Climate and monthly weather forecast
Höfn, Iceland

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The climate of Höfn

The weather pattern of Höfn can be delineated using the Köppen climate classification, which places this city under the Tundra climatic zone (ET). This Icelandic town witnesses similar weather changes annually with considerable fluctuations between months. Noteworthy, the temperature fluctuates from an icy -1.3°C (29.7°F) to a mild 10.3°C (50.5°F) throughout the year.

Further analysis of the data shows that the average temperature remains below freezing for the first two months of the year, then increases steadily until July. Similarly, the town experiences a decrease in temperature from August till the year-end. Moving on to the town's precipitation pattern, it is seen that the highest amount of rainfall happens from October to January. Conversely, a drier period is witnessed from April to July, as the rainfall drops to under 100mm (3.94") during these months.

The average relative humidity stays consistently above 77%, demonstrating a wet and moist climate throughout the year. Unusual weather conditions include a drop in snowfall from June till September, which results in an absence of snow during these months. The elevated wind speeds during the colder months, especially December, November and January, act as a sharp contrast to the gentler breezes of the summer months, notably from May to August.

The best time to visit Höfn

Taking into consideration the weather patterns throughout the year, the best time to visit Höfn lies in the relatively warm and less rainy months, from May until July. During this time, the town experiences milder weather conditions with temperatures hanging from 5.7°C (42.3°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F), presenting a favorable climate for outdoor activities, sight-seeing and exploration.

The relatively dry weather and comfortable temperatures facilitate a trouble-free experience for tourists. Also, with the average daylight hours being more than 18 hours daily, visitors can experience extended sight-seeing hours. These prevailing ideal climatic conditions offer an optimal environment for those who wish to enjoy this Icelandic town at its finest.

The worst time to visit Höfn

Peering at the overall weather conditions, the most challenging time to visit Höfn would arguably be the winter months from November through February. During these frigid months, the average temperatures dip below the freezing point and precipitation is dominantly in the form of snow. The wind speeds increase, reaching up to 28.7km/h (17.8mph) in December, making outdoor activities and traveling more difficult.

Further, the daylight hours decrease dramatically, staying between 4.3 hours and 6.5 hours, making sight-seeing a challenge. The combination of biting chill and blustery winds alongside short daylight hours implies a less ideal time for tourists.

Spring weather in Höfn

The spring weather in Höfn, from March to May, exhibits a steady increase in temperature from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 5.7°C (42.3°F). But what distinguishes this season is the conspicuous drop in rainfall. Spring witnesses a significant reduction in snowfall days from 11.2 days in March to a mere 2.3 days in May.

Wind speeds are tamed down from 26.6km/h (16.5mph) in March to 19.2km/h (11.9mph) by May, leading to calmer atmospheric conditions. Additionally, daylight hours see a dramatic improvement, shooting up from 11.8 hours in March to a staggering 18.5 hours by May, which marks the onset of the midnight sun period in Iceland.

Summer weather in Höfn

The summer months between June and August, show the highest range of temperatures in Höfn from 8.8°C (47.8°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). This period also witnesses the year’s lowest rainfall and snowfall, giving the region a drier feel compared to the rest of the year.

Wind speeds reduce to within 15km/h (9.3mph) while daylight hours increase to beyond 19 hours a day, extending the time for sight-seeing. Coupled with very long daylight hours and an average high ultraviolet (UV) index of 3, summers in Höfn demonstrate the most tourist-friendly conditions.

Autumn weather in Höfn

Autumn in Höfn, observed from September to November, brings a gradual decrease in average temperatures from 8.5°C (47.3°F) to 3.7°C (38.7°F). Rainfall events increase significantly with the quantity of rainfall shooting up from 125mm (4.92") in September to 148mm (5.83") by October.

Wind speeds also incrementally increase, reaching an average of 26.2km/h (16.3mph) in November. Daylight hours have a dramatic fall, decreasing from 13 hours in September to nearly half, i.e., 6.5 hours by November. Therefore, the season is characterized by frequent wet weather and lower temperatures than the summer months.

Winter weather in Höfn

The winter months of December, January, and February exhibit the coldest temperatures, with averages swinging from 2.2°C (36°F) to as low as -1.3°C (29.7°F). These months also witness the highest snowfall of the year, reaching 87mm (3.43") in December.

The fierce winds during winter amplify the chillness, with speeds reaching up to 28.7km/h (17.8mph) in December. The daylight hours dwindle to under 6.5 hours, adding to the challenging weather conditions. The high levels of cloud cover, reaching up to 59% in January, further limit natural light during these months. Winter in Höfn, therefore, brings the most harsh and challenging conditions.

Weather in January

The year in Höfn, Iceland begins with true winter conditions, with snowfall measuring up to 84mm (3.31") and an average of 8.1 snowfall days. Winds can be quite strong with gusts reaching up to 42.3km/h (26.3mph). The colder temperatures highlight the harshness of the Iceland winter. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February shows a slight increase in snowfall accumulating up to 133mm (5.24") in Höfn. The climatic condition continues to be consistent with typical winter, albeit with marginally lower wind speeds. February witnesses an additional three hours of daylight compared to January, a clear indication of the year progressing out of the heart of winter. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The shift from February to March in Höfn introduces an increase in snowfall days up to 11.2, despite a decrease in overall snowfall to 118mm (4.65"). March marks a period of transition, with increased daylight hours and sunshine hours compared to the preceding winter months. Weather in March »

Weather in April

The weather in April sees a distinct change with a sharp drop in snowfall to 46mm (1.81"), indicating the onset of spring. Along with this decline, there is also a noticeable increase in the amount of sunshine and daylight hours. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May marks true springtime in Höfn, evident in the reduction of snowfall to a minimal 9mm (0.35"). A marked difference from earlier in the year, the new season brings an increase in temperature and significantly longer daylight hours. Weather in May »

Weather in June

As Höfn transitions into summer in June, the snowfall finally ceases. There is a noticeable shift in the weather as temperatures increase, and maximum wind speed reduces significantly. With June comes the longest daylight exposure of the year, with an average of 20.9 hours per day. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In July, Höfn experiences the warmest average temperatures of 10.3°C (50.5°F), making it the hottest month of the year. As expected during summer, there is no snowfall. The increase in heat is coupled with a rise in sea temperatures, contributing to the highest relative humidity levels of the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August maintains the warmer climate of July with an average temperature of 10.3°C (50.5°F), while the sea temperature plateaus at its maximum of 10.5°C (50.9°F). The summery atmosphere remains, though there is a noticeable decrease in daylight hours. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In Höfn, September marks the transition into autumn with a decline in temperatures down to 8.5°C (47.3°F). Colder weather calculates to an increase in wind speed to an average of 20.7km/h (12.9mph). Although daylight and sunshine hours begin to reduce, there is an increase in cloud covers% and rainfall. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October’s weather in Höfn is undeniably autumnal with temperatures dropping to an average of 5.7°C (42.3°F). October brings the year's first snowfall since spring, accumulating up to 19mm (0.75"), alongside an increase in rainfall to 148mm (5.83"). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings the second-highest snowfall of the year, accumulating 34mm (1.34") over 4.4 days in Höfn. This significant increase in snowfall complements the decrease in temperatures and daylight hours. An increase in average wind speed to 26.2km/h (16.3mph) indicates that Höfn is on the brink of winter season. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Finally, the year wraps up in Höfn with the most snowy days, tallying up to 8.1 days, and a snowfall accumulation of 87mm (3.43"). Sea temperatures drop to their coldest at 7.2°C (45°F), reflecting in cold terrestrial temperatures. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain in Höfn?

In Höfn, Iceland, during the entire year, the rain falls for 197.4 days and collects up to 1278mm (50.31") of precipitation.

When does it snow in Höfn?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Höfn, Iceland.

How many days does it snow in Höfn?

Throughout the year, in Höfn, there are 50 snowfall days, and 530mm (20.87") of snow is accumulated.

When is the sea coldest in Höfn?

The months with the coldest seawater are January and March, with an average sea temperature of 5.8°C (42.4°F).

When is the lowest UV index in Höfn?

January through May, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Höfn, Iceland.

What is the rainiest month in Höfn?

February is the month with the most rainfall in Höfn, Iceland. Rain falls for 14.8 days and accumulates 151mm (5.94") of precipitation.

When does it snow the most in Höfn?

February is the month with the most snowfall in Höfn. Snow falls for 7.8 days and accumulates 133mm (5.24") of snow.

What is the driest month in Höfn?

June is the month with the least rainfall in Höfn. Rain falls for 13.1 days and accumulates 47mm (1.85") of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Höfn?

In Höfn, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Höfn?

June has the longest days of the year in Höfn, Iceland, with an average of 20h and 54min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Höfn?

With an average of 10h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Höfn?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the hottest time of year in Höfn?

The months of July and August see the peak of Höfn's temperatures, averaging a high of 10.3°C (50.5°F).

What is the most humid month in Höfn?

With an average relative humidity of 84%, July is the most humid month.

When is the sea warmest in Höfn?

The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average sea temperature of 10.5°C (50.9°F).

What are the coldest months in Höfn?

Höfn's coldest weather arrives in December, when temperatures average a high of 2.2°C (36°F) and a low of -1.3°C (29.7°F).

What is the least humid month in Höfn?

December is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 77%.

What is the month with the shortest days in Höfn?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 4h and 18min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Höfn?

Höfn, Iceland, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used over the entire year.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Höfn?

With an average of 2.8h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.

Average temperature
Höfn, Iceland

Average temperature - Höfn, Iceland

The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (10.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (2.2°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (8.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (-1.3°C).

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Average pressure
Höfn, Iceland

Average pressure - Höfn, Iceland

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is June (1014.2mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (998.3mbar).

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Average wind speed
Höfn, Iceland

Average wind speed - Höfn, Iceland

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (28.7km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (15.7km/h).

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Average rainfall
Höfn, Iceland

Average rainfall - Höfn, Iceland

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (151mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (47mm).

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Average rainfall days
Höfn, Iceland

Average rainfall days - Höfn, Iceland

The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (19.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (13.1 days).

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Average snowfall
Höfn, Iceland

Average snowfall - Höfn, Iceland

The month with the highest snowfall is February (133mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0mm).

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Average snowfall days
Höfn, Iceland

Average snowfall days - Höfn, Iceland

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (11.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July, August and September (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Höfn, Iceland

Average sea temperature - Höfn, Iceland

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (10.5°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January and March (5.8°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Höfn, Iceland

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Höfn, Iceland

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 20h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 18min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 48min).

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Average sunshine days
Höfn, Iceland

Average sunshine days - Höfn, Iceland

The month with the most sunshine days is June (13.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (6.7 days).

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Average UV index
Höfn, Iceland

Average UV index - Höfn, Iceland

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December (UV index 2).

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Average visibility
Höfn, Iceland

Average visibility - Höfn, Iceland

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).

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Höfn, Iceland

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