Spring in Reykjavik really shakes things up with both daylight and weather. Days start to stretch out, skies clear a bit, and winter’s grip finally loosens.
You’ll notice average daytime temperatures climb from the upper 30s °F in March to the low 50s °F by late May. Snowfall fades away and rain steps in more often.
Clouds thin out as spring moves along. By late spring, you can expect brighter skies and almost 20 hours of daylight.
Rain sticks around, but snow almost disappears by the end of May. Winds calm down compared to the wild winter gusts, so it’s a lot nicer to get outside.
With this mix of chilly but improving weather, longer days, and fewer storms, spring feels like a great time to check out Reykjavik. You get a taste of winter’s crisp air mixed with summer’s endless daylight, which helps set your expectations if you’re planning a visit.
Overview of Reykjavik’s Spring Climate
Spring in Reykjavik slowly transitions from freezing winter to milder, though still cool, weather. You’ll notice the days get longer, the sky changes a lot, and temperatures inch upward, but it’s still cooler than most European capitals.
Location and Climate Classification
Reykjavik sits on Iceland’s southwest coast at about 64°N latitude, just below the Arctic Circle. The North Atlantic Ocean surrounds the city and really shapes its climate.
Experts classify Reykjavik’s climate as subpolar oceanic (Cfc). Winters are cold but not as brutal as inland Arctic spots, and summers stay cool. Spring lands right in the middle, with nights near freezing and daytime highs that feel mild.
Reykjavik doesn’t warm up quickly in spring. The ocean keeps air temperatures steady, but also on the cool side. This maritime influence brings high humidity and lots of precipitation—often rain, but sometimes a stray snow flurry in early spring.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
From March to May, average daily temperatures go from about 1–2 °C in March to around 7 °C in May. Nights in March can still drop below freezing, but by late May, frost doesn’t show up much.
March brings a mix of rain and snow. April sees more rain and less snow, and by May, rainfall lightens up. Still, you’ll want to plan for dampness. Precipitation averages 40–55 mm per month, spread across 9–11 days.
Daylight changes fast. In March, you get about 12 hours of daylight. By May, the sun hangs around for nearly 19 hours. This jump in daylight is one of the biggest seasonal changes. Sunshine hours rise, too—from about 3.5 hours per day in March to over 6 hours in May.
Influence of Iceland’s Geography
Iceland’s geography really impacts Reykjavik’s spring weather. The North Atlantic brings milder air than you’d expect at this latitude, but cold Arctic air can still rush in and drop temperatures suddenly.
Mountains and volcanic land nearby mess with local weather. Winds can be strong and change direction fast, so it often feels colder than the numbers suggest.
In spring, average wind speeds land between 18–21 kph, but gusts can be much higher.
Sea temperatures stay low, between 5–6.5 °C, so the air remains cool even as daylight grows. Spring warms up slowly here, especially compared to places further inland. Always pack for damp, breezy, and unpredictable weather if you’re coming to Reykjavik this time of year.
Typical Spring Temperatures in Reykjavik
Spring brings steady warming to Reykjavik, along with longer days and a break from freezing conditions. Temperatures rise bit by bit from March through May.
Average Temperature Range by Month
March usually brings daily temperatures between 29°F and 37°F (−2°C to 3°C). Nights stay cold, and freezing weather is still pretty common.
In April, averages climb to 34°F to 44°F (1°C to 7°C). Snow shows up less, and rain starts to take over.
May feels much nicer, with highs near 43°F to 51°F (6°C to 10°C). By late May, freezing nights are rare, and you’ll start to feel hints of summer.
Daily Highs and Lows
Highs during spring rise by about 14°F—from 37°F in early March to 51°F by late May. Lows follow along, moving from 29°F to 43°F.
You’ll still get chilly mornings, especially in March when lows can dip under 20°F. By May, nights are much milder and frost is pretty unlikely.
Day-to-night temperature swings stay modest. Reykjavik’s spot on the coast helps keep things stable compared to more inland places.
Cool Summers and Freezing Temperatures
Even at the end of spring, you’ll notice cool summers compared to other northern cities. The warmest summer highs rarely break 57°F, so late spring already feels close to peak warmth.
Freezing temperatures mostly stick to March, but you might still catch one in early April. By May, it’s rare—but not impossible—to get a sudden cold snap.
This pattern really shows Reykjavik’s subarctic climate. Winters are cold but not wild, and summers stay on the cool side. If you visit in spring, expect chilly mornings, mild afternoons, and long, bright days that just keep getting longer.
Spring Precipitation: Rainfall and Snowfall
Reykjavik’s spring brings plenty of precipitation, with rain and snow both making appearances. As things warm up, snow gives way to more rain, especially by late May.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall stays steady but not overwhelming during spring. On average, you’ll see 40–50 mm (1.5–2 inches) per month. March is usually wetter than May, but not by much.
Rain falls on many days, but it’s usually light or steady rather than heavy downpours. Long storms aren’t typical—think more of drizzly hours here and there.
Here’s a simple look at average rainfall:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~47 mm | ~1.9 in |
| April | ~40 mm | ~1.6 in |
| May | ~42 mm | ~1.7 in |
Rainfall doesn’t swing much across the season.
Snowfall During Spring
March still brings snow, and April might as well, though you’ll see less as spring goes on. By May, snow is rare, but it can still show up at night when temperatures flirt with freezing.
In March, you might get a few snowy days, with light to moderate accumulation. Snow usually melts fast in the city because days hover just above freezing.
April brings even less snow, and it often mixes with rain. In May, almost everything falls as rain, but you might spot a flake or two early on.
If you’re traveling in spring, it’s smart to pack for both wet snow and rain, especially in March and April.
Rainy and Dry Days
Spring in Reykjavik is famous for frequent wet days. March brings 12–14 days with measurable precipitation. April drops a bit, and May averages 10–12 wet days.
Dry spells don’t last long—maybe a few days at most. Cloudy skies are the norm, so even if it’s not raining, you’ll probably see gray overhead.
Rain falls pretty evenly, so there’s no real “dry” month in spring. Expect the weather to flip between rainy and drier days, often with little warning.
Bring waterproof gear and shoes. Rain and soggy ground are almost guaranteed during your stay.
Wind Speed and Weather Variability
Spring in Reykjavik feels unsettled. Winds shift speed and direction often, and that really shapes your day—from how cold it feels to whether the sky stays clear or clouds over.
Typical Wind Conditions
Steady winds are part of the deal during spring. Average wind speeds usually land between 13–18 mph (21–29 km/h), but storms can bring stronger gusts. The city’s coastal spot means the North Atlantic keeps breezes blowing, even on calm days.
Winds mostly come from the south or southwest, which brings milder air. When the wind swings north, though, it pulls in cold Arctic air and drops temperatures fast. That’s why one day can feel mild and the next, suddenly chilly.
Spring doesn’t bring the wildest winds of the year, but it’s never really still. Plan for breezy days that make it feel cooler than the thermometer says. Layer up and use wind-resistant clothing to stay comfortable.
Impact of Wind on Spring Weather
Winds do more than just mess with your hair—they really shape the weather. Stronger winds boost the wind chill, making 40s °F (4–9 °C) feel closer to freezing.
You’ll notice wind direction changes the sky. Southerly winds bring moisture and rain, while northerly winds are drier but colder, sometimes with late snow.
You can get rain, sun, and wind all in the same day. Reykjavik’s spot on a peninsula leaves it wide open to whatever the weather throws at it. Even moderate winds feel stronger near the waterfront or in open spots.
If you’re walking or cycling, expect gusts to affect your pace and balance. Most travelers find that flexible plans work best here.
Spring Water Temperature and Sunshine
In Reykjavik, the sea stays cold through spring, but daylight hours shoot up fast. You’ll definitely notice how much both the water and sunshine change from March to May.
North Atlantic Water Temperature
The North Atlantic around Reykjavik barely warms up in spring. In March, sea temperature sits at about 3°C (37°F). By April, it edges up to 4–5°C (39–41°F), and by May, it might hit 7°C (45°F).
Even in late spring, the water’s way too cold for a swim. Most people enjoy the ocean from the shore or on boat tours—not by diving in.
Cold water sticks around because Arctic currents keep temps low, no matter how long the days get. If you’re heading out for whale watching or sea kayaking, bring thermal clothing and waterproof layers. You’ll need them.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Daylight changes big time in Reykjavik during spring. In March, expect 10 to 13.5 hours of daylight. April bumps it up to 13.5 to 16.8 hours. In May, daylight almost hits 20 hours.
Of course, clouds are frequent. On average, Reykjavik gets 4 sunny days in March, 4 in April, and 6 in May.
So, you’ll have long days, but the sky can flip between sun, clouds, and rain in just a few hours. Extended daylight gives you plenty of time to explore, even if the weather keeps you guessing.
Best Time to Visit Reykjavik in Spring
Spring in Reykjavik gives you longer days, fewer crowds than summer, and a mix of winter and early summer vibes. You can catch cultural events, outdoor activities, and changing landscapes—all with better travel deals than peak season.
Tourism Seasons and Crowds
Spring falls right between Reykjavik’s quieter winter and the crowded summer rush. In March and April, you’ll still catch that shoulder season vibe, so places like the Blue Lagoon or Golden Circle won’t feel packed.
By the time May rolls around, more tourists start showing up, but you won’t find it as crowded or pricey as it gets in June, July, or August. Hotels and flights usually cost less in early spring, which is a nice bonus.
If you’re looking for that sweet spot between good weather and affordability, April and early May usually hit the mark. You’ll have an easier time booking tours and finding a place to stay, since summer crowds haven’t taken over yet.
You get more freedom to set your own pace during this time. Attractions stay open, but the whole city feels more laid-back compared to high season.
Spring Activities and Experiences
Reykjavik in spring offers a pretty cool mix of seasonal highlights. In March, you can still catch the Northern Lights if the skies are clear, since nights stay dark enough.
By late April and May, daylight stretches out—sometimes past 16 or even 20 hours. That makes it way easier to fit in long days of sightseeing, if you’re up for it.
Outdoor activities shift as the season changes. Early spring might still bring some snow, so you can try glacier tours or winter sports for a bit longer.
As things warm up, whale-watching tours start running, and hiking trails near the city gradually open up. You’ll spot the first green in parks and botanical gardens, too.
Cultural events liven things up as well. In spring, you might stumble on local festivals, concerts, or food events—giving you a look at Reykjavik that goes beyond just the landscapes.
Travel Tips for Spring Weather
Spring weather in Reykjavik changes on a dime. March honestly still feels like winter most days, with temperatures hovering around freezing. You might see both rain and snow mixed in.
By May, things usually warm up, and highs can reach about 10 or 11°C (50–52°F). Snow hardly shows up by then. Sure, it might still rain, but storms don’t really happen as much later in the season.
Pack in layers, trust me. Bring a waterproof jacket, some warm base layers, and shoes that can handle a bit of everything. Sunglasses? Definitely throw those in, because by May, daylight sticks around for ages.
The wind sometimes gets wild, especially by the coast. It’s smart to keep your plans flexible, just in case the weather flips on you. If you book tours, look for ones with good cancellation policies—makes life easier if things change last minute.