Temperature in Iceland

Many Icelanders like to talk about the weather – this natural phenomenon that sometimes seems to change before you know it. The weather has shaped the Icelandic nation during the ages. And the reason why there are no mosquitos in Iceland is probably because of the conditions in Iceland; changes in climate in Iceland are so rapid that the mosquito does not have sufficient time to complete its lifecycle (why.is/svar.php?id=5488). So we don’t have these annoying creatures.

The story says that a Norwegian viking Hrafna-Flóki gave the country its name – Iceland – when he around the year 866 AD is said to have seen icebergs in one of the fjords in the Westfjords. They say he stayed in the country for two years. The first recognized permanent Norse settler in Iceland was on the other hand Ingólfur Arnarson who came to Iceland with his family in 874. Yes – you can see that even the name of the country itself has to do with the consequences of the weather. But don’t worry – you won’t see icebergs near the country other than the icebergs in Jökulsárlón (http://icelagoon.is).

It’s not so cold in Iceland. It’s often rather warm – much warmer even than in some of the neighbouring countries. The Gulf-stream, a powerful and warm Atlantic ocean current originated in the Gulf of Mexico, influences the climate of Iceland (vedur.is/climatology/iceland) .

In summer, you can on good days enjoy sitting in the sun even in 20 degrees Celcius or more, even though normally the temperature is lower. The fact is that it’s normally warmer in the north and east part of the country than elsewhere. Normally that is. The endless sun shines 24 hrs during the summer days – of course only when it’s not cloudy – and watching the sunset at least one of these summer nights is something you should not miss if staying in Iceland. The colors? Red, pink, yellow, blue... A natural work of art.

Yes, you can on good days wear floral dresses during summer as well as shorts. Like everywhere in the world: Remember to use sunscreen. But it’s normally better to bring jacket or sweater with you and of course rain jacket or an umbrella. If you go into the Highlands, make sure you have a warm jacket with you. And remember: Don’t drive elsewhere than on the roads. The Icelandic nature is delicate and if you drive for example on moss, the car will leave marks that can take ages to recover. Show the Icelandic nature respect. It deserves it.

You can enjoy another type of a natural work of art during winter. The Northern Lights dance in rhythm once in a while and you can enjoy their performance on the theather of nature called Iceland. Sometimes it snows. Sometimes it rains. Sometimes the sky is clear and then you can look at the stars – when it’s dark of course – and try to see the man in the moon. During winter in Iceland, don’t get surprised if there are even 10 °C. Yes, it happens. But often it’s near 0 °C or colder. The nights are colder – like everywhere else. Drive safely on the slippery roads.