Yes, you can do Iceland in a campervan in winter, and many of our guests love it: empty roads, snowy waterfalls and the northern lights from your own camper. It is a different trip from summer, though. Days are short, the weather decides your plans, and a few campers and campsites suit winter much better than others. This is what we tell guests at the desk in Keflavík before they drive off between November and March.
Is a winter campervan trip a good idea?
It is a good idea if you are flexible. Plan shorter driving days, keep one or two spare days for storms, and stay close to the South Coast, the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes if this is your first winter trip. The full Ring Road is possible in winter, but the north and east get more snow and closures, so it suits travellers with time to wait out a storm.
It is not a good idea if you have a tight schedule with fixed bookings every night far apart, or if you are not comfortable driving on snow and ice.
What our campers have for winter
- Studded tyres on every camper through the winter season. They grip on ice far better than normal tyres, but they do not make ice safe, so still drive slowly.
- Diesel heating in the Campervan 2 Persons Premium, the Fiat Scudo and the Renault Trafic 3. The heater runs on the van's fuel and keeps the camper warm through the night without a power hook-up.
- Bedding, kitchenware, a table and chairs and more are included, so you only bring warm clothes.
For winter, pick one of the heated campers above. Roof-tent campers are summer-only: a tent on the roof is no place to sleep in Icelandic winter wind and snow.
Daylight in winter
In December you get about 4 to 5 hours of daylight in Reykjavík, and a little less in the north. By February it is around 8 hours, and by March 11 to 12. Plan your driving for the light hours and keep the dark evenings for cooking, hot pools and the northern lights.
See the full month-by-month picture in our best time to visit Iceland guide.
Roads and weather: check every morning
Winter weather in Iceland changes within hours. Make these three checks part of your morning routine:
- Road conditions: umferdin.is (road.is) shows closed and icy roads in real time.
- Weather and wind: vedur.is. Wind matters more than cold. Strong gusts can push a high camper sideways and rip a door off its hinges, so hold doors firmly.
- Alerts: safetravel.is posts warnings and lets you leave a travel plan.
If a road is closed or a storm warning is out, wait. Closed means closed in Iceland, and rescue in a storm is slow and expensive. We can help you change your route; call us any time.
Our driving in Iceland guide covers speed limits, one-lane bridges and the damage insurance does not cover.
Where to sleep in winter
Most campsites close in autumn, but a good number stay open all year, mainly in the south and west. Use our campsite map and turn on the "open all year" filter. In winter some open campsites have limited facilities, so a heated camper makes a big difference.
Wild camping by the roadside is not allowed in a campervan, in winter or summer. Read where you can sleep in a campervan before you go.
Fuel and supplies
- Keep the tank above half. Stations are farther apart in the countryside and weather can hold you longer than planned.
- Stock up on food in towns. Bónus and Krónan are the cheapest supermarkets; see our groceries map.
- Carry extra water and snacks in the camper in case a road closes while you are on it.
Northern lights
Winter is northern lights season. You need dark, clear skies, so check the aurora and cloud forecast on vedur.is in the evening and drive a few minutes away from town lights. Never stop on the road to watch them; pull into a proper parking area. More tips are in our northern lights guide.
What to pack
- Warm base layers, a fleece, and a windproof, waterproof outer layer
- Warm hat, gloves and a buff or scarf
- Waterproof boots with good grip, and ice cleats for icy paths at waterfalls
- A head torch for the dark mornings and evenings
- Swimsuit for the hot pools
A simple winter route
For a first winter trip, a week on the Golden Circle and South Coast works well: short driving days, open campsites and plenty to see in the light hours. Our 7-day winter itinerary lays it out day by day.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive a campervan in Iceland in winter?
Yes, on the main roads, if you drive to the conditions, check roads and weather every morning and change plans when a storm warning is out.
Will I be cold at night?
Not in a heated camper. Our Premium, Scudo and Trafic campers have diesel heating that runs through the night without a hook-up.
Can I drive the Ring Road in winter?
Yes, but the north and east can close for days at a time. Allow spare days, or stay in the south and west for a first trip.
Can I go into the Highlands in winter?
No. The F-roads into the Highlands are closed in winter.