Weather in Raufarhöfn

To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the weather conditions in Raufarhöfn in advance. Here you will find current reports, detailed charts, and a fresh weather forecast.

The climate in Raufarhöfn, the northernmost settlement on the mainland, can be described as maritime subarctic. The proximity of the ocean plays a key role here: it softens winter chills, preventing temperatures from dropping to extreme values, but also prevents the air from warming up significantly in summer. The weather is characterised by constant coolness and freshness, creating that rugged northern atmosphere that travellers seek in these parts.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations are quite weak. Summer here is short and very cool, with average readings of around +8...+10°C, which is ideal for active tourism but requires warm clothing. Winter in this corner, representing Iceland in its pristine form, is surprisingly mild for subpolar latitudes: the thermometer usually shows from -1°C to -4°C, although the cold may feel sharper due to the winds.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is high cloud cover and frequent precipitation throughout the year. The number of "wet" days varies from 11 to 19 per month, with rain or snowfall distributed quite evenly across the seasons. Clear skies are rare here, so high-quality waterproof and windproof gear will become your main companion on the trip.

The climate in the northernmost part of the mainland is harsh but softened by the influence of the ocean. When planning a trip to Raufarhöfn, it is worth being prepared for cool weather in any season. The coldest period lasts from December to February, when the average temperature holds around -1.5°C. Thanks to sea winds, severe frosts are rare here: the thermometer in winter usually fluctuates in the range of -3.7°C to +1°C.

Summer in this region of Iceland is very fresh, and exhausting heat never occurs. The warmest months are July and August with average figures of about +9.7°C and a maximum of up to +12°C. Warm clothes will be needed even at the height of the season. Notably, the beginning of autumn can be quite mild: in September, the daytime temperature often reaches +9.5°C, preserving echoes of summer warmth before the coming cooling.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the stability of the temperature regime throughout the day. The difference between day and night readings is small, averaging 4–5 degrees. This means that with sunset, there is no sharp cooling of the air, however, it is important for tourists to remember that even on summer nights, the temperature rarely exceeds +7...+8°C.

When planning a trip to Raufarhöfn, be prepared for the fact that precipitation is a frequent guest here at any time of year. This northernmost town located in Iceland is distinguished by a humid climate, where the concept of a "dry season" is quite relative. Even in the most favourable periods, the sky is often covered with clouds, and the number of days with precipitation rarely drops below eleven per month.

The winter period and deep autumn are characterised by the highest frequency of bad weather. January is considered the gloomiest month, when snow or rain can fall for up to 19 days. Given the sub-zero temperatures that persist from December to March, precipitation most often falls in the form of snow. October is also distinguished by high humidity (about 18 days with precipitation), so tourists need reliable waterproof and insulated clothing at this time of year.

Summer and mid-spring bring relative calm, although there are no completely dry months here. April is statistically the period with the least amount of precipitation (about 11 days), followed by July and August. In the summer months, when the temperature rises to 8–10°C, precipitation falls mainly in the form of rain or the fine drizzle characteristic of the region.

When preparing for a trip to Raufarhöfn, the northernmost village on the mainland, it is important to remember the harsh and changeable nature of the local climate. The main principle of wardrobe selection here is layering. Since even in the warmest summer months, July and August, the average temperature holds around +9°C, thermal underwear will become your best friend in any season. Wear a fleece jacket or woollen sweater over it, and the final layer should be a high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket (membrane), as the winds here can be piercing.

In winter, when the temperature drops below freezing, a warm parka, insulated trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves are added to the list of mandatory items. In summer, the weather is milder, but one should not relax: a light hat and windbreaker will be useful even on a sunny day. Pay special attention to footwear: for comfortable walks, durable trekking boots with a good tread and water-repellent impregnation are necessary, as the number of wet days in the year is high.

Regarding accessories, be sure to take sunglasses to protect your eyes from the low sun and glare on water or snow. Instead of an umbrella, which may be useless during strong gusts of wind, it is better to pack a sturdy raincoat in your suitcase. And, of course, do not forget swimwear: even in a cool climate, visiting local geothermal pools remains one of the main pleasures for travellers.