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Contents
- The climate of Skaftafell
- The best time to visit Skaftafell
- The worst time to visit Skaftafell
- Spring weather in Skaftafell
- Summer weather in Skaftafell
- Autumn weather in Skaftafell
- Winter weather in Skaftafell
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Skaftafell
Skaftafell, Iceland, falls under the Köppen climate classification of ET, signifying a Tundra climate. Notoriously cold and defined by steady winds, this location offers a unique climatological experience. Throughout the year, temperatures show a tendency to remain low, with the warmest month of July boasting an average temperature high of just 10.6°C (51.1°F). Conversely, the coldest month, January, experiences an average temperature as chilling as -3.6°C (25.5°F). A striking feature of Skaftafell’s climate is the notable difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, an attribute of its geographic position.
Rainfall is an everyday component of Skaftafell's weather, with December recording the highest rainfall at 135mm (5.31"). The driest times emerge from May to July, with rainfall levels standing at less than 68mm (2.68"). The frequency of rainy days tends to stay consistent throughout the year, hovering around 15 to 20 days per month. Snow is prominent from October to April, with January seeing the peak snowfall at 209mm (8.23"). Conditions of relative humidity linger around 80% throughout the year, indicative of the chilling and moist environment.
Skaftafell's daylight hours follow a typical pattern for tundra climates. A burst of sunlight happens during summer months, with daylight reaching up to 20.8 hours in June. Contrastingly, the shorter winter days see a mere 4.4 hours of daylight in December. Cloud cover remains fairly constant year-round, roughly around 55%.
Rainfall is an everyday component of Skaftafell's weather, with December recording the highest rainfall at 135mm (5.31"). The driest times emerge from May to July, with rainfall levels standing at less than 68mm (2.68"). The frequency of rainy days tends to stay consistent throughout the year, hovering around 15 to 20 days per month. Snow is prominent from October to April, with January seeing the peak snowfall at 209mm (8.23"). Conditions of relative humidity linger around 80% throughout the year, indicative of the chilling and moist environment.
Skaftafell's daylight hours follow a typical pattern for tundra climates. A burst of sunlight happens during summer months, with daylight reaching up to 20.8 hours in June. Contrastingly, the shorter winter days see a mere 4.4 hours of daylight in December. Cloud cover remains fairly constant year-round, roughly around 55%.
The best time to visit Skaftafell
Skaftafell’s best travel window is surely amidst the summer months, which spans from June to August. This period provides the highest temperatures, from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 10.6°. These months also bring the longest daylight hours, from 16.3 hours to a generous 20.8 hours per day. Summer months moreover enjoy the lowest snowfall, minimizing the chances of outdoor activities being disrupted by snowy conditions.
The worst time to visit Skaftafell
Winter, running from December to February, provides the most challenging conditions for visitors. During these months, Skaftafell's climate hits its coldest marks, with temperatures plunging to between -3.6°C (25.5°F) and 0.9°C (33.6°F). Daylight duration also drops significantly, dwindling from 6.6 hours to a mere 4.4 hours in December. Combined with substantial snowfall during these months, outdoor activities become notably restricted.
Spring weather in Skaftafell
Spring in Skaftafell stretches from March to May, showing a gradual increase in temperature to between 1.7°C (35.1°F) and 6.3°C (43.3°F). Rainfall reduces slightly during spring, averaging between 96mm (3.78") and 110mm (4.33"). Despite being spring, snowfall still occurs, ranging from 69mm (2.72") in April to 203mm (7.99") in March. Daylight hours visibly extend, going from 11.8 hours in March to 18.5 hours by May’s end.
Summer weather in Skaftafell
Summer in Skaftafell tends to be relatively mild, showcasing temperatures between 9.3°C (48.7°F) and 10.6°C (51.1°F). Skies are mostly clear with increased sunshine hours, touching a peak of 9.9 hours in June. Rainfall is subsequently lower in summer, especially from June to July where it ranges from 46mm (1.81") to 50mm (1.97"). Remarkably, snowfall is almost non-existent in these months.
Autumn weather in Skaftafell
Autumn begins in September and ends in November. Temperatures slowly drop from 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 2.3°C (36.1°F), and rainfall increases considerably from 102mm (4.02") to 111mm (4.37"). Notably, snowfall emerges again in this period with November witnessing 64mm (2.52"). Daylight hours decrease during this period, falling from 13 hours to 6.6 hours.
Winter weather in Skaftafell
Winters in Skaftafell are cold and severe. The period from December to February sees temperatures from 0.9°C (33.6°F) to -3.6°C (25.5°F) with snowfall reaching a peak of 209mm (8.23") in January. Despite being the coldest months, these also hold the greatest levels of rainfall- 135mm (5.31") to 130mm (5.12"). Daylight hours are particularly short during winter, so travel is not recommended unless visitors are seeking a climate characterized by snow and darkness.
Weather in January
January kicks off the New Year in Skaftafell with chilly winter weather. The temperature remains low, fluctuating from -3°C (26.6°F), with highs at a modest 0.9°C (33.6°F). The city experiences fairly high humidity and high pressure, which may create crisp and clear skies. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As February steps in, Skaftafell sees a slight increase in the maximum temperature and decrease in snowfall. However, the city continues to be a hub for winter enthusiasts, with average snowfall reaching 159mm (6.26"). Despite the mercury pushing up to 1.3°C (34.3°F), cold temperatures remain, with lows of -3.1°C (26.4°F). Weather in February »
Weather in March
March marks the transition from severe winter to a milder season, with a gradual increase in temperature. This time of the year, Skaftafell receives up to 203mm (7.99") of snowfall. Again, the weather remains cold with the minimum temperature dropping slightly to -2.8°C (27°F), but the maximum temperature climbs up to 1.7°C (35.1°F). Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees the weather becoming more spring-like in Skaftafell. The city steps into a period of lower snowfall, reduced to 69mm (2.72") as compared to the previous months. The temperature range continues to rise, hitting lows of -0.8°C (30.6°F) and highs of 3.7°C (38.7°F), a noticeable shift towards warmth. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings a more comfortable climate, with Skaftafell starting to warm up. This month is characterized by a significant temperature hike. From the previous month, both the lowest and highest temperatures increase by a few°C. The reduced snowfall is replaced by rainfall, and a significant increase in daylight hours sets the stage for more outdoor activities. In May, Skaftafell experiences a minor shift in meteorological conditions with average high-temperatures marked at a chilly 6.3°C (43.3°F), closely mirroring the climate in April. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Skaftafell marks the arrival of summer. Compared to the previous month, both the lowest temperature and highest temperature see a considerable rise. Sunshine dominates the day, with the city experiencing the longest daylight hours of the year. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in Skaftafell, which is reflective in its highest average temperature of 10.6°C (51.1°F). Summer is at its peak, providing high temperatures and long hours of daylight. Along with increased temperatures, there is a substantial amount of rainfall. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August experiences a slight drop in temperatures as summer begins to wind down in Skaftafell. The average high temperature decreases slightly to 10.4°C (50.7°F) from July's 10.6°C (51.1°F). Rainfall is relatively high, and humidity levels are consistent as in the previous month. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September ushers in Autumn, with a noticeable decrease in temperatures in Skaftafell. Monthly lows return to a cooler 4.4°C (39.9°F) from the warmer 6.6°C (43.9°F) recorded in August, and highs hover around 7.9°C (46.2°F). Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Skaftafell sees a further slide in temperatures as winter nears. The city experiences a drop in temperature from 7.9°C (46.2°F) in September to 5°C (41°F). There is a significant increase in rainfall, making this month one of the wettest of the year. Weather in October »
Weather in November
With November, winter starts to settle in Skaftafell once again. Average low temperature drops to -1.1°C (30°F) and high temperature shrinks to 2.3°C (36.1°F), marking the transition to the colder months. The city experiences an increase in snowfall, accumulating up to 64mm (2.52") over the month. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December is the peak of winter in Skaftafell with the lowest temperatures of the year, with the lowest average hovering around -3.6°C (25.5°F) and the highest peaking at 0.6°C (33.1°F). The amount of snowfall increases, recording a notable 123mm (4.84"), making this one of the coldest and snowiest months of the year. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
How much does it rain in Skaftafell?
Throughout the year, in Skaftafell, there are 187.1 rainfall days, and 1193mm (46.97") of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow in Skaftafell?
Months with snowfall in Skaftafell are January through May, October through December.
What is the snowiest month in Skaftafell?
The month with the most snowfall in Skaftafell is January, when snow falls for 11.1 days and typically aggregates up to 209mm (8.23") of snow.
How much does it snow in Skaftafell?
Throughout the year, in Skaftafell, there are 62.5 snowfall days, and 893mm (35.16") of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Skaftafell?
The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 2.8h of sunshine.
What are the least humid months in Skaftafell?
May and December, with an average relative humidity of 79%, are the least humid months.
What is the driest month in Skaftafell?
The month with the least rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 14.6 days and typically collects 46mm (1.81") of precipitation.
When it does not snow in Skaftafell?
June through September are months without snowfall in Skaftafell, Iceland.
When are the longest days in Skaftafell?
June has the longest days of the year in Skaftafell, Iceland, with an average of 20h and 48min of daylight.
What month has the most sunshine in Skaftafell?
June has the most sunshine of the year in Skaftafell, Iceland, with an average of 9.9h of sunshine.
What part of the year is the hottest in Skaftafell?
In Skaftafell, Iceland, the average highest temperatures are observed in July, with a high of 10.6°C (51.1°F) and a low of 7.2°C (45°F).
What is the month with the highest UV index in Skaftafell?
July is the month with the highest UV index in Skaftafell, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
What is the most humid month in Skaftafell?
September is the most humid month in Skaftafell, with an average relative humidity of 83%.
When is the lowest UV index in Skaftafell?
November is the month with the lowest UV index in Skaftafell, Iceland, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
What month is the coldest in Skaftafell?
December is the coldest month in Skaftafell, Iceland, exhibiting average temperatures of 0.6°C (33.1°F) at the peak and -3.6°C (25.5°F) at the base.
What is the wettest month in Skaftafell?
The month with the most rainfall in Skaftafell, Iceland, is December, when the rain falls for 13.5 days and typically aggregates up to 135mm (5.31") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Skaftafell?
The month with the shortest days in Skaftafell is December, with an average of 4h and 24min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Skaftafell?
Skaftafell, Iceland, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Skaftafell, Iceland
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (10.6°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (0.6°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (7.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (-3.6°C).
Average pressure
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average pressure in January:
997.7mbar - Average pressure in February:
999mbar - Average pressure in March:
1004.3mbar - Average pressure in April:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in May:
1012.6mbar - Average pressure in June:
1014mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1009.5mbar - Average pressure in August:
1007.7mbar - Average pressure in September:
1003.5mbar - Average pressure in October:
1004.2mbar - Average pressure in November:
1001.7mbar - Average pressure in December:
998.8mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is June (1014mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (997.7mbar).
Average wind speed
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average wind speed in January:
22km/h - Average wind speed in February:
22.2km/h - Average wind speed in March:
20.6km/h - Average wind speed in April:
19.1km/h - Average wind speed in May:
16.4km/h - Average wind speed in June:
12.8km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
12.4km/h - Average wind speed in August:
13.4km/h - Average wind speed in September:
17.7km/h - Average wind speed in October:
19.6km/h - Average wind speed in November:
21.2km/h - Average wind speed in December:
22.1km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (22.2km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (12.4km/h).
Average humidity
Skaftafell, Iceland
The month with the highest relative humidity is September (83%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are May and December (79%).
Average rainfall
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average rainfall in January:
130mm - Average rainfall in February:
133mm - Average rainfall in March:
96mm - Average rainfall in April:
110mm - Average rainfall in May:
68mm - Average rainfall in June:
46mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (135mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (46mm).
Average rainfall days
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average rainfall days in January:
15.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in March:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
16.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
16.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
15 days - Average rainfall days in September:
20.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
17.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
14.9 days - Average rainfall days in December:
13.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is September (20.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (12.5 days).
Average snowfall
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average snowfall in January:
209mm - Average snowfall in February:
159mm - Average snowfall in March:
203mm - Average snowfall in April:
69mm - Average snowfall in May:
42mm - Average snowfall in June:
0mm
The month with the highest snowfall is January (209mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average snowfall days in January:
11.1 days - Average snowfall days in February:
9.4 days - Average snowfall days in March:
14.1 days - Average snowfall days in April:
7 days - Average snowfall days in May:
2.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.1 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
2.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
5.8 days - Average snowfall days in December:
10.2 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (14.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average daylight in January:
5h and 4min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in April:
15h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
18h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
20h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
19h and 3min - Average daylight in August:
16h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
6h and 3min - Average daylight in December:
4h and 2min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 20h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 24min).
- Average sunshine in January:
2h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 1min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
8h and 3min - Average sunshine in August:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
5h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 1min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 9h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
Skaftafell, Iceland
- Average sunshine days in January:
8.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
8.2 days - Average sunshine days in March:
8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
8.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.1 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
12.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
10.4 days - Average sunshine days in November:
11.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
10.6 days
The month with the most sunshine days is August (14.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (8 days).
Average UV index
Skaftafell, Iceland
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 3).
The month with the lowest UV index is November (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Skaftafell, Iceland
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 61).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and August (Cloud cover 54).
Average visibility
Skaftafell, Iceland
The month with the highest visibility is June (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
Skaftafell, Iceland
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