Climate & Weather Guide in Iceland

Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times

Iceland has a cold oceanic to subarctic climate shaped by the North Atlantic Current, strong maritime exposure, and high relief. Coastal lowlands are milder and wetter than the interior highlands, which are colder, windier, and more snow-prone. For residents and expats, the main practical realities are rapid weather changes, strong winds, limited winter daylight, and cool summers rather than extreme heat. Recent climate records show warming since 1980, but Iceland remains a cool-country environment overall, with the south generally milder and wetter than the north. The country’s climate diversity is moderate for its size, but most populated areas share a distinctly maritime feel.

Summer Average

10-15°C

Winter Average

-1-4°C

Climate Types

Subpolar Oceanic and Tundra

Annual Rainfall

300-1500 mm

Sunshine Hours

1,100-1,600 hrs/yr

Average Humidity

75-90%

Regional Climate Variations

South Coast and Southwest Lowlands

This is Iceland’s mildest and most inhabited climate zone, including Reykjavík, the capital region, and much of the south coast lowland belt. The climate is strongly maritime, with cool summers, relatively mild winters, frequent wind, and precipitation that can fall as rain, sleet, or snow depending on the season. Coastal moderation keeps temperatures from becoming very extreme, but storms and fast-changing weather are common. For expats, this region offers the best combination of services, accessibility, and the least severe winter conditions, although gray skies and wind are still part of daily life.

Summer:10-15°C

Winter:-1-4°C

Moderate rainfall

Mild by Icelandic standards, windy, changeable, and relatively comfortable for year-round living.

Westfjords and North Coast

The Westfjords and northern coastal areas are cooler and snowier than the southwest, with more persistent winter conditions and a greater chance of cold spells. Summer remains mild and short, but temperatures are usually lower than in the south coast lowlands. This zone is still ocean-influenced, so it is not severely continental, but the combination of exposure, remoteness, and winter weather makes it feel harsher. Residents should expect strong winds, icy roads, and a shorter warm season, balanced by dramatic coastal scenery and long summer daylight.

Summer:8-13°C

Winter:-3-2°C

Low to moderate rainfall

Cool, exposed, and often snowy in winter, with short summers and a distinctly rugged coastal feel.

Interior Highlands

Iceland’s interior highlands are the coldest and least hospitable climate zone, with strong winds, long snow cover, and very limited accessibility outside summer. Annual temperatures are substantially lower than on the coasts, and precipitation falls largely as snow or ice for much of the year. This is not a typical residential zone, but it is important for understanding the country’s climate range because the highlands are where Iceland approaches a tundra-like environment. For residents, this area is mainly relevant for travel, tourism, and seasonal access rather than everyday living.

Summer:4-10°C

Winter:-10--2°C

Low to moderate rainfall

Cold, windy, sparsely accessible, and dominated by snow and ice for much of the year.

Iceland’s climate is best described as cool, maritime, and highly variable, with the inhabited coasts much milder than the interior highlands. For residents and expats, the country is attractive if you value clean air, moderate summer temperatures, and dramatic seasonal light changes, but it is less suitable if you prefer dry, sunny, or warm weather.

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