Iceland’s weather doesn’t just change suddenly — it can also change drastically. The climate even varies greatly between regions.
Naturally, this impacts travelers’ plans since severe weather can mean road closures and limited access to certain attractions and activities. But Iceland’s breathtaking beauty makes the unpredictable elements well worth it.
Below, we’re breaking down Iceland’s weather by month to ensure you pack appropriately and select the ideal camper van for your season of travel.
Iceland Weather in Winter (December–February)
Winter brings icy roads, heavy snowfall, and the shortest days and lowest temperatures of the year, dropping as low as five degrees Fahrenheit in January. Below are the average Iceland temperatures by the month during winter:
- December: 30 to 36 °F
- January: 28 to 36 °F
- February: 29 to 36 °F
Lower elevation areas like Reykjavík can be slightly warmer and more protected from the harsh elements. But if you plan on visiting remote regions like North Iceland or the Westfjords, prepare for harsher, more extreme conditions.
Iceland Weather in Spring (March–May)
While spring ushers in longer days and milder temperatures, it’s still known for sudden and dramatic shifts in weather. You may get the occasional clear, mild day, but you should also be prepared for strong winds, rain, and ice leftover from winter, particularly in the highland regions.
The temperature ranges by month in spring are:
- March: 30 to 38 °F
- April: 34 to 43 °F
- May: 40 to 48 °F
It’s always a good idea to bring layers, especially if you’re planning a long day of outdoor activities. While much of winter’s snow has melted off the roads and trails, you should still check for road closures on Road.is before starting your drive.
Iceland Weather in Summer (June–August)
With the longest days and mildest weather, summer might be the best time to visit Iceland. Average temperatures by month are:
- June: 48 to 54 °F
- July: 51 to 57 °F
- August: 52 to 55 °F
As with any time of year, though, Reykjavík will experience milder weather than other regions. If you visit the highlands in the summer, you might still get some strong winds and cool temperatures. The good news is that, no matter which region you visit, you’ll witness the famous Midnight Sun, a natural phenomenon when the sun is visible for 24 hours.
Iceland Weather in Fall (September–November)
In the fall, the weather begins to shift quickly back to cold temperatures, wind gusts, and some early snowfall. Here are the monthly temperature ranges for fall:
- September: 41 to 52 °F
- October: 36 to 45 °F
- November: 32 to 37 °F
Days will also become shorter, which means you’ll need to be more strategic about outdoor activities. Pack warm layers and have the right navigational tools so you don’t get lost when driving in the dark.
Iceland Weather by Month: Quick Temperature Breakdown
Trying to decide the best time of the year to visit Iceland? This month-by-month overview can help you choose the ideal travel season, based on your interests and preferences.
Hours of sunlight/average temp/average rainfall per month:
- January: 5 hrs/29 °F/2.1 in
- February: 8 hrs/29 °F/1.9 in
- March: 11 hrs/33 °F/2.0 in
- April: 15 hrs/37 °F/1.9 in
- May: 18 hrs/44 °F/2.0 in
- June: 20 hrs/50 °F/2.0 in
- July: 19 hrs/54 °F/1.9 in
- August: 16 hrs/53 °F/2.1 in
- September: 13 hrs/46 °F/2.3 in
- October: 9 hrs/39 °F/3.0 in
- November: 6 hrs/34 °F/3.1 in
- December: 4 hrs/30 °F/2.8 in
If you plan on staying by the capital, keep in mind that monthly temperatures in Reykjavik are among the warmest in the country. But if you’re heading into more rugged areas, prepare for more inclement weather.
Monthly Weather Highlights (January–December)
Iceland’s weather shapes every landscape and opportunities for adventure differently, month by month. Winter brings the northern lights, while summer brings seemingly endless days. Learning Iceland’s temperatures by month, as well as seasonal highlights, can help you determine the best time to go.
Month-by-month highlights:
- January: January is the coldest month, with short days and frequent storms, but it offers a good opportunity to view the northern lights.
- February: With low temperatures and windy/icy conditions, February still requires special planning. However, thanks to 7 to 10 daylight hours, it allows for more outdoor adventures.
- March: The days get longer and the snow melts in March, making way for spring. You can still see the northern lights while accessing attractions more easily thanks to clearer roads.
- April: A transitional month, April brings weather patterns that mimic winter and spring. But with 13 to 16 hours of daylight, it affords you more visibility when driving and easier outdoor adventures.
- May: May’s vibrant green pastures and milder weather make it the ideal time to visit for avid hikers.
- June: If it’s the Midnight Sun you’re chasing, this is the month to visit. The stable weather is ideal for road trips and camping under the stars. Plus, most attractions will be open.
- July: As one of the warmest months, July offers the best road conditions and clearest trails. It’s peak hiking and camping season.
- August: August starts to show signs of crisp fall weather, but it is still warm enough for outdoor fun. It’s also the season of festivals, including the Reykjavík Jazz Festival and the Verslunarmannahelgi.
- September: Enjoy crisp air and the changing fall colors, perfect for invigorating hikes and other excursions. Just be prepared for increased wind and slightly shorter days.
- October: October brings unpredictable weather patterns, with some early-season snow. Ice cave tours and glacier hikes begin to open this time of year.
- November: Winter weather begins to appear in full force with plenty of cold, dark, and stormy days. You might experience only 5–7 hours of daylight, and will need to check the road conditions.
- December: With the shortest daylight hours and snowy, icy conditions, December presents its challenges. But, it can be worth it for the excellent view of the northern lights.
How Weather Shapes Road Conditions Across Iceland
Iceland’s ever-changing weather impacts road conditions year-round. Between ice, high winds, fog, snow, and rain, drivers face challenges like slippery roads, reduced visibility, and frequent closures. This is especially true in the highlands and rural regions, where the climate is more variable than it is near the capital.
Always check road conditions before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes. Having the right gear, adequate fuel, and a contingency plan for road closures will prevent panic when storms hit. A 4×4 camper rental in Iceland is the optimal way to see the sights, while ensuring you can travel down rougher roads.
Choosing the Right Camper Van Based on Seasonal Weather
When you’re browsing our Iceland campers, consider the time of year you’ll be traveling. If you’re planning for the winter, make sure your model is well-insulated, has a strong heating system, provides solid traction, and has good ground clearance for bumpy roads.
Visiting in the spring? Consider a camper van with a rainroof awning so you can still sit outside when it’s coming down. Summer travelers might look for features that enhance warm weather, like camping amenities and a powerful air conditioning system.
FAQ: Iceland Weather by Month
The warmest month in Iceland is July, when average temperatures reach the low-to-mid 50s °F and conditions are generally the most stable. Coastal areas stay mild, while inland regions can occasionally climb a bit higher on clear days.
Iceland can drop into the 20s and low 30s °F in winter, though inland valleys and the highlands can fall much lower during cold snaps. Wind chill often makes temperatures feel significantly colder, especially in exposed areas, while coastal regions like Reykjavík stay slightly milder
Summer is often considered the best time to visit Iceland because it offers the warmest temperatures, open roads, clearer trails, and the Midnight Sun, which provides nearly 24 hours of daylight. These conditions make hiking, sightseeing, and long driving days much easier than in other seasons.
Iceland sees the most daylight in June, when the sun remains above the horizon for almost 24 hours. Daylight gradually decreases after the solstice, with long days continuing through July and August.
Iceland’s weather changes quickly because the country sits between the Arctic and Atlantic weather systems, where cold northern air meets warmer southern air. These clashing systems create frequent, rapid shifts in wind, precipitation, and temperature.
Plan Your Iceland Weather-Smart Adventure with Rent.is
Knowing what to expect from Iceland’s weather year-round will help you choose the right time to go as well as have a safe and enjoyable visit. Between the snowy winters, windy springs, and endless summer days, there are so many unique experiences waiting for you in Iceland. Knowing what to pack, which Iceland camper van rental to choose, and what routes to travel is a critical part of the planning.
Rent.is makes camper vans designed for Iceland’s dynamic weather patterns. With winter-ready features like 4×4, insulation, and large water tanks, our models are made for Icelandic exploration. So whether you’re planning to go hiking, snowshoeing, or camping, contact us to find the camper van that will suit your Iceland adventure perfectly.