Summer in Reykjavik doesn’t feel like summer in most places. The season stays cool, sometimes cloudy, and often breezy, but those long daylight hours totally change how you see the city.
Average daytime temperatures usually sit between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F), so things feel mild rather than hot.
You won’t get tropical heat here, but honestly, that’s part of what makes it special. Rain falls pretty often, though it’s usually lighter in summer than during the colder months.
The mix of fresh air, endless daylight, and shifting skies creates an atmosphere that draws you outside—but also makes cozy cafés extra inviting.
What really sets summer apart is the light. In June and July, the sun barely sets, so you get nearly endless hours to explore.
This extended daylight, along with steady but manageable winds, shapes how locals and visitors experience daily life.
Overview of Reykjavik’s Summer Climate
Reykjavik’s summers feel cool and mild, with the ocean shaping most weather patterns. Expect long days, steady but moderate temperatures, and frequent cloud cover mixed with light rain.
General Climate Characteristics
Summer here runs from June through early September. Daytime temperatures average between 10–15°C (50–59°F), and July usually comes in as the warmest month at about 14–15°C (57–59°F).
Some days, highs can hit 20°C (68°F), but that’s pretty rare.
Nights stay cool, usually between 7–10°C (45–50°F). Thanks to Reykjavik’s northern latitude, you get up to 21 hours of sunlight in June.
That means bright evenings and barely any real night.
Rain falls all year, but summer is a bit drier than the rest. Most days bring light rain or drizzle, not heavy storms.
Clouds show up a lot, with overcast skies on more than half of summer days.
Humidity stays moderate, and you never have to worry about strong heat. The real challenge is how quickly things can change—sunshine can turn to rain in a snap.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
June kicks off milder weather, with highs near 10–12°C (50–54°F). July warms up the most, then August starts a slow cool-down toward autumn.
By September, highs drop back to around 10°C (50°F).
Daylight hours shift fast as summer goes on. In June, you get the Midnight Sun, with nearly constant daylight.
By August, it drops to about 15 hours, and by September, sunsets arrive earlier.
Rainfall averages 20–30 mm per month in summer, which is a lot less than in winter. Most of the time, you’ll see light showers instead of long downpours.
Wind can make it feel chillier, especially near the coast, so sometimes it feels colder than the thermometer says.
Clear days in July and August are perfect for getting outside, but always bring layers. The weather doesn’t get hot, but it’s comfortable for hiking, sightseeing, and wandering the city.
Influence of the North Atlantic Ocean
The North Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream shape Reykjavik’s summer weather. These currents bring in mild air, so summer stays cooler than continental Europe but warmer than other places at similar latitudes.
The ocean keeps things steady. Unlike inland areas, Reykjavik doesn’t get wild swings in temperature.
Day and night temps don’t differ much.
Moisture from the Atlantic brings plenty of clouds and light rain. Winds off the sea can feel brisk, especially along the coast.
Waterproof and windproof gear is handy—even in July.
In summer, sea surface temperatures reach about 9–11°C (48–52°F). That’s way too cold for casual swimming, but these chilly waters keep the air above them mild, so Reykjavik never gets very hot or very cold in summer.
This ocean-driven climate gives Reykjavik its unique mix of cool air, long daylight, and ever-changing weather.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Reykjavik
Compared to most European capitals, Reykjavik’s summer is cool and mild. Average highs rarely go above the low 60s °F (mid-teens °C), and nights stay chilly.
You’ll notice long daylight hours, steady clouds, and lots of light rain.
Average High and Low Temperatures
From June through August, daily highs usually range between 10°C and 15°C (50°F–59°F).
July is the warmest, with highs close to 14–15°C (57–59°F).
Lows stay cool, often between 7°C and 10°C (45°F–50°F). Even in midsummer, nights don’t get warm.
You’ll want to pack layers, since mornings and evenings feel brisk even when afternoons are milder.
Here’s a quick look at the monthly averages:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 13 (55) | 7 (45) |
| July | 15 (59) | 9 (48) |
| August | 14 (57) | 9 (48) |
Temperature Variations by Month
In June, things start off cooler, with highs around 12–13°C (53–55°F). Nights can dip down to 3–5°C (37–41°F).
July brings the best weather, and sometimes you’ll see days hit 20°C (68°F) or a touch higher, though that’s not the norm.
By August, temperatures slip a bit. Highs average 13–14°C (55–57°F), and lows settle near 8–9°C (46–48°F).
The days start to feel shorter, but evenings are still brighter than in many northern cities.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures don’t get hot, but they’re steady enough for outdoor plans. Afternoons usually stay in the low to mid-teens °C (50s °F), with the odd day peaking near 20°C (68°F).
At night, things cool off quickly. Even in July, nighttime lows hover around 9°C (48°F).
You’ll probably want a jacket or sweater for evening strolls, despite all that daylight.
The difference between day and night isn’t huge, but those cool nights give Reykjavik’s summer a crisp feel.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rain falls steadily in Reykjavik during summer, but it’s rarely extreme. Light to moderate showers pop up throughout the season, but no single month stands out as especially wet.
The city’s maritime climate brings frequent, manageable rain.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Between June and August, Reykjavik gets about 40–60 mm (1.6–2.4 inches) of rain each month.
Instead of heavy downpours, you’ll get lighter, more frequent showers.
- June: about 40 mm
- July: about 50 mm
- August: about 60 mm
That’s less than the winter months, when rain and snow are much heavier.
Summer rain keeps everything green without making it feel endlessly wet.
Still, plan for damp weather, since those numbers come from lots of light rain events, not a few big storms.
Waterproof clothing is more useful than an umbrella, especially with the wind.
Chance of Rainy Days
Rain falls on plenty of days in summer, even if the totals aren’t huge. On average, you get 10–14 days with measurable rain per month.
These are usually quick showers, not all-day soakers.
There’s about a 35–45% chance of rain on any given day. That doesn’t mean half your trip will be washed out, but you’ll want to stay flexible.
Clouds are common, so even dry days might not be sunny.
Light rain often passes fast, and you’ll get breaks of clearer skies.
Rainfall Patterns Across Summer
Rain picks up a bit as summer goes on. June is usually driest, and August the wettest.
Showers can happen any time of day, with no big pattern for mornings or evenings.
They’re often light but can be persistent, especially later in the season.
The North Atlantic brings mist or drizzle more often than heavy rain.
This creates a cool, damp atmosphere that’s just part of Reykjavik’s summer vibe.
Wind Speed and Weather Conditions
ReykjavÃk’s summer weather feels mild, but steady winds are always in the mix.
You’ll notice breezes shaping outdoor plans and making a difference in how comfortable you feel by the coast or out in the open.
Average Summer Wind Speeds
In summer, ReykjavÃk sees average wind speeds around 4 meters per second (m/s), or about 14 km/h (8–9 mph).
You’ll spot tree branches swaying and feel a steady breeze in open spaces.
The wind rarely dies down completely, though July is calmer than the rest of the year.
While gusts can pick up, summer winds are usually steady, not wild.
Most outdoor activities—walking, cycling, sightseeing near the harbor—feel fine at these speeds.
If you’re heading out on the water, though, the breeze can whip up white-capped waves even on a calm day.
Winter winds can hit 6 m/s (21 km/h or 13 mph), so summer feels much easier to handle.
It’s the most comfortable season if you’re sensitive to strong winds.
Wind Patterns and Directions
ReykjavÃk’s coastal spot means wind shifts with the weather. In summer, winds usually come from the northwest and southwest.
Northwest winds bring cooler air off the ocean. Southwest breezes are milder and feel a bit warmer.
Wind direction also affects cloud cover and rain. Ocean winds carry more moisture, while inland winds can clear things up.
Locals check wind forecasts before heading out.
For visitors, knowing the wind speed and direction helps you plan for comfort and safety, especially on coastal paths or open viewpoints.
Daylight Hours and Sunlight
Summer in Reykjavik brings long days and extended daylight.
You’ll have plenty of time to explore, but the daylight changes quickly as summer goes on.
Sunrise and sunset times shift a lot from June to August.
Length of Days in Summer
In June, you get the year’s longest days. Around the summer solstice, daylight lasts close to 21 hours, with just a short stretch of twilight at night.
That’s when the “Midnight Sun” is in full swing.
By July, the days start to shorten, but you still get between 18 and 20 hours of daylight.
That’s more than enough for late-night adventures.
In August, the change speeds up. Day length drops to about 15 to 18 hours, depending on the date.
Nights grow a bit darker, but you still get way more daylight than most places farther south.
| Month | Approx. Day Length |
|---|---|
| June | 18–21 hours |
| July | 18–20 hours |
| August | 15–18 hours |
This rapid shift in day length is a big part of Iceland’s northern charm.
If you’re staying more than a few days, you’ll definitely notice it.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset in Reykjavik change fast once summer rolls in. Late June feels almost unreal—the sun dips just before midnight, then pops back up around 3:00 a.m.
You only get a few hours of twilight, and honestly, it never gets truly dark. By mid-July, things shift a bit. Sunset happens closer to 11:00 p.m., and sunrise sneaks in around 3:30 or 4:00 a.m.
Nights grow a little darker, but the sky usually stays light enough that you can wander outside without bothering with a flashlight.
August brings more noticeable changes. Early in the month, the sun sets at about 10:30 p.m., rising again around 4:30 a.m.
By late August, sunset slides back to around 8:30 p.m., and sunrise doesn’t happen until about 6:00 a.m.
If you’re planning outdoor adventures, you’ll want to keep an eye on these shifts. June almost feels like daylight never ends, but by August, you finally get a more normal split between night and day.
Elevation and Its Impact on Weather
Reykjavik sits pretty much at sea level, but those nearby hills and mountains definitely shake up the weather. Elevation changes the temperature, wind, and even how much rain or snow you’ll get, so the city and its surroundings can feel surprisingly different.
Elevation of Reykjavik
Reykjavik sits at about 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) above sea level, which is really low for a capital city. Being right on the coast, the Atlantic Ocean has a huge impact on the climate here.
But look just outside town and you’ll spot much higher ground. Take Mount Esja, for example—it towers at 914 meters (2,999 feet) just north of Reykjavik.
This big difference in elevation means the weather can flip quickly as you move from sea level to the hills.
Down by the water, you’ll notice temperatures stay pretty steady compared to places farther inland or higher up. The ocean’s influence keeps summer cool and winter milder than you’d probably expect for a place this far north.
If you head up into the hills around Reykjavik, you’ll run into cooler air, stronger winds, and more persistent snow cover during winter.
Even a quick drive out of the city can surprise you with different weather, all thanks to those elevation changes.
Effects of Elevation on Climate
Elevation plays a big role in temperature. As you go up, the air cools by about 0.6°C for every 100 meters you climb.
So, while Reykjavik’s summer highs usually sit around 12–14°C (54–57°F), spots up in the hills can feel noticeably chillier. You might be surprised how much difference a little elevation makes.
Higher ground usually gets more precipitation too. Moist ocean air pushes up over hills and mountains, which means rain or snow hits these spots more often than the city center down below.
Wind also picks up as you climb higher. Elevated areas don’t have much shelter, so you’ll probably run into stronger gusts and faster changes in weather.
All of this really matters when you’re making plans. Walking along Reykjavik’s waterfront might feel pretty mild, but if you’re heading up Esja for a hike, you’ll want to pack warmer layers, even in summer. Elevation doesn’t just tweak the climate, it really changes how you experience the weather from day to day.