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 » [Resources]