Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ísafjörður, Iceland

Under the rigorous and exacting Köppen climate classification system, Ísafjörður is defined as having an ET climate. An ET classification signifies Tundra, a harsh and rigorous environment where the land is blanketed by snow for a good part of the year. This classification reflects the geographical position of Ísafjörður, which is located in Iceland, a country known for being cold and forbidding.

The climate chart hints at predominantly low temperatures throughout the year. A high of 12.3°C (54.1°F) is evident between July, followed by a steep drop to 1.4°C (34.5°F) by December. The lowest dips occur from January to March, with the average low temperature resting between -4°C (24.8°F) and -3.4°C (25.9°F).

Rainfall, a crucial component of even the arctic climates, varies throughout the year. The lowest recorded precipitation approximates to 55mm (2.17") in July and ascends to the peak of 122mm (4.8") in October.

The sea temperature, another determinant of local climate, remains low throughout the year, ranging from 2.7°C (36.9°F) in March to 8.7°C (47.7°F) in July.

Daylight hours are sparse during the winter months, especially from November to January, with a minimum of 3.1 hours in December. A striking change occurs around summer with prolonged daylight hours, peaking at 23.5 hours in June.

The distinctive Tundra climate triggers extreme weather patterns and conditions, in Ísafjörður, encapsulating all the challenging yet beautiful elements of the Arctic environment.

With the prolonged daylight of June and somewhat warmer temperatures from 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F), the period from May to July is the most tourist-friendly time for Ísafjörður. Additionally, lower rainfall, with a mere 55mm (2.17") to 59mm (2.32"), enhances the period’s appeal for visitors. It's the ideal window to indulge in outdoor activities and snapshots of landscapes without interruptions from the harsh weather elements tundra regions are renowned for.

The cold depths of winter, especially between November and March, is not an ideal time for travel to Ísafjörður. Temperatures plunge from 1.4°C (34.5°F) to -4°C (24.8°F), making it a chilling trial for the most resilient tourists. Furthermore, limited daylight hours and an average rainfall of 98mm (3.86") to 105mm (4.13") during these months restrict the potential for outdoor exploration and activities.

Spring in Ísafjörður is subtle, with temperatures only just beginning to rise after long, frigid winters. From March to May, temperatures range from -3.4°C (25.9°F) to 7.9°C (46.2°F) with daylight hours increasing progressively from 11.8 hours to 19.4 hours. Precipitation decreases during this season, leading to drier conditions with rainfall levels dropping from 89mm (3.5") to 58mm (2.28").

Summer in Ísafjörður, despite being under the influence of a Tundra climate, brings longer days and milder conditions. Between June and August, temperatures experience a slight upward trend from 10.6°C (51.1°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F), followed by a drop to 9°C (48.2°F) in September. Rainfall encounters a downward shift from 59mm (2.32") in June to 55mm (2.17") in July and increases again to 75mm (2.95") in August. The sea temperature reaches its peak, rising to 8.7°C (47.7°F) in July and remaining steady at 8.6°C (47.5°F) in August.

Autumn in Ísafjörður sees a quick decline in temperature from September to November, falling from 9°C (48.2°F) to 2.5°C (36.5°F). The sea cools down from 7.4°C (45.3°F) to 6.3°C (43.3°F). Rainfall soars in October, reaching its annual peak of 122mm (4.8") before dipping slightly to 86mm (3.39") in November. As autumn progresses, daylight hours shorten quickly, retreating from 13.1 hours in September to a mere 5.8 hours in November.

Winters in Ísafjörður are harsh as expected for the Tundra climate setting, with temperatures dropping down to -4°C (24.8°F) in January. Despite a slight increase to 1.4°C (34.5°F) in February, winters in Ísafjörður are chilly. From December to February, the daylight remains scant, hitting lows of 3.1 hours in December. However, the beautiful winter landscape and tranquility can often make up for the debilitating chills.

January in Ísafjörður, Iceland is characterized by a chilling winter landscape. The temperatures can drop to lows of -4°C (24.8°F), making it one of the coldest months of the year. Despite the dropping temperatures, the amount of rainfall in January is high with the average amount being 105mm (4.13"). Weather in January »

February in Ísafjörður marks the continuation of the area's harsh winter condition. The average high and low temperatures are slightly higher compared to January, but they remain cold enough to sustain the snow brought about by 99mm (3.9") average rainfall. Weather in February »

March signals the tail end of winter in Ísafjörður, but the temperatures remain relatively cold. The hours of daylight increase to 11.8 hours, signifying the approach of spring. Compared to February, March is slightly warmer, but the average rainfall decreases to 89mm (3.5"), less than in the two preceding months. Weather in March »

April is when spring begins to make its presence felt in Ísafjörður, though the temperatures remain on the cold side. Compared to March, a significantly warmer average high temperature of 4.7°C (40.5°F) can be expected in April. Weather in April »

May signifies the emergence of milder weather in Ísafjörður. The average high temperature climbs to 7.9°C (46.2°F), which is a considerable jump from April's readings. The daylight hours continue to increase to 19.4, setting days of bright Nordic midnights. Weather in May »

June is the first month of summer in Ísafjörður. Increased high temperature to 10.6°C (51.1°F) and daylight hours that soars to an average maximum of 23.5 hours are the most distinctive features of weather this month. Precipitation remains moderate, but the longer daylight hours allow ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Weather in June »

July is the peak summer month in Ísafjörður. It boasts the highest average temperatures with high at 12.3°C (54.1°F) and low at 7.1°C (44.8°F). The length of the days slightly decreases from June, but the average daylight hours remain high at 21 hours. Weather in July »

The beautiful summer in Ísafjörður continues into August. There is a small dip in the average high temperature compared to July but largely it remains comfortable with the extended hours of daylight. However, the average rainfall increases to 75mm (2.95"), higher than the preceding summer months. Weather in August »

September signals a transition from summer to autumn in Ísafjörður. The temperature starts its descent, signifying the coming of cooler season. There is a rise in rainfall to 84mm (3.31") on average, as well as a decline in daylight hours to 13.1 hours. Weather in September »

October in Ísafjörður brings with it cooler temperature and autumn hues. The most significant shift compared to September is the higher average rainfall, peaking to 122mm (4.8") for the year. The sea temperature continues to decrease, making sea adventures less favorable. Weather in October »

The advent of winter is made apparent in November in Ísafjörður. The daylight hours decrease further to 5.8, which is a significant drop compared to October. With the average high temperature stooping to 2.5°C (36.5°F), the colder weather conditions start to accumulate. Weather in November »

December is the heart of winter in Ísafjörður and is characterized by shorter daylight hours, which decline to a mere 3.1 hours. The average high temperature drops slightly from November to 1.4°C (34.5°F), making it amongst the coldest months of the year. Weather in December »