Weather in Reykjavik 🇮🇸
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
July
Avg Temp
14°C
Rain Days
15 days
Sun Hours
12 hrs
Humidity
65%
Europe › 🇮🇸 Iceland › Reykjavik
Updated: March 2026
Is July a Good Time to Visit Reykjavik?
4/10
Fair
July is a fair time to visit Reykjavik (4/10). With 12 daily sunshine hours and only 15 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 3rd sunniest of the year in Reykjavik. July suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 15 potential rain days. August offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 15 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
vs June:13°C avg high
Reykjavik in July rewards travelers with average highs of 14°C and overnight lows around 9°C. Expect around 15 rainy days, so a compact umbrella is worth carrying. With 12 daily sunshine hours on average, conditions are cool and bracing, well suited for active days on foot.
14°C
57°F
Avg High
9°C
48°F
Avg Low
15 days
86 mm total
Rain Days
12h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
Temperature in Reykjavik in July
The narrow 5°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 10 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Wind averages 17 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 57°F average high, 48°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Reykjavik in July
Morning9°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon14°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening12°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Reykjavik in July means dressing for 14°C days and 9°C evenings. A mid-weight jacket over a sweater handles 14°C daytime temperatures; the combination stays comfortable all day without overheating. Evening temperatures settle at 9°C, a modest 5°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. European cobblestones reward low-profile walking shoes over flip-flops or heels, with cushioned trainers or leather walking shoes being the practical choice. With 15 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes.
Local tip: Reykjavik's cobbled streets turn slippery in the rain. Waterproof walking shoes with a non-slip sole outperform fashionable footwear on wet stone, and you'll cover significantly more ground in comfort.
Events in Reykjavik in July
July has no major festivals or public holidays in Reykjavik, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Reykjavik in July
Based on 14°C average highs and 15 rainy days
- Warm jacket (down or fleece)
- Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
- Sweaters and lined trousers
- Scarf and lightweight gloves
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Reykjavik in July
- Explore the old town's cobblestone backstreetsMorning (9-11am)At 14°C, conditions are pleasant for unhurried exploration on foot
- Visit hilltop viewpoints for panoramic city viewsLate afternoon (4-6pm)Low sun angle creates dramatic light for photography while temperatures remain comfortable
- Bicycle rental for a half-day city circuitMid-morning startMild 14°C temperatures are ideal for extended cycling without excessive effort
- Boat tour of the river, bay, or canal networkLate morning departureComfortable weather makes open-deck boats viable without wind-chill concerns
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 15 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningJuly brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months
Why is Reykjavik cool in July?
July in Reykjavik reflects a mid-latitude climate pattern, with temperatures averaging 14°C by day and 9°C overnight. The city sits at 64 degrees north latitude, where the balance between solar radiation and heat loss drives conditions that are neither extreme nor static. Conditions occupy the comfortable middle band of the annual temperature range, where outdoor activity is feasible without the extremes of midsummer heat or midwinter cold. Day-to-night temperature variation of 5°C is small, typical of maritime-influenced climates. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reykjavik in July
In July, Reykjavik experiences average highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). Expect around 15 rainy days and 12 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 65%. The 5°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV index averages 10, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Reykjavik typically sees 15 rainy days in July, with total precipitation of around 86mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Reykjavik typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than July.
Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Reykjavik in July. Temperatures can drop to 9°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 15 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.
July is a reasonable time to visit Reykjavik. Expect 15 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 14°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 12 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Reykjavik in July is 14°C (57°F), and the average low is 9°C (48°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 12°C (53°F). The day-to-night range of 5°C is narrow, typical of coastal or maritime cities. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Reykjavik is generally May. May offers the most sunshine at 12 hours per day. Average temperatures reach 9°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around May gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
July is shoulder or low season in Reykjavik, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 12 sunshine hours and 15 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In July, Reykjavik suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 14°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 12 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
July ranks 3rd sunniest of the year in Reykjavik, with an average 12 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are June, July, and October. July is the hottest month (14°C avg high); January is the coolest (1°C). From here, temperatures fall 1°C into August. Compared to last month (June: 13°C high, 14 rain days), July is warmer and wetter. July is among the top three sunniest months to visit Reykjavik.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C | -4°C | 18 | 2h | View |
| February | 1°C | -4°C | 17 | 4h | View |
| March | 2°C | -3°C | 17 | 7h | View |
| April | 6°C | 0°C | 17 | 9h | View |
| May | 9°C | 3°C | 16 | 12h | View |
| June | 13°C | 7°C | 14 | 12h | View |
| July | 14°C | 9°C | 15 | 12h | View |
| August | 13°C | 8°C | 16 | 9h | View |
| September | 10°C | 6°C | 18 | 7h | View |
| October | 6°C | 2°C | 15 | 5h | View |
| November | 3°C | -1°C | 16 | 2h | View |
| December | 1°C | -3°C | 18 | 1h | View |
January
18 rain days, 2h sun
1°-4°
February
17 rain days, 4h sun
1°-4°
March
17 rain days, 7h sun
2°-3°
April
17 rain days, 9h sun
6°0°
May
16 rain days, 12h sun
9°3°
June
14 rain days, 12h sun
13°7°
July
15 rain days, 12h sun
14°9°
August
16 rain days, 9h sun
13°8°
September
18 rain days, 7h sun
10°6°
October
15 rain days, 5h sun
6°2°
November
16 rain days, 2h sun
3°-1°
December
18 rain days, 1h sun
1°-3°
Other Months in Reykjavik
Plan Your Trip to Reykjavik
Data Sources for Reykjavik
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.