Iceland Weather
Iceland guides · Summer

Is Iceland cold in summer?

Cool rather than cold. In July, the warmest month, Reykjavík usually runs 9 to 15 °C (48 to 59 °F), and the wind makes an average day feel like 12 °C (53 °F). Inland can be warmer: Þingvellir's July days average 16.2 °C (61 °F). Reykjavík's warmest July day on record reached 25.7 °C (78 °F). Pack a fleece and a windproof jacket.

From Icelandic Met Office measurements, 1991–2020Reviewed 19 October 2026

Do you need a winter coat?

No — a waterproof, windproof shell over a fleece or wool sweater does the job, and it's warmer than a coat in the rain. Add a light insulated jacket if you'll be on a boat, a glacier or in the highlands, where it's several degrees colder.

Shorts and T-shirts?

Icelanders wear them on the few days that pass 18 °C, and hot pools are the place to be in a swimsuit. For everything else pack long trousers, a long-sleeved layer, a hat and thin gloves.

The bright nights

Summer's real surprise is the light: around midsummer Reykjavík has 21 h 9 min of daylight and the night never gets dark. Pack a sleep mask from May to July.

Typical low – high in June, July and August

Icelandic Met Office, 1991–2020

JuneJulyAugustWarmest July on record
Þingvellir5° – 15°7° – 16°6° – 15°30°
Egilsstaðir5° – 14°7° – 15°6° – 15°29°
Akureyri7° – 14°9° – 15°8° – 15°28°
Selfoss7° – 13°9° – 15°8° – 14°28°
Reykjavík7° – 13°9° – 15°9° – 14°26°
Mývatn5° – 13°7° – 15°6° – 14°28°
Keflavík (Airport)7° – 13°9° – 14°9° – 14°23°
Jökulsárlón7° – 12°8° – 14°8° – 14°24°
Vík7° – 12°9° – 14°9° – 14°24°
Ísafjörður5° – 12°7° – 13°7° – 13°22°
Höfn7° – 12°8° – 13°8° – 13°25°
Vestmannaeyjar7° – 11°9° – 13°9° – 12°22°

Questions visitors ask

Do I need a winter coat in Iceland in summer?

No. A waterproof, windproof jacket over a fleece is warmer in Iceland's wind and rain. July in Reykjavík typically runs 9 to 15 °C (48 to 59 °F); add a light insulated jacket for boat trips, glaciers and the highlands.

What is the warmest month in Iceland?

July. Reykjavík's July averages 11.6 °C (53 °F), with typical highs of 14.9 °C (59 °F); August is a close second (Icelandic Met Office, 1991–2020).

Does it snow in Iceland in summer?

Rarely in the lowlands: Reykjavík averages 0.3 days with snow or sleet across June to August. The highlands and mountain passes can see snow even in midsummer, so pack a hat and gloves.

These are the usual conditions, not a forecast. Before you set off, check the latest forecast and warnings on Iceland Weather or vedur.is, the roads on umferdin.is and travel alerts on safetravel.is. In an emergency, call 112.