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Weather in Iceland by Month – Ultimate Guide for Travelers
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What comes to your mind when you hear the word ice? Cold, chilling, freezing right? Well, Iceland is always never like that. The temperature here varies and becomes surprisingly warmer, against your expectations.
Forged by ice and fire, Iceland is a heaven on Earth. But to explore it the way it deserves to be explored, to remain safe throughout your trip, and to have a truly great time, you need to have respect for Iceland’s rough weather.
Understanding of the weather in Iceland, including its seasonal and geographic variations is crucial, the same as to know how to adapt to ever changing Icelandic conditions.
In this detailed guide, we will not just discuss weather in Iceland by month, but will also address every possible weather related question that you may have. Including step by step guides on how to read Icelandic weather forecast or how to navigate local roads safely.
So read on!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Weather in Iceland by Month
Before breaking down weather into the pieces and looking at it from perspective of seasons and regions, let’s check Icelandic weather by month. This includes average temperatures, hours of day light and some additional safety tips.
Weather in Iceland January
This is the coldest and windiest month in Iceland with frequent snowfall and hailstorms.
The average temperature ranges from -6°C to 2°C (21.2°F to 35.6°F) but the temperature of coastal cities like Reykjavik stays near 0°C (32°F).
As for the Highlands, they witness a temperature drop to -10°C (14°F).
January gives photographers and stargazers the perfect time to spot Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) as there is little daylight (4-6 hours on average).
Travelling in this month can be dangerous due to slippery roads and poor visibility.
Weather in Iceland February
Temperature in February gets a bit warmer as daylight hours increase. The sun remains up for around 7-10 hours.
Average temperature remains between -3°C to 3°C (26.6°F to 37.4°F) with frequent snow, hail and wind.
February remains a prime month for witnessing Aurora Borealis, but traveling in this month requires safety precautions and special winter gear.
Weather in Iceland March
The season shifts from winter to early spring in March. The average temperature remains between -2°C to 3.5°C (28.4°F to 38.3°F), but daylight stretches to nearly 12 hours.
Rain becomes more common than snow, making it the second wettest month after October.
A number of sightseeing opportunities opens up for travelers in March, as snow starts melting and daylight hours increase.
Weather in Iceland April
Ta da, spring is finally here! Average temperature in April stays above freezing point… between 0°C and 4°C (32°F to 39.2°F).
Daylight increases past 15 hours and rainfall drops. But the weather varies unpredictably, and sunshine often follows rain.
The magic of Northern Lights fades, but scenic landscapes become the main attraction. The waterfalls also start filling up for breathtaking views. It’s the perfect time to visit the magical Svartifoss waterfall.
Also, the roads become less slippery and more accessible in this month.
Weather in Iceland May
May marks the beginning of summer in Iceland. It’s the driest month, with temperature hovering between 4°C to 9°C (39.2°F to 48.2°F). The daylight increases beyond 18 hours.
May is the best time for peaceful exploration before summer crowds kick in. This month also offers great wildlife photography opportunities and marks the arrival of puffins on coastal cliffs.
As for travel, access to many popular sites gets easier as the snow melts.
Weather in Iceland June
June in Iceland is synonymous with the Midnight Sun. The daylight lasts more than 20 hours – sometimes close to 24 hours near Solstice.
Average temperature varies pleasantly between 7°C to 13°C (44.6°F to 55.4°F), and rainfall stays low. Thanks to increased accessibility, road trips and hiking trails become main attraction spots.
Popular trails like Landmannalaugar are literally bursting with tourists.
Weather in Iceland July
It is the warmest month with the least winds and a possibility of some rains.
Average temperature ranges from 8°C to 14°C (46.4°F to 57.2°F). Coastal areas like Reykjavik experience daytime temperatures around 14°C (mid-50s Fahrenheit).
Outdoor activities are best to schedule during this month but the crowds are at peak. So, you can expect full parking lots and plenty of people on trails.
Weather in Iceland August
Although it has a temperature similar to July – between 7°C to 13°C (44.6°F to 55.4°F) – it is the wettest summer month. Daylight shrinks to around 16 hours but you still have plenty of time for exploration.
Baby puffins leave their nests in August, providing a fascinating view for birdwatchers. For traveling in August, it’s essential for you to pack rain gear.
Weather in Iceland September
Autumn sets in and creates stunning landscapes by adding shades of gold, orange, and crimson.
The temperature drops to between 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)… and you experience a lot of windy and rainy days.
Tourist crowds disperse and dark nights return, marking the beginning of Aurora Borealis displays.
Weather in Iceland October
October is the wettest month in Iceland, with frequent storms.
The temperature falls below freezing point, ranging from -0.5°C to 6°C (31.1°F to 42.8°F). Daylight also decreases sharply to under 10 hours. However, it is a good month for Aurora hunters.
Travelling becomes difficult so extra caution should be observed.
Weather in Iceland November
November marks the arrival of winter, with frequent snow, strong winds, and an average temperature between -3.5°C to 3°C (25.7°F to 37.4°F). Daylight decreases to around 6 hours.
This month provides the opportunity to experience dramatic winter landscapes (like ice cave tours). But it requires good driving skills (especially on icy roads) and understanding of unpredictable Icelandic weather.
Weather in Iceland December
December is the darkest month where daylight falls to its shortest – only 4 hours and 28 minutes on the 21st. Some northern towns like Akureyri witness as little as 3 hours daylight.
Temperature remains below freezing, usually between –5°C to 2°C (23°F to 35.6°F), with strong winds and frequent snowfall.
December is the peak season for Northern Lights, which sometimes remain visible for several hours.
Moreover, despite all the darkness, winter festivities saw streets getting adorned with Christmas lights, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Regional Differences in Iceland's Weather
Iceland has a diverse geography, with glaciers, volcanoes, extensive coastlines, and highland plateaus. This results in variations in weather. For planning a trip, it’s important to carefully research weather for a specific region you will be exploring.
Here is a detailed breakdown to ease your planning.
Reykjavik Weather by Month
Reykjavik is not only Iceland’s largest city, but also the most common starting point for visitors. It has a similar climate to the southwest coast.
Summer is pleasant and winter is relatively mild. This is due to the moderating effect of the Gulf Stream, which prevents winter temperatures from plummeting to extreme sub-zero levels, making the capital accessible year-round.
Northen Iceland Weather by Month
Northern Iceland has an Arctic feel (especially in winter) due to its proximity with the Arctic Circle.
Thanks to the colder winter, snow cover is way more consistent here, enabling tourists to experience winter activities like snowmobiling and ice caving.
Westfjords Weather by Month
The Westfjords are known for harsh winter weather, challenging road conditions, and long hours of darkness. In fact, it is Iceland’s coldest region at sea level.
The roads here are frequently closed from November to April due to snow, avalanches, and poor visibility. But in summer, it becomes a paradise for hiking and puffin viewing.
Southern Iceland Weather by Month
South Coast towns are notably wetter and windier than Reykjavik, especially during fall and early winter. But thankfully, temperatures are relatively moderate due to the North Atlantic influence.
If you’re visiting this region, you need to be prepared for sudden weather changes regardless of the month. Ola and I have already experienced this on our trip to Stokksnes.
Highlands Weather by Month
The weather in Icelandic Highlands is significantly colder and more unpredictable than coastal areas. It’s mainly due to its higher elevation.
Temperature in the Highlands is consistently several degrees lower than other regions, especially at night. Even in July (the warmest month of the year), daytime highs do not exceed 10–12°C here.
The Highlands are completely closed for most of the year due to extreme weather conditions. Visitors can only access this region from late June to early September.
Due to the extreme and unpredictable weather conditions of the Highlands, travel here requires extensive research and careful preparation.
Seasonal Variations in Icelandic Weather
Winter in Iceland is characterized by long, dark nights, and is therefore perfect for viewing the Northern Lights. The landscapes are covered in deep snow, and travelling can be unsafe.
Spring is a transitional period with melting snow and ice. It’s perfect for witnessing waterfalls. Being an off-season, you experience fewer crowds and lower expenses.
Summer is Iceland’s peak tourist season. It’s marked by exceptionally long daylight hours (and the Midnight Sun). Summer is perfect for hiking and accessing all corners of the island.
Autumn is a short but beautiful season. The landscape transforms into gold and crimson, creating a stunning contrast with surroundings.
Activity Planner
Before visiting Iceland, you should know that not all activities are available year-round.
While some months offer optimal conditions for certain activities, some are not available in other months at all. So, it’s crucial for you to plan your activities based on the weather in Iceland by month.
What’s the Best Time for Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is from mid-September to early April. Peak viewing opportunities are in October, November, February, and March. The sky needs to be clear, dark, cold, and dry.
But still, sightings are never guaranteed as they depend on both solar activity and cloud cover.
To maximize your chances of viewing, please consult Kp-index forecast and cloud cover maps on official sources like vedur.is or auroraforecast.is.
What’s the Best Month for Hiking in Iceland?
Summer, especially July and August, offers the best weather conditions for hiking and trekking in Iceland. During these months, temperatures are warmer (around 5-18°C / 41-64°F), all roads are open, and there are over 20 hours of daylight for exploration.
But keep in mind that sudden weather changes are still possible. We always advise travelers to be prepared for all types of weather, including snow, even in peak summer season.
In winter months, hiking is still possible in the south due to milder temperatures. But we would recommend a local guide as conditions might be hazardous.
What’s the Best Time for Whale Watching in Iceland?
Whale watching tours are available throughout the year, but June, July, and August are considered the best sighting months. In these months, weather conditions are favorable and boat trips are less likely to be cancelled.
We highly recommend to schedule your tour in advance, so as to allow for rescheduling. It’s because tours can be cancelled even in summer due to rough seas.
Here are the usual sighting months for different whale species.
| Whale Species | Sighting Months |
|---|---|
|
Humpback whales |
April to October |
|
Minke whales |
Year-round |
|
Blue and Fin whales |
June to September |
|
Orcas (Killer whales) |
November-February |
|
Sperm whales |
June to August |
What are the Best Months for Puffin Tours in Iceland?
The best time to see puffins in Iceland is during summer, between May and August. This is when puffins come to the shore and form large colonies on coastal cliff tops to breed and raise their young. Winter sightings are extremely rare.
Some popular sighting areas are Westman islands, Akurey and Lundey islands (near Reykjavik), and Dyrhólaey island (on the South Coast).
What’s the Best Season for Hot Springs in Iceland?
Bathing in hot springs or geothermal pools is an activity you can enjoy year-round. But a warm soak is way more therapeutic during cold, windy, or snowy conditions than in summer.
There are numerous hot pools in Iceland, but Ola and I absolutely loved the geothermal pool at Kerlingarfjöll.
What’s the Best Time for Ice Caving in Iceland?
The best time to visit natural ice caves is during the winter months. Some man-made or geothermally formed ice caves, like Katla or Langjökull’s ice tunnel, are accessible year-round.
This is truly an otherworldly experience and an adventure no one should miss. But you must only go with a certified guide.
What’s the Best Time for Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure?
The water temperature in Silfra remains 2-4°C (35-39°F) throughout the year, which allows you to visit it in any season. Moreover, you can get dry suits to stay warm.
The water in Silfra Fissure offers unparalleled visibility as it has been filtered through volcanic rock for decades.
What’s the Best Month for Glacier Hiking in Iceland?
Glacier hiking tours are available year-round. Summer months offer milder weather, but winter has its own benefits.
You get to see stunning blue ice and you can also experience ice caves.
How to Pack for a Trip in Iceland?
Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather. So much so that you can genuinely experience all four seasons in a single day. Therefore, it’s important for you to pack strategically and be prepared for wind, rain, snow, and sun.
With years of experience as tour guides in Iceland, we can tell you that there is no bad weather – only bad clothing. Just pack carefully and you’ll have a great time.
Year-Round Travel Essentials
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Waterproof pants
- Thermal base layers (opt for wool or synthetic materials)
- Mid-layer (fleece or wool)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack with rain cover (for protecting electronics)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear and lightweight towel (for hot springs)
Winter Specifics
- Insulated winter coat
- Microspikes (for traction on icy trails)
- Thermal socks
- Waterproof overmitts
- Extra neck gaiter or balaclava
- Hand warmers
Summer Specifics
- Quick-dry pants and shirts
- Sleep mask (for light-sensitive travelers due to the Midnight Sun, where it never truly gets dark)
- Buff or light scarf
- Extra layers for cold evenings
- Hiking sandals or water shoes (for river crossings or hot springs)
What to Avoid
- Umbrellas are useless in Iceland due to strong winds. A rain jacket with a hood is far more effective.
- High heels or dress shoes are impractical for almost any activity.
- Oversized hard-shell suitcases can be difficult to fit into camper vans or carry over gravel roads. Carry soft duffel bags or backpacks instead.
- Don’t carry too many outfits. Icelandic travel is about functional layers, not fashion.
- Avoid cotton clothing as cotton retains moisture and loses insulating properties when wet. Wool or synthetic alternatives are more suitable for Icelandic weather.
Also, keep in mind that your packing list will expand in case of multi-day adventure. For instance, when hiking Laugavegur trail, you need to carry tents and cooking ware as well. And even when staying in huts, you need to take your own bedding.
How to Read Weather Forecast and Stay Safe?
Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable, and can change within an hour.
If you want to make the most of your trip, you need to have a deep respect for the raw power of Iceland’s weather. Meaning, you need to develop a solid understanding of not just weather in Iceland by month, but also the strategies to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
Here is few strategies every tourist should know.
Check Weather Forecasts at Vedur.is
Vedur.is (Icelandic Meteorological Office) is the most authoritative source for weather forecasts, observations, and warnings in Iceland.
How to Use Vedur.is?
The website provides interactive maps displaying wind, precipitation, and temperature info for various parts of the country. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate vedur.is:
1. Switch language to English.
3. Select your desired area from the left menu.
4. Use the slider at the bottom to navigate the day and time of forecast.
5. Now, hover the arrow on your desired weather station. A pop-up will appear, showing clouds status, wind speed, temperature, and precipitation info for the station.
6. To get detailed long term wind, temperature, and precipitation forecast, select this option from the left menu.
7. Choose the particular area.
8. Now you can jump between different forecasts, and use the slider to move on the timeline.
While the units of temperature and precipitation are pretty self-explanatory, here’s what you can expect from different wind speeds.
| Speed | Impact |
|---|---|
|
Up to 10 m/s |
No impact on balance |
|
11-13.5 m/s |
Wind affecting balance, umbrella difficult to use, large branches sway |
|
14-16.5 m/s |
Wind affecting balance, difficult to walk against wind |
|
17-20 m/s |
Cars veer on road, very difficult to walk against wind |
For forecasts with wind speeds higher than 20 m/s, you must cancel your plans until the weather normalizes.
Vedur is really universal tool and can be used in many ways e.g. you can check 3 days cloud coverage forecast for whole Iceland, Aurora forecast, status on earthquakes, flooding and much more.
If you will be interested in crosschecking different weather forecasts for Iceland, which is particularly important when planning adventures to more remote areas, then we recommend belgingur.eu. Belgingur is another Icelandic forecast that can be used as alternative to Vedur.
Weather Warnings/ Alerts
The Icelandic Meteorological Office also employs a color-coded warning system. These are as follows:
| Alert | Meaning | Travel Advisory |
|---|---|---|
|
Yellow |
These are common and indicate potentially hazardous weather |
Requires caution |
|
Orange |
More severe, indicating dangerous weather conditions |
Highly advised against |
|
Red |
Extremely severe, with life-threatening conditions |
Avoid entirely |
We’d also recommend you to check the Atlantic Ocean forecast on vedur.is to get the big picture and to monitor the movements of fronts.
Check for Road Closures at Road.is
Road.is (Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration) provides info on real-time road conditions and closures.
How to Use Road.is?
1. Open the website. You’ll see a zoomed out map of Iceland showing all major roads and highways.
2. To see the status of a road, you can either zoom the map and navigate. Or you can write the road or nearby city/ town name in the “Search” box on the right.
3. Roads are color-coded to show their status.
4. You can also search for a weather station to see temperature, wind speed, and humidity of the area.
Here’s what different color codes stands for (click the image for full details):
Is Icelandic Weather Forecast Accurate?
It’s important to mention that the Icelandic weather forecast is not always precise and might be off. Iceland’s weather is sometimes unpredictable, and that is something visitors should keep in mind when planning the trip.
Working as tour guides in Iceland, we can tell you from experience that weather forecast is somewhat reliable for up to 3 days. The algorithms doing calculations are getting better and better, but will probably never be precise.
Especially when it comes to long term forecasts.
Note: Please keep in mind that even the same-day forecast can be subject to rapid changes. Moreover, the weather in Iceland tends to be local and can change over a few square kilometers.
So, what’s the solution to deal with Iceland’s notoriously rapid weather changes?
How to Adapt to Changing Icelandic Weather?
The best advice we can give is to “follow the weather strategy” and plan the trip “as you go”, rather than having a fixed itinerary. In simple words, in case the weather worsens you must be prepared to change your plans.
We’d recommend you to check forecast in the evening, again in the morning before setting out, and even while on the road if conditions appear to be changing. We also highly recommend carrying essential gear to protect yourself from the wind, rain, and sun.
Lastly, you should only consult official sources like vedur.is or road.is for weather and road information, and not third-party apps, as these can be unreliable.
Increase Your Knowledge
Did you know Icelandic winds can be so strong that they can even blow camper vans off the road?
The point is, having knowledge about weather events and hazards can significantly increase your safety while you’re in Iceland.
You should know heavy snow reduces visibility to near zero and makes driving extremely dangerous.
You should know that wind speeds beyond 20 m/s are a big ‘NO’ for travel, and that a seemingly sunny day can quickly transform into a tumultuous storm.
Having a sound weather knowledge will help you make the most of your trips in Iceland.
Note: Besides vedur.is and road.is, it’s also recommended to use safetravel.is. This platform provides general safety information and alerts specifically tailored for travelers in Iceland.
Interesting Facts About Weather in Iceland
- Icelandic weather can change even within an hour. That’s why Icelanders say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.“
- There are almost no thunderstorms in Iceland (very rare) despite its dramatic landscapes.
- In spring and autumn, there is an extreme occurrence of rainbows (sometimes every day) due to frequent sun and showers. You’ll often see double rainbows as well.
- Polar clouds are visible in the coldest months of winter, January, December, and February. Also known as “Mother of Pearl” clouds, these have stunning shades of pink, purple, and orange.
- Iceland is one of the windiest places in Europe. Icelandic winds can even blow camper vans off the road.
- In June and July, parts of Iceland (especially near the Arctic Circle) experience the Midnight Sun. Akureyri gets 23.5 hours of light on June 21, Ísafjörður and Grímsey have 24-hour brightness.
- Iceland is perfect for seeing Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Summary
A land forged by ice and fire, Iceland offers a landscape with unparalleled drama and equally unparalleled beauty. And Icelandic weather is central to this experience.
For effective trip planning, you need to have a deep understanding of weather in Iceland by month. You also need to understand how Icelandic weather varies in different parts of the country and different seasons of the year.
Moreover, you also need to plan your activities and adventures based on season, as some activities are available only in certain months. But no matter what time you visit, you need to pack strategically and be prepared for wind, rain, snow, and sun.
Lastly, you need to be very vigilant throughout your trip. Make sure to regularly check weather forecasts on vedur.is and road situation on road.is. We also recommend to plan the trip more agile “as you go” and be prepared to change your itinerary reflecting the conditions.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. 😉
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FAQ
How is the weather in Iceland all year round?
Iceland has a cool and temperate maritime climate due to the Gulf Stream. It has refreshing summers and mild winters. However, Icelandic weather is notoriously changeable, so you can often experience all sorts of weather in just a matter of hours.
Is Iceland always very cold?
Iceland does have a generally cool climate, but it’s not always very cold. Summers are pleasantly mild with average temperature between 12-15°C (54-60°F) in Reykjavik. Winters are mild for its northern latitude, with an average temperature around -5-2°C (23-35.6 F°) in Reykjavik.
What month is best to visit Iceland?
It depends on what you want to experience. Summer (June to August) is ideal for exploring Iceland, as all roads are accessible. Winter (November to March) is best for seeing the Northern Lights and ice caves. Shoulder seasons offer a good balance of milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
How much daylight is in Iceland by month?
Here are the average daylight hours by month in Iceland. Jan: 4-6 hrs, Feb: 7-10, Mar: 10-13 hrs, Apr: 13-16 hrs, May: 16-20 hrs, Jun: Close to 24 hrs, Jul: Close to 24 hrs, Aug: 14-17 hrs, Sep: 11-14 hrs, Oct: 8-11 hrs, Nov: 5-7 hrs, Dec: 4-5 hrs.
Does Iceland have 6 months of darkness?
No, this is a common misconception. Even in peak winter, there are a few hours of daylight. Some areas like Ísafjörður get as little as 3 hours, but the country on average has 4-5 hours of daylight in winter.
Does Iceland have 24 hours of sunlight?
During the peak of summer, particularly in June, most of Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon is known as the Midnight Sun.
What is the warmest month in Iceland?
July is the warmest month in Iceland. Average temperature in July ranges from 8°C to 14°C (46.4°F to 57.2°F).
What is the darkest month in Iceland?
December is the darkest month in Iceland. The country on average receives 4-5 hours of daylight, with some areas getting as little as 3 hours.
What is the snowiest month in Iceland?
March often records the maximum snowfall in Iceland. December, January, and February also see significant snowfall.
What is the rainiest month in Iceland?
October is usually the rainiest (or wettest) month in Iceland, with an average precipitation of 85.6 mm / 3.37 inches.
What is the peak season in Iceland?
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Iceland. The weather is warmest, daylight hours are longest, and all roads are accessible.
When to not visit Iceland?
If you want to avoid crowds, you shouldn’t visit in July and August. These are the most popular months, so popular attractions will be overrun with tourists.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS