What’s the climate like in Iceland?
The current climate of Iceland features average monthly temperatures ranging from highs of 12°C during the day to lows of -2°C. The average yearly temperature is around 5°C. At night, temperatures in the colder months average around -8°C and in the warmer months around 5°C.
The highest temperature recorded in Iceland in recent years was 23°C in July 2019. The lowest daytime temperature recorded was -17°C in March 2023.
On average, Iceland gets 1265 mm of precipitation each year. Of this, about 203 cm is snowfall. For comparison, UK gets 701 mm of precipitation each year.
The climate of Iceland is based on weather data from Reykjavík. Other spots, like VíkHúsavík, might have different weather. You can check out all destinations in Iceland for a full picture of the climate.
Check out the weather for Iceland 
Best time to visit Iceland?
If you’re looking for warm and sunny weather, there aren’t really any specific months that are best to visit Iceland. The temperatures are too low year-round, or there’s just too much precipitation.
Climate Table of Iceland
The climate table of Iceland shows the average temperatures, precipitation, snow, and UV index per month. The table gives an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of precipitation in millimetres, the total snowfall in centimetres, and the UV index for each month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.
- Average yearly temperature: 5°C
- Highest temperature: 12°C in July
- Lowest temperature: -2°C in December
- Precipitation*: 1265 mm per year, averaging 105 mm per month
- Snowfall: 203 cm per year
- Driest months: 69 mm in July, 89 mm in August and 90 mm in May
- Wettest months: 150 mm in March, 125 mm in January and 117 mm in February
*Precipitation is measured as a combination of rain, snow, and hail
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Average Temperature per Month in Iceland
This graph shows the average maximum temperatures per month in Iceland. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and the average is calculated based on the recorded temperatures per month from past years.
Average Precipitation per Month in Iceland
This graph shows how much precipitation Iceland gets on average per month. Precipitation is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail. This makes it easy to compare how much has fallen, regardless of the form of precipitation. The amount of precipitation is measured in millimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded precipitation per month from past years.
Average Snowfall per Month in Iceland
This graph shows how much snow Iceland gets on average per month. The amount of snowfall is measured in centimetres and the average is calculated based on the recorded snowfall per month from past years.
Average UV Index per Month in Iceland
This graph shows the average UV index per month in Iceland. The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ranges from 0 to a maximum of 11.
Yearly Temperature in Iceland
This graph shows the average yearly temperature in Iceland. The yearly temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius, is the average of all twelve monthly temperatures summed up for that year.
Total Yearly Precipitation in Iceland
This chart shows the total yearly precipitation in Iceland over the past few years. The total yearly precipitation, measured in millimetres, is the sum of all the rain that fell in the twelve months of that year.
Total Yearly Snowfall in Iceland
This chart shows the total yearly snowfall in Iceland over the past few years. The total yearly snowfall, measured in centimetres, is the sum of all the snow that fell in the twelve months of that year.
More Climate Info About Iceland
Iceland has one of the most distinctive and diverse climates on earth. Located in the North Atlantic, just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the Gulf Stream. This means that, although located in the north, the country does not often experience the severe cold like other Arctic regions.
Though it is difficult to predict the climate, as Icelandic weather is highly unpredictable and subject to abrupt changes. This is partly because the country lies on the edge of the Arctic Circle, where it is subject to both polar and tropical air masses. As a result, Icelandic weather often changes from one extreme to another within hours.
Iceland is blessed with warm water and warm air thanks to the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current that migrates from the tropics to the poles. As a result, the country's temperature is considerably milder than in other areas at the same latitude.
Spring, summer, autumn and winter are Iceland's four distinct seasons. When planning a holiday to the country, it is vital to be prepared for everything, as each season has its own weather patterns and environment.
Spring
As the country emerges from the gloom and cold of winter, spring is a period of transformation in Iceland. At this time of year, temperatures are chilly, fluctuating between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius. Sunny days can alternate with rain and snow showers, and the weather can be quite unpredictable.
Summer
Summer in Iceland is the warmest and most enjoyable season. It has the longest days and most continuous sunlight of the year, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The "midnight sun" phenomenon, where the sun never sets completely and there is up to 20 hours of sunshine every day, is famous for occurring in Iceland throughout the summer. So if you want to take advantage of Iceland's natural beauty and engage in outdoor activities, summer is the ideal season to go there.
Autumn
Iceland experiences changes in autumn as the leaves begin to discolour and the days get shorter. At this time of year, temperatures usually range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, with chilly, cool days and sporadic rain or snow showers. If you want to see the Northern Lights, autumn is a great season to go to Iceland as the longer, darker evenings are ideal for this phenomenon.
Winter
Winter in Iceland is chilly and gloomy, with lows of around -5 to 5 degrees Celsius. It is not unusual for the whole country to be covered in a layer of snow. Snow and ice are also common. Even when it is cold outside, Iceland's pristine environment is beautiful in winter because it is covered in a layer of snow. Winter is a great time to come if you want to see the Northern Lights, as they are much more noticeable.
The climate in Iceland's many regions
Iceland's climate is generally uniform across the country, but there are slight regional differences. For instance, the southern and western parts of the country often have warmer and more humid weather than the more chilly and dry northern and eastern parts.
Reykjavik, the country's capital, is located in the south-west of the country and has moderate temperatures compared to other regions. The Gulf Stream affects the city, which helps maintain pleasant temperatures in winter. Reykjavik's average winter temperature is about 2 degrees Celsius, while the summer maximum is 16 degrees Celsius.
In contrast, the northern and eastern parts of the country, including Akureyri and Egilsstadir, are known for their chilly, dry winters and cool summers. These areas usually have winter temperatures of around -5 degrees Celsius and summer temperatures of up to 10 degrees Celsius. Strong winds and clear, bright days are also more common in these areas.
In short, Iceland has a very different and variable climate, with each season having its own weather patterns and conditions. Its proximity to the North Atlantic and the influence of the Gulf Stream mean that temperatures decrease, although the weather can still be quite erratic. Iceland is a beautiful and unique location that is likely to amaze visitors, whether you go there during the warm, glorious summer days or the chilly, dark evenings of winter.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
July and August, the warmest months in Iceland, are traditionally the most favourite months for tourists to visit the country. And because there is continuous daylight in June, there are almost as many tourists as at the height of summer. But at this time of year, bad weather such as heavy rain and high winds can and do occur. Because of the island's unpredictable climate, it is not uncommon for one day to contain elements of all four seasons.
Since Iceland's climate can maintain pleasant temperatures well into the first week of October, travelling in September may be the best option. May also has more hours of daylight, making it ideal for outdoor excursions, and milder temperatures. However, this is not the best time to visit if you want to visit some of the more distant hills and fjords, as some roads are still blocked as they thaw from the layer of snow that covered them in winter.
The best time of year to go hiking in Iceland is summer, as this is the only season when all mountain roads are passable and most of the country's best-known trails are available.
When is the best time to see whales in Iceland?
The months of June and July are ideal for whale watching in Iceland. Northern Iceland has a longer season for seeing humpbacks, mink and dolphins, which sail the Atlantic from May to August; some humpbacks even stay until the end of the year. Blue whales also travel through summer.
Minke whales and dolphins can be seen near Reykjavik during the summer months, while orcas concentrate in western Iceland around the Snaefellsnes peninsula during the first part of the year.
When is the best time to visit hot springs?
Hot springs in Iceland are an important part of Icelandic culture and offer both social and wellness benefits. The public baths in Reykjavik are available all year round. Visit them in September or the first half of October, when they are still accessible by mountain road but tourist numbers have dropped sharply.
When visiting the Blue Lagoon, the world's most famous geothermal spa, visitors will find fewer crowds by going out of season.
Weather experiences in Iceland
The weather in Iceland is rated an average of 3,4 out of 5 stars by 10 visitors. Have you been to Iceland? Share your weather experience to help other visitors.
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Jesse Knegt – was here in JuneA few moments of bright sunshine were interspersed with cool, rainy spells. Temperatures were around 10 degrees Celsius, ideal for walking or cycling.— This text is automatically translated to English
Zeger van Aalten – was here in July
The almost 24 hours of daylight were fantastic, but the temperatures were not for everyone. There is strong wind and rain. Make sure to wear proper clothing.— This text is automatically translated to English
Rein van der Flier – was here in April
It was cold but bearable, the temperature was around freezing. A clear blue sky punctuated by unexpected snowfall made my trip truly adventurous. Multiple layers of clothing were mandatory.— This text is automatically translated to English
Cold, snow and ice were the rule, long dark days. In the northern part, it can be very cold, with temperatures dropping to -5 degrees Celsius. But the natural beauty of the winter landscape makes up for a lot.— This text is automatically translated to English
Weather experience:Bad
Be prepared for short days and icy nights. Although beautiful, it is not recommended for people who cannot stand very cold weather conditions.— This text is automatically translated to English
Maarten – was here in May
There were many sunny days with pleasant temperatures. It rained occasionally, but not too much. Nice change of weather!— This text is automatically translated to English
The occasional rain shower was part of it and gave our party character and created beautiful rainbows.— This text is automatically translated to English
February in Iceland is cold with sub-zero temperatures. There was a lot of snow and wind, which made travelling difficult at times. But the chance to see the northern lights made it all worthwhile. Be prepared for unpredictable weather.— This text is automatically translated to English
Although the bitter cold and regular snowfall were challenging, the beautiful northern lights were breathtaking. Recommended for adventurous souls rather than those looking for comfort.— This text is automatically translated to English
Although there were a few hours of sunshine, it alternated with rain and wind. The temperature was cool. Beautiful scenery, whatever the weather.— This text is automatically translated to English
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