Winter

Diamond Beach in winter is a magical sight, with the opportunity to see white and ice-blue icebergs on the beach and enjoy the beauty of this black sand beach in relative quiet compared to the high season of summer.

You can visit Diamond Beach year round, and the Ring Road, which is the main road via which travelers access Diamond Beach, is kept clear in the winter.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which feeds the beach with icebergs, does not freeze completely in the winter, so you will definitely be able to see chunks of ice making their way downstream from the lagoon onto the beach.

In fact, winter is the time when you are likely to see the beach with a ton of icebergs of all shapes and sizes.

Can you see the northern lights at Diamond Beach?

Diamond Beach has minimal light pollution and is a fantastic place to visit in he hopes of seeing the dancing aurora borealis.

Keep tabs on the aurora forecast and show up for once-in-a-lifetime photos of the northern lights against the sparkling “diamonds” of Diamond Beach.

Wear a headlamp or bring a flashlight to see your way among the icebergs, and stay well above the water line.

Things to Know About Visiting Diamond Beach in Winter

Days are very short!

In the depths of winter, you will only have about four hours of daylight. If you want to visit Diamond Beach while it’s still light out, you have to time your departure from your base (Reykjavik, Vik, or Hofn) appropriately.

Unless you plan to expressly visit to see the northern lights at Diamond Beach, you’ll want to be here when it’s still light out, so you can appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, marvel at the “diamonds,” and take a walk along the black sand to capture photos and video.

You can check sunrise and sunset times here.

The drive can be challenging

Although the Ring Road is kept cleared in the winter, the weather in Iceland in the winter can be very tricky, with wind, rain, ice, and snow.

If you plan to drive from Reykjavik, the drive can take about 5 hours, more if the driving conditions are bad.

Joining a guided tour is a hassle-free way to visit Diamond Beach in the winter. You can leave the driving to a local professional and just focus on enjoying the scenery!

This highly-rated tour from Reykjavik takes you to both Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and also stops at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Enjoy wifi aboard the bus and commentary by a live guide.

>>> Check price and availability for a guided tour of Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon now!

Dress warm!

Winter clothing is a must at all outdoor locations in Iceland in winter, and Diamond Beach is no different.

It will be very cold, with below-freezing temperatures usually, and windy, and you will want to be well protected against the elements.

Be safe

Stay clear of the water line when you visit Diamond Beach. And do not attempt to climb on icebergs to pose for pictures: needless to say, they will be slippery, can move, and may have jagged edges.

Top-Rated Diamond Beach Tours