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Weather in Iceland South Coast
Black sand beaches and glaciers on Iceland's south
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About Iceland South Coast
Iceland's south coast is a compendium of geological superlatives: black sand beaches formed from lava, the Vatnajökull glacier (Europe's largest ice cap) looming inland, hidden waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind the falling water, and the volcanic landscape that shaped the planet's imagination. This is the route most Ring Road tourists take, and for good reason—every few kilometers delivers an entirely new ecosystem.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Iceland South Coast
Black sand beach exploration and photography
Waterfall hiking and viewing (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss)
Glacier hiking on Vatnajökull
Ice cave exploration
Hiking to Skaftafell
Coastal village visits and seafood dining
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
3C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
February
3C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
March
3C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
April
5C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
May
8C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
June
11C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
July
13C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
August
13C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
September
10C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
October
7C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
November
5C
Cold, with regular rainfall.
December
2C
Cold, with frequent heavy rain.
Iceland's South Coast strings together some of the country's most dramatic scenery along a single road: the twin waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand beach and basalt sea stacks at Reynisfjara, and the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón where icebergs drift out to a beach scattered with ice. It's the most accessible introduction to Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes, and coastline in one drive.
Best areas to stay in Iceland South Coast
Vík í Mýrdal
Iceland's southernmost village, a natural overnight stop near Reynisfjara beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Skógar
Home to Skógafoss waterfall and a folk museum, roughly midway along the coastal route.
Hella / Hvolsvöllur
Small service towns useful as a first-night base if driving from Reykjavik in stages.
Jökulsárlón area
The glacier lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach, the furthest and most remote stop on the route.
Getting to Iceland South Coast
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Flights
Fly into Keflavík International Airport and pick up a rental car for the coastal drive, or join an organised multi-day tour.
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From London
~3 hours by air from London to Keflavík.
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Getting around
Route 1 (the Ring Road) runs the length of the South Coast; a 4x4 is recommended in winter.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to drive the South Coast?
Summer offers the easiest driving and the chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, but winter brings ice caves near Vatnajökull and a real chance of seeing the Northern Lights over Jökulsárlón.
How far is Jökulsárlón from Reykjavik?
About 4-5 hours' drive each way, so most visitors either stay overnight near Vík or join a multi-day tour rather than attempting it in a single day.
Is Reynisfjara safe to visit?
The black sand beach has powerful 'sneaker waves' that can pull people into the sea without warning — stay well back from the water and heed posted warnings.
What should I wear?
Waterproof, windproof layers and sturdy footwear — the waterfalls create their own weather and the coast is exposed and often windy.
Can I see the ice cave at Vatnajökull?
Glacier ice caves are generally accessible only in winter on guided tours, since they're unstable and unsafe to enter independently.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Walking behind Seljalandsfoss and standing among the basalt columns at Reynisfjara on the same day felt like visiting two different planets.
Lina P. · June 2024
★★★★★
Did the ice cave tour near Jökulsárlón in winter and it was worth every minute of the long drive — the blue light inside the ice was extraordinary.
Owen G. · January 2024
★★★★☆
Spent two nights in Vík to break up the driving, which let us catch sunrise over the glacier lagoon without rushing.
Mette J. · September 2023
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