The climate of the Faroe Islands
The
Faroe Islands, an archipelago between Norway and Iceland, boasts a geographical landscape enriched by steep cliffs, rugged terrains, and subpolar oceanic climate, a unique classification under the Köppen climate system as Cfc. The Faroese weather is highly unpredictable and can vary significantly from one moment to the next, even within the same day. This archipelago experiences a cool and damp weather throughout the year, thanks to the influence of the surrounding North Atlantic Ocean. The temperature typically ranges from 2°C (35.6°F) to 12°C (53.6°F), rarely going beyond these limits. Rainfall is a common phenomenon on the islands, and it occurs more frequently during the autumn and winter months. Furthermore, the islands can be quite windy, with an average wind speed of 10km/h (6.2mph) to 20km/h (12.4mph), which can increase during storms.
The best time to visit the Faroe Islands
The optimal period for a visit to the
Faroe Islands would be the summer months from
June to
August. During this period, the weather is the most favorable, with temperatures ranging between 9°C (48.2°F) and 12°C (53.6°F). The days are long, allowing plenty of daylight for exploring the islands' stunning landscapes. Additionally, summer is the driest season in the Faroe Islands, and the sunlight illuminates the lush green landscapes, creating perfect conditions for photography.
The worst time to visit the Faroe Islands
The least favorable time to visit the
Faroe Islands would arguably be the winter months from
December to
February. This period sees the coldest temperatures, ranging from 2°C (35.6°F) to 6°C (42.8°F), along with frequent rain, wind, and storms. The daylight hours are also significantly reduced during winter, limiting the time for outdoor activities. Additionally, the rough sea conditions during these months can disrupt ferry services, which are crucial for travelling between the islands.
Spring weather in the Faroe Islands
Spring in the
Faroe Islands, typically from
March to
May, is characterized by gradually increasing temperatures, ranging from 4°C (39.2°F) in early spring to about 7°C (44.6°F) by the end of May. It is a time when the landscapes begin to awaken from the winter chill, with blossoming flora adding splashes of color to the scenery. However, visitors should be prepared for showers, as rainfall can be quite common during spring, averaging 60mm (2.36") to 70mm (2.76") per month.
Summer weather in the Faroe Islands
Summers in the
Faroe Islands, between
June and
August, are cool and relatively dry. The temperature usually fluctuates from 9°C (48.2°F) to 12°C (53.6°F), offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. The long daylight hours, extending up to 19 hours in June, provide ample opportunity to explore the islands' landscapes. Rainfall during the summer months is lower compared to other seasons, averaging 50mm (1.97") to 60mm (2.36") per month.
Autumn weather in the Faroe Islands
Autumn descends on the
Faroe Islands in
September and continues until
November. The season is characterized by decreasing daylight hours and temperatures falling from 10°C (50°F) in early autumn to 5°C (41°F) in late November. Rainfall increases significantly during these months, with an average precipitation of 90mm (3.54") to 120mm (4.72") per month. Despite the changeable weather, the vibrant autumnal colors make this a picturesque time to visit.
Winter weather in the Faroe Islands
Winters in the
Faroe Islands, spanning from
December to
February, are dark and stormy. Temperatures typically vary from 2°C (35.6°F) to 6°C (42.8°F), with winds often increasing in intensity. The average rainfall during these months is high, between 100mm (3.94") and 130mm (5.12") per month, contributing to the overall damp conditions. Despite the challenging weather, the winter season also brings a chance of witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights, adding a magical touch to the Faroese winter skies.
Weather in January
January marks the height of winter in the
Faroe Islands, and it is generally the coldest month of the year. With temperatures hovering between 2°C (35.6°F) to 4°C (39.2°F), it is not unusual for the mercury to drop to the lowest value of the year during this period.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the winter season in the
Faroe Islands, characterized by similar weather conditions to those of
January, though there are some noticeable changes. Average temperatures remain cold, typically ranging from 2°C (35.6°F) to 5°C (41°F), marking a slight increase from the previous month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In the
Faroe Islands,
March serves as a transition period from the cold winter months into the beginnings of spring. Temperatures during March see a gradual rise from the previous months, typically fluctuating between 3°C (37.4°F) to 6°C (42.8°F).
Weather in March »Weather in April
April in the
Faroe Islands sees further signs of spring, with a more noticeable increase in temperatures compared to
March. During this month, temperatures generally fluctuate between 4°C (39.2°F) to 7°C (44.6°F), as the chill of winter progressively recedes. Rainfall in April experiences a slight decrease from the preceding month, with average precipitation amounting to 70mm (2.76") to 90mm (3.54").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the arrival of late spring in the
Faroe Islands, bringing with it milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. The average temperatures for May tend to fluctuate between 6°C (42.8°F) to 9°C (48.2°F), reflecting a continuous warming trend from the cooler months. Rainfall in May is typically lower than in
April, with precipitation amounts averaging between 50mm (1.97") to 70mm (2.76").
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the summer season in the
Faroe Islands, showcasing the archipelago in all its mid-year glory. Temperatures in June are comfortably mild, typically ranging from 9°C (48.2°F) to 11°C (51.8°F). This marks the beginning of the warmest period in the Faroe Islands, though "warm" is a relative term given the overall cool climate of the archipelago. Rainfall in June is generally lower compared to
May, with precipitation amounting to 50mm (1.97") to 60mm (2.36").
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in the
Faroe Islands is the peak of the summer season, and typically the warmest month of the year. Average temperatures in July range from 11°C (51.8°F) to 13°C (55.4°F), providing a pleasant climate for both locals and visitors. Rainfall in July is relatively low, usually fluctuating between 50mm (1.97") and 60mm (2.36"), on par with
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in the
Faroe Islands signals the gradual winding down of summer. While temperatures remain relatively mild, they tend to dip slightly compared to
July, generally ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). Nonetheless, the weather remains favorable for outdoor activities and exploration. Rainfall in August begins to increase again, with average precipitation amounts fluctuating between 60mm (2.36") and 80mm (3.15").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in the
Faroe Islands signifies the advent of autumn, with the weather taking a cooler turn compared to the summer months. Temperatures during September typically range from 8°C (46.4°F) to 10°C (50°F), marking a clear departure from the warmer summer conditions. Rainfall in September increases noticeably from
August, with precipitation amounts averaging between 80mm (3.15") and 100mm (3.94").
Weather in September » Weather in October
October in the
Faroe Islands sees a further progression into autumn, with weather conditions growing colder and wetter. Average temperatures in October typically range from 6°C (42.8°F) to 8°C (46.4°F), a noticeable drop from the temperatures experienced in
September. Rainfall in October increases compared to September, with average precipitation amounts between 100mm (3.94") and 120mm (4.72").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in the
Faroe Islands marks the beginning of winter, with weather conditions becoming significantly colder compared to
October. Average temperatures in November generally range from 4°C (39.2°F) to 6°C (42.8°F), heralding the onset of the chillier winter months. Rainfall in November is quite high, with average precipitation amounts fluctuating between 120mm (4.72") and 140mm (5.51"), making it one of the wettest months of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in the
Faroe Islands is firmly within the grasp of winter, with temperatures falling further compared to
November. Average temperatures in December typically range from 3°C (37.4°F) to 5°C (41°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year in the archipelago. Rainfall in December is significant, with average precipitation amounts between 120mm (4.72") and 140mm (5.51"), mirroring the high levels of rainfall seen in November.
Weather in December »