February in Reykjavik suits travelers who want northern lights, hot geothermal water and a ski day, with afternoons just above freezing at 38°F (3°C).
The catch is the light and the damp: the month gets only about two hours of sun a day and 15 rainy days, so plan outdoor sights around the weather and dress in layers.
At a glance
- Afternoon high: 38°F (3°C)
- Night low: 29°F (-2°C)
- Rainy days: 15
- Sunshine: 2 hours a day
- Sea: 41°F (5°C)
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in February?
| Month | Average high | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F (3°C) | 3.4 in (87 mm) | 15 | 0.7 h | 42°F (5°C) |
| February | 38°F (3°C) | 3.6 in (91 mm) | 15 | 2.2 h | 41°F (5°C) |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 3.2 in (81 mm) | 14 | 3.6 h | 41°F (5°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
February stays cold and damp but not harsh. Afternoons reach 38°F (3°C) and nights drop to 29°F (-2°C), so the ground often sits right at the freezing line.
Rain or wet snow falls on 15 days, and the sun shows for two hours a day. Plan outdoor sights for the brightest part of the day, and keep a waterproof shell in the bag for every outing.
January is almost the same on temperature, but sunshine is under an hour a day.
What to do in Reykjavik in February
Perlan on Öskjuhlíð hill
Perlan stands on Reykjavik’s highest hill, close to the center.
The address is Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík. With only two hours of sun a day in February, go on a clearer day to get the most from the view.
A northern lights cruise from the Old Harbour
Reykjavík Sailors runs a northern lights cruise from Reykjavik that lasts 2 hours. Elding also offers northern lights cruises from the Old Harbour, and Special Tours runs them too.
Tour lengths at Special Tours range from 45 minutes to 3.5 hours, so check the length before you book. Lows near freezing feel colder on the water, so bring plenty of warm layers.
Sky Lagoon and the geothermal pools
Sky Lagoon is a geothermal lagoon by the sea, with an optional seven-step ritual. Reykjavík also offers other geothermal pools to unwind in, which suits a February day of cold air and wet weather.
Pack your swimsuit in the day bag. A hot soak is a good way to end a day of walking.
Skiing at Bláfjöll and Skálafell
The ski areas at Bláfjöll and Skálafell are about 30 minutes (distance not given) from the city centre. February is a month to use them.
Check conditions before you go, and allow time for the drive out and back.
Hallgrímskirkja and Skólavörðustígur
Hallgrímskirkja is at Hallgrímstorg, 101 Reykjavík. Organ concerts are held at noon on the first Saturday of every month from September to June, so one falls in February. A service in English is held on the last Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Skólavörðustígur leads up to the church and is one of the city’s liveliest streets, with cafés, shops and galleries. It makes an easy warm-up stop on a cold afternoon. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and garden sits at the southwest corner of the square.
Is Reykjavik busy in February?
Reykjavik has festivals and seasonal events all year round.
The 101 district, around Laugavegur, the Old Harbour and Austurvöllur Square, is the main area and within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points. Hotel Reykjavík Saga is near Lake Tjörnin, Sand Hotel is in the heart of downtown and Storm Hotel is within walking distance of Laugavegur.
Can you swim in Reykjavik in February?
The sea near Reykjavik averages 41°F (5°C) in February. That is cold water for anyone getting in, so keep the swimming for the geothermal pools.
What to pack for Reykjavik in February
February asks for warm, waterproof layers: nights near 29°F (-2°C), 15 rainy days and little sun.
- A waterproof shell for the 15 rainy days
- Warm layers for afternoons at 38°F (3°C)
- A hat and gloves for the 2-hour northern lights cruise on the water
- A swimsuit for the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon
- Shoes with good grip for wet streets and freezing nights
What to know before visiting Reykjavik in February
Perlan is at Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík. Hallgrímskirkja is at Hallgrímstorg, 101 Reykjavík, and Harpa is at Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík, on the waterfront at the old harbour with views of Faxaflói Bay and the Esjan mountain range. Reykjavík City Museum includes five museums and exhibitions, a useful indoor option on a wet day.
Check each venue’s own hours before you go.
Is February a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Yes, for travelers who want northern lights, geothermal pools, a ski day and city culture, and who accept cold, damp afternoons.
January has under an hour of sun a day, while February brings two hours.
If you want warm water, the geothermal pools are the answer, as the sea averages 41°F (5°C).
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/why-choose-reykjavik), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/service/hallgrimskirkja-church-tower), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/reykjavik-sailors/), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=accommodation&page=1), checked 2026-10-30
- perlan.is (https://perlan.is/visit?msclkid=c2a46990c64e17466ba601eeea04dae2), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=reykjavik+city+museum+officially+opened), checked 2026-10-30
- northiceland.is (https://www.northiceland.is/is/upplifun/afthreying/sjo-og-vatna-afthreying/bataferdir/), checked 2026-10-30