Reykjavik isn't that cold on paper. Winter lows sit around -4°C (25°F) to -2°C (28°F) and summer highs reach 13°C (55°F), but it rains on 12 to 22 days every month and the wind drives it sideways, so any day feels colder than the forecast. Pack windproof and waterproof layers first, then worry about warm.
Reykjavik weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 1°C34°F | 3°C37°F | 3°C37°F | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 11°C52°F | 13°C55°F | 13°C55°F | 10°C50°F | 6°C43°F | 4°C39°F | 2°C36°F |
| Low | -4°C25°F | -2°C28°F | -2°C28°F | 1°C34°F | 5°C41°F | 6°C43°F | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 5°C41°F | 2°C36°F | -1°C30°F | -3°C27°F |
| Rain days | 18 | 20 | 12 | 15 | 22 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 12 | 19 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 1–3°C (34–37°F), lows of -4°C (25°F) to -2°C (28°F), and 18 to 20 rain or snow days a month. Daylight is down to about 4 hours in late December, which is also prime northern lights season. Pack thermal base layers, a waterproof shell, a warm hat and gloves.
Spring
March–MayMarch is still 3°C (37°F) with lows of -2°C (28°F), April warms to 7°C (45°F), and May reaches 9°C (48°F). Don't expect a dry spring. May is the wettest month of the year with 22 rain days, so layers and a proper rain jacket do all the work.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 11–13°C (52–55°F) and lows of 6–9°C (43–48°F), with 14 to 16 rain days a month. In June it never gets fully dark, so a sleep mask earns its spot. Pack a fleece and a rain shell even for a day on the Golden Circle.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is 10°C (50°F), October 6°C (43°F) and November 4°C (39°F), with lows just below freezing by November. October brings 19 rain days, and the northern lights come back as the nights get longer. Pack winter layers from October on.
What to bring to Reykjavik
0 of 25 packedWith rain on 12 to 22 days a month and wind to match, a waterproof shell that packs into its own pocket stays in your bag for every Golden Circle stop.
A light, packable women's rain shell for Reykjavik's showers. Easy to keep in a day bag.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
After the Sky Lagoon or a city pool, your wet swimsuit goes in this welded-seam cube with a waterproof zipper, and the rest of your bag stays dry.
- MZOO Sleep MaskSleep & Comfort
In June the sun barely sets, and a contoured mask that rests on the bones around your eyes blocks it out without pressing on your lashes.
- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Tap water here is clean and cold, and a 32 oz bottle with a cupholder-friendly base is the one to fill before a long Ring Road drive.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Waterfall spray and sideways rain hit everything, and a day bag sealed around the main compartment and zippers keeps your camera and spare layers dry.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coatJan lows of -4°C, with wind
- Thermal base layers · 2 setsNeeded even in summer, 13°C highs
- Fleece or wool sweater · 2
- Waterproof pantsRain or snow falls 12–22 days a month
- Warm hat, gloves and scarfYear-round
- Swimwear · 1For geothermal pools and lagoons
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking bootsFor waterfalls, trails and icy paths
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
- Microspikes or ice cleatsIcy sidewalks Nov–Mar
Gear
- Quick-dry towelFor pools
- HeadlampAbout 4 hours of daylight in late December
- SunglassesLow sun and snow glare
Health and toiletries
- Lip balm
- Rich moisturizerWind and cold dry skin
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless cardCards are taken almost everywhere
- Travel insuranceFor glacier and highland tours
Tech
- Universal plug adapterSockets are C and F at 230V
- Power bankCold drains batteries fast
What shoes should you pack for Reykjavik?
Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy waterproof shoes. Town is fine in sneakers on a dry day, but most trips include waterfalls, lava fields and muddy paths, and the spray at Seljalandsfoss soaks you. In winter, icy sidewalks make deep tread or slip-on ice grips worth packing.
What do people wear in Reykjavik?
Outdoor gear is everyday wear here. Locals wear technical jackets, wool sweaters and hiking boots on Laugavegur without a second thought. For geothermal pools and lagoons, bring a swimsuit, and expect to shower without it before you get in, which is the rule at every public pool.
What plugs does Reykjavik use?
Iceland uses type C and F plugs at 230V. An adapter with an EU plug covers both. Most chargers are fine at 230V, but check any US-only gadget.
Tours and things to do in Reykjavik
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Reykjavik.
What should you leave at home for Reykjavik?
Leave the umbrella. The wind will turn it inside out before you reach Hallgrímskirkja. Skip bottled water too, because Reykjavik's tap water is clean and cold.
Around Reykjavik
Packing for Reykjavik: questions people ask
What should I wear in Reykjavik in winter?
Thermal base layers, a wool sweater or fleece, a waterproof and windproof shell, a hat and gloves. Lows are around -4°C (25°F) to -2°C (28°F) and it rains or snows on 18 to 20 days a month.
Do I need waterproof clothes in Iceland in summer?
Yes. Reykjavik gets 14 to 16 rain days a month from June to August, and waterfall spray will soak you anyway.
What should I bring to the Blue Lagoon?
A swimsuit and a waterproof bag to carry it home wet. You'll shower without your swimsuit before going in, and putting conditioner in your hair first helps, since the water dries it out.
How many hours of daylight does Reykjavik get?
About 4 hours in late December and around 21 hours in late June, when it never gets fully dark.
What plug does Iceland use?
Types C and F at 230V. A universal adapter with an EU plug covers both.
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