Summer temps
10-13°C (50-55°F)
June-August averages in Reykjavik. North Iceland is slightly cooler.
Iceland's Climate: What to Expect Year-Round
What to expect from Iceland's weather year-round: surprisingly mild temperatures, rapid weather changes, and large differences in daylight between summer and winter.
Climate type
Subarctic oceanic
Milder than expected. Rain and wind are the real challenges.
Iceland's climate is classified as subarctic oceanic (Köppen: Cfc) in the south and tundra (ET) in the highlands. The North Atlantic Current (an extension of the Gulf Stream) keeps coastal temperatures 10–15°C warmer than other locations at 64–66°N latitude; Reykjavík's January average of 0.5°C is milder than New York City's. Mean annual temperature is 4.3°C in Reykjavík, 3.2°C in Akureyri, and -2°C in the central highlands. Annual precipitation varies widely: Reykjavík receives ~830 mm, the southern coast gets 1,500–3,000 mm, and the rain shadow northeast receives only 400 mm. Wind is the dominant weather factor: average year-round wind speed in Reykjavík is 18 km/h, with winter storms regularly exceeding 90 km/h. Daylight extremes define the experience: summer solstice (June 21) brings ~21 hours of light in Reykjavík and 24 hours of midnight sun in Grímsey island; winter solstice (December 21) gives only ~4 hours of daylight. The weather is notoriously changeable; Icelanders say "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." The Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) provides forecasts updated every 3 hours.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This page provides general climate information for trip planning. Always check official weather forecasts before any outdoor activities, as conditions can change rapidly.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Winter temps
-1 to 3°C (30-37°F)
Dec-Feb averages in Reykjavik. Interior and north are colder.
Daylight range
4-5 hrs to 21+ hrs
Near-constant darkness in Dec, near-constant light in June.
Seasonal Breakdown
- Spring (Apr-May): Warming up, melting snow, migrating birds return, longer days
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Warmest, midnight sun, highland roads open, peak tourist season
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cooling, Northern Lights begin, fall colors, fewer crowds
- Winter (Nov-Mar): Shortest days, Northern Lights, ice caves, snowy landscapes
- Weather can change multiple times in a single day regardless of season
Clothing Advice
- Layer up: base layer (moisture-wicking), mid-layer (fleece/wool), outer shell
- Waterproof, windproof outer layer is essential in every season
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots or shoes for any outdoor activity
- Warm hat, gloves, and a buff/scarf, even for summer evenings
- Skip the umbrella; wind makes them useless. Use a good rain jacket instead
Regional Differences
- South/West: Milder, wetter, and windier due to Gulf Stream influence
- North: Colder, snowier winters with clearer skies for Northern Lights
- East: Most stable weather, drier conditions, less wind
- Interior highlands: Extreme conditions, only accessible in summer (Jun-Sep)
- Westfjords: Harshest winters, most snowfall, and the most remote
Midnight Sun & Polar Night
- Midnight sun: Late May to late July (sun barely sets, 20+ hours of light)
- Summer solstice (June 21): Over 21 hours of sunlight in Reykjavik
- Polar twilight: Late November to mid-January (only 4-5 hours of daylight)
- Winter solstice (Dec 21): Shortest day with about 4 hours of light in Reykjavik
- Bring an eye mask for summer sleeping; winter is dark most of the day
Planning help
Iceland Climate FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.