The Weather in Iceland By Month – How to Read the Icelandic Weather Forecast

The first thing we recommend everyone do before traveling to Iceland is to learn about the weather. Visiting this beautiful Nordic country will likely be one of the most amazing adventures of your life, but the experience can be easily ruined if you don’t know what to expect in terms of weather. This article will help you prepare for the conditions. Learn about Iceland’s climate, what kind of temperatures you can expect each month, and what to wear in the different seasons while traveling in Iceland.

Iceland’s Climate and Average Weather Characteristics

It’s a well-known fact that Iceland has cold, wet, windy, and changeable weather. Subarctic, oceanic, and tundra characteristics form the climate and landscape. Thanks to the Irminger Current, which is part of the warm Gulf Stream, Iceland is still the mildest of the Arctic countries.

However, the mild Atlantic air that the current brings mixes with the cold Arctic air coming from the north, resulting in plenty of wind, rain, and sudden changes in weather. You can wake up to sparkling sunshine, but by the time you’re dressed, there could be a raging blizzard outside. In just five minutes, the blue sky might return again like the snowstorm never happened. This is especially true in the spring and autumn.

What Are the Temperatures Like in Iceland?

The temperatures are higher than most would expect for this northern location, just off the Arctic Circle. The warm current moderates the weather patterns so that Icelandic winters, while stormy, are milder in temperature than in Central and Northern Europe – or even in New York.

The annual temperature fluctuation is modest, which means that the summers are hardly warmer than the winters. The temperatures in winter range between -10°C to 3°C (14–37.4°F), while summer temperatures range from 5–20°C (41–68°F).

The coldest months are December and January with mean daily temperatures ranging from -3°C to 2.2°C (26.6–36°F) on average, while the warmest months are July and August with mean daily temperatures between 7.9–13.3°C (46.2–55.9°F). The highest temperature ever recorded in Iceland was 30.5°C (86.9°F).

The weather also differs based on the part of the country you’re in. The western and southern coastal areas are usually warmer than the north and the east while the coldest areas are near the glaciers and, of course, in the Highlands.

The Coldest Month

• January: -0.5°C (31.1°F)

The Warmest Month

• July: 10.6°C (51°F)

The Warmest Regions

• The southern and western coastal areas

The Coldest Regions

• The northern coasts, the fjords, and the Highlands

Is Iceland Windy?

Yes, Iceland is quite a windy country. You should keep in mind that the temperatures will only give you an accurate picture of the weather conditions if you look at them alongside the wind speed. The wind chill is an important factor that will have a large influence on the way you feel during your travels in Iceland.

When it’s windy, the heat loss from your skin will be much greater. So, the insulation offered by your clothing will be worthless if you don’t wear a windproof shell layer. The wind makes the air temperature feel colder than it actually is. In fact, there are very few windless days in Iceland.

The mean yearly wind speed in Iceland is 5.2 m/s (11.6 mph). Winters are twice as windy as summers. The windiest season is winter, between October and March, with an average wind speed of 6.4 m/s (14.2 mph).

The Windiest Month of the Year

• January: 7.2 m/s (16.1 mph)

The Least Windy Month

• July: 3.6 m/s (8 mph)

The Windiest Regions

• In the Westfjords, the Eastfjords, and under the glaciers

Are There Many Storms in Iceland?

The frequency of storms is the highest in autumn and throughout the winter, between September and March. The stormiest months are the midwinter months (December, January, and February) with winds of 6.9–7.2 m/s (16–16.5 mph) on average. There are about 10–20 stormy days per year where the wind speed can exceed 18 m/s (40 mph). In the Highlands, however, there can be up to 50 stormy days per year.

Near the glaciers, the high mountains, and in the Highlands, winds can be twice as strong as in other parts of the country. Here, you can expect wind gusts even on calm days. The strongest wind ever measured in Iceland was 72.7 m/s (162.7 mph) in southeast Iceland, near Vatnajökull glacier. A similar wind was measured again in the Icelandic Highlands in 2018.

The Stormiest Region

• The Icelandic Highlands

When Is the Least Rainy Season in Iceland?

The oceanic climate is characterized by plenty of precipitation. In Iceland, the rainfall peaks in spring and autumn. October and March have 82–86 mm (3.2–3.4 in.) of precipitation over 14.5 days per month, on average. The winter months get plenty of snow and sleet with December, January, and March being the wettest months of the season.

The summer is relatively dry with 50–62 mm (10–12 in.) of rain. May tends to be the driest month of the year with 43.8 mm (1.72 in.) of rainfall on average, half as much as the rest of the year.

The Wettest Month

• October: 85.6 mm (3.37 in.); 15.5 rainy days

The Driest Month

• May: 43.8 mm (1.72 in.); 9.8 rainy days

The Wettest Regions

• The southern and southeast coasts, near the glaciers, and the Westfjords

The Driest Regions

• North Iceland and the northeastern parts of the Highlands

When Can I See the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights?

Due to the high altitude, the length of the daylight periods in Iceland varies greatly between months and geographic areas. You can enjoy the white nights and the midnight sun from late spring until nearly the end of the summer. However, the sun barely climbs over the horizon in mid-winter, resulting in long, dark nights and the bright daytime periods as short as just 3–4 hours. This long period of darkness is the best time to see the Northern Lights.

The northern part of the country gets even less daylight in winter than the south. However, the opposite happens in summer when the daylight periods are longer in the north than in the south.

How Can I Check the Length of the Days and Nights?

You can check the length of the daylight periods on this website. Enter the name of the nearest town or city in the search box and the website will return the sunrise and sunset information for that area. The sun graph provides in-depth information about the month and year. While it’s set for the current month and year by default, you can change this in the dropdown menu that you’ll find above the table.

The Longest Day of the Year – The Summer Solstice

• Reykjavík: 21 hours and 8 minutes
• Akureyri: 23 hours and 29 minutes

The Shortest Day of the Year – The Winter Solstice

• Reykjavík: 4 hours and 7 minutes
• Akureyri: 3 hours and 3 minutes

When Does Iceland Get the Most Sunshine?

Everyone wants to see Iceland in the sunshine and to have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the clear skies. For that, it’s best to avoid the wettest months and consider the daylight periods instead.

Although May is the driest month of the year, it’s still quite cloudy. Statistically, August offers the most sunshine in the summer months. For the Northern Lights, March might be the best month as it’s the least cloudy part of the aurora season, which lasts from September to April.

The Cloudiest Month

• December: 92% of the daylight hours have cloud cover

The Sunniest Month

• August: 34% of the daylight hours are sunny

What Are the Seasons in Iceland?

According to the old Norse calendar, Iceland has only two seasons, each of which lasts six months: winter and summer. This calendar was used from the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century up until the 19th century.

The first day of winter is at the beginning of the old month of Gor, which is usually around the end of October. The first day of summer is a national holiday in Iceland, celebrated on the second Thursday after April 11th, at the beginning of the month of Harpa.

Nowadays, the few weeks at the edge of the main seasons are referred to as spring and autumn. Spring starts around April and lasts until the end of May, while autumn lasts through September and October. To help you find out which season is the most suitable for you to travel to Iceland, we wrote another article, find it here: The best time to go to Iceland.

Winter

Winter in Iceland lasts from November to March. During winter, the landscape is generally covered by snow and so you’ll see white all around. The areas that haven’t been covered by snow are generally golden brown. The daylight periods are the shortest in December and January with only 3–5 hours of daylight. During the day, the sun stays low, near the horizon, the result of which can be seen in the long shadows and magically colorful sunsets.

Weather in Winter

Icelandic winters are especially unpredictable. The weather can plunge down to -10°C (14°F) or stick at a lovely 5°C (41°F). You can have snowstorms and closed roads or clear, sunny skies – all in the same day! The temperatures can even be warmer or colder than that, too.

Despite the unpredictability, winter in Iceland has its good side and bad. Your expectations and the kind of trip you have in mind are what will determine if winter is a good time for you to visit or not. Winter may not be good for hiking, but it’s excellent for immersing yourself in the gorgeous winter wonderland of ice: enormous glaciers, lagoons filled with floating icebergs, stunningly blue ice caves, frozen waterfalls, snow-covered landscapes, and, of course, the Northern Lights.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, there are always candlelit guesthouses to welcome you and keep you warm, the local cuisine to try (including hot lamb soup), and the local culture to delve into. At Christmastime, you can expect even more beauty from this picturesque country as every house and street will be covered in twinkling Christmas lights.

Spring

Spring in Iceland happens in April and May. The natural world here awakens from its winter dream a bit later than in mainland Europe, with the grass and leaves starting to appear in late April or early May. Sometimes the snow doesn’t even melt before May, but in more fortunate years, spring can arrive earlier in April.

Weather in Spring

When spring finally comes along, the winter temperatures start to change, on some days rising as much as 8 degrees. But, snow and frost aren’t uncommon in spring and the weather is notoriously changeable. Like in winter, you can expect almost any kind of weather in spring: pleasant days with bright sunshine and a lovely 10°C (50°F) or sudden snowstorms that send everyone indoors.

As in the rest of the world, spring is a time for renewal. The snow disappears and life returns to take its place. In April, the birds return, migrating back to Iceland along with the springtime travelers. Even though at the beginning of spring you can still do many of the winter activities, as time goes on, more and more activities will become available. As the snow melts, the roads become more accessible, making road trips safer.

From late April, there’s no longer any darkness at night. The white nights and the midnight sun will replace the Northern Lights until summer has ended.

Summer

Icelandic summer lasts from June to August. This is the most pleasant time to visit Iceland, in terms of weather. While it’s certainly not going to be a tropical paradise, Iceland can get quite warm. With peaks of 18-20°C (64-68°F), summer in Iceland is quite pleasant and can be very sunny. Average temperatures stay around 10–15°C (50–59°F) in summer.

Weather in Summer

With only 10–11 rainy days per month, Icelandic summer is also the driest season. This period, between May and August, also has the lowest probability of storms. Added together, this makes summer the ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts, the adventurous, and those who are looking forward to a good road trip around Iceland.

While not as extreme as winter, the weather in summer can still be unpredictable, with windy and rainy days happening from time to time. Overall, summer is brighter, sunnier, and warmer than any other season.

Summer is when Iceland is full of life and colors. With winter gone away, the land is vibrant and green. The air is full of the sound of birds, flowers fill the meadows, and sheep and horses roam around, grazing the fresh green grass. At night, the midnight sun colors the land and sky in beautiful hues.

In winter, the nights are dark, brought alive by the stunning Northern Lights. In summer, the opposite occurs as the midnight sun leaves the nights from late April to mid-August bright, so you can admire the views at any time of day. In late August, dark nights will begin again, bringing with them the chance to witness the Northern Lights once again.

Autumn

Autumn in Iceland starts in late August and lasts until late October. This season is similar to spring in terms of the temperatures as well as the changeable weather. September can be relatively mild, but the rainfall and the chance of storms are remarkably higher than in summer. The arrival of the first snow can be expected anytime beginning in late October. The northern areas will get colder weather a few weeks earlier than Reykjavík and the other southern regions.

Weather in Autumn

This time of the year isn’t ideal for longer hikes, hiking, or camping, but it’s still great for traveling, exploring the country, and taking short walks in nature. During autumn, Iceland is a colorful dreamland with the vegetation taking on vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

September and October have just the right mix of daylight hours and darkness. While in winter you might struggle to see everything that you want within the short daylight period, in summer, it can be difficult to sleep with the midnight sun keeping the night sky fully lit. So, the 11–14 hours of daylight in autumn offer you the perfect opportunity to do what you want during the day.

At night, you can sleep without the sun shining in your eyes or go hunting for the famed Northern Lights. Late August marks the beginning of the aurora season. This is also the most pleasant time to see this natural phenomenon since the nights in autumn aren’t nearly as cold as in winter.

Weather in Iceland by Month

January

January is the coldest month of the year. The land is covered by snow and ice, the daylight periods are short, and the sun barely climbs over the horizon. However, towards the end of the month, the daylight begins to grow a few minutes longer every day.

The typical temperatures in Reykjavík range between -10°C to 3°C (21.2–37.4°F). There is plenty of snow and sometimes either sleet or rainfall. Storms are quite common and it’s the windiest month of the year.

February

The weather in February is very similar to January. The temperatures, precipitation, and wind speed are almost the same as in January. The daylight periods continue to grow longer and the sun climbs higher and higher, giving us more light during the day. The landscape is mostly white and full of snow.

March

March is still very much a winter month in Iceland. The average temperatures remain below zero and there’s plenty of snow and ice all over the country. March receives the second-highest amount of precipitation after October, with an average of 81.8 mm (3.2 in.).

The wind starts to weaken slowly compared to the previous months and the storms are less frequent. There are more daylight hours with sunshine than in any of the other winter months. Around the end of March, the daylight periods are more than 13 hours long.

April

April is the first month of Icelandic spring but it still resembles winter more than spring. The temperatures barely climb over freezing but may reach up to 5–6°C (41–42.8°F). The northern part of the country remains colder. As summer is getting closer, the wind speed continues to weaken and the amount of precipitation is considerably less than in the winter months.

The landscape, slowly revealing itself from under the snow, is mostly brown. Snowfall isn’t unexpected this month and the weather is rather unpredictable. Snow, hail, rain, and sunshine can occur on the same day – or even in the same hour.

From the middle of April, the daylight periods are so long that nights become semi-dark and completely bright by the end of the month. The Aurora Borealis becomes less and less visible, eventually disappearing completely.

May

May is the real month of spring in Iceland. Temperatures remain over freezing and, on some good days, can climb up to 10°C (50°F). As the driest and the least windy month of the year, May brings a huge amount of relief to the locals after the long winter.

Although the averages are very promising, the weather can still be unpredictable. Snowfall isn’t unheard of in May – especially in the north – but the snow doesn’t stick around for longer than a few days. The landscape steadily becomes greener with flowers starting to bloom around the end of the month. The nights are completely bright and the sunsets last for hours.

June

June is the first real summer month in Iceland. It’s among the warmest, sunniest, and least windy months of the year and marks the beginning of the high tourist season in Iceland.

Temperatures can reach up to 13–14°C (55.4–57.2°F) and the daylight periods are the longest of the year. This is the time when the midnight sun is simply dazzling and the nights are painted in the breathtaking colors of the endless sunsets and sunrises. The green landscape is decorated with flowers blooming in their full glory. Purple lupin fields dominate the view all over the country and animal life thrives. In short, June is the month when Iceland is at its very best.

July

July is the best month of the summer as it’s warmer than June and has less precipitation than in August. On the best days, the temperature can reach highs of 18–20°C (64.4–68°F), but on an average day, the temperature will stay around 13–15°C (55.4–59°F).

The nights are still bright and filled with sunshine but the daylight periods begin to shorten by 3–6 minutes each day. The darkness won’t return until August, though.

The landscape remains green but the purple lupin fields slowly finish blooming around the end of the month. July is the best time for hiking as this is when the weather in the Highlands is the best and the more difficult roads become accessible.

August

August is just as warm as July, except for the end of the month when the weather begins to cool down and autumn begins. Of the three summer months, August has the most rainfall, with about 20% more precipitation than in June or July.

As the days get shorter, August welcomes the darkness of the night. Around the end of the month, the Northern Lights may even return to the skies.

The landscape is just as green as in the previous summer months. Both the Highlands and the remote hiking trails are accessible all month long. Around the end of the month, however, the first snow may fall in the mountains and the Highlands.

August is still considered high season, but the number of foreign visitors decreases as we get closer to September. The birds also begin to leave the island, migrating to warmer areas for the winter.

September

The temperature in September is just slightly below that of June. The weather can be exceptionally pleasant but is also more unpredictable than in the summer. The probability of rainfall and storms is higher in autumn, too.

In the Highlands, the bad weather arrives earlier than in any other part of the country. The most remote hiking trails become inaccessible in September and some mountains will get their first snow.

The landscape takes on its beautiful autumn colors. This is also the season for berry and mushroom picking, which the locals truly enjoy. Thanks to the longer nights and the relatively good weather, September is one of the best months of the aurora season, which will last until early April. In fact, September is the warmest aurora month in Iceland.

October

October is the rainiest month of the year with 14–15 days of rainfall on average. As winter is approaching, the wind speed increases, as does the frequency of storms. The temperatures mostly remain above zero but when the first snows arrive in October, especially in the north, the locals are unsurprised.

The nights get darker and longer day after day and the Northern Lights become a major attraction for visitors. The grass and moss turn brown for the winter and the landscape glows gold in the sunshine.

November

In Iceland, November is when the winter kicks in. The days begin to get noticeably shorter and darkness starts to take over the mornings and afternoons as well. To make the darkness more bearable, the locals break out their candles and Christmas lights, giving their towns and homes a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

The temperatures drop below freezing as the weather gets increasingly windy. November is when the country usually receives the first snow that covers the whole island. The warmer areas, however, might not get any snow until December. The long, dark nights provide plenty of great opportunities for hunting the mystical Northern Lights.

December

December is the darkest month of the year in terms of daylight. However, the festive light decorations make everything bright and sparkling. In the winter solstice, the nights are 20–21 hours long and the days are darker than at any other time of the year.

According to the statistics, December is also the cloudiest month, with the sun only managing to break through the clouds during 8% of the daylight hours, which equals about 15 minutes per day. The weather is cold and often stormy and wet. While that may sound unappealing, the truth is that December is a wonderful time to be in Iceland. The candles and holiday lights that give the pedestrian street in downtown Reykjavík an inviting, festive atmosphere unlike at any other time of the year.

The restaurants, guesthouses, and snug cafés welcome guests with their terrific food and the promise of warmth. With 13 Santas, excellent concerts, colorful fireworks, and enormous bonfires throughout the Christmas season and New Year, it’s no wonder that Iceland has become a much-loved destination for locals and visitors from abroad hoping to enjoy the holidays.

On top of all that, the neverending December nights offer you increased opportunities to catch the Northern Lights in their glorious journey across the Arctic sky.

How to Read the Icelandic Weather Forecast

Before traveling to Iceland, it’s good to do your research and prepare for the typical weather conditions for the time you’ll be there. Don’t expect to get a reliable weather forecast more than five days before your arrival in Iceland.

The Icelandic weather forecast is a bit different than in other countries. The more long-term the forecast is, the less reliable it will be. The forecast sites give predictions for the next five days. The forecasts for days 4 and 5, however, should be considered less reliable.

The weather is so changeable in Iceland that even if you just looked at the forecast yesterday, you should still check it every day before hitting the road to make sure you have the latest information.

The two best online weather prediction sites for Iceland are vedur.is and belgingur.is. Both are available in English and offer hourly predictions for wind, precipitation, and temperature as well as detailed forecasts for specific areas using map views.

How to Dress for the Icelandic Weather

How you cope with the Icelandic weather largely depends on your clothing. There’s no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing – or so the common saying goes. This is very true for Iceland. While the weather can be hostile, it’s better to simply prepare for it by having a Plan B and a good set of clothing with you than to be sorry.

What Should I Wear in Iceland?

No matter what season you choose for your trip, layers are key. You should always have a set of long-sleeved undergarments made of good quality material that dries quickly. Fine merino wool is a favorite among travelers and experienced hikers alike.

The second layer is your insulation. This should reflect your own body heat and keep you warm. Depending on the season, you might need a fleece or woolen sweater in summer or an additional down jacket in winter. As for trousers, one layer might be enough in the summertime, while two layers are recommended if traveling in winter.

Try to avoid cotton and jeans as these fabrics get wet easily and dry very slowly, which means that you’ll stay cold and wet while wearing them. Keep in mind that you can get wet anytime near the waterfalls, even if the weather is great.

Finally, the outer layer is the one that will protect you from the wind and rain. Both your shell jacket and trousers should provide good water and wind protection while letting your skin breathe. In winter, a long, insulated waterproof parka is the best choice. In summer, a softshell jacket and additional rain gear would be the perfect choice.

For footwear, you should have sturdy and waterproof boots. Leather hiking boots are always a great choice! When you visit the countryside for natural attractions, avoid wearing sneakers and high heels as the terrain is uneven. It can be slippery or muddy near the waterfalls and on the beaches, so you need footwear with good traction.

Don’t forget to pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf or buff as you might need them – even in summer! Additionally, don’t forget to pack your swimming gear. Bringing reusable pocket warmers for your aurora hunts is a good idea, too.

Weather and Safety: What to Keep in Mind When Traveling

The weather in Iceland can be very unfriendly and sometimes even dangerous. Storms can cause challenging driving conditions and so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast every day, including the safety warnings.

On the Icelandic Search and Rescue team’s website, you can get information about the current safety warnings. The Icelandic Road Administration’s website will give you the current road conditions. Never ignore any warnings and don’t underestimate the Icelandic weather. The safest option is always to travel with locals who know the conditions and are prepared for all kinds of situations.