered in sparkling snow and becomes a winter wonderland.
Yes — our glacier tours are beginner-friendly and guided by certified experts who provide all safety gear, including crampons, helmets, and ice axes. You’ll spend about 1.5–2 hours on the ice, covering roughly 3 km (1.8 mi) with a gentle 200–250 m (650–820 ft) elevation gain, though this can vary with conditions. These tours are suitable for anyone with basic fitness, and the minimum age is 8 years. Everything from gear to transport is included, so you can simply enjoy the adventure.
Yes — most of our winter day tours and multi-day adventures are family-friendly, with a minimum age of 6–10 years, depending on the activity. The most family-friendly options include Into the Glacier, lava caving, and sightseeing tours, which are perfect for curious kids and relaxed explorers alike.
Absolutely. The natural blue ice caves inside Vatnajökull Glacier are accessible only in winter, typically from October to April. Arctic Adventures operates certified Ice Cave Tours from Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, including the famous Crystal Ice Cave and Blue Ice Cave. Safety gear is always provided, and tours are guided by trained glacier experts.
Winter is when Iceland feels most otherworldly — the contrast of ice, fire, and endless darkness lit by auroras makes it unlike any other season. The Northern Lights are the main draw, but that’s just the start. Other top experiences include ice caves, glacier hiking, and snowmobiling.
You can also soak in geothermal pools, explore frozen waterfalls on the South Coast, or join multi-day tours combining all of these. Even city-based travelers can enjoy Reykjavik’s cozy winter culture: Christmas markets, local music events, and candlelit cafés make it a warm base between adventures.
The South Coast is the heart of winter travel — home to glaciers, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches transformed by snow and ice. The Golden Circle is a perfect short route from Reykjavík, with steaming geysers and frozen cascades at Gullfoss. Further east, Vatnajökull National Park has Iceland’s most dramatic winter scenery, from glittering ice caves to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. For a quieter escape, explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or North Iceland, where you can bathe in Mývatn’s hot springs and hunt auroras. Multi-day Ring Road tours connect all these highlights in one seamless journey.
Yes, Iceland is very safe year-round, but winter travel requires more awareness and preparation. Roads can be icy, daylight hours are limited, and storms occasionally cause closures, which is why guided tours are the best option for most visitors.
For self-drivers, Iceland’s infrastructure is excellent, but winter tires are mandatory, and you should always check road.is (road conditions) and vedur.is (weather forecast) daily. Avoid mountain roads, plan for short daylight, and never underestimate the wind.
On an Arctic Adventures tour, all logistics are handled: professional drivers use vehicles suited for snow and wind, guides monitor weather and road updates. Tours are adjusted or rescheduled if needed — safety always comes first.
The easiest way is to join a guided small-group tour with pickup from Reykjavík — ideal for icy roads and limited daylight. Independent travelers can also opt for self-drive tours, but a 4x4 with winter tires is essential. We recommend checking road.is for road conditions and vedur.is for weather before setting out.
Yes — Iceland’s long, dark nights from September to April are perfect for Northern Lights hunting. The years 2025 and 2026 fall within the solar maximum, a peak in the Sun’s activity that makes auroras brighter and more frequent than usual. Our Northern Lights tours and some Winter Multi-Day packages include hunts led by trained guides who track multiple real-time forecasts, including cloud maps, and aurora activity charts to find the best viewing location for the night.
Pack warm, waterproof layers, including a thermal base, insulated jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and waterproof boots with grip. Bring swimwear for hot springs, and a headlamp for shorter daylight hours. Arctic Adventures provides glacier gear (helmets, crampons, ice axes) on all glacier-related tours.
We’ve been leading winter expeditions since 1983 and are recognized as one of Iceland’s most trusted adventure operators. Our tours are small-group only, led by trained and certified guides, and include all necessary gear. We’re also sustainability certified and a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2025 award winner — so you know you’re in good hands.
We recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred dates and departures. Winter is still one of Iceland’s busiest seasons, especially from November to February, when Northern Lights and ice cave tours often sell out weeks ahead due to small group sizes and limited cave access. To catch the best prices, look out for our annual Singles’ Day (11.11) and Black Friday sales in November, it’s the ideal time to plan your Iceland winter adventure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
