The current climate in Iceland features temperatures ranging from a high of 12°C to a low of -2°C throughout the year. 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, New York gets 1142 mm of precipitation each year.
The climate in Iceland is based on weather data from Reykjavík. Other places, like VíkHúsavík, might have different weather. You can check out all destinations in Iceland to get the full picture of the climate.
If you're after warm and sunny weather, there aren’t really any specific months that are best to visit Iceland. The temperatures are too low throughout the year, or there’s just too much precipitation.
Climate Table of Iceland
The climate table of Iceland shows the average temperatures, rainfall, snow, and UV index per month. The table provides an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of rainfall in millimeters, the total snowfall in centimeters, and the UV index for each month. Rainfall is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.
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 rainfall Iceland gets on average per month. Rainfall 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 rainfall is measured in millimeters, and the average is calculated based on the recorded rainfall 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 centimeters 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 millimeters, 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 centimeters, is the sum of all the snow that fell in the twelve months of that year.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
July and August, which are the hottest months in Iceland, have traditionally been the most preferred months for tourists to visit the country. And because there is continuous daylight in June, there are almost as many tourists as there are during the height of summer. However during this time of year, poor weather like heavy rain and strong winds may and does occur. Due to the unpredictable climate of the island, it is not uncommon for a single day to have elements of all four seasons.
Considering that Iceland's climate may maintain a comfortable temperature far into the first week of October, traveling there in September may be the best option. May also features more hours of daylight, making it ideal for outdoor excursions, and milder temperatures. However, this may not be the greatest time to visit if you are interested in visiting some of the more distant hills and fjords, since some roads are still blocked as they thaw from the snowy cover that they had over them over the winter.
The greatest time of year to go hiking in Iceland is during the summer, as this is the only season in which all of the mountain roads are passable and the majority of the country's most well-known paths 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, minkes, and dolphins, which cruise the Atlantic from May to August; some few humpbacks even stay until the end of the year. Blue whales also travel through in the summer.
Minke whales and dolphins can be seen near Reykjavik during the summer months, while orcas concentrate in West Iceland around the Snaefellsnes peninsula in the first part of the year.
When is the best time to visit the hot springs?
Hot water baths in Iceland are an important part of the Icelandic culture, providing both social and wellness advantages. The public pools in Reykjavik are available all year. Visit them in September or the first half of October, while they're still still reachable by mountain road but the tourist numbers have greatly decreased.
When visiting the Blue Lagoon, the world's most well-known geothermal spa, visitors will find less crowds by going in the off-seasons.
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.
A few moments of bright sunshine were interspersed with cool, rainy periods. Temperatures were around 10 degrees Celsius, ideal for hiking or biking.— This text is automatically translated to English
The nearly 24 hours of daylight were fantastic, but the temperatures were not for everyone. There is strong wind and rain. Be sure to wear proper clothing.— This text is automatically translated to English
It was cold but bearable, the temperature was around freezing. A clear blue sky interrupted 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
Be prepared for short days and icy nights. Although beautiful, it is not recommended for people who cannot stand very cold weather.— This text is automatically translated to English
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 showers were 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 travel 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 seeking comfort.— This text is automatically translated to English
Although there were several hours of sunshine, it alternated with rain and wind. The temperature was cool. Beautiful scenery regardless of the weather.— This text is automatically translated to English
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Share your weather experiences in Iceland.
Average Weather in Iceland by Month
Click on a month below to see detailed weather info for Iceland. Based on historical weather data, you can see the average temperature, precipitation, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.
