Driving in Iceland in March

For many Icelanders, March marks the beginning of spring, but spring doesn't really start until April, no matter what Icelanders try to tell themselves. But it is getting warmer and brighter, and the darkness of the previous three months has lifted a little bit. 

All our cars are equipped with winter tires, and they are still needed in March, it isn't until mid-April that the tires must be changed.

However, it is not as bitterly cold as January and February can be. The mean temperature in Reykjavík in March is just under 4° C, a full two degrees higher than January.

Road conditions

It's not possible to overstate this; the weather in Iceland can be very unpredictable. That means you will have to check the weather forecast regularly. And if the Icelandic Met Office and ICE-SAR ask people to stay home, listen to them.

The month of March can be a bit of a wild card, so the road conditions can be good, and they can be bad. More often than not, though, you will not have any trouble driving in the countryside. 

However, mountain roads and heaths can be precarious so drive according to conditions. The roads might look completely clear, but black ice is not uncommon. 

The main thing to know is to always be aware of your surroundings, driving according to conditions and check the weather forecast regularly.

What kind of car should I choose?

We have a great range of cars, and we are sure we have the perfect vehicle for you. When driving in Iceland in March, you will have to take note of where you are driving. If you are going to Akureyri or Mývatn (which we highly recommend), we recommend you get a car that can handle the heaths during the winter months. 

If you will be keeping to and around the capital area, there is nothing that goes against you choosing a smaller car.