The climate of Stykkishólmur
Located in the icy realm of
Iceland,
Stykkishólmur experiences a Tundra climate - defined by the Köppen Climate classification as ET. This characteristically cold climatic region often sees temperatures struggling to rise above freezing even in the summer months.
Throughout the year, the temperature fluctuates from a low of -1.8°C (28.8°F) in
February to a high of 12.1°C (53.8°F) in
July. The chilly weather is consistent, with warmth being a fleeting visitor even during the purportedly warmer summer months. Relative humidity remains fairly even, oscillating between 77% in
May and 83% during the colder months of
January, February, and
October.
Precipitation in Stykkishólmur follows a unique pattern, contrary to many other regions. Rather than having a designated 'rainy season', rainfall is common throughout the year, ranging from 17mm (0.67") in July to 40mm (1.57") in January. Despite this constant possibility of rain, the frequency of rainy days does show seasonal variance; winters tend to have fewer rainy days, hitting a low of 9.1 days in February, while autumns see up to 15.7 rainy days in October. The city also experiences significant snowfall from
December to
March, peaking at 97mm (3.82") in March.
The best time to visit Stykkishólmur
Summers, being relatively warmer and drier than the other seasons, present the best window for tourism in
Stykkishólmur. From
June to
September, daytime temperatures hover between 6.8°C (44.2°F) and 12.1°C (53.8°F). It is also the sunniest period of the year with daylight hours extending up to 21.7 hrs in June and sunshine hours peaking at 7.3 hrs in
May.
The worst time to visit Stykkishólmur
Winter months, specifically from
December to
March, pose substantial challenges for visitors. Temperatures drop below freezing, with the minimum average temperature hitting -1.8°C (28.8°F) in
February. Daylight hours are scant, sinking to a mere 3.8 hrs in December. Snowfall is frequent and heavy, with the highest snowfall of 97mm (3.82") recorded in March.
Spring weather in Stykkishólmur
Spring (
March to
May) is the transitional period from the harsh Icelandic winter to its relative summer. Temperatures gradually climb from an average high of 1.2°C (34.2°F) in March to 6.8°C (44.2°F) in May. The daylight hours increase significantly, stretching from an average of 11.8 hrs in March to 18.9 hrs in May. Rainfall remains steady while snowfall declines, disappearing completely by
June.
Summer weather in Stykkishólmur
In the months of
June to
August,
Stykkishólmur experiences its summer. Despite average high temperatures only reaching between 10.3°C (50.5°F) to 12.1°C (53.8°F), this is the warmest period in the region. Days are long, with up to 21.7 hrs of daylight in June, providing ample time to explore the landscape. Rainfall reaches its annual minimum of 17mm (0.67") in
July.
Autumn weather in Stykkishólmur
Autumn (
September to
November) in
Stykkishólmur sees temperatures steadily drop from 8.5°C (47.3°F) in September to 2.5°C (36.5°F) in November. The number of daylight hours reduces nearly by half from September to November, while rainfall increases to a peak of 39mm (1.54") in September. The first snow of the season often arrives in
October.
Winter weather in Stykkishólmur
Winter in
Stykkishólmur (
December to
February) is characteristic of its tundra climate. The average high inches just above freezing at 0.7°C (33.3°F) in December and 1.1°C (34°F) in
January, dropping to a low of -1.8°C (28.8°F) in February. Snow is prevalent during this period, with a significant snowfall of 57mm (2.24") in December and 64mm (2.52") in February. Daylight is minimal, with just 3.8 hrs in December, with the short days giving way to long, cold nights.
Weather in January
In the dead of winter,
Stykkishólmur,
Iceland, displays its harsh, freezing climate. The mercury barely rises above freezing, with the average high reaching 1.1°C (34°F) and plunging to -1.5°C (29.3°F) at night—the lowest of the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the coldest period of winter comes to a close, the weather shows a slight warming trend compared to
January. Although the temperature still hovers around freezing, there is a marginal drop in snowfall. The wind speed also slightly increases, with an average of 25.9km/h (16.1mph) compared to 25.2km/h (15.7mph) the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Despite winter's icy grip easing,
March in
Stykkishólmur still exhibits cold conditions. Compared to
February, the high temperature average exhibits an insignificant increase. But the snowfall, reaching an impressive 97mm (3.82") this month, surpasses even
January’s levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the transition from winter to spring, and with this transition,
Stykkishólmur experiences a significant temperature increase. In comparison to
March, the day temperature in April reaches a high of 3.7°C (38.7°F), and the lowest temperature rises to 0.5°C (32.9°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Stykkishólmur sees warmer temperatures and more sunshine, signalling the start of the brief Icelandic summer. A considerable increase in temperature from
April to May makes it more hospitable. However, rainfall takes a leap to 26mm (1.02"), up from 23mm (0.91") in the previous month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, often considered the beginning of summer, sees temperatures peaking in
Stykkishólmur. Average daylight hours leap to their highest annual value, meaning the city gets a whopping 21.7 hours of daylight. Comparatively, June also brings a significant reduction in rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is characteristically the warmest month in
Stykkishólmur, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 12.1°C (53.8°F). Despite it being the height of summer, there are no occurrences of snowfall. However, the city gets an increase in rainfall, from 18mm (0.71") in
June to 17mm (0.67") in July.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Stykkishólmur experiences a slight drop in temperature when compared to
July’s peak. Average rainfall increases to 32mm (1.26"), which is higher than the summer month of July. Nonetheless, the weather generally remains warm enough for outdoor activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With
September comes the turn of the season in
Stykkishólmur, as the tranquillity of summer gives way to the crispness of autumn. Rainfall increases and peaks at 39mm (1.54"), the highest in the year, and more than the previous month of
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents a significant seasonal shift in
Stykkishólmur's weather to colder autumn days. There is a noticeable drop in temperature from the previous month, and the city starts to experience the first signs of snow—signalling winter's impending arrival.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in winter in
Stykkishólmur, with temperatures dropping rapidly when compared to
October. Snowfall significantly increases, reaching an average of 39mm (1.54"), indicating the onset of winter. Despite the chilling weather, November remains attractively mystical under a blanket of snow.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December is typically the month with the shortest daylight hours in
Stykkishólmur, making it one of the darkest periods of the year. The city is gripped by winter once again, with snowfall increasing to 57mm (2.24") from
November’s average.
Weather in December »