Most people who visit Iceland spend at least some time in the capital, so it’s important to understand the common temperatures and the average snowfall in Reykjavík.

Wondering just how much of a winter wonderland Reykjavík becomes during the colder months? Imagining the small capital of Iceland covered in a blanket of snow? The reality may be quite different!

For lots of visitors to Reykjavík, snow is a topic of interest. Some people may be very keen to experience snow during their visit, while others may be concerned about how snow might affect their visit. Discover everything you need to know about what to expect when it comes to snow in Reykjavík.

Does it Snow in Reykjavík?

The short answer is yes, it does snow in Reykjavík. As would be expected for a country with coastlines along some of the coldest waters in the world, Iceland gets a fair amount of snowfall. However, Reykjavík is located in the south of the island, where the climate is a little milder compared to other regions of the country. So, while snow does fall in Reykjavík, it doesn’t happen as frequently or as heavily as in the north or the highlands.

How Much Snow Does Reykjavík Get?

As you might imagine, winter is when the capital experiences the most snowfall, between the months of late October and late April. December, January, February and March typically bring the most snowfall, with an average 1-inch accumulation, though sometimes up to two inches or more during these periods. If you plan to visit during these months, don’t be too concerned about your visit being disrupted. Reykjavík is prepared for snow, and you can still get out and enjoy the sights without trouble.

Average Snow in Reykjavík by Month

If you really want to break down the average snowfall in Reykjavík by month, this table should help you plan for your visit. 

Month	Average Snowfall Centimeters	Average Snowfall Inches
January	5cm	2in
February	5cm	2in
March	6cm	2.4in
April	3cm	1.2in
May	0.5cm	0.2in
June	0cm	0in
July	0cm	0in
August	0cm	0in
September	0.5cm	0.2in
October	1cm	0.4in
November	3cm	1.2in
December	5cm	2in

Tips for Icy Conditions in Reykjavík

Like any city, colder temperatures not only bring snow but also ice to the streets of Reykjavík. The capital actually utilises geothermal energy to keep pavements as clear as possible of ice and snow, so this should not be a problem when walking around the central pedestrian zones. When it comes to roads, Iceland is fairly competent at gritting main roads and roads close to Reykjavík, so this shouldn’t cause too many issues for your rental vehicle when navigating the capital. 

 

 

Overview of Weather in Reykjavík

Iceland is well known for its weather, which can change quickly and dramatically without much warning. For this reason, it’s important for you to know what to expect. Though you now know that Reykjavík doesn’t normally get an inconvenient amount of snow, you might still want to know a little more about the city’s weather in general.

Reykjavík gets a lot more rain than snow, with the rainiest parts of the year occurring between the months of September and February. During these months of the year, the city typically gets an average of 4 inches of rain, though sometimes as much as 7 or even 8 inches. This is why visitors are always advised to bring plenty of waterproof gear when packing for a trip to Iceland! Even in the summer months like June and July, visitors can expect rainfall in the area of 2-3 inches, so it’s always important to prepare for wet weather when traveling to Reykjavík.

In terms of temperatures in Reykjavík, you might be surprised. Many people expect Iceland to be extremely cold when in reality, it’s one of the milder Nordic countries. During the colder months (November to April), you can expect high temperatures up to about 4°C (40°F) and lows dipping down to roughly -2°C (28°F). Explore our blogs to find out more about the best times to visit Iceland. You can also learn about Iceland’s temperatures month by month.

Does it Snow Across Iceland?

If you’ve seen more than a handful of photos of Iceland, they’ve probably included snow! The answer is a resounding yes - it does snow in Iceland, though maybe not as much as you would expect of a Nordic country. 

When Does it Snow in Iceland?

Chances are, if you’re coming all the way to Iceland, you’ll want to get out of Reykjavík and see as much as you can. For this reason, it’s important to know what you should expect in terms of snow in areas of Iceland outside of the capital city, 

Snowfall in Iceland typically begins in late October and can last as late as the end of April. The peak months for snow in Iceland are December, January, February, and March. 

In most instances, if you stick to the main roads like the Ring Road, you’re unlikely to experience any difficulties when driving in the snow in Iceland. During the winter, all of our rental cars are fitted with snow tires, and if you want to be extra cautious, you can always choose to hire a 4x4. 

How Much Snow Does Iceland Get?

While Reykjavík experiences lighter snowfall, areas like the Westfjords, Akureyri in the north, or the remote Highlands can all experience significant snowfall, sometimes sitting beneath a thick blanket for the whole season. In fact, the Highlands get so much snow that the roads are closed and completely inaccessible during the winter months, meaning you’re unable to explore attractions located on F Roads.

Average Snowfall in Iceland by Month

Considering that different areas of Iceland get different levels of snow, it can be tricky to say generally how much snow Iceland gets as a whole. But taking all areas into account, the table below can tell you more about anticipated snowfalls in Iceland, month by month. 

Month	Average Snowfall Centimeters	Average Snowfall Inches
January	15cm	5.9in
February	18cm	7.1in
March	20cm	7.9in
April	12cm	4.7in
May	3cm	1.2in
June	0cm	0in
July	0cm	0in
August	0cm	0in
September	2cm	0.8in
October	5cm	2in
November	10cm	3.9in
December	14cm	5.5in

Snow & Ice Travel Tips in Iceland

Concerned about driving around the country with snow and ice causing havoc? Here are a couple of things you can do to stay alert and best-prepared when exploring Iceland during the winter months. Explore our dedicated guide to driving in snow in Iceland for more information.

1. Consider a 4x4: For complete peace of mind, consider renting a 4WD vehicle. With 4-wheel drive, you stand the best chance of navigating slippery or tricky road surfaces. Care will, of course, need to be taken when driving in poor weather conditions, regardless.
2. Check real-time road conditions: Iceland is famous for fast-changing weather thanks to high winds. Road.is is a great resource for checking road conditions in Iceland as they are right now, as well as checking weather maps to avoid storms. 
3. Flex around storms: If you do see an incoming snowstorm or rain shower and are keen to avoid it, stay put where you are and wait out the storm, as weather can change incredibly quickly in Iceland.

So, there you have it! Whether you’re sticking close to Reykjavík or plan to travel all over Iceland, you should have all the information you need regarding how much snow to expect. You may also want to do some research on which type of car you should rent in Iceland, depending on your plans!