Weather in Reykjavík

About Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign nation, sitting on the edge of an island nation that is essentially Iceland-as-metaphor: stark, beautiful, occasionally hostile, and utterly singular. Colorful corrugated iron houses with steep roofs crowd narrow streets, while modern architecture (the Harpa concert hall, the Hallgrímskirkja church) thrusts into the sky. The city pulses with nightlife out of proportion to its size, and the cultural scene is disproportionately dynamic.

Country

Iceland

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

ISK

Language

Icelandic

Things to do in Reykjavík

Harpa concert hall and cultural performances Shopping and dining in downtown Reykjavik Blue Lagoon geothermal spa excursion Whale watching from harbor tours Photography of city and surrounding landscape Museum visits and art galleries

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 regular rainfall.

May

Cold, with regular rainfall.

June

12C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

July

14C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

August

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

September

10C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

October

Cold, with regular rainfall.

November

Cold, with regular rainfall.

December

Cold, with regular rainfall.

Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital, a compact, colourful city of geothermally heated streets that punches well above its size for culture, design and nightlife. It's also the obvious base for Iceland's biggest draws — the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights are all within easy reach, making the city as much a gateway as a destination in its own right.

Best areas to stay in Reykjavík

Old Reykjavik (101)

The compact city centre, home to colourful buildings, Hallgrímskirkja church and the main shopping street Laugavegur.

Harbour area

The waterfront district with the striking Harpa concert hall and views toward Mount Esja.

Hlemmur

A food-focused area around Hlemmur Food Hall, known for its restaurants and bars.

Golden Circle (day trip)

A loop of major natural sights — Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss — all within a few hours of the city.

Getting to Reykjavík

✈

Flights

Keflavík International Airport is around 45 minutes from Reykjavik by transfer bus or hire car.

⏱

From London

~3 hours by air from London.

🚕

Getting around

Reykjavik's centre is walkable; a hire car or organised tours are needed for the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and other sights outside the city.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?

June-August for long daylight hours and access to the highlands; September-March for the Northern Lights, with darker skies improving the chances.

Is Reykjavik expensive?

Yes — Iceland is one of the more expensive countries in Europe for food, drink and accommodation, so budgeting ahead is worthwhile.

Is the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik?

Yes — it's around 45 minutes away, conveniently close to Keflavík Airport, and booking in advance is essential as it sells out.

What is the Golden Circle?

A popular day-trip route covering Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, all within a few hours' drive of Reykjavik.

Do I need a car in Reykjavik?

The city itself is walkable, but a hire car (or organised tours) is needed to reach the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and other natural sights outside town.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Used Reykjavik as a base for the Golden Circle and a Northern Lights tour, and the city itself was lovely too — great food scene for somewhere so far north.

Katie F. · September 2024

★★★★☆

Visited in summer for the midnight sun and hiking nearby — no Northern Lights of course, but the long days made for relaxed sightseeing.

Jon A. · June 2023

★★★★★

The Blue Lagoon right after landing was a perfect, if pricey, start to the trip, and Reykjavik's compact size made it easy to explore on foot between tours.

Priya D. · February 2024