Beaches · Reykjavík · Iceland
The best beaches in and near Reykjavík
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jóhann Heiðar Árnason, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Nauthólsvík geothermal beach (About 3 km from downtown).
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 2
- Warmest sea
- 11°C (52°F)
The beaches
About 3 km from downtown · Sea swimming with a hot tub
1.Nauthólsvík geothermal beach
A small golden-sand beach near Reykjavík University where geothermal water warms an enclosed lagoon, with hot tubs and changing rooms; locals sea-swim here year-round.
About 180 km by road · Scenery and photography (no swimming)
2.Reynisfjara
The black-sand beach near Vík with basalt columns and sea stacks; powerful 'sneaker waves' have swept visitors away, so stay well back from the water and follow the warning signs.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
| February | 5°C (41°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
| April | 5°C (41°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
| May | 7°C (45°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| June | 9°C (48°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| July | 11°C (52°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| August | 11°C (52°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| September | 10°C (50°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| October | 8°C (46°F) | 7°C (45°F) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 4°C (39°F) |
| December | 6°C (43°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Strætó buses connect the centre with Laugardalur, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður and other suburbs, with Hlemmur and Lækjartorg as the main downtown stops.
- Car — A hire car gives the freedom to explore the Golden Circle, south coast and Snæfellsnes at your own pace.
- Scooter — Rental e-scooters from operators such as Hopp are widely used for short hops around the centre and along the shoreline paths in good weather.
Beach-weather months
Air temperatures rarely reach classic beach weather here: the warmest month, July, averages 14°C (57°F).
Beach safety
Crime levels are low; the real risks are weather and nature. Check road conditions and weather warnings daily, respect barriers at waterfalls and geothermal areas, stay far from the waterline at black-sand beaches, and never walk on glaciers without a guide. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Reykjavík have beaches?
Yes: Nauthólsvík geothermal beach and Reynisfjara.
+What is the best beach near Reykjavík?
Nauthólsvík geothermal beach: A small golden-sand beach near Reykjavík University where geothermal water warms an enclosed lagoon, with hot tubs and changing rooms; locals sea-swim here year-round.