Is Iceland Cold? Weather, Temperature + Toasty Tips For 2025
“Is it cold in Iceland?” It’s a fair question—I asked it too before my first trip to Iceland in 2023. But prepare to be surprised, this Nordic country isn’t as icy as its name suggests!
Thanks to a little oceanic magic (spoiler: the Gulf Stream), Iceland’s temps are milder than you would think. That said, wind, rain, and unpredictable shifts can make it feel miserable, cold, and wet if you don’t pack well.
In this post, I’ll break down its weather, highlight the warmest month, suggest the best time to visit in 2025, and share tips to stay cozy.
Is Iceland Cold?
So, is Iceland cold? Yes, but not as harsh as its proximity to the Arctic Circle might imply.
The Gulf Stream, a strong current that carries warm air up the Atlantic and along the southern and western coast of Iceland, keeps it pretty temperate. It’s also warmed from below from all of the geothermal activity.
Reykjavík is surprisingly mild, with winter averages from 26°F (-3°C) to 36°F (2°C) and summer highs hitting 55°F (13°C). But venture north to Akureyri or into the Highlands, and it’s a different story—lows can plummet to -10°F (-23°C) or even -20°F (-29°C) during cold snaps.
Iceland’s record low? A brutal -36.4°F (-38°C) in Grímsstaðir, but that was way back in 1918.
Don’t let the temperate coastal averages fool you though—wind can make it feel colder everywhere. Strong wind gusts in winter can turn a 26°F day into a “feels-like” temp of -20°F (-29°C).
Rain also contributes to making it feel colder than it is. A wet-cold can be brutal. The south gets the most rain, while it tends to be drier and snowier in the north, especially in fall and winter.
It’s the combo of chilly highs, frigid inland lows, and relentless wind and rain that’ll test you if you’re not geared up right.
The weather’s a wild ride, blending warm Gulf Stream air with Arctic blasts. You will likely get some mild days, maybe a little sun, no wind, and be able to frolic around in a t-shirt even.
But the very next day, or even the same day, you could be met with a slight drop in temperature, strong winds, and rain that make it feel drastically different. That’s why “Is Iceland cold?” depends as much on the wind and rain as the temperature, pack for any combo!
What Is the Warmest Month in Iceland?
July is Iceland’s warmest month, averaging 55°F (13°C) highs and 48°F (9°C) lows in Reykjavík. You might even catch a 68°F (20°C) day—or 84°F (29°C) out east, though that’s rare.
With 18 hours of daylight in July, and about 10 days of rain, it’s the best time of year for hiking or road-tripping. But don’t be fooled—wind and sudden showers can still sneak in, chilling you fast if you’re not layered up.
Don’t forget travel insurance on your Iceland adventure! I always go with Safety Wing! They even have an adventure sports add-on which is perfect for Iceland.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland depends on your interests, but weather, cost, and crowds play a role too.
Summer (June-August) offers 50s°F (10-15°C), endless daylight, and open trails. It’s a great time weather wise, but prices are at their highest and crowds at their largest. So it depends, what is more important to you? Smaller crowds, better weather, hiking in the Highlands, whale watching, or prices?
Winter (December-February) drops to 30s°F (0°C), with snow, wind, and rain, but it’s much cheaper and quieter. So when people ask, “Is Iceland cold?”—winter says yes, but the chance to see the Northern Lights and lower costs might make that chill worth it.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), the shoulder seasons, tend to be my favorite. Temperatures in Iceland are around 40-50°F (5-10°C), there are tourists but less than in the summer, and rates are slightly lower.
Spring will be a little crisper than fall, and fall a little rainier than spring. Either is a good option if you want to avoid extreme weather and crowds. Personally, September is my favorite month; mild weather and manageable crowds.
Although it did snow one day the last time that I was there in September; be prepared for any weather no matter what time of the year you go 🙂
5 Tips For Staying Toasty and Comfortable
Iceland’s temps might not freeze you, but wind and rain can dampen the fun if you’re not ready. Here are five tips to keep you warm and dry.
Layer Up!
Wear a merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, a windproof, waterproof jacket, and beanie and gloves. I stayed comfy on the cold and rainy days this way. If you’re coming in winter, bring a down jacket as well.
Invest in Waterproof Gear
It rains a lot in Iceland, especially October-February in the south. My waterproof boots, jacket, and rainpants saved me on several drenched hikes and outings. Wet legs in 35°F and wind can be miserable so staying dry is key!
Warm Your Core With Hot Drinks
Bring a thermos for hot tea or soup! Sipping something hot on a cold drizzly day is so comforting and warming!
Wool Socks
Cold, wet feet ruin everything. Thick wool socks and insulated boots kept me toasty in the cold, rain, and snow. Pack them year-round.
Embrace Hot Springs!
Geothermal pools are your cheat code. Be like the locals and soak in all the springs you can. Cold weather makes the springs even more magical.
FAQ
Still curious about Iceland’s weather? Here are quick answers to common questions.
Nope! It ranges from 28°F (-2°C) in winter to 55°F (13°C) in summer, milder than you’d guess. Wind and rain can make it feel colder, though—pack accordingly.
October to February gets the most rain—3-4 inches monthly in the south. October’s the wettest; a raincoat’s your best friend.
January’s roughest, 26-36°F, 31 mph winds, snow, and rain, especially north and east. Short days amplify the damp chill.
February’s ideal—long, dark nights, clear skies, and peak aurora action. Bundle up for the windy cold!
Wrap-Up
So, is Iceland cold? Not as cold as you’d think—the Gulf Stream keeps temps tame, but wind and rain can make it feel much colder if you’re not prepared.
My September 2023 trip was pretty mild – although we still experienced rain and snow. I’m excited to go back in the winter next time – the weather will be more extreme and days shorter, but soaking under the Northern Lights sounds so magical.
With the right gear—layers, waterproofs, a hot drink—you’ll be all set no matter which season you choose. And check the weather before heading out on an adventure!
As the Norwegians say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear”. 🙂
What was your experience with the weather when you went to Iceland? Send me an email and let me know!
