Things To Do In Reykjavík In February

If you're taking a trip to Reykjavík in February, then congratulations on your fine judgement! You're about to enjoy Iceland at the time of year when tourism is in a lull, allowing you the space and tranquillity to fully experience the delights of our country. And although Iceland's capricious weather can often hamper plans to travel beyond Reykjavík at this time of year, there are so many things to do in the capital region that you may not even feel the need to leave.

1. Winter Festival in Reykjavík

The Winter Festival (Vetrarhátíð) is an annual series of free evening events conceived to celebrate the coming of light and the shortening of nights as spring approaches.

In 2025, it will run from the 6th until the 9th of February and should be top of your list of things to do in Reykjavík in February. The festival comprises three parts:

1. an outdoor trail of light art in public spaces
2. open evenings at museums across the capital
3. the city's thermal pools open their doors for special evening sessions.

In past years, outdoor light installations have showcased the best and the brightest Icelandic artists working with light, utilising iconic local buildings such as the famous Hallgrímskirkja church as their projections' backdrop.

Light Trail

The Light Trail of the Winter Festival will play a key role. The trail is a walking path from Hallgrímskirkja down Skólavörðustígur and all the way to Austurvöllur which will be surrounded by light art installations.

This year's Winter Lights Festival features 18 light artworks that creatively illuminate the dark season and form an enjoyable walking route.

Experience outdoor artwork with your loved ones at your own pace.

Light art and related events will be ongoing every evening during the festival from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

Pool Night

Pool Night will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, offering free admission to Laugardalslaug Pool from 5 pm to 11 pm. Visitors can enjoy a unique evening in the dark, featuring circus performances, troubadour Tómas Helgi’s Bakkasöngur, and music by DJ Fusion Groove. For the first time, the geothermal beach will also host activities, including Hvalatjill (Whale Chill) and live music. With a blend of light, darkness, and entertainment, guests are invited to relax and embrace the atmosphere.

Participating pools in Reykjavík include: Álftaneslaug, Árbæjarlaug, Ásvallalaug, Breiðholtslaug, Dalslaug, Grafarvogslaug, Laugardalslaug, Lágafellslaug, Sundhöll, Garðabær, Kópavogur, Seltjarnarnes and Vesturbæjarlaug.

Museum Night

Museum Night on Friday, February 7, 2025, invites visitors to explore museums across the capital area from 6 pm to 11 pm, offering free admission and unique programs. The evening will focus on unconventional events, providing a fresh perspective on the museums and creating an engaging experience for guests of all ages.

All participation museums in Reykjavík: Ásmundarsalur, Bessastaðir, Gallerí Grótta, Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum, Grafíksafn Íslands, Hafnarborg, Hafnarfjörður Heritage Museum, Whales of Iceland, Museum of Design and Applied Art, Kópavogur Church, The Settlement Exhibition, Einar Jónsson Museum, National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, Ásmundarsafn, Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum, Reykjavík Museum of Photography - Grófarhús, The Living Art Museum, Molinn - Kópavogur Youth Cultural Center, The Sculptors' Society of Reykjavík, Kópavogur Natural History Museum, Elliðaárstöð, The Icelandic Punk Museum, The House of Collections, Maritime Museum, Saga Museum, Y Gallery, National Museum of Iceland, National Archives of Iceland.

Libraries participating: Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður, Kópavogur, Seltjarnarnes, Icelandic Audio,

2. Valentine's Day

14th of February is Valentine's day of course but the truth is that Icelanders have never really embraced the concept, and it remains a largely foreign custom here. However, if you wish to celebrate it, you will probably find that Reykjavík's more tourist-orientated restaurants will mark the occasion to attract your business.

If the object of your affection is female, however, Icelandic culture does offer you the opportunity to show them your appreciation. Konudagur, or Women's Day, takes place on the first day of the old Icelandic month of Góa. It is a day set aside for people to celebrate the women in their lives, whether that is through buying flowers, cooking for them or just generally pampering them. (And in case you're wondering, yes men do get an equivalent day—Bóndadagur, or Farmer's Day—in January!)

3. Time For Some Exercise

If all this talk of feeding your face has got you feeling lardy before you even arrive, then you can add a good jog around town to your list of things to do in Reykjavík in February. The Northern Lights Run, which takes place on the evening of the 3rd of February, is a 5km fun run (or stroll!) around town and forms part of The Winter Festival. The course starts at the Hafnarhusið branch of the Reykjavík Art Museum, and all participants will be given their own illuminated merchandise to become part of the city's illuminated art installation. Register online if you want to take part.

FAQ

Is February a good time to visit Iceland?

Despite the Icelandic midwinter weather presenting some logistical problems, we would say that there is never a bad time to visit our country. Having said that, February does offer some particular advantages. The start of the year is the quietest time for tourism in Iceland, so you're less likely to be elbowing through hordes of visitors at the popular spots. And although the most wintery months have passed, you're still likely to experience snow during your visit.

Can you see the northern lights in Reykjavík in February?

The atmospheric process which results in the northern lights—or aurora borealis— is most active in March and September, so February is only a month away from peak time. And, since the nights are still fairly long, there's plenty of darkness that you'll need to see them. But, as ever, nature doesn't perform on cue! So be prepared to invest time looking to the skies.

If you don't catch the aurora borealis in the wild, you should check out Perlan's educational and entertaining Áróra exhibit. Experience the full glory of the northern lights in Iceland's only planetarium, where science and art come together to deliver a thrilling, immersive experience.

What clothes to wear in Iceland in February?

When you're packing for your Icelandic trip at any time of year, think very carefully about clothes; being comfortable will make all the difference to your experience. The only predictable thing about Icelandic weather is its unpredictability, and you might well experience all four seasons in one day.

In February, though, dress for cold, snow and ice. Bring thermal base layers; merino wool and moisture-wicking athletic synthetics will keep you warm and dry. Mid-layers should include a zip-fronted fleece, and top it all off with waterproof hiking trousers and a substantial down or fibre-filled coat. Warm hats and gloves are essential, as are hiking boots. Even in Reykjavík, you'll find ice and puddles of slush underfoot and snow that you'll have to tramp through. You'll definitely regret wearing those dressy shoes or fancy sneakers, no matter how good you think they'll look.

Is February a good time to see whales in Iceland?

The best time to see whales in Iceland is during the summer months of May to August when these migratory mammals are most likely to be around our waters. Having said that, some Reykjavík whale-watching tours do operate all year round. And in winter, you're much less likely to be fighting for elbow room on the deck if you do spot any!

Can you visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland in February?

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland's iconic geothermal bathing experience, is open year-round. However, as it's usually rammed with tourists morning 'til night, you'll appreciate the slightly sparser nature of the February crowds. A winter dip only serves to highlight the exhilarating difference between the cold air and the hot water on your skin. Note, that the lagoon is located in the hotspot Reykjanes Peninsula, so always check the official website for opening times.

Is Reykjavík snowy in February?

The snowiest month in the Icelandic capital tends to be March, but February does not come far behind, and there's a good chance you'll experience some of the white stuff. Dress accordingly, and beware that snowfall on roads outside Reykjavík can drastically alter your travel plans.

Can you see puffins in Iceland in February?

One of the best places to see puffins is Látrabjarg, a stretch of cliffs in Iceland's Westfjords. Since they nest on the sheer rock face for protection, these birds have to be viewed either from a boat or (very carefully!) from a nearby cliff edge.

Given that such viewing arrangements could be uncomfortable or even dangerous during wet and windy February, and given that the roads to the Westfjords are prone to snow closure at that time of year, you should probably consider a visit in summer.

However, you can get a very real sense of Látrabjarg by visiting Perlan's stunning augmented-reality recreation of the cliff. Visitors can stand at the bottom, looking up as they learn about all the varieties of bird life which call the cliff home.