Is Iceland worth visiting in February?

[Harping]

Has anyone been at this time of year? I did some searches on old threads which seemed to say the roads are difficult to navigate at that time of year if hiring a car. But I was thinking we would just do bus trips.
but someone else said that on the bus trips in December it was so cold they were allowed outside for long and had to get back in the bus after 15 minutes. Not sure if that would be the case in February

any experiences appreciated

We visited in March a couple of years ago and it was fantastic. We are returning Feb half term week and taking DC this time (she was too young last time). It was easily the best holiday we have had, although more preparation was needed. You need VERY good clothing and real consideration of where to visit. We have recently ordered new waterproofs from Sweden as our (expensive) top brand waterproofs bought in the UK just couldn’t stand up to the rain we had. I wouldn’t attempt to go too far North but you can easily spend a week in the more accessible areas (Reykjavik and South coast). We got as far North as Kirkjufell last time although by that point the roads were completely white (we went as far east as Vik). Other than the last 20km or so the roads were no worse than we get here in rural NE England. Next time we are sticking to the south coast and going up the East coast to Hofn. We are all far too excited

We went last February half term. It was cold but not bitingly cold so we were fine in normal winter coats and warm trousers.

We stayed in the middle of Reykjavik and hired a car which had to have winter tyres and chains. We didn't end up using the chains as the roads were fine. We had 2 days in Reykjavik itself including walking out to Perlan. We did a northern lights tour which was efficient but cold! That was a mini bus tour driving round in search of the lights but there were some intensely annoying people on the minibus who kept wanting to organise a singalong at 2am. The driver eventually told them to shut up.

We drove ourselves round the golden circle which was clear and apparently is usually kept clear. There was one early start when we were going diving at Thingvellir at 9am when the driving was most difficult as it was actively snowing but much better than the same conditions in the UK (and the diving was incredible - cold but incredible!).

We went this time last year and had the exact opposite experience! It wasn't particularly cold (UK was colder) but very wet and windy. One thing to be aware of is the very restricted daylight hours at this time of year. It was dark until 10am and the light faded again mid afternoon. To be honest this had more impact on sight seeing than the weather as there was a very limited period in which you could actually see anything. I also found it really depressing. Overall I wouldn't go again at this time of year.

We went at the end of March and it was great, temp around 0 but a biting wind!

We went start of Feb a few years ago, it was wonderful. Yes cold, but that’s why you wear decent layers. Decent coat, boots, hat and gloves.

We did the northern lights, whale watching, a few museums, blue lagoon, geysir tour.

Just wrap up and you’ll love it.

Just to add to my earlier post, clothing layers are best, then they can be peeled off in museums/shops etc.

I had a ski jacket, layers and salopettes, hat and gloves, but it was mid Dec with lots of lying snow.

I saw 1 man, presumably a local, strolling down the road at night when it was heavily snowing, in just jeans and a Fair isle jumper! 😮

It's not likely to be extremely cold. It could be cold but more likely to be a few degrees below zero. Snow is likely but sleet and rain also common. High winds are par for the course - it's the wind chill that will get you.

It is not often a dry cold. Very cold snaps are nicer in some ways because that is dry, but it's not the typical weather. Slush and thaw/refreezing cycles leaving slick icy surfaces are common in February. Footwear with a good grip is recommended and you should also know how to walk on ice.

It's still dark and gloomy in February, though starting to get a bit better. Sightseeing is limited if you want to actually see the landscape.

Driving is fine if you're sensible, as long as you cancel plans if there are weather warnings.

You don't need any fancy skiing clothes. Just outer layers that are wind and waterproof. Not water resistant! Waterproof. A warm jumper or two underneath, double layer mittens and hats if it's very cold.

Overall if this will be your only visit to Iceland, I would not choose February. Rather summer or autumn.

We could consider autumn instead. Second week October. Is that likely to be better?

Yes, so much better! I wholeheartedly recommend this.

You still have to watch out for autumn storms (never any guarantees of good weather in Iceland unfortunately) but it will be warmer and less snow/ice, lighter.

You are likely to be able to see a lot more and have an easier time getting around.