The first time you step off the bus at Geysir in January, the cold is not what catches you out. It is around freezing, much like a winter day in Edinburgh or Boston. What catches you out is the path, polished to glass by steam that froze overnight, with a guide calling "careful!" as Strokkur erupts beside you. Winter on the Golden Circle is beautiful, with frozen spray on Gullfoss's canyon walls, low gold light at noon and steam rising into a pink sky, but it rewards people who dress for it.
- Wear three layers: a merino or synthetic base, a fleece or light down mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof shell jacket and trousers.
- Add waterproof boots with real tread, a hat, two pairs of gloves and wool socks.
- Carry slip-on ice spikes in your pocket. They cost about 3,000–3,500 ISK in Reykjavík.
- Expect temperatures near Geysir and Gullfoss between about −5°C and +3°C. Wind, sleet and glassy paths cause more trouble than the cold.
- Leave behind jeans, cotton, sneakers and umbrellas.
The calendar above is the Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater, a big-bus day from $91 with more than 25,000 reviews on GetYourGuide. Like most big-bus tours it doesn't supply ice spikes, so bring your own. Prefer a smaller group? The Golden Circle and Kerið Crater Small Group Tour (from $127, 4.8/5 from 829 reviews) covers the same stops in a minibus.
Jump to: Weather by month · Ice spikes vs crampons · Layering system · Packing checklist · Activity add-ons · What operators provide · Buy vs rent in Reykjavík · Kids · Self-drive kit · Phones and cameras · Safety · Our picks · Summer and shoulder seasons · FAQ
How Cold Is the Golden Circle in Winter, Really?
Colder than Reykjavík and less brutal than people expect: about −4°C to +2°C on an average midwinter day, with wind making it feel 5–10 degrees colder. The thermometer is rarely the problem. Wind, wet and ice are.
- Near Geysir and Gullfoss: Icelandic Met Office data for Hjarðarland, the station a few kilometres from both sites, shows January averaging −1.1°C (daily high 1.8°C, low −4.3°C) with 131 mm of precipitation. Mean wind there peaks in February at 5.2 m/s (about 19 km/h).
- Reykjavík is milder, with a January average high of 3.2°C and low of −1.7°C.
- Þingvellir (around 100–130 m above sea level): NASA MERRA-2 model estimates suggest a January range of about 0°C to −5°C and average winds around 36 km/h, with February the windiest month. Treat that as modelled data, not a station reading.
Two numbers matter more than the averages:
- Wind chill. At −1°C with a 36 km/h wind, the standard wind-chill formula gives an effective temperature of about −8°C. At −5°C in the same wind it's about −14°C.
- Wet days. Hjarðarland logged precipitation on 193 days in 2024 (1,434 mm), according to the Met Office's annual summary. In winter it arrives as rain, sleet and snow, and worst of all for walkers as rain falling onto frozen ground, which turns every path to glass.
Locals call it "five seasons in a day" for a reason. You can get sun at Þingvellir, sideways sleet at Geysir and a snow squall at Gullfoss on the same tour.
Winter Conditions by Month (November 2026 – February 2027)
| Month | Near Geysir/Gullfoss (avg high / low)* | Daylight in Reykjavík (approx.) | What to expect on paths | What changes in your kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 3.2°C / −2.6°C | About 5–7 hours, shrinking fast | Freeze-thaw begins; the Gullfoss lower path often closes from about November | Full layers; spikes in your pocket from mid-November |
| December | 1.9°C / −4.4°C | 4h07m on 21 December (sunrise 11:22, sunset 15:29) | Packed snow and ice common; darkness at both ends of the day | Headtorch, your warmest mid-layer, hand warmers |
| January | 1.8°C / −4.3°C | About 4.5–7 hours, growing | Iciest month on average; rain-on-ice glazing | Spikes essential; spare gloves |
| February | 1.9°C / −4.2°C | About 7–9.5 hours | Windiest month; storms and road closures more likely | Balaclava or buff; goggles are a bonus |
*Long-term averages for Hjarðarland, near Geysir (details in the notes at the end of this page). Þingvellir and the Kerið rim often feel colder because they are more exposed to the wind. For sunrise and sunset by week, see our winter daylight planner.
Stop by Stop: Footing and Exposure
| Stop | Winter footing | Exposure | What to wear or do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Þingvellir (Almannagjá) | The gravel path through the rift is often compacted to ice; the slopes from the upper viewpoint are slick | Wind funnels through the gorge | Put your spikes on before you leave the bus or car |
| Geysir/Strokkur | Walkways and rope cordons glazed by steam that refreezes; signs have asked visitors to wear cleats | Steam plus wind: wet, then frozen | Waterproof shell; keep your back to the wind when Strokkur erupts, because the mineral spray blows sideways onto lenses and glasses |
| Gullfoss | Upper platform open year-round; lower path often closed when icy; spray freezes on the railings | Very exposed and spray-soaked | Waterproof trousers and a lens cloth; never step past the closure ropes |
| Kerið | Rim path gravel can be icy; the stairs to the lake may close in bad ice | No shelter anywhere on the rim | A windproof layer and hat, even if the car park feels mild |
Other Experiences You Might Enjoy
Once you're dressed for it, a guided Golden Circle tour handles the icy driving while you walk the rift at Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir and stand in the spray at Gullfoss. Winter days often add a Secret Lagoon or Sky Lagoon soak, Silfra snorkelling in a drysuit, a Langjökull snowmobile ride or a northern lights hunt after dark:
Do I Need Crampons or Microspikes for the Golden Circle?
Yes. From about mid-November to March, treat slip-on ice spikes as essential safety gear. You don't need mountaineering crampons, just a small set of spikes or cleats that stretch over your boots.
The evidence is unusually consistent:
- Park rangers: the Icelandic Environment Agency has put up warning signs at Gullfoss and Geysir asking visitors to use crampons or cleats.
- Rain on frozen ground: when that happens, "all walking paths at both Gullfoss and Geysir are covered with glassy ice," and sand washes away almost as fast as it's laid, as Iceland Magazine reported.
- Gullfoss closures: the lower viewpoint path is often closed in winter because mist from the falls freezes on it. The upper platform stays open.
- Reykjavik Excursions/Icelandia tells guests on its tour pages: "Iceland's winter beauty comes with icy paths—be safe! We recommend using crampons, available for example at BSÍ bus station."
- Arctic Adventures recommends spikes "between mid-October and mid-April."
Our take: the walking on a Golden Circle day is short (one small-group operator, East West, puts the longest walking section at "a bit less than 2 km"), but nearly all of it is on the busiest, most polished ice in the country. A 3,500 ISK pair of spikes is the cheapest insurance you'll buy in Iceland.
Microspikes vs Ice Cleats vs Crampons: Which Do You Need?
| Type | What it is | Best for | Price in Reykjavík (checked Oct 2026) | Price at home | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget slip-on cleats (studs or coils in a rubber harness) | 6–10 small studs; stretch over any shoe | Paved or packed ice at Geysir, the Gullfoss upper platform, city pavements | About 1,500–3,500 ISK in pharmacies, hardware and outdoor stores (Wintertrax 36–46 at Lyfja 3,149 ISK; Dynjandi 6-stud 2,926 ISK) | About $10–25 | Our budget pick. Fine for a classic tour; can roll off on uneven snow |
| Tour-operator spikes | Basic chain-spike grips sold with your booking | Exactly the Golden Circle | Arctic Adventures Ice Shoe Grips: ISK 3,500, one size EU 37–47, yours to keep | n/a | Easiest option if you're on that operator's tour |
| Microspikes (e.g. Kahtoola MICROspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampon) | 12 stainless spikes (about 1 cm) on chains with an elastomer harness | Uneven ice, the Almannagjá slopes, Kerið stairs, glacier car parks, multi-day trips | Kahtoola MICROspikes 11,995 ISK at Fjallakofinn (seen discounted to 9,596); 11,900–11,990 ISK at Hlaupar.is and Altis; NANOspikes 9,995 ISK | Kahtoola MICROspikes $89.95 at REI | Our top pick. Best grip, stays on, lasts for years |
| Mountaineering crampons | Rigid 10–12-point steel frame | Glacier hiking only | Rental about 3,000 ISK a day (Adventure Vikings) | $100+ | Skip. Overkill on tourist paths; glacier tours supply their own |
| Rented spikes | Chain-spike rentals | Short trips, no luggage space | Iceland Camping Equipment (BSÍ): €16 for 1 day, €25 for 2, €43 for 7; IcelandCover: 3,286 ISK for day 1, then 1,741 / 1,020 / 391 ISK per extra day | n/a | Good for one or two days; on longer trips buying costs about the same |
The bottom line:
- Doing one Golden Circle day? Buy cheap cleats, or the operator's 3,500 ISK grips.
- Doing four or more days, self-driving or adding the South Coast waterfalls? Buy Kahtoola MICROspikes at home. They're cheaper there than in Reykjavík (about $90 against about 12,000 ISK, roughly $99), and you'll use them every winter after.
How to use them:
- Put your spikes on at the car park.
- Take them off before you enter cafés, shops and the bus. Drivers and visitor-centre staff will thank you.
- Keep them in a pocket, not buried in a bag.
The Winter Layering System
Three layers top and bottom, with no cotton anywhere: a wicking base, an insulating mid-layer, and a fully waterproof, windproof shell. Waterproof trousers are the item most visitors forget. Icelandair's winter advice spells out the same system: a merino or synthetic base, a wool, fleece, down or synthetic mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof Gore-Tex-type shell, "not cotton!"
Wind is the factor everyone underestimates. A 5°C day with a 50 km/h wind feels below freezing, so your outer layer has to be genuinely windproof. A soft "showerproof" jacket that does fine at home will be useless on the plateau above Gullfoss.
| Layer | What to wear | Why | Our pick / budget option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base (top and bottom) | Merino wool (150–250 g/m²) or synthetic long-sleeve top and long johns | Wicks sweat through the hot-bus, cold-outside cycle; merino stays warm when damp and doesn't smell | Our pick: a 200 g merino top and leggings. Budget: synthetic thermals |
| Mid | Fleece (200-weight), a wool sweater or lopapeysa, or a light down or synthetic puffy | Traps heat; easy to unzip on the bus | Our pick: a synthetic-fill puffy, which stays warm when sleet soaks through. Down only under a truly waterproof shell |
| Outer shell: jacket | Waterproof, windproof hooded jacket (Gore-Tex or similar), hip-length, with a hood that fits over a hat | Wind and sleet do the damage | Our pick: a 3-layer hardshell. Or one insulated waterproof parka in place of shell plus puffy |
| Outer shell: trousers | Waterproof overtrousers (side zips help) or insulated ski pants | Gullfoss spray and sleet soak jeans in minutes | Any waterproof rain pants over thermals; ski pants on the coldest days |
| Feet | Merino or wool hiking socks, plus a spare pair; waterproof boots | Wet feet make your whole body cold | Two pairs of wool socks, rotated daily |
| Head, neck, hands | Wool or fleece beanie covering the ears; buff or neck gaiter; touchscreen liner gloves plus insulated waterproof gloves or mittens | Your fingers lose dexterity fast in wind at a "feels like" −8°C | A liner-and-mitten combination; ski gloves are fine |
Down or synthetic? Down is warmer for its weight but clumps when wet. On a sleety Golden Circle day, a synthetic puffy, or down under a reliably waterproof shell, is the safer choice.
The bus is warm. Coaches and minibuses are heated, so wear layers you can unzip and take the mid-layer off on board. That way you don't arrive sweaty and then chill at Gullfoss.
What Shoes Should I Wear in Iceland in Winter?
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and a lugged rubber sole, insulated or roomy enough for thick socks. Not sneakers, not UGGs, not fashion boots.
- Troll Expeditions tells winter Golden Circle guests to "bring hiking boots with slip-resistant soles" and sells or rents boots when you book.
- Arctic Adventures and Troll both note that crampon-type devices only fit properly over sturdy boots.
| Footwear | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Waterproof mid or high hiking boots (Gore-Tex) with wool socks | ✅ Our pick, ideal with spikes |
| Insulated winter boots (e.g. pac boots) with deep tread | ✅ Great for standing still on aurora tours; heavier |
| Waterproof trail shoes | ⚠️ OK in November with spikes; cold ankles in snow |
| Sneakers or running shoes | ❌ Soak through in slush; no warmth |
| UGG-style sheepskin boots | ❌ Absorb water, no grip |
| Leather fashion or heeled boots | ❌ Slippery soles, and spikes won't sit right |
Break your boots in before you fly. If you won't need hiking boots after the trip, rent them in Reykjavík (see buy vs rent below).
The Winter Packing Checklist: Wear, Pack, Leave at Home
Wear on the day
- Merino or synthetic base layer top and long johns
- Fleece or wool mid-layer (a lopapeysa counts)
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket with a hood, or an insulated waterproof parka
- Waterproof trousers or ski pants
- Wool hiking socks
- Waterproof hiking boots with lugged soles
- Beanie covering your ears, plus a buff or neck gaiter
- Touchscreen liner gloves plus insulated waterproof gloves or mittens
Pack in your daypack or pockets
- Ice spikes or microspikes (outer pocket)
- Spare socks and spare gloves in a zip bag
- A light puffy or extra fleece
- Hand and toe warmers (2–3 pairs)
- Sunglasses for low winter sun and snow glare
- Lip balm and a heavy moisturiser
- Headtorch (sunrise is after 11:00 in late December)
- Power bank and cable, kept warm inside your jacket
- Reusable water bottle and snacks (tours make few food stops)
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel if a lagoon is on the plan
- A little cash or a card; a phone with offline maps
- A reflective band or clip if you'll walk along roads after dark
Leave at home
- ❌ Jeans and cotton hoodies. They soak and stay cold, and DIVE.IS specifically says to avoid jeans under drysuits
- ❌ An umbrella, useless in Golden Circle wind
- ❌ Sneakers, canvas shoes, UGGs, heeled boots
- ❌ A heavy wool coat with no waterproofing
- ❌ Mountaineering crampons and an ice axe (glacier tours supply their own)
- ❌ A suitcase full of outfits. Icelanders dress practically, and outdoor brands are normal wear, even at dinner
What to Wear for Northern Lights, Lagoons, Silfra, Snowmobiling and Photography
Each add-on activity needs one or two extra items on top of the base kit. The biggest jump is a northern lights tour, where you stand still outdoors at night, often for one to three hours.
| Activity | Conditions | Add to the base kit | Skip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Golden Circle (day) | −5 to +3°C, wind, short walks | Spikes, waterproof trousers, sunglasses | A heavy expedition parka (the bus is warm) |
| Northern lights tour (Golden Circle and northern lights combos) | Standing still for 1–3 hours at night; often −5 to −15°C "feels like" | Your warmest layer on top (a big puffy or parka), insulated trousers, insulated boots, toe warmers, mittens over liners, a balaclava, a headtorch with a red light mode to keep your night vision, and a thermos, which alone can keep you outside an hour longer | Anything cotton; tight boots (cold feet) |
| Secret Lagoon, Fontana or Sky Lagoon (the three compared) | Hot water, freezing air, an icy walk to the pool | Swimsuit, flip-flops or pool shoes, a wool hat for in the water, leave-in conditioner (geothermal water dries hair), a dry bag for wet swimwear | Jewellery (minerals can tarnish it); phones near the water |
| Silfra snorkelling (Silfra in winter) | 2–4°C water; you're in a drysuit | Thermal base top and bottom (no jeans), thick wool socks, a wire-free bra, a hat and gloves for afterwards, a warm change of clothes | Jeans; too many sock layers (drysuit boots are tight) |
| Langjökull snowmobiling (snowmobiling guide) | The ice cap often feels like −10 to −20°C with wind chill | Thermal base, fleece and warm trousers under the supplied overall; thin liner gloves under the provided gloves; sunglasses | A bulky hat (the helmet goes on top) |
| Photography | Cold drains batteries; spray at Gullfoss | 2–3 spare batteries in an inner pocket, a sturdy tripod, microfibre cloths, a rain cover, liner gloves to work the controls | Changing lenses in spray or snow |
Tours for each: a From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo (from $163, 4.4/5 from 398 reviews) for the aurora; the Iceland Secret Lagoon Admission Ticket (4.7/5 from 2,199 reviews), Fontana Geothermal Baths - Classic Entry Ticket (4.4/5 from 183 reviews) or Reykjavik: Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritual (4.8/5 from 8,066 reviews) for a soak; Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos (4.9/5 from 3,425 reviews) for Silfra; and the From Gullfoss: Langjökull Glacier Snowmobile Tour (4.7/5 from 341 reviews) for the ice cap.
What Do Tour Operators Provide, and What Do I Bring?
Activity operators (snowmobile, Silfra, glacier) supply the specialist outerwear. Sightseeing tours supply nothing but transport, so your own layers and spikes matter most on the "easy" tours.
| Tour type | Typically provided | You bring | Examples we checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-bus Golden Circle | Transport and a guide (sometimes an audio guide) | Everything, spikes included | Reykjavik Excursions/Icelandia: "We recommend using crampons, available for example at BSÍ bus station" |
| Small-group Golden Circle | Varies: some sell or lend spikes | Layers and boots; check about spikes | Arctic Adventures sells ISK 3,500 Ice Shoe Grips at booking and lists them under "What to bring" (October–April); its Golden Circle & Snorkeling tour (from $293, 4.6/5 from 171 reviews) includes "Shoe Spike Grips (Nov–March)". Guest reviews on Viator say some small-group operators have handed out spikes, but that isn't guaranteed, so read the what-to-bring list on a tour such as the From Reykjavik: Small Group Golden Circle Day Trip (from $128, 4.6/5 from 243 reviews) before you rely on it |
| Snowmobiling on Langjökull | Overall, helmet, gloves, balaclava, goggles (operator-dependent), shoe covers or overshoes | Thermals, warm trousers, boots, sunglasses | Arctic Adventures: "overall, a balaclava, goggles, gloves and a helmet," with suits up to 5XL. Troll: overalls, gloves, helmet, hat and overshoes ("shoes not included"). Reykjavik Excursions: overalls, helmet and safety equipment |
| Silfra snorkelling | Drysuit, fleece undersuit, 7 mm neoprene hood and gloves, mask, fins | Thermal base layers, wool socks | DIVE.IS: a thick fleece undergarment, BARE 7 mm hood and gloves and a drysuit; "We normally suggest avoiding jeans" |
| Lagoons | Lockers and showers; towels and swimsuits to rent | Swimsuit, towel (or rent one), flip-flops | Secret Lagoon towel and swimsuit rental: 1,200 ISK each (see our winter lagoon comparison) |
| Glacier hikes and ice caves | Crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe | Stiff hiking boots (or rent them), waterproofs | Troll and Arctic Adventures supply the technical gear; rent boots if yours are soft |
Should I Buy or Rent Winter Gear in Reykjavík?
Rent the expensive, bulky things you'll never use again (parka, boots, waterproof trousers). Buy the small, personal things (base layers, socks, gloves, spikes) at home, where they're usually cheaper.
Rental Shops (Prices Checked October 2026, Subject to Change)
| Shop | Where | Item prices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland Camping Equipment | BSÍ Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10; daily 9:00–17:00, 24/7 locker pickup with 15–24 hours' notice | Winter Outdoor Clothing Package (parka, winter pants, waterproof boots, gloves, beanie, crampons): €84 for 1 day, €107 for 2, €132 for 3, €149 for 4. Parka €25 a day; hiking shoes €25 a day; crampons €16 a day | BSÍ is the Flybus hub, so you can collect on arrival and drop off on your way to the airport; hotel delivery available |
| IcelandCover | Reykjavík pickup or hotel delivery | Hiking boots 4,929 ISK day 1, 1,369 day 2, 1,254 day 3, then 998 a day; hiking crampons 3,286 ISK day 1, falling to 391 a day; "Winter Comfort" package 15,862 ISK day 1, 5,197 day 2, 4,229 day 3, 1,780 a day for days 4–7 | Front-loaded pricing, cheap per day on long trips |
| Tourvo | Reykjavík | Hiking boots 4,900 ISK day 1, 1,350 day 2; kids' rain jacket 3,450 ISK day 1 | Has children's waterproofs |
| Adventure Vikings | Reykjavík (email 24 hours ahead) | Crampons, ice axe, helmet: 3,000 ISK the first day, 1,500 for extra days | Mountaineering gear, overkill for the Golden Circle |
Rent or buy? A decent waterproof parka, trousers and boots cost $300–600 to buy at home. Iceland Camping Equipment's full winter package is €149 (about 20,300 ISK or $168) for four days. For a short trip by someone who lives somewhere warm, renting wins. If you'll ski or hike again, buy.
Where to Buy in Reykjavík
| Shop | Good for | Price note |
|---|---|---|
| Fjallakofinn | Kahtoola MICROspikes and NANOspikes, technical layers | MICROspikes 11,995 ISK (seen at 9,596 on sale) |
| Hlaupar.is / Altis | Kahtoola spikes (online and in store) | 11,900–11,990 ISK |
| Lyfja and other pharmacies; hardware stores (Dynjandi) | Cheap slip-on cleats | About 2,900–3,200 ISK |
| 66°North, Cintamani, Icewear | Icelandic-designed shells, fleeces and hats that double as souvenirs | Premium prices. Non-residents can ask for a tax-free form; Iceland Revenue and Customs (Skatturinn) says "The minimum amount on one single purchase receipt must be ISK 12,000" |
| Handknitting Association of Iceland (Skólavörðustígur) | Hand-knit lopapeysa sweaters and mittens | Lopapeysa about 43,800–85,000 ISK; mittens 8,900 ISK (as of July 2026) |
Lopapeysa: souvenir or gear? Both. A real lopi sweater makes a superb mid-layer, warm when damp and close to windproof when the knit is dense. At roughly 44,000 ISK it's an investment, not a necessity.
- Look for "Handknitted in Iceland" on the label.
- If you live outside Iceland, you can claim back up to about 14% with the tax-free form.
What Should Kids Wear on a Winter Golden Circle Tour?
A one-piece waterproof snowsuit (or a waterproof jacket and bib trousers) over wool or fleece layers, waterproof boots, mittens on a string and child-size ice cleats. Children lose heat faster than adults and often don't say so until they're miserable.
- Under 6: a one-piece snowsuit is the simplest thing that works. Bring spare mittens; wet mittens are the number one tantrum trigger.
- Traction: child-size cleats exist (EU 30s sizes, in pharmacies and outdoor stores). The Arctic Adventures one-size grips start at EU 37, too big for small feet.
- Rental: Tourvo rents kids' rain jackets and trousers, and IcelandCover lists a children's winter coat. Full children's snowsuits are harder to rent, so bring your own or buy second-hand at home.
- Kerið: the rim path is unfenced. Adults should walk on the crater side and hold hands near the edges.
- Snowmobiling: children can ride as passengers from age 6 with some operators and from 8 with others; Troll allows only one child per adult. Our snowmobiling guide lists each operator's rules.
- On the bus: pack snacks, a warm drink in a thermos and a dry change of socks.
Self-Driving? The Winter Car Kit
Check the car has a scraper and snow brush when you collect it, and bring a power bank, phone mount, thermos, snacks and a spare warm layer for every passenger. Blue Car Rental's winter guide says "Most rental cars include a scraper. Check yours is in the car before you leave the lot," and some firms, such as Zero Car, say they put a scraper and snow brush in every car. Confirm at the desk.
- Ice scraper and snow brush (check at pickup)
- Phone mount, 12V/USB charger and power bank
- A thermos of something hot, water and high-calorie snacks
- A blanket or spare puffy per person: if a road closes, you wait in the car
- Headtorch
- Spikes in the car door (you'll use them at every car park)
- Frost-rated washer fluid; sunglasses for low sun glare
- Bookmarks: umferdin.is (road conditions), vedur.is (forecast and wind), safetravel.is (alerts from ICE-SAR, Iceland's search-and-rescue association)
For driving strategy, route timing and parking costs, see Golden Circle in winter: guided tour or self-drive? and our Golden Circle costs and parking guide for 2026–27.
Will My Phone Die in the Cold? Tech and Camera Tips
It might. Apple designs iPhones to operate between 0°C and 35°C, and below that battery life can drop temporarily and the phone may switch itself off. It isn't permanent damage: Apple says battery life "will return to normal" once the device warms up.
- Keep your phone in an inside chest pocket, not a trouser or outer jacket pocket.
- Carry a power bank and charge indoors or on the bus. Apple warns that a too-cold iPhone "may not charge or could stop charging."
- Download offline maps and your tickets before leaving Reykjavík, because signal drops in the valleys.
- Touchscreen liner gloves let you take photos without bare fingers.
- Cameras: carry 2–3 spare batteries warm inside your jacket and rotate them. Bring a tripod for the aurora and low-light waterfalls, and microfibre cloths for Gullfoss spray and Strokkur's mineral mist. Before you go indoors, put the camera in a zip bag so condensation forms on the bag, not the lens.
Bring a zip-lock bag or dry pouch for your phone and camera, plus a lens cloth. Between Gullfoss spray and Strokkur's mist you'll want to wipe the glass between shots, and a soaked phone can derail a trip.
Is It Dangerous? Cold, Hypothermia, Frostbite and Slips
On a standard Golden Circle day the realistic risk is a fall on ice, not frostbite. On a single icy day in January 2026, a record 90 people went to Landspítali University Hospital's emergency department after slipping, and 35 had fractures or dislocations, Iceland Review reported. Hypothermia and frostbite are rare unless you get wet and stay out in the wind for a long time, on an aurora hunt, after a breakdown or on a snowmobile.
- Slips: wear spikes, walk flat-footed with short steps and keep your hands out of your pockets. Never step past the closure ropes at Gullfoss or Geysir. Local guides say visitors stepping over the "closed" sign at Gullfoss is their biggest frustration; the rope is there because mist-glazed ice sits next to a canyon edge.
- Hypothermia warning signs: uncontrollable shivering, clumsiness, slurred speech, confusion, unusual tiredness. Get the person somewhere warm and dry, swap their wet clothing, give warm sweet drinks and call 112 if symptoms are severe.
- Frostbite and frostnip warning signs: numb, white or greyish-waxy patches on cheeks, nose, ears or fingertips. Rewarm gently with body heat, and don't rub with snow.
- Geothermal areas: Strokkur's water is near boiling. Stay behind the ropes even if the path beyond looks walkable.
- Wind: Icelandic forecasts give wind in m/s, and Guide to Iceland warns that "Gusts above 15 meters per second call for real caution". Gusts like that can rip car doors past their hinges, which standard rental insurance excludes, and they make exposed viewpoints unpleasant. Check vedur.is and safetravel.is the night before, and read what happens if a winter tour is cancelled.
Our Picks by Traveller Type and Budget
| Traveller | Spend | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Budget, one tour day | About 3,500–5,000 ISK extra | Your own layers and any waterproofs you have, a cheap pair of cleats (about 3,000 ISK) or the operator's 3,500 ISK grips, wool socks from home |
| Warm-climate visitor, 3–5 days | About €84–149 rental | Rent Iceland Camping Equipment's winter package at BSÍ (parka, pants, boots, gloves, beanie, crampons); bring your own merino base and socks |
| Outdoorsy, several trips | About $90 plus layers | Buy Kahtoola MICROspikes and a 3-layer shell at home; you'll use both for years |
| Families | Varies | Your own snowsuits for the kids, child cleats and two sets of mittens each; rent adult boots if needed |
| Photographers and aurora chasers | About $100–200 | Insulated trousers, a big parka for standing still, spare batteries, a tripod, liner gloves, toe warmers |
| Splurge or souvenir | 44,000+ ISK | A hand-knit lopapeysa from the Handknitting Association, plus a 66°North or Cintamani shell |
Printable Pre-Departure Checklist
- Checked the forecast (vedur.is), roads (umferdin.is) and alerts (safetravel.is)
- Base layers on, no cotton
- Shell jacket and waterproof trousers
- Waterproof boots, broken in
- Spikes in your pocket
- Hat, buff, liner and insulated gloves
- Spare socks and gloves
- Sunglasses, lip balm, moisturiser
- Headtorch
- Phone charged, power bank, offline map
- Swimsuit and towel (if a lagoon is planned)
- Thermals and wool socks (for Silfra or a snowmobile)
- Snacks and a water bottle
- Checked daylight times in the winter daylight planner
- Confirmed holiday-period tour times (see Golden Circle at Christmas and New Year)
Summer and Shoulder Seasons: What Changes
The same three layers work all year; only their thickness changes. Iceland's temperature range is narrower than most visitors expect. It never gets hot, and Reykjavík rarely gets brutally cold. Daylight and wind change far more than the thermometer does.
Year-Round Essentials
These belong in the bag in every month of the year:
- Waterproof outer layer, jacket and trousers
- The full layering system: thermal base, fleece mid, shell outer
- Warm hat that covers your ears
- Gloves (waterproof preferred)
- Windproof scarf or buff
- Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes or boots with real grip
- Wool or moisture-wicking socks, again with no cotton
Typical Temperatures in the Reykjavík Area by Month
| Month | Temperature | What that means for packing |
|---|---|---|
| January | −2°C to 3°C (28–37°F) | Full winter kit, ice spikes, hand warmers |
| February | −2°C to 3°C (28–37°F) | As January; a swimsuit for steamy spa days |
| March | −2°C to 4°C (28–39°F) | Winter kit, but longer days out |
| April | 0°C to 7°C (32–45°F) | Transitional: keep the thermals, add sunglasses |
| May | 3°C to 11°C (37–52°F) | Lighter layers, full rain gear |
| June | 8°C to 13°C (46–55°F) | Summer kit plus a sleep mask |
| July | 9°C to 15°C (48–59°F) | Warmest of the year; still bring the shell |
| August | 8°C to 14°C (46–57°F) | As July; evenings start cooling |
| September | 5°C to 12°C (41–54°F) | Full layering; aurora kit for evenings |
| October | 2°C to 7°C (36–45°F) | Ice spikes from here on |
| November | −1°C to 5°C (30–41°F) | Winter kit, headtorch for dark mornings |
| December | −3°C to 3°C (27–37°F) | Full winter kit; about four hours of daylight around the solstice |
Inland stops such as Geysir and Gullfoss run a little colder in winter; see the winter table above.
Summer (May–August)
- Sunglasses: the low-angled sun is in your eyes for hours
- Sleep mask for the midnight sun (June nights never truly darken)
- Sunscreen, because UV reflects off water and glaciers
- Lighter layers for the warmer days
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
Shoulder Season (May, September–October)
Pack for both. These months swing between mild, bright afternoons and sharp, wet, wind-driven spells, sometimes on the same day. The full layering system plus proper rain gear covers it; add ice spikes from October.
At Each Stop, Whatever the Season
At Gullfoss, the lower viewpoint mists you thoroughly when it's open, and the open plateau is exposed to strong gusts year-round. This is where waterproof trousers justify themselves.
At Þingvellir, the boardwalks and gravel paths are uneven, and the Almannagjá gorge funnels surprisingly strong gusts even when it's calm elsewhere.
At Geysir, stand upwind of Strokkur if you can. The spray is mineral-laden and blows sideways in wind, which is unkind to camera lenses and glasses.
Useful Extras
- Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel for lagoon stops
- Reusable water bottle: Icelandic tap water is excellent and free
- Snacks from a Reykjavík supermarket; café food on the route is limited and pricey
- Portable phone charger, because cold weather drains batteries quickly
- Offline maps downloaded before you leave
Planning around the seasons more broadly? See our guide to the best time to visit the Golden Circle, or the winter Golden Circle guide for cold-month specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wear a merino or synthetic base layer, a fleece or puffy mid-layer, a waterproof windproof jacket and trousers, waterproof hiking boots, a hat, gloves and wool socks, and carry slip-on ice spikes. Avoid jeans and cotton.
You need slip-on ice spikes or microspikes, not mountaineering crampons. Paths at Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir and Kerið regularly ice over, and park rangers have posted signs asking visitors to use cleats.
Most big-bus tours don't. Reykjavik Excursions/Icelandia recommends buying them at BSÍ. Arctic Adventures sells ice grips for ISK 3,500 at booking and includes them on its Golden Circle & Snorkeling tour. Always check your tour's what-to-bring section.
Cheap slip-on cleats cost about 1,500–3,500 ISK in pharmacies and hardware stores. Kahtoola MICROspikes cost about 11,900–12,000 ISK at Fjallakofinn and other outdoor shops. You can also rent spikes at BSÍ (Iceland Camping Equipment, €16 for one day).
Yes. Spray freezes on paths and railings, and the lower path is often closed from about November to April. The upper viewing platform stays open year-round.
Not for the Golden Circle. Jeans soak through in sleet and spray and stay cold. Wear thermal leggings under waterproof trousers or ski pants instead. Jeans are fine for a Reykjavík dinner.
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and a deep-lugged sole, sized for thick wool socks. Sneakers and UGG-style boots get soaked and have no grip.
Your warmest layers: a thick parka or puffy over your shell, insulated trousers, a balaclava, mittens over liner gloves, and toe warmers. You may stand still outdoors for one to three hours at night, when it often feels like −5 to −15°C. A headtorch with a red light mode and a thermos of something hot help too.
Thermal base layers top and bottom plus thick wool socks. The operator supplies a fleece undersuit, drysuit, 7 mm hood and gloves. Don't wear jeans.
Thermals, a fleece and warm trousers under the operator's overall, plus boots and sunglasses. Operators supply the overall, helmet, gloves and a balaclava or hat.
Rent bulky items you'll never reuse; packages start around €84 per day at BSÍ. Buy base layers, socks, gloves and spikes at home.
Usually, if you keep it warm. iPhones are designed for 0–35°C, and colder conditions can temporarily drain the battery or shut the phone off. Keep it in an inside pocket and carry a power bank.
No. Golden Circle wind makes umbrellas useless. Bring a waterproof hooded jacket instead.
Practical and outdoorsy. Icelanders wear technical outdoor brands everywhere, so hiking boots look perfectly normal in a restaurant.
A genuinely windproof and waterproof outer shell. Wind is the factor everyone underestimates in Iceland: a 5°C day with a 50 km/h wind feels below freezing. Water-resistant is not enough; your outer layer needs to block the wind.
Yes. The lower viewpoint at Gullfoss will leave you thoroughly misted, and horizontal rain or sleet is common in every season. Waterproof trousers pack small and mean a wet stop doesn't ruin the rest of your day. In winter they are the item visitors forget most.
The same layering system, just lighter. July highs reach only 9–15°C, so you still want a windproof shell, a warm mid-layer and waterproof shoes. Add sunglasses, sunscreen, a swimsuit for hot springs and a sleep mask for the midnight sun.
Yes, whatever the season. Many Golden Circle itineraries add the Secret Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana or the Blue Lagoon, and soaking in 38°C water while snow falls on your face is one of Iceland's defining experiences. Bring a quick-dry towel too.
Notes on Prices and Sources
The Hjarðarland monthly figures (November 3.2/−2.6°C, December 1.9/−4.4°C, January 1.8/−4.3°C, February 1.9/−4.2°C; February mean wind 5.2 m/s) are a local operator's (goldencircledaytours.is) averaging of Icelandic Met Office station data for 1991–2020, not an official IMO normals table; we couldn't open the IMO station files directly. The Secret Lagoon rental price (1,200 ISK) matches secretlagoon.is as checked for our lagoon comparison. The Þingvellir figures (January about 0/−5°C, about 36 km/h wind, February windiest) are NASA MERRA-2 modelled values via Wanderlog, and that modelled wind is much higher than Hjarðarland's measured mean (about 19 km/h in February). The wind-chill figures (−1°C feeling like about −8°C at 36 km/h; −5°C like about −14°C) are our own calculations with the standard North American/UK wind-chill index, not Met Office output. The solstice daylight (4h07m, 11:22–15:29) is for Reykjavík from sunrise-sunset.org. The roughly 3,000 ISK figure for cheap cleats comes from pharmacy and hardware listings (Lyfja 3,149 ISK; Dynjandi 2,926 ISK) and an older Mannlíf price comparison (1,470–3,416 ISK) that may be out of date; we couldn't confirm a retail price for spikes sold at BSÍ itself, where Iceland Camping Equipment rents them at €16 a day. Operator gear policies change by season: Arctic Adventures' ISK 3,500 grips and their inclusion on its snorkelling combo were current in October 2026, and reports of small-group tours handing out spikes come from guest reviews. Rental prices (Iceland Camping Equipment in EUR; IcelandCover, Tourvo and Adventure Vikings in ISK) are as listed in October 2026, and some IcelandCover prices showed temporary discounts. The lopapeysa price (43,800–85,000 ISK) comes from an Arctic Adventures blog "as of July 2026"; older sources quote 25,000–55,000 ISK. Kerið's winter hours (about 10:00–17:00) and stairway closures come from secondary guides, so check on arrival. We couldn't confirm that every rental car includes an ice scraper, or the exact Gullfoss lower-path closure dates for 2026–27. Exchange rates: about 121 ISK to the US dollar and 136 to the euro. GetYourGuide ratings and review counts were read on the live listings in November 2026.