Climate and Weather
Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable and everyone should be prepared for the unexpected.
In the year 2008 the temperature averages in Celsius (Centigrade) was as follows, the temperature in Skagaströnd is somewhere in-between.
Reykjavík Akureyri
- Jan. -0,2 -1,5
- Feb. -0,2 -0,4
- Mar. 0,8 -1,4
- April 3,9 1,4
- May 8,6 8,0
- June 10,6 9,1
- July 12,5 12,4
- Aug. 11,5 11,5
- Sep. 9,4 9,8
- Oct. 2,8 1,2
- Nov. 2,8 1,1
- Dec. 1,1 -0,3
In Icelandic the word “vedur” litterally means “weather” in English.
You can find the weather forecast in English on www.vedur.is/english.
If you will be driving in Iceland, you can read the road conditions in English on www.vegagerdin.is/english.
The climate in Iceland is not what most people think. We have a costal climate with mostly mild temperatures – sort of like the west coast of Canada and Ireland only a bit colder.
More on the weather on:
http://www.hi.is/~oi/climate_in_iceland.htm
and
http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/pageinfo_pays.php3?Pays=ISL&Opt=climate
also an Icelandic meteorological weather link at:
http://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/areas/northwest/#group=14&station=3317
Swimming pools are everywhere to be found in Iceland, most including a hot tub, so a bathing suit is something you might want to bring. Skagaströnd has a small pool open in the summer but the sea is too cold for bathing – except for the daring type.
A fine and larger pool is in Blönduós town.
Skagaströnd
The weather in Skagaströnd is very nice during the summer. Calm wind, not much rain and excelent situation for outdoor activities.
The situation is a bit different during the winter. Then there are however some guidelines you should take in considderation. However over the last decade the wather has changed a lot, we don’t get much snow and it is nice to enjoy outdoor activities.
You can find informations about the daily weather in Skagaströnd on the webside http://vedur.mogt.is/harbor/?action=Stations&harborid=7.
Clothing
When traveling to Iceland in winter you should bring along clothing similar to what you would wear at the same time of year in the US northeast.
Summer weather won’t require shorts; bring clothing similar to what you wear in spring in the US northeast.
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking books are always handy; it doesn’t usually get hot enough for sandals without socks. Whatever the season, always bring a bathing suit – you’ll need it for all the beautiful thermal pools!
Do’s and dont’s
The weather in Iceland can change very rapidly especially during the wintertime. The locals are used to that and behave accordingly, their advice can be of some help:
- Check daily on the weather forecast on the web
- Do not go hiking alone
- Don’t wear jeans or sneakers when hiking
- Let somone know about where your are going and also when you come back
Health insureance
Be prepared:
- Citizens of Scandinavia have to show passport in case of medical emergency.
- Citizens of EEA countries must have the E-111 form, otherwise the patient will be charged in full. Citizens of other countries must be charged in full.
For further information contact:
State Social Security Institute
Laugavegur 114
IS-105 Reykjavík
Tel.: +354-560-4400 · +354-560-4520
Office hours 08:05-15:30
