Climate and monthly weather forecastÓlafsvík, Iceland

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Ólafsvík

Ólafsvík's climate falls under the ET or Tundra section of the Köppen climate classification system. This town in Iceland, enveloped in cool and windy conditions, receives a fair amount of humidity that usually ranges from 75% to 82%. With an annual low and high temperature fluctuating from 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), the mercury never soars too high.

Throughout the year, the rainfall measurement oscillates between 37mm (1.46") and 96mm (3.78") per month, with rainfall days varying from 12.2 to 19.9. Snowfall in Ólafsvík is of significance, with an accumulation varying between 1mm (0.04") to 99mm (3.9") over a month, from zero to 9.8 snowfall days. Ólafsvík also experiences months with limited sunshine hours, between 2.1 hours and 7.8 hours, and a sunshine day range from 4.7 to 14.2 days.

Unique weather patterns in Ólafsvík include sparse moments of solar warmth during June, when the UV index reaches 4, the highest value all year. Furthermore, March, notorious for a high average snowfall of 99mm (3.9"), contrasts sharply with June, July, and August, where no snowfall is reported.

The best time to visit Ólafsvík

The optimal time to explore Ólafsvík is during the months of May to August. May experiences a welcoming warming trend with temperatures ranging from 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). Moreover, these months exhibit the longest daylight duration, ranging from 18.8 hours to a remarkable 21.5 hours in June, supplying enough daylight for extended outdoor activities. Humidity stays relatively balanced, and rainfall is at its lowest, from 37mm (1.46") to 60mm (2.36"). Visitors can revel in the added boon of no snowfall during these months.

The worst time to visit Ólafsvík

The least favorable time to visit Ólafsvík spans from November to March. During these months, the temperatures plummet drastically, stretching from 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F), making outdoor activities challenging. Additional factors such as lower daylight hours, ranging from 4 hours to 6.3 hours and an increased number of snowfall days (from 4.4 to 9.8) contribute to the harsh weather conditions.

Spring weather in Ólafsvík

Spring, emerging in Ólafsvík between March and May, paints a mixed picture of weather conditions. March still experiences a wisp of winter with a recorded high snowfall of 99mm (3.9") over 9.8 days, while by May the snow entirely vanishes. The weather becomes gradually lenient with a temperature range from 3.3°C (37.9°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F) and a considerable decrease in rainfall from 81mm (3.19") to 56mm (2.2").

Summer weather in Ólafsvík

The summer months from June to August in Ólafsvík show the most hospitable face of the weather. The maximum daily temperatures range from 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), providing comfortable conditions for visitors. Days stretch longer with daylight extending from 20 hours to 21.5 hours, accompanied by an adequate amount of sunshine ranging from 5.5 hours to 7.8 hours a day.

Autumn weather in Ólafsvík

Autumn in Ólafsvík, witnessed from September to November, starts to demonstrate a shift towards the harsher edge of its weather spectrum. Temperatures begin slipping from a comfortable 9.5°C (49.1°F) in September to a chillier 5.2°C (41.4°F) by November. A noteworthy increase in rainfall from 91mm (3.58") to 65mm (2.56") and snowfall from 1mm (0.04") to 30mm (1.18"), coupled with reducing daylight hours from 13 hours to 6.3 hours, adds to the gloom of the season.

Winter weather in Ólafsvík

Winter in Ólafsvík, extending from December to February, brings the most severe weather conditions. The temperature stays between 1.4°C (34.5°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F) while marked increases in snowfall up to 99mm (3.9") in a month and frequent snowfall days (up to 9.8 days) make travel and outdoor activities difficult. The scarce daylight hours, ranging from 4 to 5.3 hours, add to the wintry gloom of Ólafsvík.

Weather in January

The beginning of the year in Ólafsvík, Iceland brings chilly temperatures and heavy snowfall making the surroundings a winter wonderland. The days are short with limited sun exposure making frost quite persistent. Snow blankets Ólafsvík for nine days in January with an accumulated snowfall of 93mm (3.66"). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Following January, February continues with the snowy tableau yet with a slight reduction in snowfall quantity. The cold wind continues to blow, yet the sun manages to peep out more often than in the previous month, offering some respite from the freezing temperatures. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The freezing grip of winter continues through March yet with a noticeable shift towards spring. The accumulated snowfall reaches its peak amounting to 99mm (3.9") making it the snowiest month of the year. Less gloomy than the previous two months, the sunlight gradually increases, warming the frosted landscapes. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signifies the full arrival of spring in Ólafsvík with a noticeable increase in temperature and daylight hours. Snowfall is significantly reduced, and rains pick up slightly compared to the winter months. With accumulated snowfall reducing drastically to 44mm (1.73"), the thawing process begins in earnest. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May brings warmer temperatures and significant changes in the overall weather conditions of Ólafsvík. End of snow episodes, increasing daylight, and rain usher in the fertility of the season. The snowfall diminishes substantially to a meager 5mm (0.2") confirming the end of winter. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June kicks off summer in Ólafsvík mitigating the rains and eliminating snow altogether. It is characterized by increasing temperatures and the highest daylight hours of the year, inviting residents and tourists to outdoor activities. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues the summer season with warm weather and long daylight hours. The landscapes are thriving in a spectrum of colors and life, offering a visual treat. Despite being the warmest month, temperatures remain comfortable peaking at an average high of 11.2°C (52.2°F). Weather in July »

Weather in August

Unlike many other regions, August in Ólafsvík tends to cool down instead of heating up. It experiences a gradual drop in temperature and daylight hours from the peak summer season. The temperature range hovers from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), much like the previous month, yet the feel of autumn starts to creep in. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks the beginning of autumn in Ólafsvík with a sharper drop in temperature compared to August. The weather is in transition, preparing for the harsh conditions of the looming winter. Interestingly, September experiences the highest number of rainfall days being 19.9 and registering a total of 91mm (3.58"). Weather in September »

Weather in October

The weather in October in Ólafsvík becomes increasingly colder and windier signaling the imminent winter season. The rainfall drops slightly, and the daylight hours decrease significantly marking the gradual descent into dark winter days. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November witnesses the solid arrival of winter in Ólafsvík. The temperatures continue to drop, and snowfall rises substantially compared to the previous month. A notable increase in snowfall is observed, with accumulations reaching 30mm (1.18"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December Ólafsvík ensconces itself in full winter mode. The cherry on top for the perfect white Christmas, snowfall peaks at 73mm (2.87") making it the second snowiest month after March. Though a frosty time, Christmas lights and celebrations bring warmth to the freezing temperatures. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

January is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.5 days and accumulates 96mm (3.78") of precipitation.

Throughout the year, there are 184.8 rainfall days, and 827mm (32.56") of precipitation is accumulated.

January through May, September through December are months with snowfall.

Throughout the year, in Ólafsvík, there are 46.9 snowfall days, and 421mm (16.57") of snow is accumulated.

January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

Ólafsvík witnesses the coldest weather in March, with temperatures averaging a high of 3.3°C (37.9°F) and a low of 0.8°C (33.4°F).

March and December, with an average relative humidity of 75%, are the least humid months.

March is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 9.8 days and accumulates 99mm (3.9") of snow.

June and July, with an average relative humidity of 82%, are most humid months.

The month with the least rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 13.4 days and typically collects 37mm (1.46") of precipitation.

In Ólafsvík, snow does not fall in June through August.

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 21h and 30min of daylight.

With an average of 0.9h of sunshine, June has the least sunshine of the year.

July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 4.

August is the month when Ólafsvík sees the average highest temperatures, with a high of 11.3°C (52.3°F) and a low of 9.3°C (48.7°F).

The month with the most sunshine is August, with an average of 7.8h of sunshine.

December has the shortest days of the year in Ólafsvík, with an average of 4h and 0min of daylight.

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

Average temperature
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (11.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is March (3.3°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are July and August (9.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is March (0.8°C).

Average pressure
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is June (1014.1mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (996.1mbar).

Average wind speed
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (36.4km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is June (19.4km/h).

Average humidity
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The months with the highest relative humidity are June and July (82%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are March and December (75%).

Average rainfall
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (96mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (37mm).

Average rainfall days
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the highest number of rainy days is September (19.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (12.2 days).

Average snowfall
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the highest snowfall is March (99mm).
The months with the least snowfall are June, July and August (0mm).

Average snowfall days
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (9.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July and August (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 21h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 4h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 7h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 0h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the most sunshine days is July (14.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (4.7 days).

Average UV index
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 4).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 1).

Average cloud cover
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 73).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 56).

Average visibility
Ólafsvík, Iceland

The month with the highest visibility is June (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (8km).