Europe’s most Northerly capital evokes images of endless winters and cold days. However, Reykjavik has a much more varied weather pattern than many expect and in fact sees 4 different seasons: A cold winter with short, dark days, cold but brighter autumn and spring months, and mild summer months when the midnight sun bathes the city in light at almost all hours.
For families, the best time to visit Reykjavik is the summer. The midnight sun can play havoc with the kids’ sleeping patterns but the mild temperatures and the many outdoor activities available make Iceland the perfect playground for both adults and kids.
• Spring in Reykjavik is end of March to June
• Summer in Reykjavik is end of June to end of September
• Autumn in Reykjavik is end of September to December
• Winter in Reykjavik is December to Mid March
Click here for tips on what to pack for Reykjavik, no matter what time of year you visit.
SPRING IN REYKJAVIK (MARCH – JUNE)
Spring in Reykjavik is chilly but nonetheless a pleasant time to visit. At this time, you get a good amount of daylight and the country slowly comes back to life with blossoms and green lawns after the long winter.
This is a good time for excursions: Reykjavik is a good base for many wildlife tours (whale watching etc) and for day trips to the famous Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon, among others. Click here for more ideas of things to do in Reykjavik.
SUMMER IN REYKJAVIK (JUNE – SEPTEMBER)
Summer is a great time to visit Reykjavik. While never hot as such, this is the time of the year when Reykjavik experiences its driest weather and when most outdoors activities are available.
This is the height of the tourist season and Reykjavik accommodation books out fast: some hotels have higher rates in summer, making this time potentially heavy on the budget. Book well in advance (up to 6 months before) to get the best price.
AUTUMN IN REYKJAVIK (SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER)
Autumn marks very much the start of the cold season in Reykjavik. At this time, the days get shorter and darker and precipitations intensify.
Reykjavik’s city life is rich with cultural events and this time and the Northern Lights make their first appearance (they cannot be seen during summer because of daylight). If visiting with kids, this can be a hard time since outdoor opportunities are scarce.
WINTER IN REYKJAVIK (DECEMBER – MARCH)
Winter is Reykjavik are cold and dark, with frequent precipitation and few hours of daylight. however, the city is not as cold as the name ‘Iceland’ suggest: temperatures in winter average -0.5°C /31°F.
Winter, especially from late February, is a good time for winter activities and, weather permitting, is prime season for Northern Light watching.
Click here to go to our Family Guide to Reykjavik.
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Discover the best time for visiting Reykjavik and what to expect in each season in our guide
