How cold does it get in Iceland? All you need to know

You’re here because you’re wondering: How cold does it get in Iceland? Well, put on your thermal undies and let’s dive into the frosty facts! 

Here’s a quick snapshot of Iceland’s average monthly temperatures: 

Month	Avg Low (°C)	Avg High (°C)
January	-3	2
February	-3	2
March	-2	3
April	0	6
May	3	10
June	7	13
July	9	15
August	8	14
September	5	11
October	2	7
November	-1	3
December	-2	2

And here it is as a table!

Coldest Month: January  
“Warmest” Month: July (don’t pack the flip-flops just yet) 

North vs South: The Chilly Face-Off 

So where’s chillier, north or south? 

• South Iceland (e.g., Reykjavik, Vik): Milder and wetter. Avg yearly temp: 5°C. Why? Ocean currents keep things cozy (relatively speaking). 

• North Iceland (e.g., Akureyri, Húsavík): Colder and drier. Avg yearly temp: 3°C. Expect more snow, more frost, and more reasons to buy wool socks. 

TL;DR: If you’re headed north, bring all the layers!

What to wear in Iceland

Icelandic fashion rule: If you’re warm and waterproof, you’re sexy. Though we don’t listen to our own advice most of the time.

Here’s your essential Icelandic clothing checklist: 

• Base Layer: Merino wool. All.year.round. 

• Mid Layer: Fleece, wool sweater, thin down jacket.  

• Outer Layer: Winter park in the winter, insulated raincoat/Autmn parka in the summer. Trust me, the wind bites. 

• Shoes: Gore-tex hiking boots. Leave the sandals at home, hero. 

• Accessories: Gloves, hat, and thermal socks. Style points optional, warmth essential. 

If you don’t want to buy all the expensive outdoor equipment, you can rent what you need with us!  

Check out our selection right here! You get the clothes you know are the right ones for Iceland and you don’t have to break the bank! 

Outdoor Clothing in Iceland: What Locals Know That You Don’t 

Us locals aren’t layering up for fun, we know the weather in Iceland can change fast. 

You might start your hike in sunshine, then get slapped by sleet 10 minutes later.  

Sure when we’re just in the city we’re not going to be decked out in outdoor gear. So unless you’re planning to stay in Reykjavík your entire stay (please don’t), then you don’t want to emulate us. Moral of the story? 

Layer well and wear good outdoor clothes! 

If you want more details about what to wear, then check out this blog where we go into more details.

Bonus tip: Windproof gear > umbrella. The wind will defeat your umbrella. Every. Time. 

Frequently asked questions 

Q1: Is Iceland colder than Canada or Russia? 
A: Nope! Iceland is cold, but thanks to the Gulf Stream, it’s surprisingly temperate compared to Siberian-style frost zones. What makes Iceland so cold is the wind and how fast the weather can change.  

Q2: Does it snow all the time in Iceland? 
A: Nah. Snow is common in winter, especially in the north, but it doesn’t bury the whole country 24/7. 

Q3: Can I wear jeans in Iceland? 
A: Only if you enjoy wet denim sadness. Go for quick-dry or insulated pants instead. 

Q4: What month is best for avoiding cold in Iceland? 
A: Mid winter, December – March. But realistically, if you want to escape the cold, then maybe Iceland isn’t the right place for that.

Q5: Is the weather really that unpredictable? 
A: Yes. Icelandic weather can be all over the place. 

Q6: Do locals wear all that gear too? 
A: Absolutely. If a local wears gloves, you should probably be wearing one as well. 

That’s it! 

I hope you’re still no thinking ‘how cold does it get in Iceland’ if so, read it again!  

And if you want the gear you’ll need to enjoy Iceland, you can check out our selection right here! 

We’ve got everything you need to stay warm and cozy while you explore Iceland!