The climate of Reykjavík
Equipped with a Marine West Coast, cool summer climate,
Reykjavík, the capital of
Iceland, maintains a Köppen climate classification of Cfc. Its geographical location lends to its unique and varied weather dynamics. Throughout the year, one expects average highs between 1.3°C (34.3°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F) and lows in the range from -2.4°C (27.7°F) to 9.1°C (48.4°F), clearly indicating Reykjavík's predisposition to cold weather conditions.
Fluctuations in parameters such as humidity, rainfall, and snowfall provide a lens into Reykjavík's weather transformations across the calendar. Relative humidity stays consistent from 75% to 82% throughout the year, a feature indicative of the city's marine climate. Rainfall measures from a low of 25mm (0.98") in the summer months to a high of 47mm (1.85") in
January, with rainfall days peaking at 17.8 days in
September. On the contrary, snowfall is almost absent during the summer months, increasing to an impressive 100mm (3.94") in
March, coupled with a significant escalation in snowfall days.
A noteworthy pattern emerges with sea surface temperatures, oscillating narrowly between 5.1°C (41.2°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F). Furthermore, Reykjavík experiences daylight hours extending from 4.4 to 20.9, causing distinctive shifts in residents' lifestyle across the seasons. Another fascinating observation is the city's consistent visibility, holding at around 9km (5.6mi) to 10km (6.2mi) across the year.
The best time to visit Reykjavík
A visit to
Reykjavík is most rewarding during the months of
June,
July, and
August. These are the warmest months with temperatures hovering around 11.7°C (53.1°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F). During this period, the city receives the most sunlight, stretching to an impressive 18.5 to 20.9 hours a day, providing extended opportunities to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Furthermore, rainfall decreases to its yearly low of 25mm (0.98"), making outdoor excursions more enjoyable. Also, the gusty winds moderate to around 14.9km/h (9.3mph) to 16.1km/h (10mph), providing a more comfortable atmosphere for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Reykjavík
January and
February present the most challenging conditions for travelers to
Reykjavík. The city experiences its coldest temperatures dropping to as low as -1.4°C (29.5°F) to -2.4°C (27.7°F) and daylight becomes scarce with merely 5.6 to 8.6 hours. Additionally, these months usher in concerning snowfall, around 45mm (1.77") to 59mm (2.32"). Travelers might find outdoor activities hindered, not only by the cold, but also by limited visibility caused by consistent pressure changes from 996.6 mb to 997.8 mb.
Spring weather in Reykjavík
Spring, encompassing
March,
April, and
May, witnesses a gradual warming trend in
Reykjavík. Temperatures slowly climb from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 8.3°C (46.9°F), with nighttime temperatures increasing from -1°C (30.2°F) to 4.1°C (39.4°F). Rainfall varies from 32mm (1.26") to 40mm (1.57"), yet snowfall dips drastically from 100mm (3.94") in March to a nearly negligible 2mm (0.08") by May. Daylight hours see a significant leap from 11.8 to 18.5 hours, signaling the end of winter's reign.
Summer weather in Reykjavík
Summer, from
June to
August, brings a much-desired respite from the cold for
Reykjavík's inhabitants. With the highest temperatures of the year, ranging from 11.7°C (53.1°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F), and minimum temperatures reaching a balmy 7.4°C (45.3°F) to 9.1°C (48.4°F), the city becomes a warmer retreat. Rainfall dips to its lowest at 25mm (0.98"), and snowfall is nonexistent. Furthermore, daylight reaches its zenith, an enormous 20.9 hours in June, slowly declining to 19.6 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Reykjavík
September to
November marks
Reykjavík's transition from sunny summer to frosty winter. Temperatures decline from 9.6°C (49.3°F) to 3.2°C (37.8°F), with nighttime temperatures experiencing a similar drop from 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 0.5°C (32.9°F). Rainfall begins to climb, reaching a high of 40mm (1.57") in September. Snowfall makes its reappearance, with November seeing the ground covered in around 17mm (0.67") of snow. Daylight hours decrease from 13 hours in September to a scant 6.5 hours by November.
Winter weather in Reykjavík
December through
February constitute the winter season in
Reykjavík, defined by its chilling temperatures, significant snowfall, and limited daylight. Average highs fluctuate between 1.3°C (34.3°F) and 1.8°C (35.2°F), along with lows dipping below the freezing point, varying from -2.4°C (27.7°F) to -1.3°C (29.7°F). Snowfall marks its presence significantly, peaking at 59mm (2.32") to 61mm (2.4"), embellishing the city in a white blanket. Daylight is scarce, traversing between a short 4.4 to 5.6 hours, concurrently enhancing the visibility of ethereal Aurora Borealis. However, UV index remains low at 1, safe-guarding visitors and inhabitants from potential UV radiation exposure.
Weather in January
Adjusting to the chill of winter,
Reykjavík,
Iceland braces for an average high of a mere 1.7°C (35.1°F) and an expected snowfall of 59mm (2.32"), illustrating the harshest weather conditions of the winter. Locals and tourists alike prepare for overcast skies and reduced daylight.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
Reykjavík,
Iceland continues its wintery course in
February, slightly alleviating with an average high temperature of 1.8°C (35.2°F), but not without the impending snowfall of 45mm (1.77"). Despite the adverse conditions, the city becomes quieter with fewer tourists around this time.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Even with the onset of the spring season,
Reykjavík,
Iceland still experiences a fairly cold climate. The conditions soften slightly with an uptick in temperature to a gentle 2.3°C (36.1°F) coupled with a substantial snowfall of 100mm (3.94"), making it the snowiest month of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By
April,
Reykjavík,
Iceland starts experiencing milder weather conditions with the average high temperature rising to 4.9°C (40.8°F), with a reducing snowfall down to 22mm (0.87"), indicating weather nearing to spring. With daylight extending, warmth seeping into the ground, and signs of life proliferating, a sense of revival bestows over the city.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Reykjavík,
Iceland transitions into the warmth of spring with an average high temperature of 8.3°C (46.9°F). The snowfall comes to a full halt down at 2mm (0.08"), complementing the season's reputation for rebirth and rejuvenation.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer in
Reykjavík,
Iceland with temperatures gradually reaching an average high of 11.7°C (53.1°F). The absence of snowfall coupled with increased daylight and sea temperatures of 9.3°C (48.7°F), induces a sense of warmth and lightness across the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July shines as the warmest month in
Reykjavík,
Iceland, achieving an average high of 13.5°C (56.3°F). Reflecting the height of summer season, there's a complete absence of snowfall while the sea temperature peaks at 11.4°C (52.5°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
Reykjavík,
Iceland sails into
August, the summer heat slightly drops to an average high of 12.8°C (55°F) while the sea temperature remains at a warm 11.3°C (52.3°F). Despite being the tail-end of summer, the city maintains its active outdoor lifestyle, capitalizing on the enduring warmth and the ample daylight.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Entering fall, the weather in
Reykjavík,
Iceland starts to cool in
September, with an average high of 9.6°C (49.3°F) and the return of snowfall recorded at meager 0mm (0"). With its golden leaves and crisp air, September is high season for photographers and nature lovers.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
Reykjavík,
Iceland gets progressively colder in
October, with an average high of 6.2°C (43.2°F) and the first signs of snowfall appearing at 3mm (0.12"). October's cool weather sends a clear signal of the beckoning winter, setting a soft frosty foundation for the upcoming season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Reykjavík,
Iceland faces the onset of winter in
November, with temperatures dropping to an average high of 3.2°C (37.8°F), accompanied by a snowfall of 17mm (0.67"). With many outdoor activities coming to an end, the early onset of darkness and snow transforms the island into a winter wonderland.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Reykjavík,
Iceland is the throes of winter, with an average high temperature of 1.3°C (34.3°F) and a significant snowfall of 61mm (2.4"). Throughout December, the city's streets become a magical winter scape, adorned with festive lights and decorations.
Weather in December » [Resources]