Best time to visit · Reykjavík · Iceland
The best time to visit Reykjavík
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: TommyBee, Public domain
Quick answer
For road trips, hiking and long days, the best time to visit Reykjavík is June to early September, though it is also the busiest and most expensive season. For the northern lights and lower prices, go between late September and March, accepting short days, storms and possible tour cancellations. September is often the best compromise, with dark nights returning and summer roads still open.
Key facts
- Best months
- June–September
- Shoulder season
- February–March, May and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 14°C (57°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 3°C (37°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~15 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January, April and November
Seasons
Reykjavík has a cool subpolar oceanic climate, milder than its latitude suggests thanks to the Gulf Stream: winters hover around freezing with frequent wind and rain or snow, and summers are cool with long daylight. Weather changes several times a day, and wind is often the biggest factor.
April–May
Spring
Fast-lengthening days, migrating birds and puffins arriving, quieter roads and lower prices, but snow in the highlands and many mountain roads still closed.
June–August
Summer
Midnight sun, mild 12–15 °C days, open highland roads and whale and puffin trips; the busiest and most expensive season.
September–October
Autumn
Autumn colours, darker nights for the aurora and fewer visitors, with rising wind and rain by October.
November–March
Winter
Short days, snow, ice caves on organised tours and the best northern lights season; storms can close roads and cancel tours at short notice.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -2°C | 15 | 5°C | 5.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 3°C | -2°C | 13 | 5°C | 8.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 4°C | -1°C | 14 | 5°C | 11.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 6°C | 1°C | 12 | 5°C | 14.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| May | 10°C | 4°C | 10 | 7°C | 18.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 12°C | 7°C | 10 | 9°C | 21 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| July | 14°C | 9°C | 10 | 11°C | 19.7 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 14°C | 8°C | 12 | 11°C | 16.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 11°C | 6°C | 13 | 10°C | 12.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 7°C | 3°C | 14 | 8°C | 9.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 4°C | 0°C | 14 | 6°C | 6.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 3°C | -2°C | 15 | 6°C | 4.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Þorrablót midwinter feasts begin (usually late January) |
| February | Winter Lights Festival — light art and museum night (usually early February); Bolludagur — cream-bun day (Monday before Lent) |
| April | First Day of Summer — public holiday (a Thursday in late April) |
| June | Icelandic National Day — parades and concerts (17 June); Summer solstice celebrations (around 21 June) |
| August | Reykjavík Pride (usually early to mid-August); Culture Night and the Reykjavík Marathon (usually a Saturday in late August) |
| September | Reykjavík International Film Festival (usually late September to early October) |
| October | Imagine Peace Tower lit on Viðey (usually from 9 October) |
| November | Iceland Airwaves music festival (usually early November) |
| December | The 13 Yule Lads arrive one by one (from 12 December); New Year's Eve bonfires and fireworks (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January, April and November, and the sights are quietest in January, April and November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Reykjavík?
For road trips, hiking and long days, the best time to visit Reykjavík is June to early September, though it is also the busiest and most expensive season. For the northern lights and lower prices, go between late September and March, accepting short days, storms and possible tour cancellations. September is often the best compromise, with dark nights returning and summer roads still open.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Reykjavík?
Usually in January, April and November. Dark days with about four to five hours of daylight, icy pavements and storms; northern lights chances are good on clear nights.
+What is the rainiest month in Reykjavík?
January, with about 15 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Reykjavík get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F).