Reykjavík in August
In August, Reykjavík averages 13°C (55°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (60 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
August in Reykjavík is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How August compares to the rest of the year in Reykjavík
August is one of the warmest months in Reykjavík (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (7°C). August runs 1°C cooler than July (14°C) and cools 3°C in September (10°C).
August sunrise & sunset in Reykjavík
Times shown for Reykjavík local time (Atlantic/Reykjavik), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Reykjavík — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Reykjavík's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Reykjavík in August
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and Reykjavík's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — August in Reykjavík
This is a busy month in Reykjavík — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — August in Reykjavík
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Reykjavík — August
Across the year Reykjavík's sea swings from 1.9°C (January) to 12.4°C (August) — August sits at 12.4°C.
Reykjavík in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -2°C / 28°F | 75 mm | 14 | 8 |
| February | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 70 mm | 13 | 7 |
| March | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 80 mm | 13 | 6 |
| April | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 60 mm | 12 | 3 |
| May | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 39°F | 45 mm | 10 | 1 |
| June | 12°C / 54°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 50 mm | 10 | 0 |
| August | 13°C / 55°F | 9°C / 48°F | 60 mm | 11 | 0 |
| September | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F | 70 mm | 11 | 0 |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 95 mm | 14 | 1 |
| November | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 80 mm | 13 | 4 |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 80 mm | 14 | 7 |
Other cities with similar August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Reykjavík in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Reykjavík in August?
In August, Reykjavík averages a high of 13°C (55°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in August?
August can be fairly wet in Reykjavík, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is August a good time to visit Reykjavík?
August is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Reykjavík in August?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Reykjavík for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.