Reykjavik Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Reykjavik, Capital Area, Iceland)

With its northern Icelandic location, Reykjavik has gained a rather unfair reputation for bitterly cold winter weather and harshly seasonal climate extremes. In fact, its winters are rarely severe and even on the coldest night temperatures average no less than -3°C / 27°F, being moderated by the warming waters of the nearby Gulf Stream.

The summers, whilst mild and at times warm, could hardly be described as hot. The best weather in Reykjavik falls between June and August, when temperatures rise to 13°C / 55°F and on the sunniest days, even approach 20°C / 68°F.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

Rainfall can be expected on any day throughout the year and precipitation levels are generally fairly evenly distributed, with rain of some description falling between 10 to 15 days each month on average. May tends to feature the driest climate and this is also often one of the sunniest months in Reykjavik, when rich blue skies can be enjoyed. By June and July, the sun hardly sets and daylight hours can be as long as 20 or even 21 hours.

Due to the city's exposed coastal situation, strong windy weather and even gales can be prevalent, particularly during the winter months. January, February and March are usually the coldest months in Reykjavik, with very little difference between them in terms of temperature. However, by the beginning of April, the climate quickly changes for the better as spring arrives and night-time frosts soon disappear.

Reykjavik Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	2°C / 36°F	-2°C / 28°F
February	2°C / 36°F	-3°C / 27°F
March	2°C / 36°F	-2°C / 28°F
April	7°C / 45°F	0°C / 32°F
May	9°C / 48°F	3°C / 37°F
June	11°C / 52°F	6°C / 43°F
July	13°C / 55°F	8°C / 46°F
August	13°C / 55°F	7°C / 45°F
September	12°C / 54°F	5°C / 41°F
October	8°C / 46°F	1°C / 34°F
November	4°C / 39°F	-1°C / 30°F
December	3°C / 37°F	-2°C / 28°F