Like we always say “There is no bad weather, just bad clothing”
Weather is Iceland can be tricky. In one day you can experience all kinds of seasons even though we just have two:
Summer and Winter.
So here you can find some useful information about the conditions of weather and driving in Iceland.
- Check the weather every time before you start your day. Both for safety and as well for preparation of layers for that day. While planning your trip, be flexible and do not try to overcome weather challenges. In most cases those situations end in rescue. It’s your holiday, not a survival camp. Let’s keep it this way.
- Be aware that with changes we experience here it is good to always be ready to adapt.For that reason we recommend having a back pack with you to either add some layers or take off some. Follow local advice and always carry an extra pair of socks, gloves, hat, sunglasses and warm and waterproof layer with you. Even on sunny days. You never know.
- Make sure you are traveling safely. We do not fight the weather here. If the forecast shows that road and weather conditions are challenging it’s better to change your plans rather than jeopardize your safety. Trust us, you do not want to end up outside of the road waiting for help just because you wanted to check off something on your bucket list.
- Both in Winter and Summer we can experience quite strong winds. If you are traveling in a Sprinter Van, Camper or have a trailer with you be aware that those vehicles are prone to drift and roll during windy and icy days. Common rule is not to drive during weather warnings or if you are not used to driving in those conditions. We also recommend not planning any hikes during high winds or general bad weather forecast.
- Booked tours and weather. Most of the time we do operate in rain so if you do have a tour that day be prepared with layers and extra layers to change. We recommend having waterproof pants and jackets as well as waterproof hiking shoes that protect your ankles. Of course if the weather is too challenging we would cancel the trip to not jeopardize the safety.
- Ice on the roads – it’s quite common here. During the winter season be aware that roads are slippery and combined with wind you can easily drive off the road. Try to make sure your rental car is equipped with spiked tires and its 4×4. As well keep distance between vehicles in case of emergency.
- Visibility can be often jeopardized and in that case drive slow and be aware of surroundings. It applies both to fog and snow drifts.
- Do not try to drive through or ask if you can pass by if the road is closed. They are close for a reason. It’s not safe for you.
Period.
If you travel for a longer time and the weather forecast shows possible road closures or bad weather conditions make sure you have plan B. Sometimes when the road is closed you will need to stay in your vehicle until it’s open and safe to drive. Prepare food supplies, warm layers and sleeping bags or try to book different accommodations beforehand.
Make sure you are familiar with laws of road traffic in Iceland. We have a lot of one line bridges and tunnels. As well as lines for overtaking (not stopping), not paved roads, mountain roads and underground tunnels. In the summer sunlight allows you to enjoy the day longer but while driving remember to take some time to rest. In winter darkness can be intimidating, especially that in most of the places we do not have street lights, be aware to not blind other drivers with long lights. Some roads are hard to drive (have rivers or require 4×4 vehicles and knowledge of driving it ) and we do not recommend taking them. Better to book a tour than pay a lot of money for rather expensive fixing of vehicles.
Here you can find useful website to keep yourself safe with traveling in Iceland:
https://umferdin.is/en
https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/elements/
https://safetravel.is/
