Weather in Reykjavik in July

How July compares

July is the 1st warmest month of the year in Reykjavik. Against London's average high of 21.8°C in July, Reykjavik is 7.5°C cooler by day and 4.8°C cooler at night.

Daytime and night-time in July

The typical July day in Reykjavik peaks at 14.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 17.6°C or more. Roughly 1 in 1000 days top 25°C. Nights average 8.7°C; one night in ten drops to 6.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest July day here reached 25.1°C (2008-07-30) and the coldest night 3.5°C (1995-07-21).

Rain in July

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 15 days with 1 mm or more, 86 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest July was 2014 with 162 mm, the driest 1993 with 35 mm. Humidity averages 80%.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 19.2 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 03:42 and sets about 23:25 local time in mid-July. Average cloud cover is 77%.

Is July a good time to visit Reykjavik?

July is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Reykjavik on our scoring are June, May, July.

Warmest here still means cool

July is Reykjavik's warmest month, yet a light jacket is a more sensible starting point than summer clothes alone. The average daytime high is 14.3°C, so it suits travellers who prefer walking in cool air to dealing with midday heat. Warmer days can reach 17.6°C or more, but that is a pleasant bonus rather than something to plan around. After daytime temperatures fade, the average low is 8.7°C, with the coldest nights dropping to 6.4°C or below. Pack layers you can adjust, including a warm jumper for evenings. If eating or sitting outdoors matters to you, keep an indoor alternative in mind.

Rain is the main catch

With about 15 rainy days in July, wet weather needs to be part of the plan rather than treated as bad luck. That does not mean every affected day is a washout, but a trip built entirely around dry outdoor time is a gamble. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes that can cope with wet pavements, and avoid packing only lightweight summer layers. Keep outdoor plans flexible so you can use drier spells when they come. July works better for travellers happy to carry rainwear and change direction than for anyone who needs reliably dry weather to enjoy a city break.

Long daylight, limited sunshine

July offers about 19.2 hours of daylight, but only about 4.4 hours of sunshine a day. The distinction matters: there is plenty of light for being outside, without the promise of clear skies or warmth. You can leave outdoor time until later if rain interrupts your plans, though extra daylight does not guarantee a dry evening. An eye mask is a sensible addition if a bright room makes it difficult to sleep. The long days are a strong reason to choose July, provided you see them as extra flexibility rather than extra sunbathing time. Keep that warm layer handy even when it still looks light outside.