Question 1

What is the sunniest time of year in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Reykjavik is late spring and early summer, with **May 2025** being the brightest month of all at 222.7 hours of sunshine. That single month delivered roughly one-sixth (16.4%) of the city's entire annual sunshine total of 1,358 hours.

Across 2025, the three brightest months in Reykjavik were:

- **May:** 222.7 hours (about 7.2 hours of sunshine per day)
- **August:** 201.7 hours
- **April:** 165.1 hours

May also paired its long, bright days with relatively dry, mild conditions, averaging 8.7°C (47.7°F) and just 69.0 mm (2.72 in) of precipitation. Thanks to Iceland's far-northern latitude, daylight stretches well into the evening during these months, so the high sunshine totals come alongside very long days rather than intense midday heat.

It is worth noting that midsummer is not automatically the sunniest period in Reykjavik. While summer (June–August) edged spring with 463.6 hours versus 452.0 hours, July 2025 recorded only 111.9 hours of sunshine, well below cloudier-sounding May. By contrast, the darkest stretch fell in deep winter, when February managed just 40.4 hours and January 49.3 hours.

For travelers, this means the best window for sunshine and outdoor sightseeing in Reykjavik runs from April through August, with May standing out as a sweet spot of bright skies, low rainfall, and comfortable spring temperatures.

Question 2

Which months are the windiest in Reykjavik?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik is windiest in late winter and early spring, with **February 2025** the windiest month of the year, averaging 19.9 km/h (12.4 mph). Wind is a defining feature of Reykjavik's climate, and 2025 data shows a clear seasonal rhythm.

Across 2025, Reykjavik averaged 13.6 km/h (8.4 mph) over the full year. The windy stretch ran from December through April, with average monthly wind speeds staying between 14.6 and 19.9 km/h (9.1 to 12.4 mph). The winter months of January and February 2025 alone averaged 17.2 km/h (10.7 mph), making this the breeziest part of the calendar year.

The calmest conditions arrived later in the year. November 2025 was the gentlest month at just 9.0 km/h (5.6 mph), followed closely by July at 10.1 km/h (6.3 mph). Overall, the summer months of June to August 2025 averaged a much milder 11.8 km/h (7.3 mph).

For visitors to Reykjavik, this means summer offers the most settled, comfortable conditions for walking tours, whale-watching boat trips, and exploring the coastline. If you plan to travel between February and April, pack a sturdy windproof jacket and expect gustier days, as the late-winter winds in Reykjavik can make the air feel considerably colder than the thermometer suggests.

Question 3

How much rainfall does Reykjavik get in a year, and which months are wettest?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik received about **1,297 mm (51.1 inches)** of precipitation across 2025, confirming Iceland's capital as one of Europe's wetter cities with rain or sleet spread throughout the year.

The dampest stretch of 2025 fell in the colder months. February 2025 was the single wettest month at 194.5 mm (7.7 in), followed closely by January (165.5 mm / 6.5 in), giving the winter portion of the year (January–February 2025) roughly 360 mm (14.2 in). Autumn 2025 (September–November) was nearly as soggy at about 335 mm (13.2 in), driven by wet Septembers and Octobers near 145 mm each.

Summer was the driest season in Reykjavik. The meteorological summer of 2025 (June–August) totalled just 191.5 mm (7.5 in), and November 2025 was the driest single month with only 46.3 mm (1.8 in). On average, Reykjavik saw about 108 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation per month in 2025.

For visitors, this means Reykjavik rarely has a truly dry season, so waterproof layers are useful year-round. If you want the lowest chance of rain, plan your trip between June and August, when monthly totals are roughly half those of the wet winter and autumn months.

Question 4

What were the temperature extremes in Reykjavik in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik recorded a temperature swing of roughly 34°C (61°F) across 2025, ranging from a high of 20.8°C (69.4°F) in July down to a low of -13.3°C (8.1°F) in January. For a sub-Arctic capital, these are mild extremes that reflect the strong moderating influence of the surrounding North Atlantic.

The warmest reading of the year came during July 2025, when the mercury peaked at 20.8°C (69.4°F). The coldest moment arrived in the depths of winter, with January 2025 bottoming out at -13.3°C (8.1°F). October also turned sharply cold for autumn, dipping to -10.4°C (13.3°F).

Looking at monthly averages rather than single readings, July was the warmest month in Reykjavik at 11.7°C (53.1°F), while January was the coldest at -1.3°C (29.7°F). Across the full year, the average temperature settled at 5.5°C (41.8°F), confirming Reykjavik's reputation for cool, even-tempered conditions rather than harsh seasonal extremes.

For visitors, this means Reykjavik rarely gets truly hot, so summer travellers should pack layers even in July. Winter rarely turns brutally cold either, but January and February can still bring sub-zero spells and icy ground. The relatively narrow temperature range in 2025 makes Reykjavik a year-round destination, provided you prepare for wind and rapidly shifting conditions rather than dramatic heat or deep cold.

Question 5

How humid is Reykjavik throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Reykjavik is consistently humid all year round, averaging **82.3% relative humidity** across 2025 and staying at or above 80% in 9 of the 12 months. The coastal, sub-Arctic setting keeps the air damp regardless of season.

Humidity in Reykjavik peaked in summer, with July the most humid month of 2025 at **88.2%**, closely followed by August at 87.7%. This coincided with the year's mildest air, when the monthly mean temperature reached 11.7°C (53.1°F). The driest stretch came in spring: April was the least humid month at **72.2%**, the only month to dip below 75%.

Across the meteorological seasons, summer (June–August) was the dampest at an average of 86.4%, while spring (March–May) was the most comfortable at 77.8%. Autumn (September–November) stayed high at 85.0%, and the early-2025 winter months of January and February averaged 79.3%.

For visitors and residents, this means Reykjavik rarely feels dry. The combination of high humidity with cool temperatures — the annual mean was just 5.5°C (41.9°F) — makes damp, raw conditions common, so breathable, layered, and waterproof clothing is the practical choice. The relatively lower humidity of April and May makes late spring one of the more pleasant windows for outdoor sightseeing in Reykjavik, while the muggier feel of mid-summer is offset by the city's mild temperatures.

Reykjavik

Capital Region

FAQ

What is the sunniest time of year in Reykjavik?

Which months are the windiest in Reykjavik?

How much rainfall does Reykjavik get in a year, and which months are wettest?

What were the temperature extremes in Reykjavik in 2025?

How humid is Reykjavik throughout the year?