Iceland WINTER Driving Tips, Safety & Weather : Real Talk, No BS

Winter driving in Iceland can be challenging and so for those of you traveling here during this time of the year, I created this winter driving travel guide to get you ready and keep you safe on the road.
Let's talk about what to expect from the weather, what are the road conditions, if you need to rent 4x4 and more.
🚗 Up to 9% car rental discount : janiniceland.com/rent-a-car
❗One thing you need to save you from injuries in winter : amzn.to/49uJFec
Hotels, rent a camper van or go camping?
➡️ You can compare prices and book the right place for you here: booking.tp.st/6Bcq47iV
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Disclaimer: This video is NOT sponsored. Some of the links are affiliate links which means if you buy/book something I'll receive a small commission. This doesn't affect the final price and you will support my work.
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🏠 Visit my Airbnb in Iceland : www.airbnb.co.uk/h/sjalandcabin
✈️ Compare lowest prices & book flights : kiwi.tp.st/R1utrRTV
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IG: ➡︎ janiniceland
Kontakt: [e-mail]
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 Let's go
00:32 Early morning road conditions
01:34 High winds
02:12 Driving in bad weather
02:47 Ice and snow
03:00 Do you need 4x4?
03:58 Flat light conditions
04:33 Traffic danger
#iceland #icelandtravel

[@janiniceland]

Get up to 9% discount on a rental car in Iceland - more info here: janiniceland.com/rent-a-car

[@benburns5995]

Hi Jan, thanks for this video about driving conditions in Iceland. Glad that you all escaped without getting hurt on that overturned jeep. High winds that can move a car on the roadway and cause someone to loose control is really scary. I live in Northwest Indiana in farm country so know well the threat of Whiteout conditions and blowing an drifting snow. I think videos like this are good especially for people that live in Suburban or City areas that don't know the dangers of weather conditions in less populated open areas.

[@janiniceland]

Hello Ben, thank you for sharing your thoughts. That's true, I just hope that this can help to someone as it really often seems many people come here completely unaware of what weather is like here. So I need to keep pushing this info out 😀

[@larsstougaard7097]

Be safe 🙏 must also be very difficult to see all the 500.000 white sheep 🐑 in the snow ❄️ on Iceland. Of cause they have natural airbag of wool but still.

[@janiniceland]

haha that sure would be difficult, but luckily they don't keep them outside for the winter 😄

[@musstard_1399]

Hi Jan, thank you for all the information on your page, it's invaluable! Do you think that renting a van for 2 weeks and visiting Iceland in October is a good idea? The cold doesn't really scare us, but the wind and the accessibility of the roads seem to be a real issue...I was two clicks away from booking everything last night and I came across you! Thanks in any case and I wish you all the best for the future.

[@janiniceland]

Hey :) Thank you! Good question. Generally I would say in October there isn't that much snow yet, but of course you never know here in Iceland. And there's a higher chance of snow in the northern parts and highlands and mainly rain in the south. But usually since end of September ish there's always a good chance of storms with strong wind gusts. I would say you'll be fine if you drive carefully and won't drive in a storm. In my opinion if you can come in September instead I would do that or aim for the beginning of October and you should at least/probably avoid the snow.

[@janiniceland]

and it could be a good idea to book a 4x4 camper, too

[@crandallcrute3918]

Love your videos Jan! We were just in Iceland driving in the West Fjords - and even with clear roads - the winds were incredible making the driving quite challenging LOL!

[@janiniceland]

Glad you like them! Haha yes it can be challenging even without the snow, people just need to be cautious but sometimes sht happens. I sometimes feel like when I drive here in the winter I use shovel more often than a cup holder

[@rileyuktv6426]

You forgot to mention about avoiding The Elves…🇮🇸

[@janiniceland]

haha that's true, those rascals always get in the way! 😅

[@syedmustafa3145]

Thank you for the informative video Jan! Would you recommend a larger SUV like a Land Cruiser or a smaller one like the Dacia duster for winter driving in Iceland as far as safety goes? Thanks!

[@janiniceland]

thank you Syed! Thing is, if there's too much snow for car like Dacia to get through, then it is not a good idea to be driving on the particular road or a day in the first place. As long as you follow weather and road conditions, Dacia is enough. Land Cruiser will perhaps get you through some sketchy conditions a little bit better and it is more comfortable and spacious but if you don't care about that too much, Dacia will do the job just fine.

[@Rennrogue]

Excellent advice!

[@janiniceland]

Glad you found this helpful :)

[@seanturpin6066]

Thanks for this! I will be there next Friday.

[@janiniceland]

I'm glad it was helpful :)

[@fannyandersson3330]

If you have never been driving in snow or ice before, I dont think practicing in Iceland the first time is a good idea! Maybe you should practice before, or let an experient driver drive the car. Or go on a guided tour. Thats my advice Sweden!

[@janiniceland]

that is a very good point, thank you for sharing Fanny!

[@Asimakissable]

Hello Jan great and very well explained video. What is your thoughts of trying the ring road the last days of this January in a campervan?

[@janiniceland]

Hello! You could do it, but it depends on many things. For example I don't think it is a good idea to drive a camper here if you've never driven in snow and if you're planning to sleep in it than definitely having some previous winter camping experience is a plus. It also depends on the size of the camper, the wind can be very strong here in the winter so if its a large vehicle, that could be dangerous if you don't monitor the weather conditions well. Many of campsites are closed for the winter but the upside is that nobody will mind if you park pretty much anywhere during the night in the winter.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Hi Jan, what is the mobile phone coverage in Iceland like? Is there always a signal?

[@janiniceland]

It's actually pretty good, of course sometimes there are some spots without a signal for example in the mountains, glaciers and remote places but otherwise it's good. If you need to buy icelandic sim card then I think Siminn has the best coverage, otherwise Nova or Vodafone are decent as well

[@EchoEsK19]

Hello! I want to drive at night 2am on 6 february, from airport to Vik. Is it safe with green road ?

[@janiniceland]

Hey! it will all depend on the weather I guess. It is still a 3 hr drive. Just make sure to monitor the weather and road conditions before you head out and you'll be fine. It could turn into a long exhausting drive so early in the morning if the weather is not good.

[@katesommerville7217]

I see so many FB comments where people want to hire cars in the winter, they clearly have no idea 🤷‍♀️ I’ve always lived near transport & have never driven! I would be constantly shouting at all the morons on the road 😇 doesn’t bear thinking about 😅 it’s bad enough crossing the road cos I keep looking the wrong way 😂😂

[@janiniceland]

exactly, that's why I also make videos like this, I see many people struggle with the weather and road conditions...haha i see what you mean, and good thing that there's at least an option for non drivers to do some bus tours around here, too