No matter how much you try to plan a trip, sometimes Mother Nature has something else in mind…
In this post:
We’re in Iceland during a record breaking snowstorm
As I wrote about some time back, Ford and I are taking a trip to Iceland, which was intended for us to get away a bit and enjoy the outdoors (and from there, I’m going on a review trip). I already shared thoughts on my outbound Icelandair Saga Premium flight, and soon I’ll share some thoughts on the hotels we’ve stayed at so far.
We’re from Florida, so of course we were expecting it to be cold, by our standards. But we couldn’t have anticipated the kind of weather we’re encountering.
On the day we arrived, it was cold (as expected), but there wasn’t much precipitation. That was perfect, as we had the chance to explore quite a bit (unfortunately we missed two days of clear skies, where Northern Lights seemed to be widely visible).
The next morning we woke up to a substantial amount of snow, which is apparently the first substantial snow that southern Iceland has seen so far this season (and it’s earlier than normal).
It was kind of fun to be in the snow, and we still explored, just driving a bit more carefully than usual.
However, things have only gotten worse from there. We’ve seen nonstop heavy snowfall for around 24 hours now, and it’s anticipated to continue for at least another 24 hours. There’s a severe snow ice warning, and it’s basically not possible to do anything (I mean, short of building a snowman, or visiting the phallological museum).
Residents are being advised to stay home, and this is apparently the most snow that this part of Iceland has ever seen at this point in the year. You know you’re dealing with a serious snowstorm when even many Icelandair flights are canceled, because it’s not like Icelandair doesn’t know how to operate in harsh conditions! I must say, this was definitely not what I was expecting!
Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches
We took this trip with the goal of enjoying the outdoors and spending our days driving around and hiking, but obviously that’s not in the cards for us in the next couple of days.
Ultimately, I’m incredibly grateful that this isn’t a “once in a lifetime” trip for us, in the sense that if this doesn’t work out as planned, we can always return at some point in the future. I know so many people have very limited vacation days and will plan every minute of their vacation to maximize their time, and this would be a huge bummer for them.
So while I of course wish things were different, there’s no point in being upset over something that’s outside of our control. I’m just hopeful that things get a bit better after tomorrow, and that Icelandair isn’t impacted too much in the coming days, or else my entire review trip may be in jeopardy, given the connection that I’m relying on.
Bottom line
Our trip to Iceland isn’t exactly going as planned. 24 hours after landing, it started snowing… and it hasn’t really stopped since. Quite to the contrary, the intensity has gotten worse and worse, to the point that this a record breaking snow storm for the region, and locals are being advised to stay home.
Frustrating as it is, there’s no point in getting upset over this, so we’re just making the most of the indoors! We’ve enjoyed the time that we’ve spent outside, so I guess it’s all the more reason to want to return!
I live in a west coast ski town up in the Sierra. For us, a substantial amount of snow would be 9’ over a three day storm. Or when we get at least 120” over a calendar month. Our record was the winter of 2016-17. We received over 700” that winter. Snowbanks on my street were 20’ high and we skied until early August.
Enjoy the snowy weather. When is sunrise/sunset? Mid morning to mid afternoon?
This is NOT a lot of snow.... period... quit being such a snowflake
Clearly, being from Miami you have no idea what you’re talking about when it comes to winter weather. That isn’t very much snow and you went to ICEland outside of summer months. You remind me of people who travel to tropical locations, then complain when it rains in the rainforest. It’s literally in the name.
Oh wow. I am planning a family trip as we speak to Iceland next year but for late June. Fingers crossed…
You probably won’t encounter much coastal snowfall in June, but there may well be rain. And wind. They’ll be plenty of daylight, though - at the summer solstice the sun dips below the horizon for only a few hours a day.
You're together, you have shelter and warmth! Who needs a museum, when...
No such thing as "bad weather" in Iceland, only "bad clothing". Embrace it oh you thin blooded Floridian! Also, Aquavit cures everything.
When I was dispatching twin engine ETOPs flights across the North Atlantic we would try to use KEF as a mid-point enroute alternate. In many cases it would have a good forecast (TAF) but suddenly the airport observation (METAR) would be reporting 50kt winds or very low visibility or heavy snow and sometimes all three, especially in the winter. It got so common place that we had a saying “there goes KEF” meaning the weather...
When I was dispatching twin engine ETOPs flights across the North Atlantic we would try to use KEF as a mid-point enroute alternate. In many cases it would have a good forecast (TAF) but suddenly the airport observation (METAR) would be reporting 50kt winds or very low visibility or heavy snow and sometimes all three, especially in the winter. It got so common place that we had a saying “there goes KEF” meaning the weather was dropping below alternate and sometimes landing minimums. With KEF it seemed like the weather would be pretty good or really bad and spent little time in between. Good memories.
Oh come on - no way is that a substantial amount of snow. 15 ft would be substantial !!!
Yeah, non-summer weather in Iceland is very unpredictable.
Take it as a gift tho, you Floridians don't get to experience full-on winter very much, and that looks like a glorious snowstorm! And if you're staying in the capital, the restaurant offerings are top-notch!
If you offered me a 100% paid trip I would have zero interest
I have been to Iceland at least 15 times due to my husband’s love of flyfishing and Icelandic medical research colleagues. We really love that country but even in September you can get a really severe snowstorm—as I did on our first visit. Honestly, if you are looking for cold Icelandic weather, you have a good chance of finding it even in summer. Please do your research before you return as to when the best...
I have been to Iceland at least 15 times due to my husband’s love of flyfishing and Icelandic medical research colleagues. We really love that country but even in September you can get a really severe snowstorm—as I did on our first visit. Honestly, if you are looking for cold Icelandic weather, you have a good chance of finding it even in summer. Please do your research before you return as to when the best time to visit will be. And don’t forget, winter isn’t the only time to see the northern lights. I have seen them in summer and early fall when visiting.
Depends on time of the summer, though. Some times of the summer are pretty much impossible to see the aurora because there's no real night. By late summer, it's possible again, but not really for at least weeks on either side of the solstice. Even several weeks from the solstice, you'd have to stay up pretty late (and also have good luck on low cloud cover happening to correspond with both the short period of...
Depends on time of the summer, though. Some times of the summer are pretty much impossible to see the aurora because there's no real night. By late summer, it's possible again, but not really for at least weeks on either side of the solstice. Even several weeks from the solstice, you'd have to stay up pretty late (and also have good luck on low cloud cover happening to correspond with both the short period of darkness and also active aurora at the same time) to see aurora.
Welcome to travelling in this C02 induced global environment. Who ever says climate change isn't a reality needs to get on a plane and travel to many different corners of our increasingly vulnerable planet! At least you have each other to keep yourselves warm. Prayers to the folks in the Caribbean experiencing Melissa!
Why do I think a gin fueled snowball fight sounds fun?
Ha. Me and the other half were in NZ South Island last week, similar deal, just with 6inches of rain and 70 MPH wind and just a few clicks above freezing. All activities we wanted to do were either cancelled or would be rather unpleasant so we caused a sauvignon blanc shortage. That is, before cutting losses & fleeing north to Auckland bc atmospheric cooperation was not in the cards for days.
Rather annoyed...
Ha. Me and the other half were in NZ South Island last week, similar deal, just with 6inches of rain and 70 MPH wind and just a few clicks above freezing. All activities we wanted to do were either cancelled or would be rather unpleasant so we caused a sauvignon blanc shortage. That is, before cutting losses & fleeing north to Auckland bc atmospheric cooperation was not in the cards for days.
Rather annoyed cause rain/snow/cloud obscured the dramatic takeoff from ZQN which I was also looking fwd to.
The kiwis does Sauvignon Blanc very, very well. I hope you got the opportunity to try some Chardonnay too. It’s also prime Pinot Noir country, but I get the feeling I’m preaching to the choir here.
In the moment it stinks, but it makes for a good story later. Have fun!
Well at least you get to see snow in Iceland. Back in Florida we are all out of the white stuff after Trump sunk all those Venezuelan cartel boats.
Zing!
It sucks when you have all these plans in a certain place and you get hit with unusual weather, or a strike in Paris or a hurricane while in Florida. Of course everyone knows that it is cold and freezing in Iceland and there is always a strike in Paris but it still sucks. My sympathies. I guess it is an excuse to return to Iceland and try again the Northern Lights or the road trip. Love your blog.
I'm sorry, there's a dick museum?
Oddly enough, yes. In Reykjavik. I'm not really sure why or who wants to go there, but it does indeed exist.
If you wanted to avoid snow you could have gone to Jamaica.
Seems like a great excuse to eat well, drink prolifically, and laze around in front of a fireplace. And find a sauna or hot spring. While not the best Iceland vacation ever, I could see myself enjoying it!
Come back in summer. Iceland is truly spectacular. Maybe when the kids are older and you can do some hikes with them.
Is that a snow Winston?
People are shocked, SHOCKED that a place called ICEland gets cold weather, even -- gasp! -- SNOW, by the end of October. Who could have possibly imagined such a thing?
you proud of yourself?
I liked the ‘gasp’
So did you boys visit the Phallological Museum, or what?
Ooohhhh booo hooo!
Were those Hyatt properties in the pictures?
Ben, as you said it's not a once in a lifetime trip for you and thankfully you're not stranded with the children. Use this forced time to relax and enjoy spending time with your husband after a crazy few years. Hopefully the weather will lift and you'll be able to continue your trip while Ford makes it home to the kids!
I guess you can’t if the roads are impassable but I think it would be so fun to sit in one of those hot springs during a snow storm.
Check out Svarta Kaffið for soul warming soup in a bread bowl. We went there twice when we were first snowed in and then a volcano eruption (no joke) canceled our blue lagoon plans. We also ate at OX which was fantastic, a really great evening and exploration of Iclandic cuisine. We also ate at Oto which was because our plans changed- it was great, seemed full of locals enjoying the fusion Japanese cuisine.
I visited in July and it was FREEZING. And absurdly expensive. I'll pass on Iceland. Yes, it's pretty - but not worth the weather and the cost.
I guess it depends on what you're used to. I was there in early May and the temps weren't that bad, but I was prepared for them. It was cool, sure, but nothing we don't get for a third to half of the year here in Tennessee. I took a coat that can be worn as a fleece jacket, a rain coat, or a moderately-heavy winter coat by combining the two and that worked out...
I guess it depends on what you're used to. I was there in early May and the temps weren't that bad, but I was prepared for them. It was cool, sure, but nothing we don't get for a third to half of the year here in Tennessee. I took a coat that can be worn as a fleece jacket, a rain coat, or a moderately-heavy winter coat by combining the two and that worked out well for being able to deal with the different types of conditions (which can change relatively quickly.) Of course, I also took a pair of gloves. The coat and gloves were plenty.
Of course it was also a lot cheaper in early May than in July. It wasn't cheap, but not really that bad either. Granted, gas prices are nuts, but I got around that by renting an EV. There were plenty of fast charging stations around the island, including Superchargers. Granted, it might be tougher to find availability at them in the peak summer season, but I never had to wait for one at all in early May.
I visited Iceland in October once and promised myself to never do it again :D It's a lovely place but one really needs to come in the summer/spring unless planning the trip only days ahead. The weather is too random at other times.
This is how you bond with the locals. Enjoy every minute of it.
how do you bond with the locals? I can picture it now:
"just because it's snowing does not mean you guys should stop thinking of your PROFITS!!!!!"
You can't even bond with the local blog regulars Tim.
Yummy cozy, just make yourself a coffee!
Beautiful photos. Embrace the winter!
(And, far better to be there, even during a blizzard, than in Jamaica, today at least.)