Reykjavik weather by month

When to go to Reykjavik

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: none reach a 25°C average here, so Reykjavik suits city breaks and walking more than beach holidays; the warmest is July. September is the wettest month (134 mm, about 18 rainy days) and June the driest (80 mm).

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Keflavik International Airport (KEF, 38 km from Reykjavík) takes roughly 3 h 6 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Atlantic/Reykjavik.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Reykjavik between 1991 and 2020 reached 25.1°C on 30 July 2008; the coldest fell to -23.7°C on 2 February 2008. In July one day in ten tops 17.6°C, but 30°C days are rare; in January one night in ten drops to -11.0°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was November 1993 with 302 mm, against a November average of 121 mm.

Spring: May offers the best balance

Spring brings a gradual improvement, but March still feels wintry, with average days of 2°C and nights of -3°C. April reaches 6°C by day, though nights around 0°C mean a warm coat remains useful after dark. May is the strongest spring choice: daytime temperatures reach 9°C, with 5 hours of sunshine on average and slightly fewer rain days. That makes it better suited to spending longer outside, provided you bring layers and waterproof outerwear. The catch is the evening chill, with May nights averaging 3°C. Think cool-weather walking clothes rather than a summer wardrobe, and leave room to change plans when rain arrives.

Summer: the mildest weather, not beach heat

June, July and August offer the mildest conditions, but none is reliably warm enough for a light summer wardrobe alone. June combines 12°C days with 14 rain days, making it the driest month and the best overall weather choice. July is warmer at 14°C, although average sunshine drops to 4 hours and rain remains frequent. August stays close behind at 13°C, with nights of 8°C calling for an extra layer if you stay out late. This season suits travellers who want longer stretches outdoors without needing hot weather. Pack a waterproof jacket alongside lighter layers, and treat a dry forecast as an opportunity rather than an expectation.

Autumn and winter: colder days and flexible plans

September still offers relatively mild days at 10°C, but it is the wettest month, so warmth does not mean dry conditions. October drops to 6°C, making shorter outings with indoor breaks more appealing. November brings 3°C days and nights below freezing, marking a less comfortable period for weather-led trips. December and January average just 1 hour of sunshine, so do not expect much bright weather; that figure is sunshine, not daylight. January and February both average 1°C by day and -4°C at night, while December nights average -3°C. These months suit travellers comfortable with cold conditions rather than those seeking easy outdoor weather. Bring a warm coat, insulating layers, gloves and waterproof footwear, and keep your daily schedule adaptable.