Weather in Iceland
Weather in Iceland varies a lot in the various parts of the island. In the southern part, there may be sunshine and relatively warm but at the same time it can be windy, cold and even snow in the northern and/or eastern parts. It is also important to realize and remember that weather in Iceland can change unexpectedly and very fast. It is therefore important to check the weather forecast and be prepared for all types of weather.
The Icelandic climate is more temperate than one should expect considering the latitude of the island but it is not so far away from the Arctic Circle. This relatively mild weather, considering the latitude, is due to the North Atlantic Current, which carries warm sea from the equator to the waters around Iceland. Most of the inhabitants live close to the ocean so the weather in the towns is warmer than inland where few people live. The highlands are uninhabited but are popular tourist destination during the summer months. The weather in the highlands can be very different from close to the coast and snowfall often occurs during the summer months. Fierce winds and heavy rain is also to be expected there during the summer.
Below is a summary about the average weather in Reykjavík, the capital. It is sorted by months. But remember that the weather may vary a lot from the average and that you can even experience snowfall in the summer months! You should also remember that this is the average for Reykjavík and that the weather can vary a lot from one location to another. It is usually a bit warmer in Reykjavík and other locations in the southern part than in other parts of the island.
Spring
In March, the average temperature is 0.5 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 111 hours and the average precipitation is 82 mm.
In April, the average temperature is 2.9 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 140 hours and the average precipitation is 58 mm.
In May, the average temperature is 6.3 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 192 hours and the average precipitation is 44 mm.
Summer
In June, the average temperature is 9 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 161 hours and the average precipitation is 50 mm.
In July, the average temperature is 10.6 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 171 hours and the average precipitation is 52 mm.
In August, the average temperature is 10.3 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 155 hours and the average precipitation is 62 mm.
Autumn/Fall
In September, the average temperature is 7.4 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 125 hours and the average precipitation is 67 mm.
In October, the average temperature is 4.4 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 83 hours and the average precipitation is 86 mm.
In November, the average temperature is 1.1 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 39 hours and the average precipitation is 73 mm.
Winter
In December, the average temperature is -0.2 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 12 hours and the average precipitation is 79 mm.
In January, the average temperature is -0.5 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 27 hours and the average precipitation is 76 mm.
In February, the average temperature is 0.4 degrees Celsius. The average sunshine is 52 hours and the average precipitation is 72 mm.
January is one of the darkest and coldest month of the year in Iceland, average temperature is -0,5°C.
Experience the Nordic winter in February in Iceland, there is usually a lot of snow and average temperature is 0,4°C.
March is one of the wettest month of the year in Iceland and the weather begins to get warmer, average temperature is 0,5°C.
April is somewhat in between spring and winter in Iceland and you can both expect cold and warm weather.
In May the weather is warmer with more sunshine (usually), the summer is not here yet so be prepared for anything.
June is the first summer month in Iceland, it is a busy month and perfect for road trips around the country.
July is the main summer month in Iceland, it is basically daylight 24/7 and temperature around 10-20°C.
August is the last official summer month in Iceland, with average temperature around 10°C and sunshine all day.
The weather is usually calm and dry in September, it is a good month to visit Iceland and travel around the country.
October is a great month for photography because of the beautiful autumn colors all around also the Northern Lights appear.
November is usually the month we get the first snow after the summer in Iceland, great month to experience the Nordic winter and s...
December is the darkest month in Iceland but it is also the Christmas month when Icelanders light up their homes with Christmas de...