Average Winter Weather in Reykjavik, Iceland: Climate & Conditions

Winter in Reykjavik hits with a mix of cold air, frequent snow, and barely-there daylight that really shapes daily life and travel plans. Daytime temperatures usually hover near freezing, and nights often slip below 0°C (32°F), so you’ll definitely want to bundle up.

The climate doesn’t get as harsh as some Arctic places, but the steady chill and unpredictable skies give Reykjavik its own winter vibe.

Snow shows up often, especially from December through February, and it can turn the city into a glowing white scene. Rain and sleet aren’t rare either, so waterproof gear makes exploring way more comfortable.

With daylight lasting just a handful of hours in midwinter, the short days make those rare bursts of sunshine feel like a treat.

Wind and humidity add another layer—gusts can make the air bite harder than the numbers on the thermometer. These conditions really affect how you plan outdoor stuff, whether you’re sightseeing or heading out into Iceland’s wild landscapes.

Getting a handle on these patterns helps you get ready for both the challenges and the special beauty of Reykjavik in winter.

Typical Winter Temperatures in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s winters feel cold but not brutal compared to a lot of northern cities. Temperatures hang around freezing, and you’ll notice quick shifts between rain, snow, and wind.

The season feels chilly, but it doesn’t usually hit the deep lows you might expect in more continental climates.

Average Highs and Lows

From December through February, daily highs usually stay between 2°C and 4°C (36°F–39°F). Lows dip just below freezing, averaging between -2°C and -3°C (27°F–28°F).

The nearby Atlantic Ocean keeps the air milder than you’d think for this far north. Nights feel colder with the wind, but the sea keeps the temperature from dropping off a cliff like it does inland.

Here’s a quick look at typical averages:

You’ll notice there’s not a huge difference between day and night, so the cold just sort of lingers, steady and persistent.

Temperature Variations by Month

December usually kicks off the coldest stretch. Average temperatures hover around 0.8°C, and you only get a few hours of daylight. That combo makes December feel extra tough.

January gets a little colder, with an average near 0.6°C. Snow might come and go, but rain often sneaks in since it’s still close to freezing.

February is typically the coldest month, averaging 0.5°C. Nights bite especially hard, and the air stays damp with frequent precipitation.

You might also catch a mild day or two when temps jump above 7°C.

By March, things start to ease up. The average climbs to about 1.2°C, and daylight stretches out fast. It’s still cold, but longer days take the edge off.

Record Extremes

Most winters stay pretty moderate, but Reykjavik does get the occasional cold snap. The lowest temperatures usually bottom out around -10°C to -12°C (10°F–14°F) during the chilliest nights.

Back in January 1971, the record low hit -19.7°C (-3.5°F). That’s rare and usually doesn’t last long.

Sometimes, warm spells push winter highs above 8°C–11°C (46°F–52°F). Those milder days often bring rain and strong winds, just to keep you guessing.

These swings really show off how much Reykjavik’s winter climate can change, even over a few weeks.

Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns

Reykjavik’s winters bring lots of precipitation, mixing rain and snow depending on the day. You’ll run into damp air, plenty of clouds, and a steady shuffle between wet and snowy days.

Monthly Rainfall Averages

Rain falls pretty evenly through the year, but winter just feels wetter, probably because the days are so short and storms pop up often. January usually wins for wettest month, averaging about 47 mm (1.9 inches) of precipitation.

February and March see a little less, usually between 35–45 mm (1.4–1.8 inches). It’s not a ton by coastal standards, but the drizzle and light rain can make the place feel extra damp.

On average, Reykjavik gets 110–120 rainy days per year, so you’re more likely to run into a light mist than a full-on downpour. Rain tends to show up in quick bursts, then you get clouds and maybe a sliver of blue sky.

Typical Snowfall Amounts

Snow is a regular visitor from late November through March. On average, Reykjavik picks up about 200 cm (79 inches) of snow per year, though it really depends on how the storms line up.

Snow usually comes in smaller amounts stretched over many days. You’ll probably see a few centimeters at a time that pile up slowly, especially in December and January.

Because Reykjavik hugs the coast and has a mild maritime climate, snow can melt fast when things warm up. This means you’ll get alternating patches of snow and bare ground, so don’t expect deep snowdrifts in the city all winter.

Rain Versus Snow Days

Winter days in Reykjavik toss up a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. When temps hover near freezing, you might see rain and snow swap places in the same afternoon.

In December and January, snow wins out—you’ll get more snow days than rain days, with flakes falling on about half the days each month. By February and March, rain edges back in as things start to thaw.

Wind really changes how you feel all this. Strong gusts can whip light snow into your face, and rain with wind feels way colder than the numbers suggest. This mashup of weather is just part of Reykjavik’s winter personality.

Daylight Hours and Sunlight

Winter in Reykjavik means short days—you only get a few hours of daylight. The amount of light shifts fast as the season moves along, and sunrise and sunset times will definitely affect your plans.

Length of Daylight in Winter

From late November through January, daylight drops to just 4 to 5 hours a day. December is the darkest, with the winter solstice around December 21 giving Reykjavik just over 4 hours of usable daylight.

By early November and late January, you get more like 6–7 hours, but it’s still nothing compared to what most folks are used to. The low sun angle keeps the light soft and a bit dim, even at noon.

This tiny window of daylight shapes sightseeing, tours, and photography. A lot of travelers save the darker hours for indoor spots or chasing the Northern Lights, which are best when the sky’s clear and the sun is long gone.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

In winter, sunrise in Reykjavik doesn’t bother showing up until late morning. In December, the sun usually rises around 11:20 AM and sets close to 3:30 PM. That leaves a slim slice of daylight, mostly around midday.

November brings sunrise earlier, about 9:15 AM, with sunset near 5:00 PM, so you get nearly 8 hours. By January, daylight starts creeping back, with sunrise near 10:45 AM and sunset around 4:00 PM.

Here’s a simple chart for reference:

You can really see how quickly daylight changes through winter, so you’ll want to plan your days around it.

Wind and Weather Conditions

Winter weather in Reykjavik usually comes with steady winds and low-pressure systems swinging through. Most days feel breezy, and storms can crank up the gusts as they sweep in from the North Atlantic.

Prevailing Wind Speeds

Winds in Reykjavik during winter usually blow between 4 to 6 meters per second (about 9–13 mph). That might not sound wild, but with damp air and cold temps, the wind really cuts.

The strongest gusts hit in January, February, March, November, and December, when Atlantic storms get rowdy. Gusts can climb way above average, especially near the coast and out in the open.

Since the city sits on the southwest coast, ocean winds are the norm. This brings in milder air and more moisture, which means snow and rain are always in play.

If you’re heading out, dress in layers and grab something windproof. Even when it seems calm, you’ll almost always feel a steady chill.

Storm Frequency

Winter storms in Reykjavik roll in regularly and don’t always give much warning. These systems bring high winds, heavy snow, or freezing rain, depending on what the thermometer says.

Reykjavik clocks over 140 days of measurable precipitation per year, and a lot of that lands in winter. Storms can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, sometimes messing with travel plans.

Snow often mixes with rain, making for slick streets and low visibility. Coastal winds can toss sea spray inland, adding to the damp, chilly vibe during storms.

It’s smart to expect a few storms every winter, so keep your schedule flexible. Local forecasts update often and do a good job of warning you if things are about to get rough.

Humidity and Air Quality

Reykjavik’s winters come with high humidity. Relative humidity usually sits between 76% and 82%, so the air often feels damp, even when it’s below freezing. That’s pretty typical for a coastal city with a marine climate.

High humidity doesn’t mean buckets of rain, though. Instead, it helps keep snow coming and clouds hanging around. You might notice the air feels heavier and colder than it would in a drier place at the same temperature.

Air quality in Reykjavik stays good most of the time, thanks to strong winds that sweep away pollutants. On calmer days, you might catch a brief dip in air quality from wood stoves or car exhaust.

If you have respiratory sensitivities, you’ll probably notice the cold and damp more than any pollution. A scarf or mask can help warm and filter the air you breathe.

With the clean marine environment and not much industry, long-lasting air quality problems are pretty rare during winter.

Winter Travel and Outdoor Conditions

Reykjavik’s winter weather really shapes how you get around and what you need to pack. Cold, snow, and ice all affect roads and sidewalks, while wind and frequent storms mean you need to come prepared.

Road and Walking Conditions

Snow and ice show up a lot from late fall into early spring. Crews usually plow city roads fast, but black ice tends to stick around on side streets, sidewalks, and bridges.

Even if the temperature only hovers near freezing, surfaces get slick. It’s honestly a bit nerve-wracking sometimes.

If you’re driving, be careful. Rental cars need winter tires, and honestly, you’ll want a 4×4 if you’re heading out of the city.

Storms sometimes shut down rural and mountain roads, especially in the Westfjords and highlands. I’d always check road.is for closures, icy patches, and live camera feeds before heading out.

Walking isn’t much easier. Even if crews salt the sidewalks, a sudden snow squall or freezing rain can make everything slippery again.

You’ll need good boots with real grip. Grab a handrail on steps, and keep an eye on those shaded spots—they seem to hide ice better than anywhere else.

What to Pack for Reykjavik Winters

Packing the right gear really makes outdoor time safer and, honestly, way more comfortable. Temperatures usually bounce between -5°C and 2°C (23°F to 36°F), but the wind? It can make it feel much colder than you’d expect.

You’ll want to bring layered clothing so you can adjust as the weather changes.
Start with a thermal base layer.
Add a warm mid-layer, like wool or fleece—trust me, you’ll need it.
Top it off with a waterproof, windproof outer shell.

For your feet, grab insulated boots with non-slip soles.
I’d recommend tossing in some ice cleats that you can clip onto your shoes, just in case the sidewalks turn into ice rinks.

Don’t forget these essentials:

• A warm hat and gloves, and if you can, go for waterproof ones
• Scarf or neck gaiter to keep that wind off your neck
• Sunglasses, because snow glare is no joke
• A compact umbrella or at least a rainproof hood, since those sudden showers love to sneak up on you

If you pack the right clothes and shoes, you’ll stay warm, dry, and pretty steady while exploring Reykjavik in winter.

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