Before You Start Planning Anything: Get A Handle On How Seasons Change The Game

In most countries, seasons change the scenery. In Iceland, they change what's actually possible.

Summer opens Iceland up to the world. Winter pulls it in tight.

From June through September, Iceland becomes a whole different country. Roads to the Highlands open up, daylight stretches on forever, and you can drive, stop, detour, hike, and still get to your guesthouse, wondering what time it is.

Winter does the opposite. From November through March, the country gets a lot more compact. The Highlands roads are closed for business, snow, ice, and wind are the biggest factors to worry about, and darkness is something you need to factor into your plans.

Loads of people miss this point. You don't start by choosing the places you want to visit. You start by choosing what you can't do.

Putting Together A Summer Road Trip

Summer is the time when Iceland gives you the freedom to roam. That doesn't mean you have to cram everything in, but it does mean the country lets you make up your mind on the fly.

What Summer Does Best

In the summer, I plan my days a bit more loosely. I know I can afford to take a detour if I see something I haven't heard of before, and I can stay longer in one spot if I want to.

This is the season when you can drive to the Highlands and explore the amazing landscapes in Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll.

These are not just bonus attractions, they're the main event, but only for a few short months of the year.

Routes That Really Come Alive In Summer

The Ring Road is the obvious one to choose, and honestly, it does earn its reputation. Summer is when the roads are clear, and the weather is good, and even the remote bits feel manageable.

But if you're up for something a bit more adventurous, summer is the time to break away from the main highway.

The Highlands can be a bit slower-going, and sometimes you'll need a 4x4, but the scenery is just incredible.

Then there's the west, Snaefellsnes, and the Westfjords. These regions come alive in the summer when the sun's out all day and the days are long enough to make the most of them.

Gravel roads, ferry schedules, and all the rest are a lot easier to handle when you don't have to worry about daylight running out.

The Summer Trap (Yes, There Is One)

Crowds. Summer is popular for a reason, but it does mean certain areas feel busy, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Our workaround is simple: start early, linger late, and don’t rush through places just because the itinerary says so.

Summer rewards flexibility. Use it.

Building A Winter Road Trip: Restraint, Patience, And Atmosphere

Winter road trips in Iceland are wont to be more subdued, more rugged, and, when done right, utterly rewarding. But they demand a different mindset, one that's willing to adapt.

You stop chasing mileage in winter & instead focus on keeping options open.

What Winter Suddenly Brings Into Play

The Highlands just vanish, effectively changing the way you plan your trip.

And then you've got snow-slicked roads, ice-covered bridges, sudden blizzards, and daylight windows that can shrink down to just a few hours, all of which makes that dream of a smooth, full loop around the whole country seem a little less appealing.

That's not a bad thing, though, it's just that winter asks you to slow down a little and think things through.

Routes That Make Sense For Winter

The South Coast is the backbone of winter road trips, which is probably why it's so popular.

The roads get priority for clearing, the towns stay open all year, and the scenery doesn't suffer in the snow, on the contrary, it seems to gain a new kind of beauty.

Frozen waterfalls, ice caves glowing like embers, black sand dusted white with a fine layer of frost...

Snæfellsnes is another good bet for winter if the weather holds out. It's a compact route, full of drama, and doesn't demand you spend hours driving down isolated stretches of road.

If you're planning a shorter trip, basing yourself in Reykjavik and taking day trips is the smartest move, that way, you can wake up each morning, check the conditions, and decide just how far you'll drive. And that flexibility is money when safety's concerned.

The Reality Check Winter Road Trippers Need

Here's something most guides conveniently leave out, you'll be cancelling plans. And that's perfectly okay.

I've had to turn around mid-drive because the wind picked up way faster than I expected. I've skipped whole destinations because road closures made the math just not worth it. Winter driving in Iceland isn't about being stubborn, it's about knowing when to say 'enough's enough'.

When people tell me that winter "limits" Iceland, I usually just smile & say nope, winter edits Iceland. And actually, the result is often a lot more powerful.

Summer Vs Winter: Picking The One That Fits You Best

If you're deciding between the two, ask yourself how you like to travel.

If you enjoy driving for miles, being spontaneous, and seeing all sorts of different landscapes, summer is probably going to be your bag. If you're new to this, summer is probably the most forgiving.

If you prefer fewer crowds, better light, and experiences that feel hard-earned rather than hastily ticked off a list, winter might just surprise you. Especially if seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list.

Neither is better, they just suit different kinds of people

Why Picking The Right Car Really Is Half The Battle

This is where the theory & practice collide. Your vehicle doesn't just support your route, it defines it.

In the summer, you can probably get away with a standard car on the main roads, but a 4x4 opens up a whole lot of extra options. In winter, though, a proper 4x4 with winter tyres is not just a good idea, it's a necessity.

I've seen trips go pear-shaped because people planned Highlands routes with a city car or grossly underestimated just how bad things could get in winter.

Choosing a rental provider that actually gets the Icelandic seasons, not just how many bookings they get, can be a lifesaver.

That's why people like MyCar are genuinely a help, they can match you with the right car for the season & route, which quietly saves you a whole lot of stress before you even get going.

Final Words

The biggest mistake I see is people trying to outplan Iceland. It doesn’t work.

The best road trips here happen when your expectations match the season. Summer rewards curiosity and movement. Winter rewards patience and presence.

Choose the season that fits how you want to feel on the road, not just what you want to see. If you do that, Iceland does the rest.