Climate and monthly weather forecastHöfn, Iceland
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Höfn
The weather pattern of Höfn can be delineated using the Köppen climate classification, which places this city under the Tundra climatic zone (ET). This Icelandic town witnesses similar weather changes annually with considerable fluctuations between months. Noteworthy, the temperature fluctuates from an icy -1.3°C (29.7°F) to a mild 10.3°C (50.5°F) throughout the year.Further analysis of the data shows that the average temperature remains below freezing for the first two months of the year, then increases steadily until July. Similarly, the town experiences a decrease in temperature from August till the year-end. Moving on to the town's precipitation pattern, it is seen that the highest amount of rainfall happens from October to January. Conversely, a drier period is witnessed from April to July, as the rainfall drops to under 100mm (3.94") during these months.
The average relative humidity stays consistently above 77%, demonstrating a wet and moist climate throughout the year. Unusual weather conditions include a drop in snowfall from June till September, which results in an absence of snow during these months. The elevated wind speeds during the colder months, especially December, November and January, act as a sharp contrast to the gentler breezes of the summer months, notably from May to August.
The best time to visit Höfn
Taking into consideration the weather patterns throughout the year, the best time to visit Höfn lies in the relatively warm and less rainy months, from May until July. During this time, the town experiences milder weather conditions with temperatures hanging from 5.7°C (42.3°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F), presenting a favorable climate for outdoor activities, sight-seeing and exploration.The relatively dry weather and comfortable temperatures facilitate a trouble-free experience for tourists. Also, with the average daylight hours being more than 18 hours daily, visitors can experience extended sight-seeing hours. These prevailing ideal climatic conditions offer an optimal environment for those who wish to enjoy this Icelandic town at its finest.
The worst time to visit Höfn
Peering at the overall weather conditions, the most challenging time to visit Höfn would arguably be the winter months from November through February. During these frigid months, the average temperatures dip below the freezing point and precipitation is dominantly in the form of snow. The wind speeds increase, reaching up to 28.7km/h (17.8mph) in December, making outdoor activities and traveling more difficult.Further, the daylight hours decrease dramatically, staying between 4.3 hours and 6.5 hours, making sight-seeing a challenge. The combination of biting chill and blustery winds alongside short daylight hours implies a less ideal time for tourists.
Spring weather in Höfn
The spring weather in Höfn, from March to May, exhibits a steady increase in temperature from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 5.7°C (42.3°F). But what distinguishes this season is the conspicuous drop in rainfall. Spring witnesses a significant reduction in snowfall days from 11.2 days in March to a mere 2.3 days in May.Wind speeds are tamed down from 26.6km/h (16.5mph) in March to 19.2km/h (11.9mph) by May, leading to calmer atmospheric conditions. Additionally, daylight hours see a dramatic improvement, shooting up from 11.8 hours in March to a staggering 18.5 hours by May, which marks the onset of the midnight sun period in Iceland.
Summer weather in Höfn
The summer months between June and August, show the highest range of temperatures in Höfn from 8.8°C (47.8°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). This period also witnesses the year’s lowest rainfall and snowfall, giving the region a drier feel compared to the rest of the year.Wind speeds reduce to within 15km/h (9.3mph) while daylight hours increase to beyond 19 hours a day, extending the time for sight-seeing. Coupled with very long daylight hours and an average high ultraviolet (UV) index of 3, summers in Höfn demonstrate the most tourist-friendly conditions.
Autumn weather in Höfn
Autumn in Höfn, observed from September to November, brings a gradual decrease in average temperatures from 8.5°C (47.3°F) to 3.7°C (38.7°F). Rainfall events increase significantly with the quantity of rainfall shooting up from 125mm (4.92") in September to 148mm (5.83") by October.Wind speeds also incrementally increase, reaching an average of 26.2km/h (16.3mph) in November. Daylight hours have a dramatic fall, decreasing from 13 hours in September to nearly half, i.e., 6.5 hours by November. Therefore, the season is characterized by frequent wet weather and lower temperatures than the summer months.
Winter weather in Höfn
The winter months of December, January, and February exhibit the coldest temperatures, with averages swinging from 2.2°C (36°F) to as low as -1.3°C (29.7°F). These months also witness the highest snowfall of the year, reaching 87mm (3.43") in December.The fierce winds during winter amplify the chillness, with speeds reaching up to 28.7km/h (17.8mph) in December. The daylight hours dwindle to under 6.5 hours, adding to the challenging weather conditions. The high levels of cloud cover, reaching up to 59% in January, further limit natural light during these months. Winter in Höfn, therefore, brings the most harsh and challenging conditions.
Weather in January
The year in Höfn, Iceland begins with true winter conditions, with snowfall measuring up to 84mm (3.31") and an average of 8.1 snowfall days. Winds can be quite strong with gusts reaching up to 42.3km/h (26.3mph). The colder temperatures highlight the harshness of the Iceland winter. Weather in January »Weather in February
February shows a slight increase in snowfall accumulating up to 133mm (5.24") in Höfn. The climatic condition continues to be consistent with typical winter, albeit with marginally lower wind speeds. February witnesses an additional three hours of daylight compared to January, a clear indication of the year progressing out of the heart of winter. Weather in February »Weather in March
The shift from February to March in Höfn introduces an increase in snowfall days up to 11.2, despite a decrease in overall snowfall to 118mm (4.65"). March marks a period of transition, with increased daylight hours and sunshine hours compared to the preceding winter months. Weather in March »Weather in April
The weather in April sees a distinct change with a sharp drop in snowfall to 46mm (1.81"), indicating the onset of spring. Along with this decline, there is also a noticeable increase in the amount of sunshine and daylight hours. Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks true springtime in Höfn, evident in the reduction of snowfall to a minimal 9mm (0.35"). A marked difference from earlier in the year, the new season brings an increase in temperature and significantly longer daylight hours. Weather in May »Weather in June
As Höfn transitions into summer in June, the snowfall finally ceases. There is a noticeable shift in the weather as temperatures increase, and maximum wind speed reduces significantly. With June comes the longest daylight exposure of the year, with an average of 20.9 hours per day. Weather in June »Weather in July
In July, Höfn experiences the warmest average temperatures of 10.3°C (50.5°F), making it the hottest month of the year. As expected during summer, there is no snowfall. The increase in heat is coupled with a rise in sea temperatures, contributing to the highest relative humidity levels of the year. Weather in July »Weather in August
August maintains the warmer climate of July with an average temperature of 10.3°C (50.5°F), while the sea temperature plateaus at its maximum of 10.5°C (50.9°F). The summery atmosphere remains, though there is a noticeable decrease in daylight hours. Weather in August »Weather in September
In Höfn, September marks the transition into autumn with a decline in temperatures down to 8.5°C (47.3°F). Colder weather calculates to an increase in wind speed to an average of 20.7km/h (12.9mph). Although daylight and sunshine hours begin to reduce, there is an increase in cloud covers% and rainfall. Weather in September »Weather in October
October’s weather in Höfn is undeniably autumnal with temperatures dropping to an average of 5.7°C (42.3°F). October brings the year's first snowfall since spring, accumulating up to 19mm (0.75"), alongside an increase in rainfall to 148mm (5.83"). Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings the second-highest snowfall of the year, accumulating 34mm (1.34") over 4.4 days in Höfn. This significant increase in snowfall complements the decrease in temperatures and daylight hours. An increase in average wind speed to 26.2km/h (16.3mph) indicates that Höfn is on the brink of winter season. Weather in November »Weather in December
Finally, the year wraps up in Höfn with the most snowy days, tallying up to 8.1 days, and a snowfall accumulation of 87mm (3.43"). Sea temperatures drop to their coldest at 7.2°C (45°F), reflecting in cold terrestrial temperatures. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 10, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
In Höfn, Iceland, during the entire year, the rain falls for 197.4 days and collects up to 1278mm (50.31") of precipitation.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Höfn, Iceland.
Throughout the year, in Höfn, there are 50 snowfall days, and 530mm (20.87") of snow is accumulated.
The months with the coldest seawater are January and March, with an average sea temperature of 5.8°C (42.4°F).
January through May, September through December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Höfn, Iceland.
February is the month with the most rainfall in Höfn, Iceland. Rain falls for 14.8 days and accumulates 151mm (5.94") of precipitation.
February is the month with the most snowfall in Höfn. Snow falls for 7.8 days and accumulates 133mm (5.24") of snow.
June is the month with the least rainfall in Höfn. Rain falls for 13.1 days and accumulates 47mm (1.85") of precipitation.
In Höfn, snow does not fall in June through September.
June has the longest days of the year in Höfn, Iceland, with an average of 20h and 54min of daylight.
With an average of 10h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year.
June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the highest UV index.
The months of July and August see the peak of Höfn's temperatures, averaging a high of 10.3°C (50.5°F).
With an average relative humidity of 84%, July is the most humid month.
The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average sea temperature of 10.5°C (50.9°F).
Höfn's coldest weather arrives in December, when temperatures average a high of 2.2°C (36°F) and a low of -1.3°C (29.7°F).
December is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 77%.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 4h and 18min of daylight.
Höfn, Iceland, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used over the entire year.
With an average of 2.8h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year.
Average temperature
Höfn, Iceland
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (10.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (2.2°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (8.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is December (-1.3°C).
Average pressure
Höfn, Iceland
- Average pressure in January:
998.3mbar - Average pressure in February:
999.8mbar - Average pressure in March:
1004.7mbar - Average pressure in April:
1010.4mbar - Average pressure in May:
1012.9mbar - Average pressure in June:
1014.2mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in August:
1008mbar - Average pressure in September:
1003.9mbar - Average pressure in October:
1004.7mbar - Average pressure in November:
1002.2mbar - Average pressure in December:
999mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is June (1014.2mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (998.3mbar).
Average wind speed
Höfn, Iceland
- Average wind speed in January:
27.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
27.6km/h - Average wind speed in March:
26.6km/h - Average wind speed in April:
21.9km/h - Average wind speed in May:
19.2km/h - Average wind speed in June:
15.9km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
15.7km/h - Average wind speed in August:
16.6km/h - Average wind speed in September:
20.7km/h - Average wind speed in October:
23.2km/h - Average wind speed in November:
26.2km/h - Average wind speed in December:
28.7km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (28.7km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (15.7km/h).
Average humidity
Höfn, Iceland
The month with the highest relative humidity is July (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is December (77%).
Average rainfall
Höfn, Iceland
- Average rainfall in January:
137mm - Average rainfall in February:
151mm - Average rainfall in March:
93mm - Average rainfall in April:
94mm - Average rainfall in May:
61mm - Average rainfall in June:
47mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (151mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (47mm).
Average rainfall days
Höfn, Iceland
- Average rainfall days in January:
16.6 days - Average rainfall days in February:
14.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
15 days - Average rainfall days in April:
15.5 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
13.1 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
18.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
17.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
18.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
19.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
17.2 days - Average rainfall days in December:
14.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (19.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (13.1 days).
Average snowfall
Höfn, Iceland
The month with the highest snowfall is February (133mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Höfn, Iceland
- Average snowfall days in January:
8.1 days - Average snowfall days in February:
7.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
11.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
5.9 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:
2.1 days - Average snowfall days in November:
4.4 days - Average snowfall days in December:
8.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (11.2 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are July, August and September (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Höfn, Iceland
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (10.5°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January and March (5.8°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Höfn, Iceland
- Average daylight in January:
5h and 30min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 36min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 48min - Average daylight in April:
15h and 12min - Average daylight in May:
18h and 30min - Average daylight in June:
20h and 54min
- Average daylight in July:
19h and 36min - Average daylight in August:
16h and 18min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 42min - Average daylight in November:
6h and 30min - Average daylight in December:
4h and 18min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 20h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 18min).
- Average sunshine in January:
2h and 54min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 36min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 18min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 36min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 0min
- Average sunshine in July:
8h and 12min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 48min - Average sunshine in September:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
4h and 36min - Average sunshine in November:
3h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
2h and 48min
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 2h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
Höfn, Iceland
- Average sunshine days in January:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in February:
6.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
6.7 days - Average sunshine days in April:
8.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
9.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
10.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
8.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
8.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
9.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is June (13.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (6.7 days).
Average UV index
Höfn, Iceland
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Höfn, Iceland
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 61).
The month with the least cloud cover is December (Cloud cover 54).
Average visibility
Höfn, Iceland
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
