Driving in Iceland in winter
Winter driving in Iceland is manageable if you halve your daily distance, drive only in daylight, and cancel whenever the forecast says to.
| Month | Usable daylight in Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| November | about 7 hours, roughly 10:00–17:00 |
| December | about 4–5 hours, roughly 11:00–15:30 |
| January | about 5–6 hours, roughly 11:00–16:30 |
| February | about 8 hours, roughly 09:30–18:00 |
| March | about 11 hours, roughly 08:00–19:00 |
Approximate; the north is darker still in December. Twilight adds useful light at both ends.
How far can you actually drive?
Plan a maximum of 250–300 km per winter day, all of it in daylight. That is roughly Reykjavik to Vík with stops, or Vík to Höfn. Anything more and you will be driving in the dark on ice, which is where accidents happen.
Wind is the real hazard
Gusts above 20 m/s can push a car across a lane and rip open doors. Icelandic forecasts give wind in metres per second: under 10 is fine, 10–15 is noticeable, 15–20 means think hard, and above 20 means don't. Check current conditions and road status every morning.
Practical technique
- Slow well before bridges, shaded curves and tunnel mouths — black ice forms there first.
- Brake gently and early; leave four times your normal gap.
- Keep headlights on at all times, which is the law year-round.
- Never stop on the road for photos; use marked pull-offs only.
- Keep the tank above half — stations are far apart and can be closed.
- Carry water, snacks and warm layers in the car, not in the boot.
A better winter route
Instead of the full loop, do Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Vík and Jökulsárlón, then return. Shorter drives, more time outside the car, and a real chance of aurora.
Book flexible rooms
In winter, flexibility is worth more than a small discount. If a storm closes the road, you want to extend where you are without losing the next night.