Weather in Akureyri

About Akureyri

Akureyri is north Iceland's cosmopolitan hub, a university town with surprising sophistication sitting under the midnight sun (June-July). The town overlooks Eyjafjörður fjord, and despite its Arctic latitude, a warm Gulf Stream current brings surprising mildness. Botanical gardens flourish here, the church architecture shines, and the small-town vibe maintains genuine character without the over-development of Reykjavik.

Country

Iceland

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

ISK

Language

Icelandic

Things to do in Akureyri

Akureyri Church and architecture viewing Botanical gardens and nature walks Waterfall visiting (Godafoss nearby) Whale watching from harbor Mountain bike trails and hiking Local brewery tours and restaurant dining

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with regular rainfall.

February

Cold, with regular rainfall.

March

Cold, with regular rainfall.

April

Cold, with some rainy days.

May

Cold, with some rainy days.

June

13C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

July

14C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

August

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

September

11C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

October

Cold, with regular rainfall.

November

Cold, with regular rainfall.

December

Cold, with regular rainfall.

Akureyri, Iceland's 'capital of the north', sits at the head of the long Eyjafjörður fjord with a backdrop of snow-streaked mountains and a surprisingly lively cafe and arts scene for a town of its size. It makes an ideal base for whale watching in the fjord, soaking in the Mývatn Nature Baths, and exploring the waterfalls and volcanic landscapes of the north without the crowds of the south.

Best areas to stay in Akureyri

Akureyri town centre

Cafes, restaurants, and the distinctive church (Akureyrarkirkja) overlooking the harbour and fjord.

Eyjafjörður waterfront

The harbour area for whale-watching boats and views down the fjord.

Mývatn area

About 90 minutes east, with geothermal baths, lava fields, and craters.

Húsavík

A coastal town an hour north, considered the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

Getting to Akureyri

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Flights

Fly into Keflavík International Airport, then take a domestic flight to Akureyri or drive the Ring Road north.

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From London

~3 hours by air from London to Keflavík, plus a 45-minute domestic flight or 5-hour drive to Akureyri.

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Getting around

A rental car is useful for reaching Mývatn and the waterfalls; the town itself is easily walkable.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Akureyri?

Summer (June-August) is best for whale watching and longer daylight, while winter offers Northern Lights and access to a small local ski area.

Is Akureyri a good base for whale watching?

Yes — Eyjafjörður is one of Iceland's most reliable spots for humpback and minke whale sightings, with tours departing from the harbour.

How do I get to Akureyri from Reykjavik?

It's about a 5-hour drive along the Ring Road, or a 45-minute domestic flight if you're short on time.

What is there to do around Akureyri?

Highlights include the Mývatn geothermal area, Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, the diamond circle route, and the botanical gardens in town.

Is Akureyri expensive compared to Reykjavik?

Generally a little cheaper for accommodation and dining, though prices for tours and car rental remain similar to the rest of Iceland.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Used Akureyri as a base for a few days and the whale watching trip in the fjord delivered humpbacks within twenty minutes of leaving the harbour.

Greta S. · July 2024

★★★★☆

Much quieter than Reykjavik and a great spot for the Northern Lights without the light pollution, plus the geothermal baths at Mývatn were less crowded than the Blue Lagoon.

Robert L. · March 2024

★★★★★

The drive out to Goðafoss and Dettifoss from Akureyri was one of the best days of our whole trip, and the town itself has lovely cafes to warm up in afterwards.

Fiona D. · August 2023