Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Reykjavik
🇮🇸 Reykjavik, Iceland · Europe
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
1°
-4°
Poor
Feb
1°
-4°
Poor
Mar
2°
-3°
Fair
Apr
6°
0°
Great
May
9°
3°
Great
Jun
13°
7°
Great
Jul
14°
9°
Great
Aug
13°
8°
Great
Sep
10°
6°
Great
Oct
6°
2°
Fair
Nov
3°
-1°
Poor
Dec
1°
-3°
Poor
Month-by-Month Weather in Reykjavik
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C | -4°C | 18 | 1h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
| February | 1°C | -4°C | 17 | 4h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
| March | 2°C | -3°C | 17 | 6h | 65% | 6 | Fair | View |
| AprilRecommended | 6°C | 0°C | 17 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 9°C | 3°C | 16 | 11h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 13°C | 7°C | 14 | 12h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 14°C | 9°C | 15 | 11h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 13°C | 8°C | 16 | 9h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 10°C | 6°C | 18 | 7h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| October | 6°C | 2°C | 15 | 5h | 65% | 6 | Fair | View |
| November | 3°C | -1°C | 16 | 2h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
| December | 1°C | -3°C | 18 | 1h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Reykjavik
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 6°C high, 0°C low
Spring in Reykjavik brings gradually cool temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 6°C (43°F) while nights cool to 0°C (32°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 13°C high, 8°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Reykjavik, with temperatures reaching 13°C (55°F). Temperatures remain moderate, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 6°C high, 2°C low
Fall in Reykjavik is a transitional season with changing conditions. Temperatures settle around 6°C (43°F) during the day and 2°C (36°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 1°C high, -4°C low
Winter in Reykjavik brings the coldest conditions of the year. Freezing temperatures and short daylight hours limit outdoor activities, but winter markets, indoor attractions, and cozy restaurants offer their own charm.
When to Avoid Reykjavik
The least favorable time to visit Reykjavik is January and November. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, very limited sunshine.
January
Challenges: freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, very limited sunshine
November
Challenges: freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, very limited sunshine
December
Challenges: freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, very limited sunshine
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Reykjavik
Packing recommendations for visiting Reykjavik during the best travel months (June, July, August), when temperatures range from 8°C to 13°C:
- +Medium-weight layers and a warm jacket
- +Long pants and closed-toe shoes
- +Waterproof jacket and an umbrella (rain is frequent)
- +Waterproof shoes or boots
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Reykjavik Year-Round Climate Overview
Reykjavik has a temperate climate (Koppen classification: ET). The warmest month is July with highs of 14°C, while the coldest month is December at just 1°C. Annual rainfall averages 1355mm across approximately 197 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Low °C | -4 | -4 | -3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 2 | -1 | -3 |
| Rain Days | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 131 | 131 | 118 | 104 | 92 | 80 | 86 | 104 | 134 | 121 | 121 | 133 |
| Sun h/day | 1 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Reykjavik? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Reykjavik?+
The best time to visit Reykjavik is June, July, August. During these months, temperatures average 13°C (55°F) with 11 hours of daily sunshine and only 15 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Reykjavik?+
The least ideal time to visit Reykjavik is January and November. During this period, you can expect freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, very limited sunshine. While Reykjavik can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Reykjavik good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Reykjavik (June to August) brings temperatures of 13°C (55°F) highs and 8°C (46°F) lows, with about 11 hours of sunshine and 15 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Reykjavik?+
Reykjavik does not have a distinct rainy season. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 16 rain days per month.
What should I pack for Reykjavik?+
When visiting Reykjavik during the best travel months (June, July, August), pack medium-weight layers, a warm jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is June a good time to visit Reykjavik?+
Yes, June is one of the best months to visit Reykjavik. Expect average highs of 13°C (55°F), 12 hours of daily sunshine, and only 14 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Reykjavik
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More Travel Weather Guides
Explore weather guides for other popular destinations: