The harsh weather conditions in the Arctic polar circle, in the heart of the North Atlantic, could have made life particularly difficult in Iceland. Fortunately, the Gulf Stream ocean current softens temperatures, especially along the coasts. The interior of the island, however, still endures a severe climate.

General Overview of Iceland's Climate

Iceland's coastline enjoys a temperate oceanic climate of the Dfc type on the Köppen scale. The Highlands experience weather conditions of Tundra and continental type. Some regions near glaciers undergo an almost polar climate. What characterises Iceland's weather regardless of season is its coolness: temperatures rarely exceed 15°C. That said, the climate proves enormously unstable due to the warm Irminger current and the cold Greenland current, combined with the island's exposure to polar winds from the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic. Precipitation is relatively abundant throughout the year, often bringing storms. As a result, you should always be prepared for weather changes within a single day.

Temperature

Temperature is one of the main concerns for tourists planning a trip to Iceland. The weather is cool, even in summer, with rarely more than 15°C. During winter, especially along the coasts, average temperatures hover around -2°C. By contrast, inland, the cold can plummet to below -10°C at certain times of year. Over the course of a single day, temperature variations are minor, but it's always wise to bring warm clothing.

In the north of the island, Akureyri is among the cities experiencing the coldest temperatures. These are milder in the southern part. In summer, temperatures can climb above 20°C in the fjords of the North and East.

Precipitation

Iceland sits near one of the world's lowest pressure regions, in an area that frequently spawns major depressions affecting Europe. Winds and precipitation circulate extensively. Throughout the year, the country receives fairly abundant precipitation, particularly in the south and in the north-west fjords, in glacier regions such as Vatnajökull, Langjökull, and Eyjafjallajökull.

Other territories feature a steppe-like environment, notably on the plateaus north of the Vatnajökull ice cap, which receive an average of 500 mm of precipitation annually. This phenomenon is partly due to föhn-type winds.

As for the capital, Reykjavik receives approximately 150 rainy and snowy days, with about 800 mm of precipitation per year. The city of Akureyri experiences only 150 days and 490 mm of precipitation. The latter are considerably more pronounced in the municipality of Vik í Myrdal in the south of the island.

Winter precipitation manifests as snow, mixed with rain on the coasts. Major storms typically occur at the end of summer.

Winds

Due to the depressions that sweep over the island and its surroundings, violent winds sweep the Icelandic territory almost daily. These are particularly intense in the eastern and north-eastern, western and north-western parts. Of course, wind phenomena vary according to terrain and altitude. Both in winter and summer, they can accompany violent storms. Icelanders use eight different terms to measure their strength, from logn, or weak, to rok, or strong. The plateaus bordering the Vatnajökull glacier in the highlands endure turbulent winds, of the föhn or katabatic type.

Cloud Cover

The weather is often cloudy in Iceland. However, thanks to the wind, clouds can alternate with sunshine, rain, or snow within the same day. Akureyri records 1,042 hours of sunshine, while Reykjavik enjoys 1,268 hours.

Iceland's Different Seasons

Iceland's climate brings four seasons, with relatively subtle variations. You'll experience cool summers, while winter cold is not necessarily harsh.

At the beginning of spring in Iceland, snow is still present. Nevertheless, the sun begins to favour the country, and from May onwards, it sets for only a few hours. Moreover, precipitation becomes milder.

Summer proves to be the most pleasant season, with generous sunshine and average temperatures rarely exceeding 15°C. Rain is part of the landscape, but precipitation is less significant than in winter or autumn.

Snow, frost, and storms return in autumn. The sun becomes more timid and temperatures gradually decrease.

In winter, the coldest temperatures hover around 0°C on the coasts. They drop further inland. It rains fairly often, particularly in Reykjavik. The weather is highly unpredictable during this period.

Northern Lights and Midnight Sun

Iceland witnesses two spectacular natural phenomena occurring in its sky each year: the Northern Lights and the midnight sun.

In June, nights are very short on the island, particularly on Grímsey island at the far north. This is the ideal time to admire the midnight sun and the natural light displays that accompany it.

In autumn, it's the reverse: days shorten, especially in December. This is when the splendid Northern Lights in Iceland appear. To make the most of them, venture away from the cities!