Renting a camper for your winter travel in Iceland is an amazing experience. Imagine staying up late to see the soft glow of the Northern Lights dancing above your camper and waking up to the crisp Icelandic air filling your lungs as you brew a warm cup of coffee. Then, you hit the road and spend the day enjoying stunning landscapes and fewer crowds. Winter in Iceland feels magical, but to truly enjoy its beauty, you need to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. Safe travels start with smart planning. So, today, let’s go over everything you need to know about winter road safety in Iceland before you hit the road.
How do I check Iceland’s winter road conditions?
Iceland’s winter weather is unpredictable, shifting from clear skies to snowstorms in minutes. Before you start your day’s adventure, check these essential sources: vedur.is, safetravel.is and road.is.
How Do You Use Vedur.is for Real-Time Weather Updates?
Don’t rely on your phone’s default weather app. Often, it does not announce weather alerts on time (if at all). The Icelandic Meteorological Office’s website is the best source for any weather information.
If you’re using the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s website (Vedur.is) for the first time, here are a few key things to pay attention to:
Weather Alerts (Warning Map)
The color-coded alert map (found on the homepage) is crucial. It uses gray (safe), yellow (caution), orange (severe), and red (dangerous) to indicate weather severity across different regions.
Click on a region to see detailed warnings about wind, snowstorms, or avalanches.
If you see orange or red warnings, consider postponing or adjusting your winter travel in Iceland plans.
Wind Speed and Wind Gusts
Arrows indicate wind direction and speed in meters per second.
Iceland’s wind can be extremely strong, especially in winter. Always be very careful opening camper van’s doors as wind gust can grab it and cause some serious damage.
Anything above 15-20 m/s (34-45 mph) is considered dangerous for driving, especially with a camper.
Watch out for wind gusts, which can be much stronger than the average wind speed and can make driving hazardous.
The wind forecast is available in a map view—pay attention to areas with dark colors (purple and red) indicating high winds.
Temperature and Precipitation (Rain or Snow)
A weather map of Iceland displaying temperature variations across the country.
Most people are usually surprised by how warm Icelandic winters are. The average temperature in Iceland during the winter months is around -1°C to 4°C (30°F – 39°F).
Temperatures might not seem extreme, but even around 0°C (32°F) can mean black ice on the roads. So, pay attention if the temperatures fall below freezing and expect slippery roads.
Heavy rain or snow can reduce visibility and affect road conditions.
The forecast is displayed in hourly increments, which helps plan winter travel times (and sometimes driving directions because we do not recommend driving toward a storm).
Aurora Forecast (For Northern Lights)
The website also has an aurora forecast, showing cloud cover and solar activity.
For the best chance to see the Northern lights, look for clear skies (white areas on the cloud cover map) and a KP index of 3 or higher.
However, keep in mind that this forecast is not perfect. Sometimes, the KP index is 0, and Lady Aurora still shows up to dance for us in the night sky. However, the cloud map may help you find a spot with clear skies. So, keep looking up and hope for the best.
Vedur.is forecast updates multiple times a day, so check it regularly, especially in winter. Even if it looks okay in the morning, conditions can change fast, so refresh the site.
How Do You Check Road Conditions and Closures on Road.is?
This website is operated by the Icelandic Road Administration and gives real-time conditions and traffic updates across Iceland. Similarly to the weather information, I am yet to see a 3rd party website or an app that would provide such detailed and reliable information. This should be your go-to source before you start driving anytime.
Check Road Conditions
The main function of the interactive map is to report road conditions in Iceland. They use a color-coded system, you can find the definitions in the map, but here’s a quick rundown:
- Green means the road is clear and safe to drive.
- Blue (or purple) indicates slippery roads.
- White means the road is covered in snow and may require extra caution.
- Red ones are closed roads. DO NOT attempt to drive there.
You can click on specific roads to see detailed reports.
In winter time, some roads are colored gray. While they appear open but gray mean the conditions are unknown as those roads are not serviced. We recommend treating them as closed roads to avoid getting stranded.
Wind and Weather Warnings
The map also displays wind speeds, which can make driving hazardous. Remember, wind over 15-20 m/s (meters per second) can be dangerous, especially with a camper.
Pay extra attention if you see wind gust warnings, as they can suddenly push your vehicle off course.
Live Road Cameras and Road Closures
You can view live webcams on key roads to see actual conditions. This is useful for checking visibility and snow coverage before you drive.
Remember: even main roads can be temporarily closed due to storms or avalanches. If a road is marked red (closed), do not proceed.
How Can SafeTravel.is Help You Stay Safe in Iceland?
This is Iceland’s official travel safety website, run by ICE-SAR (Icelandic Search and Rescue). It provides travel alerts, emergency information, and trip-planning tools.
Travel Alerts
The first thing you’ll see on the homepage is a list of important travel alerts. These could be about extreme weather warnings, road closures or dangerous conditions, natural disasters (avalanche risks, floods, or landslides), or volcano eruptions.
Emergency Features and Travel Plans
If you get stuck, lost, or in danger, use the Emergency Beacon feature to send your GPS location to ICE-SAR.
Iceland’s emergency number is 112! Save it on your phone!
If you are heading into remote areas, use the Travel Plan feature to register your route with ICE-SAR. This helps search and rescue teams locate you quickly if you run into trouble.
Safety Guides
Lastly, safetravel.is has tips for winter traveling in Iceland, such as road signs, winter driving guides, and others.
These three resources – weather forecast, road condition map, and safe travel website, are updated multiple times a day, so check them regularly, especially in winter. Even if it looks okay in the morning, conditions can change fast, so refresh the sites before you start driving.
For your convenience, you can also download their apps straight to the phone.
How to Choose the Right Camper and Pack Smart for Winter in Iceland?
Before hitting the road, choosing the right camper is just as important as planning your route. Iceland’s winter conditions can be unpredictable, so having a well-equipped vehicle will make all the difference in ensuring a safe and comfortable adventure.
Is Your Camper Ready for Icelandic Winter?
Your camper isn’t just your home on wheels—it’s your lifeline to safely exploring Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. But not all campers are built for winter. To handle icy roads, unpredictable weather, and long stretches of remote travel, make sure your camper is equipped with studded winter tires.
Beyond just traction, the right winter-ready camper will come with overnight heating, wool insulation, an emergency kit, an ice-scraper, starter cables, and a small shovel. These are just essentials when it comes to winter safety in Iceland. Before booking, check with your rental provider to ensure your camper is fully equipped for winter adventures. All Happy Campers vans have all these features, plus we also include an extended winter orientation at the office.
Do You Need a 4×4 Camper for Winter in Iceland?
You might be wondering—do you really need a 4×4 camper in winter? The short answer: it depends. While Iceland’s main roads, including the Ring Road, are well-maintained, winter conditions can turn even a simple drive into a challenge.
It all depends on your driving experience, weather conditions, trip duration, and your planned route. Shorter trips may not require a 4×4 if you stick to the main attractions in the southern parts of Iceland. However, if you do not have a lot of winter driving experience, 4×4 can offer extra security when navigating snowy roads.
For a deeper dive into when a 4×4 is necessary and how to choose the right camper for your trip, check out our detailed guide on renting a 4×4 camper in winter.
What Should You Pack for a Winter Camper Trip in Iceland?
Packing for an Icelandic road trip isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety. Winter gear like parkas, insulated boots, and thick layers take up extra space, so consider renting a more spacious camper for added comfort. When temperatures drop, having extra room to move around makes a big difference in staying warm and cozy.
What Are the Must-Have Essentials for Winter Travel?
- Warm, Layered Clothing – Think thermal base layers, insulated jackets, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats, and warm socks.
- Portable Battery Pack & Phone Charger – Cold weather drains batteries quickly—keep your phone charged for navigation and emergencies.
- Non-Perishable Snacks & Water – In case of delays, it’s always good to have extra food and drinks.
- Basic Toolkit & Emergency Gear – A first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a multi-tool, and a snow scraper can make all the difference.
- Extra Blankets & Sleeping Bag – Even with a heater, temperatures can drop—stay cozy and prepared.
- Offline Maps & GPS – Cell service can be spotty in remote areas, so download maps in advance.
For a detailed packing checklist, check out our official Happy Campers packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable winter road trip!
What Are the Most Important Driving Tips for Winter Travel in Iceland?
Winter driving in Iceland requires patience, caution, and adaptability. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions, but icy roads, strong winds, and sudden weather changes mean you’ll often need to drive well below them. The key to a safe and enjoyable trip is adjusting to the conditions, planning ahead, and knowing when to take a break.
Plan Around Daylight
In the heart of winter, Iceland sees only four to six hours of daylight, which can significantly impact your travel plans. Driving in the dark on unfamiliar, icy roads is far from ideal, so it’s best to schedule your driving during daylight hours.
Start your journey early in the day and plan to reach your destination before nightfall. If you’re visiting popular sights, prioritize those that require driving in more challenging conditions while it’s still light out. It’s also a good idea to save your campsite location or accommodation details ahead of time so you’re not struggling to find your way in the dark.
Being strategic with your schedule will make for a smoother and safer experience.
Stick to Safe Roads
While GPS apps like Google Maps might suggest shortcuts, not all roads in Iceland are suitable for winter travel. The safest option is to stick to main routes like the Ring Road (Route 1), which is regularly maintained and monitored.
Mountain roads, known as F-roads, are closed during winter for a reason—they can become completely impassable due to deep snow, ice, and rough terrain. Even smaller secondary roads may be difficult to navigate in certain conditions.
Before heading out each day, check Road.is for real-time updates on road conditions and closures. Having a reliable offline map is also useful in case you lose cell service in remote areas.
Beware of Black Ice
One of the biggest hazards in winter driving is black ice—an almost invisible, glassy layer that can make roads dangerously slippery. It’s especially common on bridges, shaded stretches of road, and areas exposed to frequent freezing and thawing. Even if a road looks clear, black ice can be lurking, so it’s important to drive cautiously.
Reduce your speed, avoid sudden braking, and steer smoothly to maintain control. If you do hit a patch of ice, keep a steady grip on the wheel and ease off the accelerator instead of making abrupt movements.
A little extra awareness can prevent a minor slip from turning into a major problem. The goal isn’t just to reach your destination—it’s to enjoy every moment along the way, safely.
Fuel Up Whenever Possible
Even though there are plenty of gas stations in Iceland, running out of fuel in freezing temperatures is not a situation you want to find yourself in. A good rule of thumb? If you see a gas station, stop and refuel.
In the winter, weather conditions or unexpected detours can make a short drive much longer than anticipated.
Final Thoughts
Traveling Iceland by camper in winter is an unforgettable experience, full of moments that will stay with you forever. By following these winter road safety tips, checking conditions regularly, and staying prepared, you’ll ensure a smooth, stress-free, and magical journey.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Despite all precautions, sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you get stuck or need help:
- Turn on hazard lights to make your vehicle visible.
- Stay inside your camper unless it’s unsafe to do so.
- Call 112 – Iceland’s emergency number.
- Use SafeTravel.is’s emergency beacon if needed.
Help is always available, but being prepared can make all the difference.
Happy Campers has 24/7 emergency phone service, so do not hesitate to call us if you need help.
Further Reading
Iceland Campervan Travel Guide
This free eBook, available to all Happy Campers customers, is packed with insider tips, must-see destinations, and essential travel advice to make the most of your road trip
Finding a campsite that’s open in winter can be tricky, but this interactive map makes it easy to locate year-round camping spots so you can plan your overnight stops with confidence.
Winter Camping in Iceland
A deep dive into everything you need to know about traveling in Iceland during the winter months, from road safety to packing tips and campsite recommendations.