Reykjavík through the seasons: What to pack, wear and expect

Summer: Making the most of nearly 24-hour daylight 

June brings almost continuous daylight, while July and August still leave you with wonderfully long evenings. Walk the waterfront from Harpa Concert Hall towards the Sun Voyager, wander through the city centre and keep going out towards the Old Harbour and Grandi District. Or head uphill for views from Hallgrímskirkja's church tower before finding a sunny table for coffee, lunch or an early-evening drink. Reykjavík's chefs really know their stuff, so whether it's lamb soup, fresh fish, cinnamon buns or craft beer, you will find your new favourite dish in buzzing restaurants and cafes. 

Hit all the festivals, from Reykjavík Pride to Viking Festivals to the Reykjavik Marathon. Waterfalls are the fullest, hiking and running trails are beckoning, and while we're talking water, you can check out the geothermal energy plant, Reykavík´s largest. It's illuminating.

Summer is also the time to meet Reykjavík’s wild neighbours. Whale-watching tours are operated from the Old Harbour, taking visitors out onto Faxaflói Bay in search of whales, dolphins and puffins. Grab a jetski or hop on a bike then make an evening of the geothermal experience at Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvík, where warm water and ocean views will help relax every muscle in your body and increase your happiness levels (proven by generations of Icelanders over hundreds of years!).    

Temperatures are mild rather than hot – typically around 7–14°C (45-57°F) in June and 9–15°C (48-59°F) in July and August – so this is not necessarily T-shirt-and-shorts weather. 

What to pack

Pack light layers, a sweater or fleece, comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. And bring an eye mask if you need darkness to sleep although all hotels will have blackout blinds. 

Tiptoe Top Tip: Summer is the busiest season in Reykjavík. The days are very long, giving you more time to explore. It is the best time for outdoor activities, festivals, and day trips. The city is lively and full of people.

Autumn: Gently transitioning into winter 

In September, the days begin to shorten, temperatures fall and Reykjavík life starts to move indoors.

Autumn is a lovely time to explore Reykjavík on foot. Follow the paths around Tjdörnin, wander through Hljómskálagarður or head towards Grótta at the tip of Seltjarnarnes, where ocean, sky and mountains surround you. Then come back inside. Sip a tea, have that piece of cake you've been eyeing, browse the independent shops along Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, or spend an afternoon moving between galleries and museums in Kópavogur.

Autumn brings darkness. From September onwards, the northern lights reappear after a brief summer hiatus. On a clear night, you may be able to see them from Grótta or other darker locations around the capital area. 

Summer's lupines may be gone but the moss on lava fields and the trees in Reykjavík´s Green Belt remain vibrant into autumn. As the days shorten towards winter, take this as a sign to fit in fewer activities and allow yourself to prepare for winte - mindfully. There is no better place to do so than in one of the 18 geothermal public swimming pools spread across the capital area, where Reykjavík residents swim, soak, talk and catch up year-round. Try the historic Sundhöll in the city centre or make your way to Laugardalslaug, Reykjavík’s largest pool. You might want to pick up a Reykjavík City Card as it covers both admission fees and public bus fares to get there.

What to pack

Pack a warm sweater, waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes in September. By October, add a warmer coat, thermals and something that can stand up to the wind. Don´t bring or buy an umbrella - they are hopeless against the wind. Hat and gloves will be more useful.  

Tiptoe Top Tip: Autumn brings colourful landscapes and cooler weather. The crowds become smaller, and the northern lights start to appear again. It is a good season for travellers who want a mix of nature, culture, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Winter: Time to get kosý  

While the dark days can feel challenging, they also encourage a slower pace and a more local way of experiencing Reykjavík. Cafés become especially inviting, museums and galleries offer a warm refuge, and cultural venues such as Harpa or Salurinn Concert Hall come alive with full programming of Christmas concerts. Winter also brings a packed calendar of events, from the Winter Lights Festival and Dark Music Days to Food & Fun and Iceland Airwaves, ensuring there is always something happening despite the short days. 

Between strolls through the city, unwind in your hotel spa, stay awake for the northern lights, or explore museums that showcase Iceland's nature, history, and creativity. The festive atmosphere peaks in December, while New Year's Eve transforms the city with one of the world's most spectacular community fireworks celebrations. Winter travel requires flexibility, as weather and limited daylight can occasionally alter travel plans, but the combination of cosy city life, cultural events, dramatic skies and steaming geothermal water is exactly what makes Reykjavík worth visiting, even in the middle of winter.

What to pack 

Pack water- and windproof winter coat, thermal base layer, wool sweater, hat, scarf, gloves, thick socks, insulated boots and a swimming suit. 

Tiptoe Top Tip: You can travel light even in winter and avoid additional spending on a big winter coat because you simply can rent a coat or winter boots when you get here.     

Spring: Slowly emerging from winter slumber  

Spring usually arrives later in Reykjavík than in much of mainland Europe. Although Reykjavík lies well south of the Arctic Circle, at around 64°N, it is still only about 270 kilometres (168 miles) from it. So don't expect summer warmth too early in the season. Temperatures typically range from around 0–7°C (32–45°F) in April and 3–11°C (37–52°F) in May. Daylight, however, increases rapidly, from around 13 hours at the beginning of April to nearly 20 hours by the end of May.

As the city emerges from winter, it's a great time to explore Reykjavík outdoors. Walk through Elliðaárdalur Valley, go horseback riding, discover the trails around Perlan and Öskjuhlíð, or hike Úlfarsfell for panoramic views of the capital area.

Late spring also marks the return of puffins and other wildlife to Faxaflói Bay. Boat tours from Reykjavík offer excellent opportunities for whale watching and coastal sightseeing.

Weather can change quickly (no surprises there), so flexibility is key. If conditions turn, adjust your plans rather than cancelling them. Spend quality time in Reykjavík's museums, explore the Grandi District or go shopping.

By late spring, Reykjavík is already leaning towards summer, with brighter evenings, greener landscapes and a growing buzz of outdoor activity.

What to pack

Pack waterproofs, layers and good walking shoes. Keep the hat and gloves handy and sunglasses deserve a place in the bag too.  

Tiptoe Top Tip: Spring is a great time if you like quieter travel. The days get longer, flowers start to bloom, and the city feels fresh and full of new energy. There are usually fewer visitors than in summer.

What is the best time to visit Reykjavík?

• Visit in spring for awakening nature, budding trees, smaller crowds, and that wellness break you´ve been craving.  
• Visit in summer if you want festivals and outdoor adventures, endless daylight and a respite from sizzling temperatures back home.
• Visit in autumn for a slower pace, a trip where you catch the tail of summer but also start seeing the auroras.
• Visit in winter for Christmas magic, fresh air, big starry skies, lie-ins and probably the best northern lights experiences.