Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle and has a cold but temperate climate thanks to the North Atlantic Current, which carries the warm waters of the Gulf Stream northward. This means that even though the winters are cold, Iceland tends to have a higher average temperature than other places in the world at the same latitude. However, don’t trust the temperature range alone, as the ocean surrounds Iceland, and frequent winds and rapid weather changes are expected in Iceland.
Iceland’s climate includes conditions typical of the northern country. Still, there are some differences between different parts of the island: the southern coast tends to be warmer, wetter, and windier than the north, and snowfalls in winter are more common in the north than in the south. Iceland, known as the Land of Ice and Fire due to its many volcanoes, is always subject to volcanic activity.
- Hottest Month: July (14°C /57°F)
- Coldest Month: January and February (2°C /36°F)
- Wettest Month: September (4.6 inches)
Spring might be the best time of year to visit Iceland, aside from the busy tourist season of summer, because of its crisp weather, regular daylight hours, and significantly cheaper pricing for accommodations, flights, and travel.
Spring first arrives in April, bringing warmer temperatures and the first signs of green grass and flowers. Travelers can fish, go whale and bird watching, golf, horseback ride through the thawing landscape, or even visit an off-season ski lodge to watch the snow melting off the mountains.
What to Pack: Temperature averages range from 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) in early April to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) in early June, so you’ll still need to pack warmer clothing, especially for the slightly colder evenings.
Average temperatures by month:
- March: -1°C- 3°C (30°F-38°F)
- April: 6°C/43°F / 1°C(34°F)
- May: 9°C/48°F / 4°C(40°F)
Summer is the high tourist season in Iceland, and in midsummer, during the entire months of June and July, daylight takes over during a time known as the Midnight Sun when there is virtually no nighttime darkness.
There are plenty of outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, and even swimming. Still, many theatres, operas, and symphony performances are suspended during this busy time when Icelanders take their summer vacations.
What to Pack: It never really gets hot in Iceland due to the Gulf Stream bringing cooler air into the country throughout the nightless summer, bringing a light jacket even in the warmest season.
Average Temperatures by Month:
- June: 8°C – 12°C (46°F – 54°F)
- July: 9°C – 14°C (49°F – 57°F)
- August: 8°C – 13°C (47°F – 55°F)
As September comes around, the high tourist season ends, and many museums outside Reykjavik close down the following summer. However, there’s still plenty to do in the fall.
Keep in mind that because the Gulf Stream brings milder air from the Atlantic Ocean in contact with colder Arctic air, the skies are frequently overcast with driving wind and rain and sudden weather shifts—you might experience four seasons in one day! Be sure to plan so you can stay safe.
October through December is also the rainy season in Iceland, making outdoor adventures harder to find. Still, with the cultural events like plays, musicals, and orchestra performances resuming in the off-season, there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the fall.
What to Pack: You’ll need to pack a variety of clothes for fall, given the diversity of weather. No matter what, it is the wettest season in Iceland, so proper waterproof clothing, especially a coat and boots, are musts.
Average Temperatures by Month:
- September: 6°C – 10°C (42°F – 50°F)
- October: 2°C – 7°C (36°F – 44°F)
- November: -1°C – 4°C (30°-40°F)
Airfare prices are drastically lower in the winter season due to a decrease in tourists traveling to the country but keep in mind that Christmas and holiday travel will still be more expensive than other non-peak travel days.
There is also a period of no sunlight in midwinter, and darkness prevails during a phenomenon known as the Polar Nights, which is a perfect time to view the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Thanks again to the Gulf Stream air, winters are typically milder than elsewhere in the world at the same latitude.
What to Pack: Pack warm layers, including sweaters, multiple base layers, and a heavy coat or jacket. Sturdy, warm footwear is a must as well.
Average Temperatures by Month:
- December: -1°C + 2°C (29°F – 36°F)
- January: -2°C – 2°C (28°F – 36°F)
- February: -2°C – 3°C (28°F – 36°F)
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Rainfall | Avg. Sunlight |
| January | 2°C (36°F) | 28°F (-2°C) | 4 inches | 5 hours |
| February | 36°F (2°C) | 28°F (-2°C) | 4.3 inches | 8 hours |
| March | 38°F (3°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches | 12 hours |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 2.9 inches | 16 hours |
| May | 48°F (9°C) | 40°F (4°C) | 2.3 inches | 18 hours |
| June | 54°F (12°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 2.1 inches | 21 hours |
| July | 57°F (14°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.7 inches | 19 hours |
| August | 55°F (13°C) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.5 inches | 16 hours |
| September | 50°F (10°C) | 42°F (6°C) | 4.6 inches | 13 hours |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 4.5 inches | 9 hours |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 30°F (-1°C) | 4.2 inches | 6 hours |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 29° F (-2°C) | 4.1 inches | 4 hours |
Winter may be the coldest time to visit Iceland, but one of the biggest draws during this time of year is the chance to see the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. The darkest months of December, January, and February are the best time to visit for this natural phenomenon, but the Northern Lights season lasts from October to April. You’ll need to get away from Reykjavik to see them, and several different tour companies offer Northern Lights packages. If you plan to visit Iceland in the winter to see the Lights, look at the lunar calendar before finalizing your travel plans because visiting Iceland during a new moon will give you a better chance of seeing them.