Climate and monthly weather forecastRaufarhöfn, Iceland
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Raufarhöfn
Raufarhöfn, located in the far north of Iceland, boasts a Tundra climate, marked by the ET Köppen climate classification. The North Atlantic currents significantly influence the region's climate, contributing to its cold, wet weather with long, snowy winters and short, mild summers.Throughout the year, Raufarhöfn experiences a temperature range from -1.9°C (28.6°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F). The summer (June to August) sees warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching from 8.5°C (47.3°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F), while winter months (December to February) face frigid temperatures, with a low of -1.9°C (28.6°F) in March.
Annual rainfall in Raufarhöfn varies noticeably, with a minimum of 24-mm in June to a maximum of 77-mm in December. Precipitation is more considerable from autumn to winter and less during summer. Moreover, the village encounters heavy snowfall from 105-mm in December to 42-mm in October, signifying a predominantly snowy environment.
Raufarhöfn's climate displays a high relative humidity, ranging around 80% to 84%, with the highest in July. Importantly, sunlight is a scarce resource with peak daylight hours of 23.8 in June and a minimum of 2.8 hours in December, causing prolonged darkness during winter.
The best time to visit Raufarhöfn
Based on the climatic conditions, the best time to visit Raufarhöfn is between June and August when the temperatures are moderately warm. During this period, the region experiences the highest daylight hours, from 19.6 in May to 23.8 in June, providing ample time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.Furthermore, June possesses the least monthly rainfall of 24-mm in the year, resulting in relatively dry conditions favourable for visitors. The average wind speed is lowest in June (17.9 Kph), rendering a calm and pleasant atmosphere.
The worst time to visit Raufarhöfn
The most challenging time to visit Raufarhöfn is during the winter season, especially between December and March. This period confronts severe frost, with average temperatures falling to -1.9°C (28.6°F). Due to the extreme cold, outdoor activities might be limited.Moreover, winter months experience the least daylight hours, particularly December, with only 2.8 hours of daylight, making it extremely challenging for sightseeing. Heavy snowfall and high wind speed during this time could also pose potential challenges for visitors.
Spring weather in Raufarhöfn
Spring, from March to May, ushers in slightly milder weather, with temperatures rising from 1.1°C (34°F) in March to reach 5.3°C (41.5°F) by May. April remains mostly dry with 42-mm rainfall, and by the end of spring, the snow starts to recede, falling to 13-mm in June.The relative humidity stays within the 81% to 80% range during spring, and the visibility improves to 10km (6.2mi) in May. With daylight hours increasing progressively from 11.8 in March to 19.6 in May, spring can be considered a favourable period for visitors.
Summer weather in Raufarhöfn
Summers in Raufarhöfn, from June to August, see milder weather conditions. Average high temperatures range from 8.5°C (47.3°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F), and rain is at its least at 24-mm in June.In June, the number of sunshine hours reaches its zenith at 0.4, while average daylight hours peak at 23.8, facilitating an extended scope for daytime activities. Additionally, the wind drops to its lowest speed in the year at 17.9 Kph, which contributes to the overall pleasant climate during the summer months.
Autumn weather in Raufarhöfn
Autumn, spanning from September to November, witnesses a gradual drop in temperature from 8.8°C (47.8°F) in September to 3.1°C (37.6°F) in November. Rainfall begins to escalate this season, reaching 74-mm in October.Reduced daylight hours, starting from 13.1 in September and dropping to 5.7 in November, mean shorter days. Snowfall returns towards the end of the season, with November seeing a noticeable increase to 89-mm.
Winter weather in Raufarhöfn
Winter in Raufarhöfn is characterized by plummeting temperatures and increasing snowfall. From December to February, average temperature drops from 1.5°C (34.7°F) to -0.9°C (30.4°F), and snowfall rises to a peak of 105-mm in December.December also records the highest rainfall in the year, at 77-mm. Moreover, the winter period sees the shortest daylight hours of the year, with a mere 2.8 hours in December. High wind speeds from 29.3 Kph in February to 31.4 Kph in December further augment the cold conditions.
Weather in January
Raufarhöfn, Iceland greets the new year with chilly winds and a significant amount of snowfall. Hearty gusts of wind dominate the month, with an average speed of 29.8km/h (18.5mph) and escalation up to a maximum of 47km/h (29.2mph). Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving from January to February, the weather shifts but stays within the realm of the winter spectrum. February continues the trend with snowfall but records a decrease from the preceding month, allowing for a more manageable weather condition. Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals a period of mild transition from winter to spring in Raufarhöfn, Iceland. The snowfall reaches its highest for the first half of the year with an average of 113mm (4.45") distributed across 13.3 days. Despite being snowier than February, March shows signs of the spring thaw with longer daylight hours. Weather in March »Weather in April
With the arrival of April, Raufarhöfn witnesses noticeable changes in its climatological framework. Various transformations in the weather become apparent, from the further decrease in snowfall to the increase of relative humidity to 81%. Weather in April »Weather in May
The month of May in Raufarhöfn brings a welcome delay in the sunset and remarkably less snowfall, paving the way for a much-anticipated summer. A highlight includes the increased visibility reaching 9km (5.6mi), making sightseeing and outdoor activities more appealing. Weather in May »Weather in June
If there's a month with the least snowfall, it's June in Raufarhöfn, recording a negligible average of 13mm (0.51") during this time. By contrast, the rising temperatures and increased daylight hours encourage more outdoor activities and adventures. Weather in June »Weather in July
Summer is at its zenith in July with Raufarhöfn experiencing its highest temperature of the year reaching 10.2°C (50.4°F). Although this may not seem hot, considering Iceland's usual weather, it's a season locals and visitors look forward to. Weather in July »Weather in August
As the last month of summer, August in Raufarhöfn still retains the warm weather, albeit with a slight decrease. The decreasing daylight hours to 16.9h herald the onset of fall. This month allows for a delightful blend of both summer and autumn, presenting an enlightening spectacle of changing landscapes. Weather in August »Weather in September
Welcome to autumn in Raufarhöfn, Iceland, marked by gradually decreasing temperatures and increasing rainfall. An essential characteristic of this month is the rise in both rainfall and snowfall, recording an average of 67mm (2.64") and 7mm (0.28") respectively. Weather in September »Weather in October
As October enters the scene, Raufarhöfn starts to feel the grip of winter encroaching once again. A clear downward shift in the weather elements signals the incoming winter season. The city becomes a scenic wonderland with a blend of snow and foliage transforming the town into a photographer's dream. Weather in October »Weather in November
November underscores the swift transition between seasons in Raufarhöfn by bringing colder temperatures and the return of significant snowfall. This is far more apparent compared to October, with an average snowfall of 89mm (3.5") spread across 8.9 days. Weather in November »Weather in December
As Raufarhöfn nears the end of the year, the city is deeply immersed in the winter spirit. December marks the peak of winter with the highest snowfall, recording 105mm (4.13") over 10.4 days. The town's cozy Christmas atmosphere is nicely complemented by the winter chill. 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
Throughout the year, in Raufarhöfn, there are 151 rainfall days, and 635mm (25") of precipitation is accumulated.
Months with snowfall are January through July, September through December.
In Raufarhöfn, Iceland, during the entire year, snow falls for 79.7 days and aggregates up to 632mm (24.88") of snow.
January through March, October and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Raufarhöfn, Iceland.
March is the coldest month in Raufarhöfn, Iceland, with the temperature often reaching an average high of 1.1°C (34°F) and an average low of -1.9°C (28.6°F).
The month with the most snowfall is March, when snow falls for 13.3 days and typically aggregates up to 113mm (4.45") of snow.
The months with the lowest humidity in Raufarhöfn, Iceland, are May and December, with an average relative humidity of 80%.
May has the longest days of the year, with an average of 19h and 36min of daylight.
May has the most sunshine of the year in Raufarhöfn, Iceland, with an average of 6.8h of sunshine.
The month with the least rainfall in Raufarhöfn, Iceland, is June, when the rain falls for 11.3 days and typically collects 24mm (0.94") of precipitation.
The month with the least sunshine in Raufarhöfn is June, with an average of 0.4h of sunshine.
The most humid month in Raufarhöfn is July, with an average relative humidity of 84%.
July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the highest UV index in Raufarhöfn.
In Raufarhöfn, the average highest temperatures are observed in August, with a high of 10.6°C (51.1°F) and a low of 8.2°C (46.8°F).
The only month without snowfall is August.
The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 9.5 days and typically aggregates up to 77mm (3.03") of precipitation.
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 2h and 48min of daylight.
Raufarhöfn does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (10.6°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is March (1.1°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (8.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is March (-1.9°C).
Average pressure
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
- Average pressure in January:
998.7mbar - Average pressure in February:
1000.5mbar - Average pressure in March:
1005.1mbar - Average pressure in April:
1010.6mbar - Average pressure in May:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in June:
1014.7mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1010.6mbar - Average pressure in August:
1008.6mbar - Average pressure in September:
1003.4mbar - Average pressure in October:
1005.3mbar - Average pressure in November:
1003mbar - Average pressure in December:
999.8mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is June (1014.7mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (998.7mbar).
Average wind speed
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
- Average wind speed in January:
29.8km/h - Average wind speed in February:
29.3km/h - Average wind speed in March:
28.5km/h - Average wind speed in April:
24.2km/h - Average wind speed in May:
21.6km/h - Average wind speed in June:
17.9km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
18.6km/h - Average wind speed in August:
20km/h - Average wind speed in September:
23.7km/h - Average wind speed in October:
26.4km/h - Average wind speed in November:
28.6km/h - Average wind speed in December:
31.4km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is December (31.4km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is June (17.9km/h).
Average humidity
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
The month with the highest relative humidity is July (84%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are May and December (80%).
Average rainfall
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (77mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (24mm).
Average rainfall days
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
- Average rainfall days in January:
10.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
8.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
8.2 days - Average rainfall days in April:
10.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
11.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
16.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
17.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
19.3 days - Average rainfall days in October:
15.7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
10.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
9.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is September (19.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is March (8.2 days).
Average snowfall
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
- Average snowfall in January:
104mm - Average snowfall in February:
59mm - Average snowfall in March:
113mm - Average snowfall in April:
52mm - Average snowfall in May:
47mm - Average snowfall in June:
13mm
The month with the highest snowfall is March (113mm).
The month with the least snowfall is August (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
- Average snowfall days in January:
11.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
9.4 days - Average snowfall days in March:
13.3 days - Average snowfall days in April:
9.9 days - Average snowfall days in May:
7.1 days - Average snowfall days in June:
1.6 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
1.3 days - Average snowfall days in October:
6.1 days - Average snowfall days in November:
8.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
10.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is March (13.3 days).
The month with the least snowfall days is August (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
- Average daylight in January:
4h and 30min - Average daylight in February:
8h and 12min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 48min - Average daylight in April:
15h and 30min - Average daylight in May:
19h and 36min - Average daylight in June:
4h and 36min
- Average daylight in July:
17h and 36min - Average daylight in August:
16h and 54min - Average daylight in September:
13h and 6min - Average daylight in October:
9h and 30min - Average daylight in November:
5h and 42min - Average daylight in December:
2h and 48min
The month with the longest days is May (Average daylight: 19h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 2h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
1h and 54min - Average sunshine in February:
2h and 24min - Average sunshine in March:
3h and 30min - Average sunshine in April:
5h and 36min - Average sunshine in May:
6h and 48min - Average sunshine in June:
0h and 24min
- Average sunshine in July:
4h and 18min - Average sunshine in August:
6h and 42min - Average sunshine in September:
4h and 48min - Average sunshine in October:
3h and 12min - Average sunshine in November:
2h and 6min - Average sunshine in December:
1h and 0min
The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 6h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 0h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
- Average sunshine days in January:
7.1 days - Average sunshine days in February:
5.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
6.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
8.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
14.6 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
10.6 days - Average sunshine days in August:
10.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
7.8 days - Average sunshine days in October:
7.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
7.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
6.1 days
The month with the most sunshine days is June (14.6 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (5.8 days).
Average UV index
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 3).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, October and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 74).
The month with the least cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 60).
Average visibility
Raufarhöfn, Iceland
The month with the highest visibility is June (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, November and December (8km).
