About Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic island country between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Europe and North America. It is Europe's westernmost and most sparsely populated country. Its capital and largest city is Reykjavík, which is home to about 35% of the country's roughly 395,000 residents. The official language of the country is Icelandic. Iceland is on a rift between tectonic plates, and its geologic activity includes geysers and frequent volcanic eruptions. The interior consists of a volcanic plateau with sand and lava fields, mountains and glaciers, and many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate, despite being at a latitude just south of the Arctic Circle. Its latitude and marine influence keep summers chilly, and most of its islands have a polar climate.
Climate in Reykjavik
Warmest August, coolest February, driest July, sunniest July.
Monthly climate normals for Reykjavik, 2020| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Sunshine |
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| January | 2.2°C | -2.5°C | 164mm | 43h |
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| February | 1.4°C | -2.5°C | 111mm | 95h |
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| March | 2.1°C | -2.2°C | 101mm | 174h |
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| April | 5.8°C | 0.7°C | 133mm | 163h |
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| May | 8.6°C | 3.5°C | 117mm | 299h |
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| June | 11.7°C | 6.8°C | 99mm | 250h |
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| July | 12.3°C | 7.8°C | 64mm | 337h |
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| August | 12.5°C | 8.6°C | 177mm | 199h |
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| September | 9.1°C | 4.8°C | 155mm | 189h |
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| October | 6.8°C | 2.9°C | 96mm | 158h |
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| November | 3.7°C | -0.1°C | 131mm | 59h |
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| December | 2.8°C | -1.1°C | 145mm | 15h |
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Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)
Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.
Travel guide
Iceland is a stunningly beautiful place if you enjoy strange and desolate landscapes interspersed with glaciers, volcanoes, rivers and waterfalls. It is a place for hiking, ice climbing, kayaking in glacial waters, and relaxing in geothermal hot springs, and there are many tours available for those looking for a less strenuous vacation.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Surtsey
- Thingvellir National Park
- Vatnajökull National Park
Upcoming public holidays
Full source list on About.
Iceland
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