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Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Best Time to Visit Reykjavik

Weather month by month, from 20 years of weather-station records.

Best months
May, June, and July
Warmest month
July, 15°C
Wettest month
January, 128 mm

Reykjavik weather by month

Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January3°C / -2°C128 mm · 16 daysCold
February4°C / -1°C121 mm · 15 daysCold
March5°C / -1°C106 mm · 13 daysCold
April8°C / 2°C86 mm · 10 daysCold
May11°C / 4°C77 mm · 11 daysCold
June13°C / 7°C69 mm · 8 daysFair
July15°C / 9°C73 mm · 9 daysFair
August15°C / 9°C92 mm · 10 daysWet
September12°C / 6°C122 mm · 14 daysCold
October8°C / 3°C125 mm · 14 daysCold
November5°C / 0°C114 mm · 13 daysCold
December3°C / -2°C119 mm · 14 daysCold

Reykjavik by season

Spring

April and May see the snow melt, days rapidly lengthen, and nature awaken. It's a shoulder season with unpredictable weather swings.

  • + Fewer tourists than summer
  • + Increasing daylight for exploration
  • + Chance to see both winter and spring landscapes
  • − Weather is highly variable (rain, wind, sun)
  • − Northern Lights season is ending

Summer

The peak season with the Midnight Sun, endless daylight, and the warmest (though still cool) temperatures. The city is lively and green.

  • + 24-hour daylight for maximum exploration
  • + All roads and attractions are accessible
  • + Vibrant festival season (e.g., Secret Solstice)
  • − Peak prices for flights and accommodation
  • − No chance to see the Northern Lights

Autumn

September and October bring stunning fall colors, dramatic skies, and the return of the Northern Lights. The weather turns cooler and stormier.

  • + Excellent Northern Lights viewing begins
  • + Beautiful autumn foliage, especially around Lake Tjörnin
  • + Fewer crowds and lower prices than summer
  • − Days shorten very quickly
  • − Increased chance of rain and wind storms

Winter

A magical time of short days, long nights, snow-dusted streets, and the prime Aurora Borealis season. It's cold but often less windy than autumn.

  • + Best chance to see the Northern Lights
  • + Christmas and New Year festivities are magical
  • + Opportunities for ice cave tours and snow sports
  • − Very limited daylight (4-5 hours in December)
  • − Cold temperatures and potential for travel disruptions

Reykjavik month by month

Reykjavik in January

Cold

In January, Reykjavik averages highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C, with about 16 rainy days and 128 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in February

Cold

In February, Reykjavik averages highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C, with about 15 rainy days and 121 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in March

Cold

In March, Reykjavik averages highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C, with about 13 rainy days and 106 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in April

Cold

In April, Reykjavik averages highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C, with about 10 rainy days and 86 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in May

Cold

In May, Reykjavik averages highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C, with about 11 rainy days and 77 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in June

Fair

In June, Reykjavik averages highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C, with about 8 rainy days and 69 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Reykjavik in July

Fair

In July, Reykjavik averages highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C, with about 9 rainy days and 73 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Reykjavik in August

Wet

In August, Reykjavik averages highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C, with about 10 rainy days and 92 mm of rain. It is one of the wetter months, so keep indoor plans in reserve.

Reykjavik in September

Cold

In September, Reykjavik averages highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C, with about 14 rainy days and 122 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in October

Cold

In October, Reykjavik averages highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C, with about 14 rainy days and 125 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in November

Cold

In November, Reykjavik averages highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C, with about 13 rainy days and 114 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Reykjavik in December

Cold

In December, Reykjavik averages highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C, with about 14 rainy days and 119 mm of rain. It is cold, so pack warm layers.

Top tours and experiences in Reykjavik

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland

5.021,381 reviews3h
Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

4.86,676 reviews10h
Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater

Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater

4.96,535 reviews11h
Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik

4.55,808 reviews6h 30m
All things to do in Reykjavik →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Plan your Reykjavik trip

Best time to visit Reykjavik: FAQ

What is the best month to visit Reykjavik?+

July is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 15°C. June and May are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in Reykjavik?+

January is the wettest month, with about 128 mm of rain.

How hot does Reykjavik get?+

July is the warmest month, with average highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. The coldest nights come in December, averaging -2°C.

Averages for 2006–2025 from the REYKJAVIK weather station (3 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.