Reykjavik Weather Statistics

Reykjavik has a subpolar oceanic climate, characterized by cool summers and mild winters relative to its latitude. The city's weather is heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Current, which helps moderate temperatures throughout the year. Weather can be highly variable, with conditions often changing rapidly within the same day.

Don't forget to check WhereWeather Website for weather statistics on your exact travel dates, for any city in the world. You can also compare different cities and dates side-by-side.

Temperature Overview

Average Daytime Temperature: 8°C (46°F)
Average Nighttime Temperature: 3°C (37°F)

Rainfall Statistics

Annual average daily rainfall: 2.8 mm (0.110 inches) per day
Rainiest month: October with around 3.8 mm (0.150 inches) per day
Driest month: May with around 1.8 mm (0.071 inches) per day
Average number of rainy days per year: 148 days

Monthly Weather Conditions

Seasonal Breakdown

December-February (Winter)

Highs: 3-4°C (37-39°F)
Lows: -2-(-1)°C (28-30°F)
Rainy Days: 12-13 days per month
Average Precipitation: 3.3 mm/day
Cold with frequent snow and limited daylight

March-May (Spring)

Highs: 5-11°C (41-52°F)
Lows: -1-5°C (30-41°F)
Rainy Days: 9-12 days per month
Average Precipitation: 2.4 mm/day
Gradually warming with increasing daylight

June-August (Summer)

Highs: 13-15°C (55-59°F)
Lows: 7-9°C (45-48°F)
Rainy Days: 10-12 days per month
Average Precipitation: 2.4 mm/day
Mild with nearly continuous daylight

September-November (Autumn)

Highs: 5-12°C (41-54°F)
Lows: 0-6°C (32-43°F)
Rainy Days: 12-14 days per month
Average Precipitation: 3.4 mm/day
Cooling temperatures with decreasing daylight

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Reykjavik is during summer (June to August) when temperatures are mild and daylight is abundant. However, each season offers unique experiences:

Winter (December-February) brings short days but excellent opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights. While temperatures are cold, they're milder than many expect for the latitude. This is the perfect time for winter activities like ice skating on the Tjörnin pond, visiting thermal pools, and experiencing the city's cozy café culture. The Christmas and New Year period is particularly magical with festive lights illuminating the dark winter days.

Spring (March-May) sees gradually increasing daylight and warming temperatures. This is an excellent time for whale watching as migrating whales return to the waters around Iceland. Spring offers a mix of winter and summer activities, with opportunities for both northern lights viewing (early spring) and midnight sun experiences (late spring).

Summer (June-August) offers nearly continuous daylight with the midnight sun around the summer solstice. While temperatures remain mild, this is the best time for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the city's surroundings. The famous Secret Solstice Festival and Reykjavik Culture Night take place during summer.

Autumn (September-November) brings decreasing temperatures and daylight hours. This is an ideal time for viewing the Northern Lights as dark nights return, while temperatures remain relatively mild. The Iceland Airwaves music festival in November is a highlight of the season, and the city's thermal pools are particularly enjoyable as temperatures drop.

Before you go ahead and plan your next visit, make sure to check the weather forecast for your exact travel dates on WhereWeather Website. You can also compare different cities and dates side-by-side.