Top 6 Things to Do During Bad Weather in Iceland

One thing to keep in mind as you’re planning a trip to Iceland is the weather. Whereas you can visit some popular destinations around the world and be fairly certain that you’ll have sunny skies or snowy afternoons the entire time, Iceland’s weather is a little more unpredictable. A sudden Iceland storm can pop up out of nowhere, any time of year, with little warning. 

That said, while it’s not uncommon to encounter bad weather in Iceland, the weather doesn’t need to ruin your trip in the slightest, especially if you prepare for that potential bad weather ahead of time.

There are plenty of fun things you can do during bad weather in Iceland. While we may be most well-known for our outdoor attractions, there are loads of indoor attractions that are worth your time, too — and getting to these indoor attractions is even easier when you choose to book a car rental in Iceland. A rental car will allow you to get around the country with ease, at a minute’s notice.

Ready to see what fun awaits even in the worst Iceland weather? Here’s what you need to know and our top 6 recommendations.

How Bad and Unpredictable is the Weather in Iceland?

We get bad weather regularly…

Don’t assume that we’re exaggerating just how unpredictable and bad the weather can be in Iceland. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a traveller who’s visited Iceland and walked away saying that they only saw sunny skies throughout their entire trip. Some of Iceland’s bad weather is benign — small showers and the like — but other bad weather in Iceland can pose a potential danger.

Here are a few of the types of bad weather and storms you may encounter in Iceland, depending on what time of year you visit and the part of Iceland you visit.

What types of bad weather will you experience in Iceland?

The most frequent weather phenomenon that you’ll experience while travelling around Iceland is undoubtedly our very strong winds. An Iceland wind storm can even be so strong that it can make driving conditions challenging if you’re not careful. Of course, as mentioned, the bad weather will differ depending on the season of your visit. Iceland has two primary seasons, summer and winter, with no real spring or fall.

In the summer, April to October, expect milder temperatures, but bad weather including rain, strong winds and sandstorms.

In the winter, November through May, the temperatures dip into freezing, and the bad weather may include snowstorms, blizzards and ice storms.

As alluded, if you’re just encountering a rain shower here or there, you might not need to adjust your plans at all. You can still go on that hike or see that waterfall, but you’ll just need to put on a raincoat — so make sure that’s among the things you pack for your Iceland trip! 

In contrast, if you come up against a full storm, you likely will need to change your travel plans and head inside.  

Different types of storms in Iceland

You may need to avoid these storms while travelling around in Iceland, whether you rent a car or are travelling any other way.

• Windstorms

Windstorms can occur at any time of year and are the most frequent dangerous weather you can encounter in Iceland. The winds pop up out of nowhere and sometimes are so strong that they may impede your driving.

• Sandstorms

Only an issue during the summer months, sandstorms occur when the strong winds mentioned above lift a mix of sand and volcanic ash off the ground and into the air. The debris can damage vehicles, scratching up the paint and glass. Sandstorms are most common when travelling along Iceland’s South Coast. 

• Blizzards

Blizzards are just one type of storm you might encounter during the winter. Avoid driving in blizzards as the heavy snow reduces visibility and can make driving very dangerous. When a blizzard is expected or ongoing, you may even find that some Iceland roadways are completely closed, to help avoid vehicle accidents.

• Ice storms

Similarly, ice storms pop up during the winter months and may cause hazardous driving conditions. The ice covers the roads and, even if you drive slowly, you still may lose control of the vehicle. As such, we never advise driving in an ice storm, or even driving if an ice storm is in the forecast.

Rapid changes in Icelandic weather

As mentioned, Iceland’s weather can change very rapidly, without warning. This is due to Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic, near the Arctic Circle, as well as its varied terrain. You can easily experience multiple types of storms all in one day. As such, it’s incredibly important that, both before your trip to Iceland and during your trip, you stay informed about Iceland’s weather conditions and potential upcoming weather events.

How to stay informed about the weather in Iceland

You can stay informed via two valuable websites that we recommend all travellers use while planning a trip to Iceland and during their trip to Iceland. Vedur.is is the official meteorological website of Iceland where you’ll get up-to-the-minute weather forecasts. Then, safetravel.is is a website that provides you with information regarding any conditions that may impact your travel around the country.

Why Having a Car is Essential During Bad Weather

Regardless of the weather, renting a car in Iceland is a smart choice, as it allows you to easily get around the country without relying on buses or tours. Even if travelling a short distance, having a rental car will ensure that you don’t have to walk.

Add in the unpredictable weather, though, and a rental car becomes even more important. 

With a rental car, if you’re on your way to see a certain site or point of interest, and a storm arises, you can simply change course and go do or see something else — something you can’t do if you’re on a bus or tour. Likewise, if you have a rental car, you can avoid pesky, merely annoying bad weather in Iceland, such as rain showers. As you’re bouncing from museum to museum in Reykjavik, for example, you’ll appreciate being snug and cosy in your car versus walking out in the elements.

Safety tips for diving in bad weather in Iceland

Just because your Iceland rental car will keep you warm, cosy and out of the elements, though, you’ll still need to take a few precautions when driving in bad weather, to assure your safety and the safety of those around you. 

Here are a few tips:

• Rent a 4x4 vehicle: While a 4x4 vehicle will give you greater traction and enable you to take on rougher roads at any time of year, a 4x4 vehicle is necessary in the winter, when that extra traction will help you navigate unforeseen icy or snowy roads.
• Check road conditions: Always stay up-to-date on the latest road conditions by using road.is to learn about any potential closures or hazards.
• Check the weather forecast: Use safetravel.is or vedur.is to also keep an eye on the weather and, if the weather is projected to be bad, consider changing your driving plans accordingly.
• Slow down: Whenever you encounter inclement weather while driving, lower your speed.
• Pack essentials: Before heading out, no matter how long of a drive you expect, be sure that you have essential items in the car, such as a first aid kit, blankets, a flashlight, water and snacks.

Then, of course, make sure that you rent a reliable vehicle, such as the many available in Lava Car Rental’s fleet. Also, read up on everything you need to know about safe driving in Iceland. Our guide to Iceland weather and guide to driving in Iceland can help.

If bad weather does arise, though, you’ll need something to occupy your time in Iceland, that doesn’t require you to be out and about in the elements. Here are our six top picks for things to do when the Iceland weather is less than ideal.

1. Explore Museums

Iceland boasts a wide array of museums, and not just in Reykjavik. Throughout the country, you’ll find cultural and historical museums that will teach you about the local customs and peoples, and their pasts. Here are a few to consider visiting when the weather is uncooperative.

If you’re travelling through the South of Iceland, consider visiting…

• The Skógar Museum in South Iceland: This museum is comprised of three separate sites and focuses on folk relics and Icelandic history. It features artefacts dating back to the Viking era and a model turf-house village.
• The Lava Show in Vik: This unique exhibition is all about, as the name suggests, Icelandic lava. Unlike any other exhibition on Earth, it allows you to get up close and personal with Icelandic lava, safely.
• The Eldheimar Museum in the Westman Islands: If you make the trip out to the Westman Islands, consider visiting the Eldheimar Museum, which commemorates the worst disaster in Iceland’s history: the Eldfell eruption. The eruption occurred in 1973 on Heimay Island and forced the entire island, thousands of people, to evacuate in the middle of the night.

If you’re travelling through the North of Iceland, consider visiting…

• The Husavik Whale Museum: Don’t just go whale watching while you’re in Iceland. Also, explore Iceland’s connection with whales and everything you need to know about these magnificent beasts. See whale skeletons and learn about whales in a family-friendly environment.
• The Glaumbaer Folk Museum in Skagafjordur: A bit like a living history museum, this museum features more than a dozen buildings constructed in the manner of Iceland’s historic turf houses.
• The Herring Era Museum in Siglufjordur: Learn about Iceland’s maritime history at this large museum covering 2,500 square metres. The five exhibition buildings focus largely on the herring industry. The museum is a European Museum Award winner.  

 

If you’re travelling through the West of Iceland, consider visiting…

• The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes: This centre displays Icelandic history and Icelandic Sagas, introducing visitors to Icelandic legends in some of the town’s oldest structures.
• Bjarnarhöfn in Snæfellsnes: This museum is dedicated to shark fishing and its ties to Icelandic culture. You’ll learn about how Icelanders turn shark meat into one of the country’s famous foods: fermented shark. You’ll even get to taste it — if you’re brave enough.
• The Icelandic Witchcraft and Sorcery Museum in Holmavik: In the Westfjords, this museum chronicles the supernatural side of Iceland.

If you’re in Reykjavik, you’ll find the most famous and largest Icelandic museums. Stand-out options worth visiting before any others include Perlan, Iceland’s nature museum; the Icelandic Phallological Museum, dedicated to all things phallic; and the National Museum of Iceland.

2. Enjoy the Cosy and Unique Cafés of Iceland 

There’s hardly anything better than waiting out a brief rainstorm or snowstorm from the cosy confines of a café. So, settle in and grab a cup of coffee and a sweet treat at one of Iceland’s many such spots. Whether you want a traditional coffee house or would prefer to try something more unique, like a coffee shop set in an old school bus or a greenhouse, you can find it.

Check out some of our favourite coffee shops throughout Iceland for more details.

3. Visit the Geothermal Spas and Local Swimming Pools 

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Of course, this isn’t something you’d want to do during a strong storm, but if it’s just a grey, drizzly day, or if just a few snowflakes are falling, then consider heading to the nearest hot spring. There’s nothing like being warm and toasty in your bathing suit, while you watch the gentle rain or snow come down. It’s an experience you can’t have anywhere else.

Iceland’s local swimming pools offer a similar experience. While these pools aren’t technically hot springs, they are heated with natural water and many have heated outdoor areas. They may also have ice baths and saunas, as well as indoor facilities with changing rooms and showers. Plus, access to the pools is free for children or around 1300 ISK/9.28 USD/8.92 EUR for adults.

You’ll find public swimming pools in just about every village throughout the country. For our recommendations for hot springs specifically, check out our guide to the top hot springs in Iceland.

4. Go Shopping for Local Goods

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You might also dip into some shops to look for local souvenirs while you wait out the storm. Specifically look for handicrafts, Icelandic books — Icelanders love their books and their local authors — or a “lopapeysa,” or a classic Icelandic wool sweater.

If in Reykjavik, a great choice is to visit Kolaportið, an indoor flea market where you can find a range of fun products to browse and buy, from antiques to clothes.

5. Go to the Cinema

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You’ll find that many movies are released earlier in Iceland than they are on the European continent. Plus, movies in most cinemas are shown in English, with Icelandic subtitles. If you’re in Reykjavik, a good cinema to try is Bio Paradis. You’ll also easily find cinemas in cities such as Akureyri and Isafjordur.

6. Chase the Good Weather

Lastly, you can always follow the good weather and avoid the bad, if you keep up-to-date on the weather forecasts and know where and when the bad weather is happening. 

This is especially a good idea if you’re travelling in a campervan, so you can drive to where the weather is best and have your accommodations right with you the entire time, or so you can wait out bad weather inside the campervan until it passes and then keep driving.

Thankfully, this is all the easier due to Iceland’s compactness. You can drive an hour or two and find sunshine when, in another part of the country, it’s all cold and raining.  

Lava Car Rental has campervan rentals that can make this process incredibly easy, all outfitted with everything you need for a convenient and fun camping experience.

Why Choose Lava Car Rental for Your Iceland Adventure?

Beyond the great selection of 4x4 vehicles and campervans, why else should you choose Lava Car Rental for your Iceland adventure?

Here are just a few reasons:

• Weather-ready vehicles: Our 4x4 vehicles can handle some of the toughest roads and weather conditions, and are outfitted with things like winter tires to keep you as safe as possible.
• Essential extras: When you rent your vehicle with Lava Car Rental, you can also rent GPS devices, or even Wi-Fi hotspots to better stay connected and informed of the weather and road conditions.
• Expert advice: Our local team is here to help you, answering any questions and ensuring your Iceland road trip is not only fun and memorable, but also safe.

With Lava Car Rental on your side, you’ll be able to embark on your Iceland road trip in comfort and safety.

What to Pack for Bad Weather in Iceland

As you get ready for your Iceland road trip, be sure that you’ve packed all the right gear to keep you comfortable, no matter what kind of weather arises.

Be sure to pack:

• Waterproof jacket and pants: These will keep you dry in rain or snowstorms.
• Thermal layers: Choose a moisture-wicking base layer and a warmer mid-layer to wear beneath your exterior clothes. These will not only keep you warm and dry in rain or snow, but they’ll also ensure you stay cool and dry if you sweat.
• Sturdy waterproof boots: Bring hiking boots for traversing Iceland’s rough terrain, but make sure those hiking boots are waterproof, too.
• Accessories: Gloves, hats and scarves are key to staying warm.
• Weather apps and tools: Lastly, before you arrive, be sure to download apps for Vedur.is and Safetravel.

Need more tips for what to pack? Find out what to wear in Iceland.

Don’t Let Bad Weather in Iceland Ruin Your Road Trip

With the right planning, foresight and a little flexibility, you can enjoy an amazing Iceland road trip no matter what the weather or season. With your weather-ready vehicle and a backup plan for what to do indoors if the weather turns, you’ll be able to continue enjoying your explorations of Iceland, without being left stranded or stumped due to a storm.

Your Iceland adventure starts when you book your rental car with Lava Car Rental today.