Does it Rain a Lot in Iceland? A Month by Month Guide

How Much Rain Does Iceland Get?

Iceland’s rain patterns are just as varied as its landscapes. The southern coast tends to get way more rain than the north, mostly because the mountains trap moisture from the winds. For example, towns like Vík in the south get more rain than places like Akureyri in the north. Reykjavík, located in the southwest, gets about 800 mm (31.5 inches) of rain every year, spread across 147 rainy days.

Iceland’s location by the North Atlantic Ocean, along with the Gulf Stream and its rugged terrain, makes the weather pretty dramatic. While the south is known for its frequent showers, the north stays a bit drier. You’ll also find a lot of microclimates—so it could be pouring rain in one spot and dry in another just a few kilometers away!

Month-by-Month Breakdown of Rain in Iceland

Like in any country, rain varies greatly from one month to the other. Here's a breakdown so you can know what to expect in your trip.

January

January in Iceland is cold and wet, but you’ll see both rain and snow, depending on where you are. Southern areas like Vík get more rain, especially on warmer winter days. Northern regions like Akureyri are colder, so they see more snow than rain. Reykjavík typically gets about 50-70 mm (2-2.7 inches) of rain in January, though it’s often mixed with snow depending on the day.

Winter storms are common, especially along the coast, bringing strong winds and rain that can last for days. If you’re driving in rural areas, be cautious because the roads can get pretty slippery.

February

February’s rainfall is a lot like January’s. The southern coast, including towns like Skógar, sees the most rain. Reykjavík gets about 40-60 mm (1.5-2.4 inches), but the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which experience something called orographic lifting (where the mountains force moist air upward, creating rain), tend to get even more precipitation. The north and inland areas are drier, with colder temps turning most of the precipitation into snow.

March

March is one of the wettest months in Iceland. It’s when the weather starts shifting from winter to spring, so the rain really picks up, especially in southern and coastal areas. Reykjavík gets about 70-80 mm (2.7-3.1 inches) of rain, while places near Vatnajökull Glacier in the southeast see frequent showers. Melting snow and rain make for wet conditions all over the country, but the south is especially soggy.

Low-pressure systems continue to bring strong winds and rain, particularly to the western fjords and the mountains. You’ll definitely want waterproof gear handy, as the rain can be pretty constant.

April

By April, things are starting to thaw out, but it’s still rainy. Reykjavík gets less rain than in March, with about 50-60 mm (2-2.4 inches), but it’s still wet enough to keep those waterproof layers on. Northern regions like Húsavík remain relatively dry, but the southeast still sees plenty of rain due to moisture being trapped by the mountains.

This is also when you’ll notice the precipitation shadow effect—mountains block rain on one side, so you might drive through a rainstorm and suddenly find yourself in a dry area just minutes later.

May

May brings slightly less rain, but don’t let your guard down—it’s still pretty frequent, especially in the southern parts of Iceland. Reykjavík gets around 40-50 mm (1.5-2 inches) of rain. In the north, including Akureyri, it’s a bit drier, with lighter, scattered showers throughout the month. Coastal regions see more rain than inland areas, and the Westfjords continue to get regular rainfall thanks to the mountainous terrain.

June, July, August

Summer in Iceland may be known for long days and mild weather, but the rain doesn’t take a break! Reykjavík gets about 40-60 mm (1.5-2.4 inches) of rain during these months, usually in the form of light drizzles rather than heavy downpours.

In southern spots like Skógar and Vík, the rain can be a bit heavier because of the nearby mountains, and the Westfjords still see their fair share of rain. Northern areas, including Akureyri, get less rain, though the occasional shower can pop up. Summer rains are typically lighter but can last a while, leaving the landscape lush and green—perfect for photographers who love capturing reflections in puddles and streams.

September

As autumn kicks in, the rain picks up again. Southern Iceland, especially the coastal areas, sees more frequent showers as winds bring moisture in from the ocean. Reykjavík gets about 60-80 mm (2.4-3.1 inches), and the southeast and Westfjords get even more thanks to orographic lifting.

The north stays a bit drier, but it’s still a good idea to be prepared for rain. The cooler temps and rain in September start setting the stage for the winter storms that are just around the corner.

October

October is one of the rainiest months in Iceland, especially in southern and coastal areas. Reykjavík sees over 100 mm (3.9 inches) of rain, and you might have days of nonstop rain. The Westfjords and southeast get even more, as the mountains create microclimates where one valley could be drenched while the next is almost dry.

Strong winds and rain are common as low-pressure systems from the North Atlantic roll in. If you’re driving in rural areas, be careful, as rain can make gravel roads super slippery, especially in the mountains.

November

November brings colder weather and more rain, especially along the southern coast. Reykjavík gets about 80-90 mm (3.1-3.5 inches) of rain, and winter storms become more frequent, particularly in coastal areas. Northern Iceland still gets some rain, but the colder temperatures bring more snow than rain in these regions.

If you’re heading to Vík or the Westfjords, be ready for heavy rain—these areas get the most precipitation thanks to the mountains that trap moisture.

December

December marks the beginning of winter, and while the north sees more snow, the south is still pretty rainy. Reykjavík gets around 70-80 mm (2.7-3.1 inches) of rain, and coastal areas have frequent showers. The Westfjords continue to get heavy rainfall as winds from the North Atlantic bring moisture that the mountains trap, leading to even more rain.

The Gulf Stream keeps southern regions warmer and wetter, while northern areas see a mix of rain and snow.

Rain Across Iceland’s Regions

Despite Iceland being a relatively small country, rain patterns also change greatly depending on the region you're in. Here's a breakdown:

Reykjavík and South Iceland

Reykjavík, along with most of southern Iceland, gets plenty of rain—about 800 mm (31.5 inches) a year. Rain is common year-round, but it’s especially heavy in autumn and winter. Coastal towns like Vík get even more rain because the mountains trap moisture from the ocean. Summer rains are usually light, but in the fall and winter, you’ll see heavier downpours.

North Iceland

The north, including places like Akureyri, is much drier than the south. Thanks to the mountains creating a rain shadow, the north stays relatively dry, with about 400-600 mm (15.7-23.6 inches) of rain each year. When it does rain, it’s often mixed with snow in the colder months. Húsavík sees a similar pattern, with more snow and less rain than the south.

East Iceland

East Iceland, especially the Eastern Fjords, gets a moderate amount of rain. The mountains create pockets of heavier rain, but overall, it’s not as wet as the southern coast. This region’s rainfall helps make it one of the lushest and greenest parts of Iceland during the summer.

West Iceland and the Westfjords

The Westfjords are among the wettest areas in Iceland. The mountains trap moisture, leading to heavy rain throughout the year. Rainfall can reach up to 2000 mm (78.7 inches) annually in this area, with frequent showers. The rugged terrain and constant rain create stunning landscapes but can make roads tricky to navigate, especially in rural areas.

The Highlands

The Highlands don’t see as much rain as the coastal areas, but when it does rain, it can lead to erosion and flooding in the valleys. Rain is less common here than in the lowlands, but it plays a big role in shaping the volcanic landscape.

Conclusion

Rain in Iceland varies a lot depending on where you are and what time of year it is. Southern and coastal areas like Reykjavík and the Westfjords get the most rain, while northern and inland areas are much drier. From light summer drizzles to heavy autumn storms, rain is key to shaping Iceland’s beautiful landscapes. No matter when you visit, make sure to pack your waterproof gear—because in Iceland, there’s always a chance of rain!