February sits at a turning point in Iceland’s winter. Snow and ice are still part of daily driving, but daylight is noticeably longer than in January and road conditions often feel more manageable. For many travelers, February offers the best balance between winter scenery, northern lights visibility, and practical driving conditions.

This guide explains what renting a car in Iceland in February is really like, how driving conditions differ from January, what kind of car makes sense, and how to plan safely while keeping costs predictable.

Executive summary: Is February a good time to rent a car in Iceland?

Yes. February is one of the best winter months to rent a car in Iceland if you want northern lights, winter landscapes, and slightly more daylight than January. It remains affordable, roads are quieter than in summer, and with flexible planning, self-driving is very achievable.

Quick Answers: Renting a Car in Iceland in February

Is February a good time to rent a car in Iceland?
Yes. February is one of the most cost-effective months to rent a car in Iceland, with low rental prices, good Northern Lights visibility, and gradually increasing daylight. It is best suited for travelers with flexible plans who are comfortable with winter conditions.

Do you need a 4x4 in February?
A 4x4 is not legally required on paved roads, but it is strongly recommended. Snow, ice, and strong winds are common in February, and a 4x4 provides better traction, stability, and overall safety.

Is it safe to drive in Iceland in February?
Driving is safe if you monitor weather and road conditions daily. The Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South Coast are regularly maintained, but sudden storms can cause short-term closures. Always check road.is and en.vedur.is before driving.

How much does it cost to drive in February?
Fuel prices in early 2026 range roughly from 180 to 210 ISK per liter, significantly lower than previous years due to the new kilometer-based road tax system. Zero Car includes the road tax as a fixed daily fee, allowing unlimited mileage without surprise charges.

Are there extra winter fees or tolls?
No seasonal driving fees apply in February. The only toll most travelers encounter is the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel in North Iceland, which must be paid online within the payment window to avoid surcharges.

How February differs from January

February is still winter, but conditions begin to ease compared to January.

• Daylight increases to roughly 7–10 hours by late February
• Road maintenance remains excellent on main routes
• Storms are still possible, but prolonged closures are less common
• Northern lights conditions remain excellent

If January feels too dark or restrictive, February is often the better choice.

For a deeper look at January conditions, see our guide to renting a car in January in Iceland.

Road conditions and winter driving in February

February roads can still be snowy or icy, especially in the mornings and evenings. The Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South Coast are plowed daily, but conditions can change quickly due to wind or snowfall.

Driving in February rewards patience and planning rather than speed.

Before driving each day, always check:

• Icelandic Road Authority conditions at road.is
• Weather forecasts at en.vedur.is

Wind remains one of the biggest challenges. High winds can affect vehicle stability and door control, particularly in exposed areas.

For year-round rules and safety fundamentals, see our Driving in Iceland guide.

Do you need a 4x4 in February?

A 4x4 is not legally required on paved roads in February, but it is often a sensible choice.

A small or mid-size car can work if you:

• Stick to main paved routes
• Drive cautiously and avoid storms
• Keep daily distances short

An SUV or 4x4 is recommended if you:

• Travel with family or luggage
• Expect snow or strong crosswinds
• Plan to explore Snæfellsnes or North Iceland

Winter tires, careful driving, and route choice matter more than drivetrain alone.

Highlands F-roads remain fully closed in February.

For help choosing the right vehicle, see our guide to the best cars for every traveler and trip.

Daylight and trip planning in February

February offers a noticeable improvement in daylight compared to January.

• Early February: around 7 hours of daylight
• Late February: up to 10 hours of daylight

This allows for more relaxed itineraries and slightly longer driving days, while still leaving evenings free for northern lights viewing.

Northern lights in February

February remains peak aurora season. Long nights, cold air, and reduced light pollution outside cities make it an excellent month for northern lights.

Renting a car allows you to move with cloud cover, reach darker areas, and adjust plans based on forecasts rather than fixed tour schedules.

What it costs to drive in Iceland in February

February driving costs are similar to January and remain lower than most other months.

Fuel prices

Petrol and diesel prices typically range between 180 and 210 ISK per liter, reflecting Iceland’s updated road tax structure.

Road usage tax

Iceland applies a national road usage tax. Zero Car includes this as a fixed daily fee rather than charging per kilometer.

• Fixed daily cost
• Unlimited mileage
• No distance-based surcharges

Learn more in our Iceland road tax 2026 guide.

Parking fees

Camera-monitored pay-by-plate parking applies at most major attractions and in Reykjavík.

Payment is usually handled through Parka or EasyPark. Unpaid sessions result in automatic invoices.

To avoid surprises, read our guide to avoiding unwanted parking and toll surprises.

Official Reykjavík parking rules are published at reykjavik.is/en/parking.

February routes that work well

February allows slightly more flexibility than January, but conservative planning is still best.

• Golden Circle
• South Coast to Vík
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula in stable conditions
• Short sections of the Ring Road with buffer days

If weather deteriorates, staying put is the correct decision.

Why Zero Car is well suited for February travel

Winter driving comes with inherent uncertainty. Transparent pricing and full coverage reduce stress.

• Full insurance with zero excess
• Roadside assistance with no deductible
• Unlimited mileage
• No deposit
• 24/7 self-service pickup and drop-off at KEF and Reykjavík

For the full explanation, see why renting a car in Iceland with Zero is the best decision.

Final thoughts

February offers one of the best winter driving experiences in Iceland. With more daylight than January and continued northern lights potential, it rewards travelers who plan carefully and stay flexible.

Renting a car in February is not about pushing limits. It is about choosing realistic routes, respecting the weather, and enjoying Iceland at a slower, more rewarding pace.