Iceland Weather by Month
Average Reykjavík temperature and approximate daylight hours for every month. Coastal and inland areas run colder and windier than the capital, and conditions can change quickly regardless of season.
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37–41°F (3–5°C) | 28–33°F (−2–1°C) | ~5 hrs |
| February | 35–41°F (2–5°C) | 28–33°F (−2–1°C) | ~8 hrs |
| March | 37–44°F (3–7°C) | 30–33°F (−1–1°C) | ~12 hrs |
| April | 42–44°F (6–7°C) | 33–37°F (1–3°C) | ~16 hrs |
| May | 44–48°F (7–9°C) | 37–39°F (3–4°C) | ~18–19 hrs |
| June | ~53°F (12°C) | ~46°F (8°C) | ~21 hrs |
| July | 53–57°F (12–14°C) | 46–48°F (8–9°C) | ~20–21 hrs |
| August | ~53–55°F (12–13°C) | ~46–48°F (8–9°C) | ~16 hrs |
| September | 46–50°F (8–10°C) | ~42–44°F (6–7°C) | ~12–13 hrs* |
| October | ~41–46°F (5–8°C) | ~35–39°F (2–4°C) | ~9–10 hrs* |
| November | ~37–41°F (3–5°C) | ~30–35°F (−1–2°C) | ~6–7 hrs* |
| December | 35–37°F (2–3°C) | 28–30°F (−2–−1°C) | ~4–5 hrs |
*September through November daylight figures are interpolated from the well-documented decline between August (~16 hrs) and December (~4–5 hrs) rather than pulled from a single precise source for each of those three months specifically. Treat them as reasonable approximations, not exact figures. Temperatures are Reykjavík averages; the north, east, and interior Highlands run colder, and coastal wind chill can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests everywhere.
How to read this table
Iceland's weather is genuinely changeable in every season, even summer, so treat these as planning averages rather than a forecast. The two numbers that matter most for trip planning are daylight and temperature range, in that order: daylight determines how much you can actually see and do each day, while temperature mostly affects what to pack rather than whether a trip is viable.
June through early August is the Midnight Sun period, when it never fully gets dark. That's the best window for long self-drive days and Highland F-road access, and also the only period genuinely too bright for northern lights viewing, regardless of solar activity. See the Northern Lights Viewing Odds by Month page for how darkness and aurora visibility line up.
Sources
- Guide to Iceland, "The Weather & Temperature in Iceland" climate guide, June 2026
- Rent.is, "Iceland Weather Month by Month: 2026 Guide", accessed August 2026
- Iceland Tours, "Daylight Hours in Iceland by Month", 2026
- Icelandia, "Iceland Weather Guide by Month", 2026
- Reykjavik Rent a Car, "Iceland's Temperature Month by Month", monthly breakdown
- Tour.is, "Iceland weather, climate & daylight by month", solstice daylight extremes
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Iceland?
There isn't one answer, it depends on what you want. June through August has the longest daylight and mildest weather, best for road trips and Highland access, but also the highest prices and biggest crowds. September through March offers genuine darkness for northern lights viewing. April, May, September, and October are shoulder months with fewer crowds and lower prices than summer, while still having reasonable daylight.
How many hours of daylight does Iceland get in winter?
Around the December solstice, Reykjavik gets as little as 4 to 5 hours of daylight a day. That expands quickly through January and February as the days lengthen toward spring.