Climate and monthly weather forecast
Akureyri, Iceland

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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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the most humid month in Akureyri?

January through March and December, with an average relative humidity of 91%, are most humid months.

How much does it rain in Akureyri?

Throughout the year, in Akureyri, there are 171.3 rainfall days, and 851mm (33.5") of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Akureyri?

Months with snowfall are January through June, September through December.

How much does it snow in Akureyri?

In Akureyri, Iceland, during the entire year, snow falls for 122.6 days and aggregates up to 2565mm (100.98") of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Akureyri?

January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Akureyri.

What month is the sea coldest in Akureyri?

With an average sea temperature of 2.3°C (36.1°F), February is the month with the coldest seawater.

What month has the most sunshine in Akureyri?

May has the most sunshine of the year in Akureyri, with an average of 6.7h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month in Akureyri?

With an average relative humidity of 77%, June is the least humid month.

What is the driest month in Akureyri?

June is the month with the least rainfall in Akureyri. Rain falls for 15.2 days and accumulates 30mm (1.18") of precipitation.

When are the longest days in Akureyri?

The month with the longest days in Akureyri is June, with an average of 22h and 42min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Akureyri?

With an average of 1.1h of sunshine, June has the least sunshine of the year.

When is the highest UV index in Akureyri?

June is the month with the highest UV index in Akureyri, Iceland, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

What part of the year is the hottest in Akureyri?

The warmest period in Akureyri, Iceland, is July, when temperatures fluctuate between an average high of 11.1°C (52°F) and a low of 5.6°C (42.1°F).

When it does not snow in Akureyri?

July and August are months without snowfall.

When is the sea warmest in Akureyri?

August is the month with the warmest seawater in Akureyri, Iceland, with an average sea temperature of 9.5°C (49.1°F).

What are the coldest months in Akureyri?

Akureyri, Iceland, reaches its average lowest temperatures in December, measuring -3.5°C (25.7°F) at the peak and -9°C (15.8°F) at the lowest.

What is the wettest month in Akureyri?

The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 10 days and typically aggregates up to 115mm (4.53") of precipitation.

When does it snow the most in Akureyri?

December is the month with the most snowfall in Akureyri. Snow falls for 19.2 days and accumulates 499mm (19.65") of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Akureyri?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 3h and 24min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Akureyri?

Akureyri does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used over the entire year.

Average pressure
Akureyri, Iceland

Average pressure - Akureyri, Iceland

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is June (1014.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (998.5mbar).

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Average wind speed
Akureyri, Iceland

Average wind speed - Akureyri, Iceland

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (16.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (9.9km/h).

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Average humidity
Akureyri, Iceland

Average humidity - Akureyri, Iceland

The months with the highest relative humidity are January, February, March and December (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is June (77%).

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Average rainfall
Akureyri, Iceland

Average rainfall - Akureyri, Iceland

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (115mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (30mm).

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Average rainfall days
Akureyri, Iceland

Average rainfall days - Akureyri, Iceland

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (21.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is March (8.7 days).

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Average snowfall
Akureyri, Iceland

Average snowfall - Akureyri, Iceland

The month with the highest snowfall is December (499mm).
The months with the least snowfall are July and August (0mm).

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Average snowfall days
Akureyri, Iceland

Average snowfall days - Akureyri, Iceland

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (21.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July and August (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Akureyri, Iceland

Average sea temperature - Akureyri, Iceland

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (9.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (2.3°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Akureyri, Iceland

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Akureyri, Iceland

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 22h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 3h and 24min).

The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 6h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 1h and 6min).

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Average sunshine days
Akureyri, Iceland

Average sunshine days - Akureyri, Iceland

The month with the most sunshine days is June (11.3 days).
The months with the least sunshine days are March and December (5.3 days).

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Average UV index
Akureyri, Iceland

Average UV index - Akureyri, Iceland

The month with the highest UV index is June (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Akureyri, Iceland

Average visibility - Akureyri, Iceland

The months with the highest visibility are June, July and August (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, November and December (7km).

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Akureyri, Iceland

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