1. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Guaranteed darkness is an important factor in catching a glimpse of the northern lights. Winter months offer full dark nights. Your best chances of seeing displays of bright, colorful dancing lights in the night sky are from November to February.
2. Mild temperatures. Iceland’s winter climate is relatively mild for its latitude due to ocean currents and air streams. In January, coastal lowlands have a mean temperature of 0°C (32°F). Only in the highlands of central Iceland do the temps stay below -10°C (14°F).
3. Ice caves. Approximately 10% of Iceland is covered in glaciers. Ice caves are temporary structures that appear at the edge of glaciers in winter when melt water freezes.
4. Avoid the summer crowds and high season rates. In winter, the number of visitors to Iceland drops by half. That helps with respect to availability and pricing on hotels and flights.
5. You can swim outside every day. Soothing hot springs are abundant throughout Iceland thanks to its geothermal activity. A soothing soak can be enjoyed any day of the year, even in winter.
6. Beautiful lighting. The days may be short, but the light is beautiful. Since the sun never gets high in the sky, there’s a continual warm glow during winter daylight hours.
Are you thinking of a trip to Iceland? Contact one of our destination specialists for trip ideas, sample itineraries, and insider tips.