Weather and Climate
Icelandic weather is famous for being unpredictable. The saying "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" fits well. The climate is nevertheless milder than the country's northern position would suggest, thanks to warm ocean currents.
Why is the climate so mild?
Iceland lies just south of the Arctic Circle, but its climate is much milder than many places at the same latitude, such as Siberia or northern Canada. The reason is the Irminger Current, a branch of the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water to the south and west coasts. Along the north and east coasts, however, colder currents from the north have an influence. This creates differences between regions: the south is wetter and milder, while in the north and east summers are often sunnier and winters colder.
Seasons in Iceland
| Season | Months | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | November–March | Short days, snow and ice, northern lights, storms |
| Spring | April–May | Daylight increases quickly, migrant birds arrive, snowmelt |
| Summer | June–August | Midnight sun, bright nights, the highlands open |
| Autumn | September–October | Autumn colours, sheep round-ups, first northern lights |
In old times Icelanders divided the year into two seasons, winter and summer. The First Day of Summer, the first Thursday after 18 April, is still a public holiday. The First Day of Winter is a Saturday in late October.
Midnight sun and winter darkness
Because of the country's northern position, daylight varies greatly with the seasons. Around the summer solstice, 21 June, the sun sets only briefly in Reykjavík and it never gets fully dark. On Grímsey, which lies on the Arctic Circle, the sun stays above the horizon around the clock at the solstice. In December, by contrast, there are only about four hours of daylight in Reykjavík, and even fewer in the Westfjords and North Iceland, where mountains block the low sun.
Wind and storms
Iceland is one of the windiest countries in Europe. Low-pressure systems pass over the country one after another, especially in winter. Gusts below mountains can be so strong that cars are blown off the road. The Icelandic Meteorological Office issues colour-coded weather warnings: yellow, orange and red. In winter it is essential to check the forecast and road conditions before setting off.
Weather records
- Highest temperature: 30.5 °C at Teigarhorn in Berufjörður on 22 June 1939.
- Lowest temperature: −38 °C at Grímsstaðir á Fjöllum and Möðrudalur in January 1918, during the "great frost winter".
- Highest 24-hour rainfall: over 290 mm in Southeast Iceland.
- Strongest wind: gusts of over 70 m/s have been measured at mountain stations.
Climate change
Iceland has warmed considerably since around 1980. Glaciers are retreating, vegetation is creeping higher up the mountainsides, and new species, such as mackerel and various insects, have arrived. The ocean is acidifying, and changes in sea temperature are affecting fish stocks. Iceland has set a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. Read more about glacier retreat and the energy transition.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Iceland for the weather?
Summer, from June to August, is the warmest and brightest. In winter the chance of seeing the northern lights is greater, but the weather is less stable.
How cold does Iceland get in winter?
In Reykjavík the average temperature in January is about 0 °C. Inland and in North Iceland it gets much colder, often −10 °C or lower.
Where can I find a weather forecast for Iceland?
The Icelandic Meteorological Office publishes forecasts and warnings on vedur.is, and road conditions are shown on umferdin.is.