Best Time To Travel To: Iceland

Iceland is located between Norway and Greenland in one of the harsher regions of the northern Atlantic. When one commonly thinks of Iceland, one certainly thinks of a cold region (except for the permanently bubbling volcanoes). In fact, all of Iceland is under the influence of a permanent low pressure area. But it is not only cold on the island, because Iceland is also located in the foothills of warm gulf currents. This means that there is also summer. But Iceland is not a sun destination, that should be clear to everyone interested. On the other hand, Iceland is less cold than is commonly thought. The proximity to the Arctic Circle suggests this, but the temperatures, e.g. for Reykjavik, keep within limits - both downwards and upwards.

Basically, Iceland has an oceanic climate, which is rather cool on the whole. In the south, the rather warm Irmingerstream has an effect in the coastal regions. On the northeast and southwest coasts, the Greenland Current always makes it somewhat colder. Iceland is also in the sphere of influence of the Gulf Stream, which usually always brings warmth. This causes this, for the latitudes, surprisingly mild climate. Overall, the winters are quite mild, while the summers also remain quite cool. But Iceland also gets a lot of the global warming. In recent years, the country has become warmer and warmer. Unfortunately, you can also see the climate warming in Iceland, because the glaciers are melting more and more. There are small glaciers that have now disappeared.

The country actually always offers quite tolerable temperatures throughout the year, with the warmest months being from June to about August. One certain problem is the frequent rainfall in Iceland. It doesn't necessarily have to be a lot of rain, but you have to expect an average of about 15 to 20 rainy days/Mn per month. Here, June and July are the driest months, respectively, with an average of 15 rain days/Mn.

Climatically and in terms of precipitation, there are certain differences throughout the country. Basically, the coastal regions are much warmer than the interior. Especially the highlands are always a bit cooler. There are also snowfalls here from time to time. It can be quite warm in the south, for example, where the warm Gulf Stream rules. Here also less snow falls. Overall, there are also clear local differences in precipitation. The north has comparatively less precipitation than the south. An exception is when the wind comes from the north. Then it is rainier in the north and drier in the south. Basically, the winds make up much of the climate in Iceland. Because of the island location it is always quite windy. The wind direction then determines where what weather is (or where what weather comes from). This changes quite often, mostly daily.

When is the best time to go to Iceland

You could travel to Iceland all year round. However, the winters are usually cold and often snowy (especially in the highlands). From April to October it gets better. The best travel time for Iceland should be mainly in summer from June - July, besides that May, August and partly September are good months to travel to Iceland.

Climatetable Reykjavik