Reykjavík in March

In March, Reykjavík averages 4°C (39°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (80 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 6 days.

March 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.).

4°C
Avg high
-1°C
Avg low
13
Rain days
80 mm
Rainfall
6
Snow days

How March compares to the rest of the year in Reykjavík

8th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
11 h 39 min
daylight on the 15th

March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Reykjavík (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (7°C). March runs 1°C warmer than February (3°C) and warms a further 2°C into April (6°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Reykjavík

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:47 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:26 PM
Day length
11 h 39 min

Times shown for Reykjavík local time (Atlantic/Reykjavik), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Reykjavík — March

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Reykjavík's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:47 AM – 7:27 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:27 AM – 8:27 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:46 PM – 7:46 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:46 PM – 8:26 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.
Aurora visibility
Good
Reykjavík is auroral-friendly this month; check 3-day Kp forecasts and head somewhere dark when activity spikes.

📅 When to book — Reykjavík in March

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 March's tier (Off-peak) and Reykjavík's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — March in Reykjavík

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Reykjavík — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: challenging tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — March in Reykjavík

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
4
Moderate
Use SPF 15-30 for prolonged outdoor exposure; sunglasses recommended at peak hours.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

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.

❄️ Snowy — Reykjavík in March

Snow days (typical)
6
days/month
Avg low
-1°C
30°F
Avg day high
4°C
39°F

Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.

Sea temperature in Reykjavík — March

2.9°C (37°F)
freezing
polar plunge only — risk of cold shock

Across the year Reykjavík's sea swings from 1.9°C (January) to 12.4°C (August) — March sits at 2.9°C.

Reykjavík in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 March weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Reykjavík in March →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Reykjavík in March?

In March, Reykjavík averages a high of 4°C (39°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in March?

March can be fairly wet in Reykjavík, with about 13 rainy days on average and roughly 6 snow days.

Is March a good time to visit Reykjavík?

March is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Reykjavík in March?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Reykjavík for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Reykjavík on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.