Reykjavik Weather
The Gulf Stream makes Iceland’s climate more temperate than its name suggests. In fact, average January temperatures in Reykjavik are actually a bit higher than they are in New York. Average July temperatures are around 11°C, higher in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Reykjavik climate
Temperatures in Reykjavik are relatively moderate throughout the year, with average July temperatures around 11°C. In the winter, snow does not normally accumulate in Reykjavík, but it does in the north of the country. Skiing is good at higher elevations outside the capital. Average January temperatures in Reykjavík are around 0°C.
This doesn't mean that winter in Iceland is pleasant. In late December, you will find only about 4 hours, 30 minutes of daylight each day and even when it is light, it's often cloudy. In January, on average, there are three days of sunshine, and the rain that occurs on the remaining days turns into slick patches of invisible ice on the streets and roadways. The winds are relatively constant and bone-chilling.
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When to go
The official tourist season coincides with Iceland’s summer, from June through August. This is a period during which the midnight sun stretches the daylight hours to the point of eliminating any night-time darkness, and when the climate is at its most agreeable. Outside of these months, there are few visitors and very little tourist infrastructure in evidence.
Reykjavik, however, is an exception to this, and does retain a level of activity even in the depths of winter, with intense Christmas festivities and the spectacular natural light show otherwise known as the aurora borealis. Associated costs of a visit are also lower in winter, although this doesn't help a lot, as prices in Iceland rank among the highest in Europe.
| Average Temperature (°C) | ||||||||||||
20 15 10 5 0 | ||||||||||||
 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Jan -0.3 | Feb 0.1 | Mar 0.8 | Apr 2.9 | May 6.5 | Jun 9.3 | Jul 11.1 | Aug 10.6 | Sep 7.9 | Oct 4.5 | Nov 1.7 | Dec 0.2 | |
| Rainfall (mm) | ||||||||||||
90 68 45 22 0 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Jan 86.2 | Feb 74.8 | Mar 75.9 | Apr 56.4 | May 42.3 | Jun 44.6 | Jul 50.8 | Aug 61.7 | Sep 70.9 | Oct 87.8 | Nov 82.7 | Dec 84.0 | |