Destination
When should you visit Reykjavik?
Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland, and the season changes the trip completely. June and July bring the midnight sun and full tour schedules, along with the highest prices. September to March offers northern lights and cosier city life, but daylight is short. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
September
September offers the first northern lights of the season, fewer visitors than summer and more reasonable prices, while days are still long enough for sightseeing.
Best for midnight sun
June
Nearly round-the-clock daylight.
Best for northern lights
September–March
Dark skies and aurora chances.
Least crowded
November–April
Quieter, with shorter days.
Best for puffins
May–August
Puffin colonies are active in summer.
September scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Midnight sun
- Very long days; bring an eye mask and plan for peak prices.
- Short winter days
- Only a few hours of daylight, so plan activities carefully.
- Highland road access
- Many highland roads are closed outside the summer season.
June–July
November–January
Opens in summer
Reykjavik travel tip
Weather changes fast, so build slack into day trips. For the best city view, take the lift up the Hallgrímskirkja tower, and finish the evening in a geothermal pool.
Founder note
“My favourite way to see Reykjavik is from above: the viewing deck at Perlan or the tower at Hallgrímskirkja. On a clear evening, nothing beats it.”
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- -4–1°C
- Cold, dark and windy, with snow or sleet possible.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Book a Northern Lights tour with flexibility for cloud cover.
- Northern Lights
- Geothermal pools
- Temperature
- -4–1°C
- Cold and windy with variable snow and rain.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Check road conditions for any day trips outside the city.
- Northern Lights
- Winter festival
- Temperature
- -3–2°C
- Cold and unsettled, with a mix of snow, rain and clear spells.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Book day trips with flexible dates.
- Northern Lights
- Whale watching
- City break
- Temperature
- 0–6°C
- Cool and changeable, with showers and bright spells.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Pack layers and waterproofs; keep a flexible schedule.
- City break
- Whale watching
- Temperature
- 3–9°C
- Cool and fresh, with long daylight and frequent changes.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Check puffin tour season start dates and pack warm layers.
- Puffins
- City walks
- Day trips
- Temperature
- 7–12°C
- Cool and bright, with nearly continuous daylight.
- Crowds
- High
- Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- Peak pricing for hotels and flights.
Book rental cars and tours early; bring an eye mask.
- Midnight sun
- Golden Circle
- Whale watching
- Temperature
- 9–14°C
- Cool to mild, with long days and some rain.
- Crowds
- Very High
- One of the busiest periods of the year; book ahead and go early.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- Peak pricing for hotels and flights.
Visit headline sights early or late to avoid tour buses.
- Day tours
- Hiking
- Whale watching
- Temperature
- 8–13°C
- Cool to mild with long days and showers.
- Crowds
- High
- Expect queues at the headline sights and full terraces in the evening.
- Prices
- $$$$$
- Peak pricing for hotels and flights.
Book Culture Night accommodation early.
- Culture Night
- Hiking
- Day tours
- Temperature
- 6–10°C
- Cool and often wet, with longer nights.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Steady visitor numbers; the main sights are busiest around midday.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Book aurora tours for several nights to improve odds.
- Northern Lights
- Day trips
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 2–6°C
- Cool, wet and windy.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Pack waterproofs and windproofs.
- Northern Lights
- City break
- Temperature
- -1–3°C
- Cold, wet and windy with limited daylight.
- Crowds
- Low
- Light crowds, and most sights can be visited without booking far ahead.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
Book a few indoor activities to balance weather risk.
- Northern Lights
- Geothermal pools
- Temperature
- -3–1°C
- Cold, dark and windy; snow is possible.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Popular sights fill up at peak hours, so book timed entries ahead.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
Book New Year dinners and fireworks viewing ahead.
- Festive atmosphere
- Northern Lights
- New Year
Climate
Reykjavik weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1°C / 34°F | -4°C / 25°F | 131 mm |
| February | 1°C / 34°F | -4°C / 25°F | 131 mm |
| March | 3°C / 37°F | -3°C / 27°F | 118 mm |
| April | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 32°F | 104 mm |
| May | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 92 mm |
| June | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 80 mm |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 86 mm |
| August | 13°C / 55°F | 8°C / 46°F | 104 mm |
| September | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F | 134 mm |
| October | 6°C / 43°F | 2°C / 36°F | 121 mm |
| November | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 121 mm |
| December | 1°C / 34°F | -3°C / 27°F | 133 mm |
Climate data: ERA5 reanalysis 1991–2020 (Open-Meteo). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Reykjavik
What is the best month to visit Reykjavik?
September is a good all-round choice, with aurora chances and fewer crowds. June is best for the midnight sun.
When can I see the northern lights in Reykjavik?
Typically from September to March, depending on clear skies.
Is Reykjavik expensive?
Yes, particularly in summer. Winter is generally cheaper.