Iceland · Europe

Reykjavík month by month

The best time to visit Reykjavík, Iceland — a month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices and events.

Iceland’s capital anchors a volcanic, glacier-carved island where geothermal pools, waterfalls and black-sand coastline sit within day-trip range. Winter brings near-permanent darkness and aurora hunting; summer flips to near-endless daylight and mild trekking weather.

-3° – 15° Best months: June, August, July
Reykjavík, Iceland

The best time to visit Reykjavík

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Reykjavík is June · August · July: the biggest crowds of the year. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month Temp Crowds Price Verdict
January 2° / -3° Low $ Fair
February 3° / -2° Low $ Fair
March 4° / -1° Low $ Fair
April 6° / 1° Moderate $$ Great
May 10° / 4° Moderate $$ Great
June 13° / 7° High $$$ Ideal
July 15° / 9° High $$$ Ideal
August 14° / 8° High $$$ Ideal
September 11° / 5° Moderate $$ Great
October 7° / 2° Moderate $$ Fair
November 4° / 0° Low $ Fair
December 3° / -1° Moderate $$ Fair
Best months JuneAugustJulyApril

Events in Reykjavík

  • Jan–Feb Þórrablót — Midwinter feast of fermented and smoked traditional Icelandic fare.
  • Aug Reykjavík Culture Night — Free concerts, open studios and fireworks fill the city center.
  • Nov Iceland Airwaves — Indie and electronic acts play venues across downtown Reykjavík.
  • Sep–Oct–Nov–Dec–Jan–Feb–Mar Northern Lights Season — Aurora borealis visible on clear dark nights away from city lights.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Reykjavík?

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Reykjavík is June · August · July: the biggest crowds of the year. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

What is the cheapest time to visit Reykjavík?

January — Prices run low season this month: some of the best deals of the year. Save 53%.

When should you avoid Reykjavík?

No major festivals fall in Reykjavík, so the destination feels like its everyday self.

What is the weather like in Reykjavík?

Average highs sit around 15°C with lows near -3°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.