Iceland Weather by Month: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Q: What is the coldest month in Iceland?

January is usually the coldest month in Iceland, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F), along with snow and strong winds.

Q: What is the warmest month in Iceland?

July is the warmest month in Iceland, with average temperatures between 10°C and 17°C (50°F to 63°F), though weather can still be cool and windy.

Q: Does Iceland have extreme weather?

Iceland does not have extreme temperatures, but it is known for rapidly changing weather, strong winds, and frequent storms, especially in winter.

Q: When is the best time to visit Iceland for good weather?

The best time to visit Iceland for good weather is from June to August, when temperatures are milder and daylight hours are longest.

Q: Does it snow in Iceland all year?

Snow is common in Iceland from October to April, especially in northern and higher-altitude areas. Snow is rare during summer months.

Q: How much daylight does Iceland get in summer?

During summer, especially from late May to mid-July, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight due to the Midnight Sun.

Q: How much daylight does Iceland get in winter?

In winter, Iceland receives very limited daylight, with only about 4 to 5 hours per day in December and early January.

Q: When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from late September to early April, when nights are dark and skies are clear.

Q: Is Iceland very windy?

Yes, Iceland is known for strong winds year-round, which can make temperatures feel colder than they actually are.

Q: What should I pack for Iceland’s weather?

You should pack layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, gloves, and a hat, as Iceland’s weather can change quickly in any season.

Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, but understanding the monthly climate can help you plan the perfect trip. Despite its name, Iceland has a relatively mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, though conditions change quickly throughout the year. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Iceland’s weather, temperatures, daylight, and travel highlights.

Iceland Weather by Month

January

Average temperature: -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F)
Daylight: ~4–5 hours
Weather: Cold, snowy, windy

January is the heart of winter in Iceland. Expect snow-covered landscapes, icy roads, and frequent storms. This is one of the best months for Northern Lights viewing, but driving can be challenging.

Best for: Northern Lights, winter photography, ice caves

February

Average temperature: -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F)
Daylight: ~7–10 hours
Weather: Cold with snow and occasional rain

February is slightly brighter than January but still very wintry. Weather remains unstable, with snowstorms and strong winds possible.

Best for: Northern Lights, glacier tours

March

Average temperature: -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F)
Daylight: ~10–13 hours
Weather: Cold, mix of snow and rain

March marks the transition from winter to spring. Snow is still common, but longer daylight hours make travel easier.

Best for: Northern Lights (early March), fewer tourists

April

Average temperature: 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)
Daylight: ~13–16 hours
Weather: Unpredictable, melting snow, rain

Spring begins, but winter can linger. Roads gradually reopen, and landscapes start to thaw.

Best for: Budget travel, early spring scenery

May

Average temperature: 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F)
Daylight: ~16–20 hours
Weather: Mild, occasional rain

May brings greener landscapes and more stable weather. Snow is mostly gone in lowland areas.

Best for: Hiking at lower elevations, fewer crowds

June

Average temperature: 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
Daylight: Nearly 24 hours (Midnight Sun)
Weather: Cool, relatively dry

June is one of the best months to visit Iceland. The Midnight Sun allows for sightseeing at any hour.

Best for: Road trips, photography, hiking

July

Average temperature: 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F)
Daylight: 20–24 hours
Weather: Mild, occasional rain

July is the warmest and most popular month. High demand means higher prices and more tourists.

Best for: Festivals, Highlands access, camping

August

Average temperature: 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F)
Daylight: ~16–18 hours
Weather: Mild, increasing rain

August remains excellent for travel, with slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than July.

Best for: Hiking, whale watching, puffin viewing (early August)

September

Average temperature: 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F)
Daylight: ~12–14 hours
Weather: Cooler, more rain and wind

Autumn arrives with changing colors and fewer tourists. Northern Lights season begins late in the month.

Best for: Photography, Northern Lights, shoulder-season travel

October

Average temperature: 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F)
Daylight: ~8–11 hours
Weather: Windy, rain, early snow

October is unpredictable, with increasing storms and possible snow in northern areas.

Best for: Northern Lights, dramatic landscapes

November

Average temperature: -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F)
Daylight: ~5–8 hours
Weather: Cold, snow and rain

Winter starts to settle in. Roads may close, and travel requires flexibility.

Best for: Northern Lights, winter scenery

December

Average temperature: -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F)
Daylight: ~4–5 hours
Weather: Cold, snowy, festive

December is dark but magical, with Christmas lights and snow-covered towns.

Best for: Winter holidays, ice caves, Northern Lights

Iceland Weather by Month Table

Month	Avg Temperature (°C)	Daylight Hours	Weather Overview	Best For
January	-3 to 2	4–5 hrs	Cold, snowy, windy	Northern Lights, ice caves
February	-2 to 3	7–10 hrs	Cold, snow & rain	Northern Lights, glaciers
March	-2 to 4	10–13 hrs	Cold, mixed precipitation	Northern Lights (early), fewer crowds
April	0 to 7	13–16 hrs	Unpredictable, thawing	Budget travel, spring views
May	4 to 10	16–20 hrs	Mild, greener landscapes	Hiking, sightseeing
June	8 to 15	22–24 hrs	Cool, relatively dry	Midnight Sun, road trips
July	10 to 17	20–24 hrs	Mild, occasional rain	Festivals, Highlands access
August	9 to 15	16–18 hrs	Mild, more rain	Hiking, whale watching
September	5 to 11	12–14 hrs	Cool, windy	Autumn colors, Northern Lights
October	2 to 7	8–11 hrs	Windy, rain, early snow	Northern Lights, photography
November	-1 to 4	5–8 hrs	Cold, snow & rain	Winter scenery, Northern Lights
December	-2 to 3	4–5 hrs	Cold, snowy, festive	Ice caves, winter holidays

Iceland Weather FAQs

1. What is the coldest month in Iceland?
January is typically the coldest month, with temperatures often ranging from -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F), along with snow and strong winds.

2. What is the warmest month in Iceland?
July is the warmest month, with average temperatures between 10°C and 17°C (50°F to 63°F), though it can still feel cool due to wind.

3. Does Iceland have extreme weather?
Iceland rarely experiences extreme temperatures, but it is known for sudden weather changes, strong winds, and frequent storms, especially in winter.

4. When is the best time to visit Iceland for good weather?
June through August offers the most stable weather, warmer temperatures, and long daylight hours, making it ideal for sightseeing and road trips.

5. Does it snow in Iceland all year?
Snow is common from October to April, especially in northern and higher-altitude areas. Snow is rare in summer, except on glaciers.

6. How much daylight does Iceland get in summer?
From late May to mid-July, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight due to the Midnight Sun.

7. How much daylight does Iceland get in winter?
In December and January, daylight can be as short as 4–5 hours per day, particularly around the winter solstice.

8. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The best time is from late September to early April, when nights are dark and skies are clear.

9. Is Iceland very windy?
Yes, wind is one of Iceland’s most noticeable weather features and can make temperatures feel colder year-round.

10. What should I pack for Iceland’s weather?
Pack layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, gloves, and a hat—regardless of the season.

Final Thoughts

Iceland’s weather varies dramatically by month, but each season offers unique experiences. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, hiking under the Midnight Sun, or exploring icy landscapes, planning around the monthly climate will help you make the most of your trip.

Tip: Always pack layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes—no matter the season.