When to Reykjavik
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January brings Reykjavik's coldest temperatures with highs of 37°F and lows of 28°F. Despite moderate rainfall of 3.4 inches, this is prime time for Northern Lights viewing with long dark nights. Limited daylight hours make it ideal for cozy indoor cultural activities and geothermal spa visits.
February
February maintains winter's grip with temperatures identical to January at 37°F high and 28°F low. Rainfall increases slightly to 3.6 inches, but this remains an excellent month for aurora viewing. The month offers authentic winter experiences with fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs.
March
March shows the first signs of spring with temperatures rising slightly to 39°F high and 29°F low. Rainfall decreases to 3.2 inches while daylight hours begin to extend noticeably. This transitional month offers good Northern Lights opportunities early in the month with increasing daylight later.
April
April brings noticeable warming with highs reaching 44°F and lows of 33°F, marking spring's arrival. Rainfall drops significantly to 2.3 inches, making outdoor exploration more comfortable. Daylight hours increase dramatically, though Northern Lights season comes to an end.
May
May offers pleasant spring weather with temperatures reaching 50°F and lows of 39°F. Rainfall continues to decrease to 2.1 inches, while lupine flowers begin to bloom across the landscape. Extended daylight makes this an excellent month for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
June
June marks the beginning of Reykjavik's peak season with comfortable highs of 55°F and lows of 44°F. This is the driest month with only 1.7 inches of rainfall, while the midnight sun phenomenon creates nearly 24 hours of daylight. Perfect conditions for exploring the highlands and outdoor adventures.
July
July brings Reykjavik's warmest temperatures with highs of 58°F and lows of 48°F. Despite a slight increase in rainfall to 2.0 inches, this remains the most popular tourist month. The combination of warmest weather, minimal rainfall, and maximum daylight creates ideal conditions for all activities.
August
August maintains summer's warmth with highs of 57°F and lows of 47°F, just slightly cooler than July. Rainfall increases modestly to 2.5 inches while daylight hours begin to shorten noticeably. This is still peak tourist season with excellent weather for all outdoor activities.
September
September signals autumn's arrival with temperatures dropping to 52°F high and 43°F low. Rainfall increases significantly to 3.4 inches, while the first Northern Lights of the season may appear late in the month. Tourist crowds begin to thin, offering a more authentic local experience.
October
October brings crisp autumn weather with highs of 45°F and lows of 36°F. Rainfall remains substantial at 3.1 inches while daylight hours shorten rapidly. This month offers excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities and beautiful fall colors in the surrounding countryside.
November
November ushers in winter conditions with temperatures dropping to 40°F high and 31°F low. Rainfall increases to 3.4 inches while darkness dominates with very short daylight hours. Prime Northern Lights season begins, making this ideal for aurora hunters seeking fewer crowds.
December
December brings winter's full force with highs of 37°F and lows of 29°F, accompanied by the year's highest rainfall at 3.7 inches. Despite minimal daylight hours, the festive atmosphere and excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities create a magical winter wonderland experience.