In February 48% of nights reached Kp 3 (1996–2026), and Reykjavík averages 0.7°C with 8h42 of daylight on the 15th: deep winter, with activity climbing toward its spring peak and daylight returning fast.
Key takeaways
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It's the month that gives you both halves of a winter trip.
In short On 15 February Reykjavík gets 9h54 of full darkness, 48% of nights reach Kp 3, it averages 0.7°C and the sky is 74% covered on average.
| What | Figure |
|---|---|
| Daylight (15 Feb) | 09:20 – 18:03 · 8h42 |
| Full darkness (15 Feb) | 20:43 – 06:37 · 9h54 |
| Nights reaching Kp 3 | 48% |
| Average temperature | 0.7°C |
| Rain and snow | 88.9 mm |
| Sky covered (average) | 74% |
| Sunshine | 62.5 hours |
| New moon | 6 Feb 2027, 15:55 |
| Full moon | 20 Feb 2027, 23:24 |
In short In the Reykjavík area, 3 nights give a 55% chance of a proper display and 32% of a strong show, both slightly optimistic figures.
Measured from Reykjavík and Keflavík airport weather reports, 2012–2026, matched to the Kp record: the chance of at least one good night if you stay in the Reykjavík area. A proper display is Kp 2 or more plus a clear hour; a strong show is Kp 3 or more plus a clear hour. Keflavík is the conservative figure. Both are slightly optimistic, because the reports miss thin high cloud (how we work it out):
February is among the cloudier months in Reykjavík, at 74% sky covered on average, but its measured odds are close to every other month's. Driving to clear sky should improve them; we haven't measured by how much.
Go early in the month
The new moon on 6 February 2027 makes the first half of the month the better bet for faint displays.
In short The main options are a blue ice cave from Jökulsárlón, humpback whale watching in Faxaflói or near Akureyri, and a snowmobile on Langjökull.
ISK 19,990–34,900 · From Jökulsárlón
Mid-winter is the core of the season: very little melting from October to April. Local Guide's small-group Ice Cave Discovery (max 8) runs in October–November and February–March.
Check dates on GetYourGuide
ISK 14,500 (Elding) · 09:00 & 13:00
Elding sails twice a day from January to March. It reported exceptional viewing in January, February, November and December 2024; humpbacks were seen on 77% of its tours that year.
From ISK 11,990 · From 1 Feb
North Sailing's Árskógssandur tours in Eyjafjörður restart on 1 February. Húsavík itself stays closed until March.
From ISK 33,500 · ~1 h on the sled
Mountaineers of Iceland meet you at Gullfoss's upper car park. The fast single-rider Glacier Rush runs December to May.
In short Blue Lagoon hours shorten to 08:00–20:00, Húsavík whale watching stays closed until March, and the walk behind Seljalandsfoss should be treated as closed.
Winter driving rules apply
Mountain passes such as Hellisheiði, on the main road from Reykjavík to the south coast, can close in storms; the alternative is Þrengsli, Route 39.
Full winter kit. Reykjavík averages 88.9 mm of rain and snow in February, so waterproof matters more than extra-thick.
Yes. Activity is climbing toward its spring peak (48% of nights reached Kp 3 over 1996–2026) and there are nearly 10 hours of full darkness mid-month. Measured over 2012–2026, three nights in Reykjavík gave a 55% chance of a proper display (48% at Keflavík).
Reykjavík averages 0.7°C. It's the wind and wet that make it feel cold.
Yes. The natural caves under Vatnajökull run through winter, from October or November to April, depending on the operator and conditions.
By our calculation, 6 February 2027 at 15:55 UTC. The full moon is on 20 February.