Month guide · Reykjavík · Iceland
Reykjavík in March
What March is really like in Reykjavík: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
March is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 4°C (39°F), lows of -1°C (30°F), about 14 rainy days and roughly 11.5 hours of daylight. Longer days and still dark enough for the northern lights; snow lingers in the countryside.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 4°C (39°F) / -1°C (30°F)
- Rainy days
- About 14
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 5°C (41°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in March
March is the 8th-warmest month in Reykjavík: days average 4°C (39°F) against a yearly average high of 8°C (46°F), and nights fall to about -1°C (30°F). Rain falls on roughly 14 of its 31 days. Compared with February (3°C (37°F)), March is about as warm; by April highs climb to around 6°C (43°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 07:46
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 19:28
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Sea
- 5°C (41°F)
Spring (April–May). Fast-lengthening days, migrating birds and puffins arriving, quieter roads and lower prices, but snow in the highlands and many mountain roads still closed.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in June). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in March
March has no major recurring festival in Reykjavík, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in March
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Street · Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur
Many bars on Laugavegur have happy hours in the late afternoon, the best-value time for a drink in Reykjavík.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- After dark
Park · Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
Tjörnin and City Hall
The city-centre pond is home to swans, ducks and geese and is ringed by painted houses and the Hljómskálagarður park.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
Experience · Kópavogur
Sky Lagoon
Book an evening slot in winter for a chance of northern lights from the water on clear nights.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Couples
- Views
- After dark
Nature · Seltjarnarnes
Grótta lighthouse and Seltjarnarnes
At the western tip of the capital area, Grótta's lighthouse stands on a small tidal island that you can walk to at low tide.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- After dark
- Off the beaten path
- Views
What to pack
For highs near 4°C, lows near -1°C and 14 wet days: 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.
Is March a good time to visit Reykjavík?
A shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, June–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Reykjavík in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Reykjavík?
It is a shoulder-season month. Longer days and still dark enough for the northern lights; snow lingers in the countryside.
+How warm is Reykjavík in March?
Average highs are around 4°C (39°F) and lows around -1°C (30°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in March?
Expect rain on about 14 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.