Today's weather for Reykjavik, Iceland21st Nov 2009 06:00

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Weather Overview for Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a subarctic maritime climate with cool temperatures through all four seasons. It is much milder than expected at its extreme northerly latitude; Iceland sits just outside the Arctic Circle but Reykjavik shares similar winter temperatures to northeast coast American cities such as New York. This is due to the northern extension of the warm Gulf Stream. Reykjavik, and the whole of Iceland, has a climate that is dominated by conflicting currents and air masses. The warm Atlantic influence comes from the southwest while the effects of the Arctic’s proximity can be seen in the northeast. As a result, Reykjavik, on the southwest coast, is slightly warmer and wetter than other areas of Iceland. Another effect of these battling influences is that conditions are very changeable and highly unpredictable.

Summer, between June and August, is very mild with a peak of 13°C falling in July and August. Night times are chilly, always falling below 10°C. On sunny days the temperature often gets up into the high teens, and in recent years the summers have been getting hotter and hotter; the highest temperature on record was 26.2°C which occurred last year (July 2008). This record high shows that the mid 20s are very rare. Strong winds can always blunder in and spoil the party.

This is the sunniest season with between five and six hours of sunshine per day. However, this is largely because the days are so much longer in the summer; June, with the longest days, sees 21 hours of daylight (England sees 17). It is also the driest though it could not be described as dry; rain falls on around 17 days per month in light showers or drizzle that grow heavier towards the end of the season. You are unlikely to want to take a dip in the 8°C water.

Autumn, in September and October, is cool and wet. The average high temperature drops to 10°C and 7°C, and night time lows to 5°C and 2°C respectively. It rains relentlessly and the winds become stronger, sometimes reaching gale force. As the days shorten, sunshine levels reduce.

Winter, from November till March, is chilly, dark and damp. January is the coldest month with an average high of 2°C and an average low of -3°C. The surrounding months are only marginally warmer. This is really not that bad when you consider that New York at the same time sees an average high of 3°C and an average low of -4°C. However, the winds regularly reach gale force and the whole country is treated to some terrific storms, the area round Reykjavik often bears the brunt of these storms blown in on Atlantic winds. It rains on most days though rain is sometimes replaced by snowstorms. The days shorten to a mere four hours of daylight in December when Reykjavik can expect absolutely no sunshine at all for the entire month. It is generally dark and gloomy; the surrounding winter months see a couple of hours of sunshine per day.

Spring, in April and May, is relatively dry and bright, with a stress on relatively. The average high rises to 6°C then 9°C and the average low gets to 0°C then 4°C in April and May respectively. The winds tend to abate but can still push temperatures down. Rainfall levels drop though they are still quite high by British standards and the sun comes out for a good six hours per day in May. The sea does not get warm enough for swimming… ever.

As the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik is not sought out as a holiday destination for its weather. It is the alien landscape and culture of Iceland that attracts people to venture to this isolated island. Iceland is still very geologically active with many geysers and volcanoes. Glaciers still reside in the central regions though climate change is threatening them.

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