The sun rises at 3ap and sets at 12 am. And in addition to experiencing rain, snow, sleet, and sunshine all in the same day, you might also have to deal with some pretty high winds. If you are in a small lighter vehicle then you will be more susceptible to a strong gust of wind. The increase in temperature is an obvious reason why it might be better to visit Iceland between June and September. Is Camping in Iceland a Good Idea Given How Windy it is? Now, the summer is over. Back in 2015, Iceland experienced a terrible winter storm near Vík with winds up to 160 mph (258 km/h). Sunny summer day. But if the wind is gusting at over 40 mph you would be wise to keep driving to a minimum. The websites for the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the Road and Coastal Administration are the ones to bookmark. If the wind gets really strong, you want to have tents that are well secured by having tent stakes driven deep into the ground. Windfinder.com is also a useful tool. And don’t say I didn’t warn you. Driving in Iceland’s wind is not to be taken lightly. But it is very rare. If you are in a small lighter vehicle then you will be more susceptible to a strong gust of wind. The regular July temperature in the southern part of the island is 10°C to 13°C, however warm summer days can reach 20°C to 25ºC. Summers are not as wet as spring, but it does rain occasionally. Iceland experiences the Autumn season between late August and October with temperatures between 2°C and 12°C. They’ve grown up in this climate, and they’re very familiar with the weather. Disclaimer: winters in Iceland are seriously not as cold as you would think. Pros of Summer in Iceland. We’ve had some of our blog readers ask if it’s possible to go tent camping in Iceland in spite of the wind. But those beautiful summer nights can be cold and it can rain a lot during the summer, so you still need to bring warm clothes and rain gear with you but also pack shorts and T-shirt. Save Comp. It is very windy, but the best thing to see is the change of colors in the landscape. Hiring a small campervan is probably the most practical choice for high winds. ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE: CDW, TP, GP AND SCDW INSURANCE. And now it seems to be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. If the wind isn’t too changeable then you might also use the bulk of your motorhome to shield your tent. Along with these Arctic, storms come full force winds. Often times the general temperature might be reasonably mild. Sure, we do have ice caves, glacier hiking, dog sledding and the Northern Lights during winter time, but we do summer even better with longer days, warmer nights and an endless list of things to do around the country. Therefore, when you look at the weather forecast, do not forget to take wind speed into consideration. Summer is the time of the Midnight Sun, a phenomenon which many associate with Iceland— and rightly so. Iceland can be very windy. When you are opening the door keep two hands there to steady it. Wind Gusts in Iceland A gust of wind may not seem like a big deal, but it can be when wind speeds are high. A decade ago, no one was talking about this tiny Nordic island in the North Atlantic. Being a rock in the middle of the Atlantic ocean and having no landmass between our country and Antarctica can make for some temperamental weather. Likewise, if you are in a high vehicle such as a motorhome you will have a larger area to catch the wind. This is especially true on the Iceland Ring Road and around coastal areas. However, winters in Iceland are very windy, which made it hard to stay at outdoor points of interest for long stretches of time. Precipitation varies from North to South, being this last one the rainiest region of the country. You can’t really blame them; the Land of Fire and Ice is one of the most spectacular, breathtaking places on Earth. Bring a high-quality windbreaker and maybe even a balaclava to protect your face from being lashed by high winds. At what point the wind becomes too dangerous to drive depends on a couple of factors. In the south, there are also wide-open plains. And things change quickly almost from one hour to the next. Iceland sure gets windy, but we also have wonderful still days like you can see above. At the gates of the polar circle, from mid-June to mid-July, the midnight sun, that never really sets, illuminates the bright nights of summer. Otherwise, you might be chasing the flying canvas across the parking lot! They both issue advisories and severe weather warnings. In most countries these act as an effective windbreak. In most countries these act as an effective windbreak. And while it is busier in the summer, if you don’t plan ahead you will still find it hard to get a hotel room in the winter. the concept of extreme and phototourism. Then if things are a little too wild you can retreat to the safety of your rental camper van. Only elves live under a rock! I also always tell people to pitch their tent against some sort of vertical surface. When the winds are blowing really strongly, they’ve been known to reach 32 mph (52 km/h) on some days. Iceland does not have a rainy season, but precipitation peaks in October to February, with the southern and western parts receiving the most rainfall. On a regular day, wind speeds could be about 10-15 mph or 16-24 km/ph. Wild seas and stormy weather buffet this little island on the edge of the Arctic Circle. If you come to Iceland for vacation, you need to be prepared to face the wind. Another weather feature Iceland is renowned for, both in summer and winter, is the strong winds that batter the country. But what catches many first-time visitors off guard is the wind. But how strong does the wind really get? Historically, Iceland in October is more of rain and windy weather, than cold winters. Tourists who have chosen not to heed their warnings have ended up blown off the road. Iceland’s Weather and Climate: How Windy Does it Really Get? At what point the wind becomes too dangerous to drive depends on a couple of factors. It is, that comes with a few caveats. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so always use the tools at your disposal when driving in Iceland’s wind. And how wary of it should you be? Regardless of whether you are searching for some adventure or fun activities for the whole family, Iceland in summer is the best option for you. In the south, there are also wide-open plains. The long days and warm nights make it easier to stay up late, see more and do more! In winter it drops significantly but it is the wind chill factor that really takes it sub-zero. The climate in Iceland is windy and cloudy most of the year. In the summer months, much of Iceland sees around 21 hours of daylight. There are also electric boards on the road the display temperature and wind speed. It is an easy one to fall foul of. Contrary to the dark winter nights which bring us the dazzling Northern Lights, the summer nights are bright. Secret Solstice, LungA and Eistnaflug only to name a few that you should visit! Do keep in mind it doesn’t get super-hot in the summer either. Iceland is a low crime country, so the largest threats and hazards posed are by natural phenomena and the weather. But I can say that going to Iceland in the winter is definitely a great idea: it’s a winter wonderland! A quick look at any weather forecast for Iceland will show you that it varies greatly. There are also several useful road and weather travel apps for tourists in Iceland. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll have a better idea of the scope of what you’re getting into. Summer is very cool throughout Iceland. Similar Photos See All. In winter it drops significantly but it is the wind chill factor that really takes it sub-zero. In this article, we will blow away any confusion and tell you which way the wind really blows. The average wind speed in Iceland is 19 kilometers per hour (5.2 meters per second or 11.6 miles per hour). And how do you deal with the extreme weather that you encounter? This is pretty easy, this is a long list because obviously there’s a lot of pros to summer in Iceland. Yes, it can be very rough - north west Scotland, the Orkneys and Shetland Islands are notoriously windy. In fact, wind speeds of a staggering 141 mph were recorded on the south coast back in 2015. The result is pretty much an endless fight between two titans making Iceland a humid, rainy country. It also changes quickly so you should always keep a sharp eye on the forecasts when planning a trip. Iceland is extremely windy; when combined with sleet and freezing rain of October you’ll need to protect yourself from the elements. Windy Baltic Sea. If you think that’s rough, you haven’t seen anything yet. While most people associate hurricanes with more tropical climes, I can assure you that Iceland has its fair share of gale force winds. With the … I recommend coming in the summer because the weather is less harsh. On a day with little to no wind, gusts will be around 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h). We receive warm currents from the Gulf stream but also cold winds from the North Pole. I worked in Lerwick for a few weeks, and it's easily up there with Iceland in the windy stakes. The photo above is taken at the Snæfellsjökull National Park, near the coastal towns of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Iceland Summer Weather and the Midnight Sun . I recommend coming in the summer because the weather is less harsh. While windiness can vary from place to place and season to season, let’s take a look at Reykjavik to see some wind forecasts. If for some reason you find yourself caught in a windstorm, have the good sense to pull over and wait until it passes. If you are hiring a campervan then the single most important thing to do is regularly check the weather forecast. So just how windy is it in Iceland? Weather Resources for Iceland. Extreme weather conditions and potent storms will definitely cause wind conditions to pick up. Have you ever tried putting up or taking down a tent in a gale? When is it too windy to drive in Iceland? If the weather is calm you can enjoy sleeping al fresco. Then the wind chill factor kicks in and you are feeling the icy chill of the North Pole ice fields. In most countries, we don’t need to think about it too often but in Iceland, it’s a common occurrence. But those beautiful summer nights can be cold and it can rain a lot during the summer, so you still need to bring warm clothes and rain gear with you but also pack shorts and T-shirt. Especially if your mind is on the natural wonder you are about to see. In this flatter area, there are no mountains to shelter you either. But thankfully it’s not that powerful all the time. We’ve had some of our blog readers ask if it’s possible to go tent camping in Iceland in spite of the wind. While it is rare to have winds this strong, you should never underestimate weather conditions in Iceland, especially during a storm. If you do decide to brave it then make sure the tents stakes are well anchored in the ground. On average, the temperature is between 10° to 15°C (50-59°F). The summer months June - August are the warmest in Iceland, we have daylight 24/7 and the sun is shining. You can also visit weather.com to look up the wind forecast for specific cities.. Now all of this isn’t to say that it’s super windy in Iceland all the time. While summer in Iceland never actually gets scorching (20°C is usually its max) it does heat up and there are real benefits to exploring the country without fear of frostbite.