A Guide to Iceland's Winter Magic

Skip the hustle and bustle of Iceland summer by visiting the big North Atlantic island this winter.

We’re talking Northern Lights and icy waterfalls, hiking across glaciers and exploring ice caves, chilling out Iceland’s famous hot springs. And if you happen to be north of the Arctic Circle, days when the sun never rises.

Temperatures in the winter average 23 to 41°F, so pack enough warm clothing!

Roads through the highlands are no longer usable from the beginning of September because of snow cover. But the island’s famous Ring Road is passable year-round. When choosing a rental car, opt for four-wheel drive. And due to the darker days, plan shorter daily drives in winter.

Get info about driving in Iceland on the website www.drive.is. During the trip, pay attention to current weather information and current road conditions (www.road.is) and travel warnings (www.safetravel.is or https://safetravel.is/driving).

The Northern Lights are more visible from September to April. To find out if there is a chance of seeing northern lights one must consider several factors: For help, consult the Icelandic Meteorological Office site, which provides an Aurora Borealis forecast in scale from 0 (calm) to 9 (strong).

For more tips on exploring Iceland in winter, check out this Iceland ProTravel page:  www.icelandprotravel.com/experience-iceland-in-winter.html