Blue Car Rental Driving Guide for Iceland winter months

Magnús Jóhann Björnsson
08 Sep. 2025

Winter in Iceland is a season of contrasts, where the landscape shifts dramatically between beauty and challenge. Snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, and dancing northern lights create a magical backdrop that draws travelers from around the world. At the same time, roads can be icy, storms unpredictable, and daylight hours limited, making driving more demanding than in summer. Icelandic winters are defined by powerful winds, fast-changing weather, and long nights that make preparation essential.

This blog is designed to help visitors understand what winter in Iceland truly means for a road trip. It covers month-by-month conditions, tips for safe driving, what type of car you need, which destinations are accessible, and which highland areas remain closed. Readers will learn how to budget, how to adjust travel plans, and which places are worth the drive even in snow and ice. The good news is that with the right car and proper preparation, a self-drive winter trip is not only possible but deeply rewarding. That’s where Blue Car Rental comes in, offering reliable vehicles, full insurance, and local support to make winter travel both safe and enjoyable.

Why Choose Blue Car Rental in Winter?

Winter conditions in Iceland demand a reliable car and strong support. Blue Car Rental offers both, giving travelers peace of mind. Beyond just providing cars, the company focuses on making every step of the rental process simple and stress‑free, even during harsh winter days.

• 4x4 vehicles suited for snowy and icy roads, including SUVs and crossovers built for stability. These vehicles are inspected and maintained regularly so you can trust they’ll handle long journeys across changing conditions.
• Full insurance options that cover gravel, sand, and wind damage — risks that are especially common in Iceland’s winter storms. With full protection, you avoid the financial worry that can come with unpredictable weather.
• 24/7 roadside assistance so you are never alone if you run into trouble. Whether you get stuck in snow, face a flat tire, or simply need guidance, help is only a phone call away.
• Convenient locations at Keflavík Airport and downtown Reykjavík (Fiskislóð 22), allowing you to start your trip without delay. Having pick‑up points in both major travel hubs makes planning your route much easier.
• Online check-in and key box service for pick-up and drop-off, making your journey smoother even during late-night flights or early departures. You can avoid queues, save time, and begin your trip more comfortably.

On top of these services, Blue Car Rental is known for its local expertise and friendly staff who provide advice tailored to the season. Choosing Blue Car Rental means more than just booking a car. It’s about having a travel partner that knows Icelandic winter driving inside and out and can guide you toward safer, smarter choices on the road. Here is our 

Iceland Month by Month: October to April

Each winter month has its own rhythm, challenges, and highlights. Planning with these differences in mind makes your trip safer and more enjoyable. Find out how long it is bright outside and how to dress for winter in Iceland. 

October

Weather: Mixed conditions. Early snow is possible, but much of the country still feels autumn-like. Daylight lasts around 10–11 hours.
Roads: Ring Road is open and accessible, but highland F-roads are already closed. Expect icy patches at night and in the north.
Highlights: This is the beginning of the northern lights season, with long dark nights perfect for spotting auroras. Autumn colors still brighten the landscape in many regions.

November

Weather: Temperatures drop, and the first real snowstorms can arrive. Days shorten to 6–7 hours of daylight.
Roads: Ice is common in the mornings and evenings, and storms may cause closures on mountain passes.
Highlights: Reykjavík begins to glow with Christmas lights, giving the city a festive charm. Fewer travelers mean quieter natural sites.

December

Weather: The darkest month with only 4–5 hours of daylight. Expect regular snow and ice.
Roads: Driving requires extra caution. Delays are common, and storms can temporarily shut roads.
Highlights: A magical time for northern lights hunting. Iceland’s Christmas traditions bring a cozy and cultural feel to your trip. Hot springs and holiday markets make evenings special.

January

Weather: Typically the coldest month, with strong winds and frequent snowstorms.
Roads: Conditions are challenging. 4x4 is highly recommended. Drivers should be comfortable in snow and wind.
Highlights: Frozen waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss turn into spectacular icy wonders. Winter festivals add energy to Reykjavík’s long nights.

February

Weather: Still cold, but days start to get longer. Sunshine returns, giving brighter winter landscapes.
Roads: Icy but more stable compared to January. 4x4 vehicles remain the safest choice.
Highlights: This is one of the best months for northern lights. Ice caves and glacier tours are still accessible.

March

Weather: A transition month. Days are much longer, with up to 12 hours of daylight by the end of the month.
Roads: Conditions vary from icy mornings to slushy afternoons. Most main routes, including the Ring Road, are passable with a 4x4.
Highlights: Glacier hikes and ice cave tours are still running, while longer days make road trips more flexible. March often offers a mix of winter scenery and a taste of spring.

April

Weather: Longer days return with 13–16 hours of daylight. Snow lingers in the north and east, while the south begins to thaw.
Roads: Generally easier driving, though late snowstorms are still possible.
Highlights: April is a sweet spot for travelers who want winter scenery without extreme conditions. It’s a quieter month before the busy summer season.

Winter Travel Conditions by Month (Quick Table)

With these travel tips you should be better prepared for a winter road trip in Iceland. If you want further information here is our Icelandic winter weather overview. 

Choosing the Right Car

Your rental choice matters more in winter than at any other time. The kind of car you pick directly influences how safe, comfortable, and flexible your journey will be.

• 4x4 rental: Strongly recommended for most winter travelers. These vehicles handle snow, ice, and wind far better than smaller cars. They also provide extra space for luggage and winter gear, and their higher clearance helps on rural roads. Perfect for those planning to explore the countryside, reach waterfalls, or take longer routes along the Ring Road. With a 4x4, you gain confidence in unpredictable weather and the ability to continue your trip when lighter cars might struggle.
• 2WD rental: Suitable only if you plan to stay in Reykjavík and make very short trips nearby. Even then, icy conditions can be limiting, and parking on steep or slippery streets may be stressful. A 2WD can be economical and easy to handle in the city, but it reduces your flexibility and increases the chance of disruptions if conditions worsen.

Blue Car Rental’s winter‑ready fleet includes modern SUVs, crossovers, and family cars, all equipped to handle Iceland’s demanding roads. Many come with heated seats, Bluetooth systems, and roomy interiors that make long journeys more pleasant. The vehicles are maintained to high standards, so you can count on them to perform in all kinds of winter weather. By selecting the right car through Blue Car Rental, you’re giving yourself the best possible start to a safe and memorable Iceland adventure. Here is our guide for the best car rental options for a winter road trip in Iceland. 

Winter Driving Tips in Iceland

Driving in Iceland during winter isn’t like driving at home. Preparation and caution go a long way. In addition, it’s important to remember that the remote highland F-roads are completely closed during the winter months. Routes such as F35 to Kjölur, F208 to Landmannalaugar, and F26 through Sprengisandur are all off limits once the snow sets in. These areas become inaccessible due to deep snow, river crossings, and dangerous conditions. Travelers should plan their journeys on the Ring Road and accessible regional routes instead, saving the highland adventures for the summer season.

• Check road.is and vedur.is (Iceland’s weather site) daily before setting out.
• Keep your fuel tank topped up — stations can be far apart, especially in rural areas.
• Drive slower than usual and keep longer distances between vehicles.
• Beware of strong winds. Always hold car doors firmly to avoid damage.
• Carry snacks, water, and warm clothing in case you need to wait out a storm.
• Allow flexibility in your itinerary. In winter, safety always comes before schedule.

Blue Car Rental staff can also provide local advice at pick-up, ensuring you know what to expect each day of your trip. Here's how you can get an early start to a winter road trip in Iceland.

Budget and Practical Info

Winter travel in Iceland is often cheaper than in summer. Lower demand means you can find good deals on flights, accommodation, and rental cars. Still, it’s important to budget realistically.

• Insurance: Upgrading is worth it. Winter storms can cause gravel, sand, or wind damage, and having coverage saves stress and cost.
• Fuel: Expect to use more in winter since cars need heating and roads can be longer due to detours.
• Accommodation: Book flexible stays where possible. If a storm hits, you may need to extend a night.
• Extras: Items like Wi-Fi hotspots or child seats can make your trip easier. Blue Car Rental offers these add-ons for convenience.

By planning your budget carefully, you’ll enjoy the benefits of off-season travel without surprises. Here is more on what a winter trip in Iceland cost.

Recommended Places to Visit by Rental Car

Exploring Iceland in winter is not only about the roads, but also about the destinations you can reach safely with the right vehicle. Here are some of the most rewarding stops:

Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)

The Golden Circle route is one of Iceland's most famous and in many ways most interesting trips. With the history gems of Thingvellir National Park followed by Geysir geothermal area and finally Gullfoss, the Golden waterfall of Iceland. Seeing these sites in winter uniform is even more amazing.

• Where it is: Southwest Iceland, one of the most famous sightseeing routes.
• Best time to visit: Year-round, including winter.
• Car needed: A 4x4 is highly recommended in winter for icy sections.
• Driving time from Keflavík Airport: About 2 hours to Þingvellir.

South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey)

No trip to Iceland is complated without visiting the south coast and a self-drive is the best way to do so. Exploring the amazing waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before head to Vik and explore Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey.

• Where it is: Along Route 1 heading east from Reykjavík.
• Best time to visit: Winter months for frozen waterfalls and dramatic coastlines.
• Car needed: 4x4 for snow and wind along the coast.
• Driving time from Keflavík Airport: Around 2.5 hours to Seljalandsfoss.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snæfellsnes peninsula is often called Iceland in a nutshell as it has a bit of everything. Home to Kirkjufell, the most iconic mountain in Iceland and more incredible natural features. It is always worth the trip with your rental car in Iceland, especially when driving in Iceland in winter. 

• Where it is: West Iceland, often called “Iceland in Miniature.”
• Best time to visit: Winter for fewer crowds and snow-covered lava fields.
• Car needed: 4x4 for rural and sometimes icy roads.
• Driving time from Keflavík Airport: Around 3 hours to the peninsula.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Although it will take time and effort you should not skip on Jökulsárlón when visiting Iceland, no matter the time of year. It can be a long day trip or make more out of the journey and explore the southern coast of Iceland while getting there with your rental car. There you can also see Skaftafell national park and the beautiful Diamond beach. 

• Where it is: Southeast Iceland, near Vatnajökull glacier.
• Best time to visit: Winter for icebergs and nearby ice caves.
• Car needed: 4x4 strongly recommended for the long drive.
• Driving time from Keflavík Airport: About 6–7 hours.

Borgarfjörður Region

Borgarfjörður is a hidden gem in west Iceland, tucked between south and north. It is also one of the vibrand agricultral centre of Iceland. However it's true beauty comes from the land as white smokes rises from Krauma at Deildatunguhver, largest hot spring in Iceland. There you can also find Viðgelmir, one of Iceland's best cave. Both perfect for visiting in winter. 

• Where it is: West Iceland, home to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
• Best time to visit: Winter for snow-draped waterfalls and hot springs.
• Car needed: 4x4 for rural roads.
• Driving time from Keflavík Airport: Around 2 hours.

These are just a few examples where you can go on your winter holiday in Iceland. There are more as well as winter festivals and other attraction open in Iceland during winter. Here are extra 5 beautiful places to see in Iceland in winter that Blue Car Rental recommends.

Places You Cannot Visit in Winter

While many beautiful areas are accessible during the colder months, some of Iceland’s most famous highland spots remain completely out of reach. Heavy snow, river crossings, and harsh conditions close the F-roads, and these places must wait until summer:

Landmannalaugar

• Where it is: In the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, known for colorful rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs.
• Closed in winter: Access via F208 and other highland tracks is impossible due to deep snow and river crossings.

Hveravellir

• Where it is: Between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, famous for hot springs and geothermal landscapes.
• Closed in winter: The F35 Kjölur route is impassable, cutting off access until late June.

Kerlingafjöll

• Where it is: A mountain range in the central highlands with steaming valleys and hiking routes.
• Closed in winter: Roads are blocked by snow, and travel is unsafe until summer road openings.

Sprengisandur (F26)

• Where it is: A long highland route crossing between the north and south.
• Closed in winter: Deep snow and river crossings make this route inaccessible.

Other Highland Areas

All F-roads across the central highlands, including routes to Askja, Þórsmörk, and the Laki craters, are closed in winter. Askja, with its volcanic caldera and remote lava fields, becomes inaccessible under heavy snow. Þórsmörk, a beloved hiking valley south of glaciers, is cut off by impassable river crossings. The Laki craters, known for dramatic volcanic landscapes, also remain unreachable. These regions are only accessible in summer when the roads are officially opened by Icelandic authorities.

Conclusion

Driving in Iceland in winter takes preparation, but it’s absolutely doable with the right car and mindset. With Blue Car Rental, you get a reliable vehicle, full insurance options, and 24/7 support. From October’s first auroras to April’s longer days, winter road trips open up Iceland’s most magical sights. These journeys aren’t just about reaching destinations, they’re about experiencing Iceland’s raw beauty in the quiet season when landscapes feel more untouched and personal.

By choosing Blue Car Rental, you’re choosing confidence on Iceland’s winter roads. That means you can focus on the real highlights, the northern lights, the snowy landscapes, and the unforgettable moments that come with exploring Iceland in its most dramatic season. It also means you have the reassurance of local expertise and reliable assistance when you need it most. Whether you are watching the aurora over a frozen lake, driving past ice‑covered lava fields, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of a small town blanketed in snow, having the right car makes the difference between stress and enjoyment. Blue Car Rental helps ensure that your Iceland winter adventure is as safe as it is memorable.