What's the Weather Like in Iceland? A Local's Guide

Overview of Iceland's Weather

Iceland’s weather is a fascinating mix, shaped by its location near the Arctic Circle and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Even though Iceland is pretty far north, that Gulf Stream keeps the island’s climate milder than you’d expect. The weather can change quickly, so it's not unusual to experience a bit of sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow all in one day!

Throughout the year, the temperatures stay fairly moderate. Summers (June to August) are cool, with highs usually between 50°F and 59°F (10°C to 15°C), and sometimes you'll even get a rare warm day around 77°F (25°C). Winters (December to February) are cold but not unbearable, with average temps around 30°F (-1°C). Snow is common in the colder months, but rain can pop up any time of the year, especially in the southern part of the island.

Iceland’s weather also brings some pretty cool natural events. In the summer, the Midnight Sun gives you nearly 24 hours of daylight, perfect for exploring. And in winter, the long nights are ideal for spotting the Northern Lights. While strong winds and occasional storms can happen, it’s all part of Iceland’s wild, ever-changing charm that makes it such an exciting place to visit.

Iceland's Weather by Season & Month

So, is Iceland always cold? Simply put, no. Iceland actually has a beautiful summer season, which most tourists aren’t even aware of. We will break down each season so you know what to pack, and expect when visiting this exciting country.

Summer

The average temperature in Iceland during summer is between 50°F and 59°F. It can get as warm as 77°F in some parts of the country, which can be a real treat. At night, the lows can drop well into the 40s.

While summer is not the rainy season in Iceland, some passing showers can be common. Always bring a rain jacket with you when visiting. Not only for the random showers but also for all the misty waterfalls that you will be exploring.

Summer also provides maximum daylight, making it the perfect season for a long road trip. You will have more time to get to your destination before the sun goes down. This can mean indulging in those longer hikes that have been sitting on your bucket list.

Weather in June

In June, Iceland enjoys mild temperatures, ranging from 48°F (9°C) to 59°F (15°C). Rainfall is moderate, with around 50mm of rain. The weather in June can still be unpredictable, with occasional showers and wind.

June is known for the Midnight Sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight. This extended daylight offers endless opportunities to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities throughout the day and night.

Weather in July

Iceland experiences its warmest weather in July, with temperatures ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 59°F (15°C). Rain is possible, but there are many sunny days, creating ideal conditions for exploring.

Due to the midnight sun, daylight lasts nearly 24 hours, allowing endless opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying Iceland's natural beauty at any time of day.

Weather in August

Iceland enjoys mild temperatures in August, with daytime highs around 57°F (14°C) and nighttime lows around 48°F (9°C). Rain is relatively common, with about 8 to 12 days of rain throughout the month.

Daylight is still extensive, with around 16 to 17 hours of light each day.

Fall

After a sunny Summer comes to a stunning Fall. Iceland's crisp mountain air, paired with cooler temperatures, is impressive.

The sun will still set relatively late, especially in September. You can expect the sun to go down around 8:00 PM, still providing plenty of sunlight to adventure. As fall comes to an end, so do the daylight hours, making early fall the brightest time of the season. It is a popular time to visit Iceland.

Take in the fall foliage that is paired with the majestic mountains in the background.

Weather in September

In September, Iceland's temperatures range from 42°F (6°C) to 59°F (15°C). The weather is mild but can change quickly, with both sunny and rainy days.

By the end of the month, daylight decreases from about 14.5 hours to 12.5 hours. This provides good opportunities to explore during the day and watch the Northern Lights at night.

Weather in October

Iceland's temperatures in October range from 36°F (2°C) to 45°F (7°C). The weather is cool, with a mix of rain and occasional snow, averaging about 3 inches of precipitation.

Daylight decreases from 11 hours at the start of the month to 8 hours by the end.

Weather in November

Iceland's temperatures in November range from 32°F (0°C) to 39°F (4°C). The weather is chilly, with frequent rain and occasional snow.

Daylight hours decrease significantly, with about 5-6 hours of light per day, which gives you even better chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Winter

Winter is Iceland's coldest season. Luckily, it is not as cold as other northern countries. The average temperature during the winter months is 30°F, with January being the coldest month.

It's also the darkest season, with daylight hours only being from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at one point, a total of four hours. Most travelers plan to visit Iceland in the winter to glimpse the Northern Lights, as the extra hours of darkness provide a greater chance of viewing the Aurora.

We think the odds of seeing the colors dance across the sky are worth braving the cold!

Weather in December

December's temperatures in Iceland range from 28°F (-2°C) to 39°F (4°C). The weather is often windy, with frequent rain and occasional snow.

Daylight is very limited, with about 4-5 hours each day. December has less daylight than any month, which makes it the best month to see the Northern Lights.

Weather in January

January is Iceland's coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 28°F (-2°C) to 37°F (3°C), occasionally dipping as low as 14°F (-10°C) in northern and eastern regions. Precipitation is common, with about 3.5 inches (9 cm) falling mostly as snow.

Daylight is scarce, with only 4-5 hours per day. The sun typically rises around 11:00 a.m. and sets by 3:30 p.m., providing a brief window of daylight amidst the long winter nights.

Weather in February

Iceland's temperatures in February average around 37°F (3°C), with frequent snowfall and about 3.3 inches of rain. The weather is often cold, windy, and rainy.

Daylight increases from 7 hours at the start of the month to about 10 hours by the end, so we're back to the outdoor activities.

Spring

Now, let’s discuss Iceland's Spring.

Although Icelanders celebrate the first day of summer on the first Thursday after April 18, which is still technically Spring, the Spring season is technically from March to May and part of June.

May is actually considered to be one of the best months to visit Iceland, as it's when the flowers bloom and nature starts coming back to life.

Weather in March

In March, Iceland's temperatures average around 32°F (0°C) with highs up to 39°F (4°C) and lows around 27°F (-3°C). March is one of Iceland's wettest months, with around 13 days of rain or snow.

Daylight lasts about 12 hours, from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, providing plenty of time for exploration and outdoor activities.

Weather in April

Iceland's temperatures in April range from lows around 28°F (-2°C) to highs of 41°F (5°C). Snow is less frequent, but rain is common.

Daylight hours increase significantly, with the sun rising around 6:45 am and setting around 8:20 pm. This extended daylight makes it easier to explore Iceland's natural beauty.

Weather in May

In May, Iceland's temperatures average between 40°F (4°C) and 50°F (10°C), with about 11 days of rain. The weather can change quickly, so you might experience different conditions in a single day.

Daylight increases dramatically, with nearly 17 hours of daylight at the start of May and over 20 hours by the end.

Other Factors that Influence the Icelandic Weather

Now that we have covered each month and season thoroughly, let’s discuss other factors that can affect the weather, such as daylight hours, snow, rain, and wind.

Daylight hours

Iceland’s daylight hours change a lot depending on the time of year. In summer, especially around June, the sun barely sets, giving you almost 24 hours of light—perfect for getting outside and exploring. In the winter, like in December, daylight drops to just 4-5 hours, making it great for seeing the Northern Lights. During spring and fall, the days are a bit more balanced, with about 8 to 16 hours of daylight, so you get a good mix of daylight and dark.

Snow

Snow in Iceland can be pretty different depending on where you are. In Reykjavík, snow usually appears between November and March, but it melts quickly because of the warmer coastal weather. Up north, in places like Akureyri and the Westfjords, snow can get much deeper, sometimes over a meter (3 feet) during winter. Reykjavík gets around 20-30 cm (8-12 inches), while the Highlands stay snowy most of the year. Some glaciers and mountain peaks even hold onto snow all summer!

Rain

Rain patterns in Iceland depend a lot on where you are. Reykjavík gets around 800 mm (31.5 inches) of rain yearly, spread out over about 147 rainy days. Up north, places like Akureyri are much drier, with only 400-600 mm (15.7-23.6 inches) of rain annually. The wettest times are usually March and October, with October seeing more than 100 mm (3.9 inches) in Reykjavík. The Westfjords, though, get way more rain—up to 2000 mm (78.7 inches) each year because of all the mountains nearby.

Wind

Iceland's wind can be pretty intense, especially in the winter months when gusts can hit over 70 mph in areas like the south coast and the Westfjords. Even during the calmer summer months, winds can still reach around 45 mph near glaciers and in the highlands. The windiest times are from January to March and October to December, so it's important to pack windproof gear and keep an eye on the weather forecast. Be ready for sudden gusts, especially when driving or hiking in exposed areas.

Conclusion

Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun! Every season has its charm, from long summer days filled with light to winter nights perfect for spotting the Northern Lights. No matter when you visit, being ready for whatever the weather throws your way will help you enjoy every moment of your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Weather in Iceland