The climate of Laugarvatn
Nestled in the heart of
Iceland,
Laugarvatn experiences an ET, or Tundra, climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate is characterised by consistently cool temperatures and significant seasonal changes in other weather parameters.
Throughout the year, the climate in Laugarvatn varies in several significant ways. Average monthly high temperatures range from a chilly -2.6°C (27.3°F) in
December to a relatively mild 11.3°C (52.3°F) in
July, while monthly low temperatures span from a freezing -7.6°C (18.3°F) in December to a cool 5.9°C (42.6°F) in July. Therefore, Laugarvatn never experiences truly high temperatures by global standards.
The amount of rainfall in Laugarvatn also demonstrates a distinct seasonal pattern.
January tends to be the wettest month with 141mm (5.55") average rainfall, while
June usually records the least amount of rainfall, recording only 41mm (1.61") in that month. However, it's not just rainfall that changes over the months. Laugarvatn receives significant snowfall in the colder months, especially from
October to
April with peak levels of 393mm (15.47") in January.
Wind speed fluctuates from 11.8km/h (7.3mph) in June, reaching a peak of 19.9km/h (12.4mph) in
February. Meanwhile, sunshine hours follow a clear seasonal trend, peaking at 8.2 hours on average in
August and dipping to just 2.9 hours in December.
The best time to visit Laugarvatn
The most appropriate time to visit
Laugarvatn depends largely on what one hopes to experience. For those wishing to make the most of the longer daylight hours and milder temperatures,
June through
August would be the preferable time frame. During these months, average high temperatures fluctuate between 9.8°C (49.6°F) and 11.3°C (52.3°F), while low temperatures remain above 4°C (39.2°F). Here, the longer daylight hours, between 16.3 hours in August to 20.9 hours in June, give travellers plenty of time to explore.
The worst time to visit Laugarvatn
Winter, specifically the months of
November through
March, present some challenges for travellers to
Laugarvatn. Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and limited daylight can make outdoor activities difficult. During this period, high temperatures range from -0.5°C (31.1°F) to -2.6°C (27.3°F) and low temperatures from -4.4°C (24.1°F) to -7.6°C (18.3°F). Moreover, the days are short, with daylight hours ranging from 4.3 hours in
December to 6.5 hours in
February.
Spring weather in Laugarvatn
Spring months of
April through
June bring a slow and gradual increase in temperature from 2.1°C (35.8°F) to 9.8°C (49.6°F). This period sees a significant decrease in snowfall with levels gradually dropping from 136mm (5.35") in April, to 27mm (1.06") in
May, and reaching no snowfall in June. Additionally, daylight hours markedly increase from 15.2 hours to 20.9 hours.
Summer weather in Laugarvatn
Summer, encompassing
July through
September, displays the warmest temperatures of the year, starting at 11.3°C (52.3°F) in July and dropping slowly to 6.8°C (44.2°F) by September. This season also features the longest daylight hours, extending up to 20.9 hours in July before decreasing to 13 hours by September.
Autumn weather in Laugarvatn
The autumn months of
October and
November signal a return to colder conditions, with high temperatures dropping from 2.8°C (37°F) to -0.5°C (31.1°F). During this period, snowfall starts to ramp up, particularly in November with an increase to 161mm (6.34") from 53mm (2.09") in October. Daylight hours shrink noticeably, reducing from 9.7 hours to 6.5 hours.
Winter weather in Laugarvatn
The winter season in
Laugarvatn, spanning from
December through
March, brings the coldest temperatures with highs from -2.6°C (27.3°F) to -0.7°C (30.7°F) and lows from -7.6°C (18.3°F) to -3.2°C (26.2°F). Heavy snowfall characterises the season with consistent snowfall from 136mm (5.35") to 393mm (15.47"). Daylight hours dwindle, with the shortest day occurring in December, offering just 4.3 hours of daylight.
Weather in January
Laugarvatn weather in
January starts the year with frigid conditions. Comparatively cooler than
December, temperatures plunge to a low of -6.2°C (20.8°F) with highs barely touching -1.7°C (28.9°F). Snow becomes a prominent feature of the landscape with 393mm (15.47") of snow recorded over 16.7 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February maintains the frosty trend of the preceding month. As the longest month of winter, freezing temperatures rule the days and nights. The fallen snow from
January sees a marginal decrease. Dim daylight persists through February but starts showing signs of extension as winter gives way.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Those seeking relief from the winter chills must wait till
March. This month ushers in hints of warmer weather, although nights remain icy. The snowfall lessens and visual visibility improves remarkably. Despite the cold, the hours of sunshine start to increase, indicative of the approaching spring season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
Laugarvatn,
April marks the exit of winter coat season as temperatures start to rise. Though, this doesn't spell an early departure for the snow as April still records some amount. Daylight extends and graces more hours, gradually making up for the lost sunshine of the previous months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Come
May, the environment in
Laugarvatn transforms dramatically. With warmer days and barely any snow, it becomes more conducive for outdoor activities. A stark reduction in snowfall clears up hiking trails and the greatly missed greenery resurfaces.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Approaching mid-year,
June experiences noticeable climatic changes. The chilling frost gives way and
Laugarvatn adorns a more pleasant and warmer look. As the snow is completely absent, locals and tourists engage in various adventures freed from winter constraints.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With an absolute absence of snowfall,
July characterizes the Icelandic summer in
Laugarvatn. The coldest of mornings are exchanged with mild temperatures touching 5.9°C (42.6°F). It further reassuringly provides the longest daylight hours of the entire year, accommodating a variety of extended activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The last month of the summer,
August, is cool month in
Laugarvatn,
Iceland, with an average temperature ranging between min 5°C (41°F) and max 10.4°C (50.7°F). The onset of August manifests an average high-temperature of a still cool 10.4°C (50.7°F), demonstrating a minor variation from the preceding month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Welcoming Autumn,
September at
Laugarvatn is marked by falling leaves and crisp air. Temperatures start to take a dip and daylight decreases. The appearance of snow makes a timid entry towards the end of the month. For nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, it presents an opportunity to capture the captivating scenery.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Laugarvatn paves the way for colder days. Temperatures register a steady decline and daylight notably diminishes. A significant upturn in snowfall paints the town white once again. However, the chilly weather and shortened days don't deter the outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The icy grip of winter begins to tighten over
Laugarvatn in
November. With temperatures falling well into the negatives, it appears that winter arrives in full strength. Snowfall increases, covering the ground like a white blanket.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December, the wintry weather is at its peak in
Laugarvatn. The hustle and bustle of the town adopts a slower pace as the climate turns fundamentally frosty. The minimal daylight and bitter cold portrays a typical Icelandic winter.
Weather in December » [Resources]