The climate of Húsavík
Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean,
Húsavík's climate is characterized by its unique geographical position in the country north of
Iceland. This region falls under the Tundra or ET category within the Köppen climate classification. This implies a typical weather scenario with short, predominately cool summers traded off with long and extremely cold winters. The area also receives significant precipitation throughout the year, but with a shift from rain to snow during the colder months.
Throughout the year, Húsavík experiences a broad range of temperatures, from -3.8°C (25.2°F) to 11.1°C (52°F). This variation reflects the general climate profile that tends towards low temperatures, making this region one of the colder areas of Iceland. Alongside the change in temperatures, the recorded average rainfall ranges from 40mm (1.57") to 115mm (4.53") monthly. Rainfall patterns with the highest frequency of 22.3 days occur during the summer months, and the minimum frequency of 7.9 days is seen during
February.
The frequency of snowfall varies similarly, reaching its apex during the winter months. Snow depth fluctuates from 14mm (0.55") to 511mm (20.12"), with high snowfall of above 200mm (7.87") persisting from
November to
April. The relative humidity hovers around 90% for most months, dipping to 77% in
June. Despite the high humidity, sea temperatures remain low, varying between 2°C (35.6°F) to 9.7°C (49.5°F). This particular weather feature further imprints the behavioral patterns of Húsavík's inhabitants, flora, and fauna.
The best time to visit Húsavík
Despite its unforgiving weather patterns,
Húsavík captivates travelers with its unique charm. The time between
June and
August provides the most temperate climatic conditions. Average temperatures peak from 9.8°C (49.6°F) to 11.1°C (52°F), and days are lengthened with up to 23.5 hours of daylight. This period also marks the time when cloud coverage is relatively lower, and visibility extends to 9km (5.6mi). This results in more sun exposure and longer exploration hours, making these months the best time for visitors.
The worst time to visit Húsavík
Undeniably, the harsh weather conditions from
December to
March contribute to a significant decrease in the number of visitors. Average temperatures plunge to lows between -3.8°C (25.2°F) and -2.8°C (27°F). Additionally, the amount of snowfall heightens, with peaks reaching 422mm (16.61") to 511mm (20.12"). Daylight hours are starkly reduced to a feeble 3.1 hours to 8.2 hours, limiting outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Húsavík
As spring (
March -
May) unfurls in
Húsavík, the town begins to shake off the frozen grip of winter. Average temperatures gradually increase from -2.1°C (28.2°F) to 4.6°C (40.3°F), while snowfall decreases from 394mm (15.51") to 100mm (3.94"). Rainfall is more prevalent, reaching up to 51mm (2.01") in May. With increasing daylight hours from 11.8 hours to 19.4 hours and visibility remaining steady at 7 to 8km (5mi), spring starts to pave the way for the more temperate summer season.
Summer weather in Húsavík
Summer (
June -
August) arrives with warm temperatures relative to the remainder of the year. Range of temperatures oscillates from 6.1°C (43°F) to 10°C (50°F), and average daylight hours peak at 23.5 hours in June. Rainfall fluctuates around 40mm (1.57") to 77mm (3.03") over an increasing number of rainy days. This season, although experiencing a higher frequency of rainfall, receives the least cloud cover, paving the way for clear skies and optimal visibility.
Autumn weather in Húsavík
Autumn (
September -
November), in
Húsavík, bridges the temperate summer with the harsh winter. Temperatures decline from 6.9°C (44.4°F) to -1.8°C (28.8°F) during these months. Rainfall begins to increase, starting at 79mm (3.11") in September and peaking at 80mm (3.15") in November. Simultaneously, daylight hours decrease from 13.1 hours to 5.9 hours. As winter draws near, snowfall increases from 32mm (1.26") in September to 274mm (10.79") in November.
Winter weather in Húsavík
Winter (
December -
February) in
Húsavík is characterized by extreme cold and short daylight hours. The temperature during this season plunges to average lows between -9.1°C (15.6°F) to -8.1°C (17.4°F). Daily sunshine hours shrink to 4.7 hours in
January, and the town experiences snowfall reaching 408mm (16.06") to 422mm (16.61"). In spite of the severe weather conditions, the city retains its charm, evident in the beautiful landscapes blanketed in pristine white snow. This season truly encapsulates the tundra climate of Húsavík,
Iceland.
Weather in January
January presents
Húsavík,
Iceland with its coldest temperatures, plunging down to -8.1°C (17.4°F) at the low end and only reaching -3°C (26.6°F) at the highest. The short daylight hours and limited sunshine do not provide much warmth.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues
January's trend of cold temperatures, with minimal changes from its predecessor. However, daylight starts increasing, signaling the progress towards Spring. Snowfall remains abundant, contributing to the quintessential winter feel of
Húsavík.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
March, the weather eases slightly with temperatures reaching a high of -2.1°C (28.2°F), marking a slow transition to spring. This month boasts a noticeable jump in the daylight hours. Simultaneously, the frequency of snowfall days decreases, and the conditions start to feel less severe.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a significant shift in
Húsavík’s weather pattern, as temperatures finally break the freezing point peak at 0.6°C (33.1°F). Its distinctive spring weather is characterized by more daylight and fewer snowfall days, signaling the retreat of winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Húsavík begins to feel the warmth with temperatures creeping up to 4.6°C (40.3°F). Long daylight hours and increased sunshine bring vitality back to the city, triggering outdoor activities. Unlike previous months, the cloud cover reduces slightly, revealing clearer skies.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June experiences the highest temperatures of the year in
Húsavík, as it peaks at 9.8°C (49.6°F). These warmer conditions, paired with prolonged daylight hours, attract tourists to explore
Iceland's natural beauty. June stands out for its low rainfall, being the driest month of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues with pleasant temperatures, peaking at 11.1°C (52°F), and allows residents and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities. In
Húsavík, this period is marked by the longest days of the year. Even though July witnesses an increased number of rainfall days, it also offers a lot of sunshine.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings slightly cooler temperatures, with the mercury reaching a high of 10°C (50°F). Yet, these conditions do not deter the adventurous spirit of
Húsavík's visitors. The climate remains comfortable due to the highest sea temperature of 9.7°C (49.5°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the onset of autumn in
Húsavík, characterized by shorter days and falling temperatures of up to 6.9°C (44.4°F). Even though it experiences the lowest UV index of 2, the sun continues to shine brightly, adding pleasure to the crisp fall days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October proceeds,
Húsavík's weather continues to cool down further, with temperatures peaking merely at 1.9°C (35.4°F). Daylight starts to shorten significantly, making days appear shorter and nights longer. This month shows the first signs of winter returning, with the increasing frequency of snowfall.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings frigid conditions to
Húsavík, as temperatures plunge back below freezing. The snowfall continues to intensify, preparing the city for another harsh winter. The cloud percentage increases to 68%, creating a gloomy but scenic winter atmosphere.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December embraces the peak of winter in
Húsavík, with temperatures dropping to -3.8°C (25.2°F) at most. The record snowfall of 511mm (20.12") reflects the city's true spirit of Icelandic winters. Short daylight hours coupled with limited sunshine make it seem as if the city is under a perpetual night.
Weather in December » [Resources]