The climate of Akureyri
The city of
Akureyri in
Iceland is marked by a Tundra climate according to the Köppen climate classification, ET being the dominant climate. Akureyri is located in the Northern Hemisphere, where frigid and frosty weather prevails for the most part of the year. Throughout 12 months, the temperature ranges from minus 9°C (48.2°F) to 11.1°C (52°F).
There are significant variances in the average climate factors all over the year. High humidity levels are a constant feature, with the scale fluctuating between 77 to 91%. There is heavy snowfall from 463mm (18.23") to 499mm (19.65"), predominantly during the colder months, with a significant reduction in the warmer seasons to just 11mm (0.43"). Notably, the snowfall days range from 19.2 to 21.2 days in the peak winter months, tapering down to no snowfall days in
July and
August.
Rainfall, measured in both volume and occurrences, exhibits interesting patterns. Monthly rainfall volumes vary from 30mm (1.18") to 115mm (4.53"), with the highest precipitation witnessed in
December. Interestingly, Akureyri experiences up to 20.5 days of rainfall in the high precipitations months such as July, August, and
September.
The best time to visit Akureyri
The optimal time to visit
Akureyri would be from the month of
May through to
August. The city experiences the highest temperatures during these months, with Augst topping at 11.1°C (52°F). These temperatures are relatively moderate compared to other months. Additionally, it is during this timeframe that daylight reaches its peak, with the hours of sunlight stretching from 19.2 hours in May to 22.7 hours in
June. This gives ample daylight time for tourists to engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing. While rainfall does occur during these months, it is moderate compared to other times of the year.
The worst time to visit Akureyri
The period from
November through to
February is arguably the worst timeframe to visit
Akureyri. During these months, temperatures can plummet to as low as minus 9°C (48.2°F), with the maximum temperature not exceeding minus 3.5°C (38.3°F). Coupled with this, the city experiences significant snowfall - as much as 463mm (18.23") to 499mm (19.65"), and snowfall days range from 18.8 to 19.2, making it quite harsh for visitors. Daylight hours also decrease drastically during this time, falling to a minimum of 3.4 hours in
December, leading to diminished outdoor activity time.
Spring weather in Akureyri
Spring in
Akureyri, which extends from
March through
May, carries the remnants of winter weather, with temperatures struggling to go over zero°C. March and
April stay considerably cold, with temperatures hovering between minus 8.3°C (46.9°F) to minus 2.5°C (36.5°F). By May, temperatures start to rise, hitting as high as 4.7°C (40.5°F). Rainfall during these months ranges between 44mm (1.73") and 76mm (2.99"); however, the number of rainy days peaks to 15 from May.
Summer weather in Akureyri
Summers in
Akureyri are relatively cool, with temperatures fluctuating from 3.8°C (38.8°F) to 11.1°C (52°F) between
June and
August. The summer months experience the longest daylight hours, from 20.6 hours to a maximum of 22.7 hours in June. Rainfall is relatively modest, standing between 30mm (1.18") to 61mm (2.4"). However, the number of rain days is quite high, peaking to 21.3 days in August.
Autumn weather in Akureyri
The Autumn months of
September to
November in
Akureyri see temperatures falling from 6.9°C (44.4°F) to minus 1.5°C (34.7°F). While the rainfall ranges from 72mm (2.83") to 91mm (3.58"), the number of rainy days goes from 20.5 to 18.1. Daylight hours begin to decrease, dwindling from 13.1 to 6 hours.
Winter weather in Akureyri
Winter in
Akureyri is dominated by sub-zero temperatures, extending from minus 3.5°C (38.3°F) to minus 9°C (48.2°F) between
December and
February. These months also see substantial snowfall, ranging from 242mm (9.53") to 499mm (19.65") with snowfall days from 12.8 to 19.2. Daylight is at its lowest, with regions experiencing just 3.4 hours of light in December, gradually rising to 4.9 hours by February. The limited daylight greatly restricts outdoor activities, making it the least favorable time for visitors.
Weather in January
January, the coldest month in
Akureyri,
Iceland, witnesses low temperatures that fall to -8°C (17.6°F), with the highest barely rising to -2.7°C (27.1°F). In the heart of winter, the city features thick snowfall, adding to the wintry chill.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February follows
January's trails with the cold persisting in
Akureyri, albeit with slightly reduced intensity. The snowfall dwindles slightly compared to January, yet it is still quite a significant presence. Despite the cold, the daylight duration increases, welcoming brighter days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March ushers in,
Akureyri starts to experience subtle signs of changing weather. The days grow longer, offering near 12 hours of daylight. Also, while snowfall makes its presence felt, the volume begins its descent compared to the previous month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In sharp contrast to the preceding months,
April marks a visible shift in
Akureyri's weather as temperatures rise to a high of 0.7°C (33.3°F). Snowfall drops sharply, and the rainfall gradually reduces, reflecting the transition into spring.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May blooming spring is evidenced by rising temperatures peaking at 4.7°C (40.5°F), making it noticeably warmer than the previous month. The abandonment of snowfall, replaced by increased rainfall, marks the full transition from winter to spring.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings summer to
Akureyri with the warmest temperatures of the year, reaching a high of 9.8°C (49.6°F). The most remarkable feature of this month is the lengthy days, featuring maximum daylight heritage. Despite being the warmest month, rainfall persists, albeit at a reduced rate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the peak summer month,
July records similar temperatures to
June, slightly higher with a peak of 11.1°C (52°F). The only deviation is the increased rainfall that serves to temper the summer heat. Balmy breezes and consistent sea temperatures add to the mostly stable summer conditions.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August witnesses a slight decline in maximum temperatures to 10°C (50°F), signalling the end of peak summer in
Akureyri. The decline in temperature aligns with a reduction in daylight hours. However, rainfall makes a comeback, indicating the impending return of colder weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September initiates the transition to autumn in
Akureyri with temperatures decreasing to a high of 6.9°C (44.4°F). The increased rainfall and the reappearance of snowfall signify the close of the warm season. Daylight decreases, limiting sunshine hours but the cool temperatures and winds emphasize the weather change.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees temperatures drop to near freezing, signaling the onset of
Akureyri's winter. Snowfall becomes a routine occurrence, replacing the predominant rainfall seen in
September. Reduced daylight hours and the dip in sea temperatures reflect the advancing winter weather.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, an icy time in
Akureyri, witnesses falling temperatures reaching a high of just -1.5°C (29.3°F). Thick snowfall becomes a characteristic feature of the month with the frozen landscape shaping into its winter avatar.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Completing the annual cycle,
December in
Akureyri is marked by intensified cold, with a high temperature of -3.5°C (25.7°F). Amid barely four hours of daylight, days are mostly dark, and visibility remains low. Snowfall increases, surpassing the preceding month's levels, creating a typical winter wonderland.
Weather in December » [Resources]