A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lyon vs. Reykjavik for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lyon or Reykjavik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Reykjavik, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lyon

Lyon is a authentic, historic, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Lyon is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lyon travel costs.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty in Reykjavik as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Reykjavik travel costs.

Lyon and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Thermal Pools
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Lyon or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lyon than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lyon is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. Lyon is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also well known for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Lyon different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Lyon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lyon or Reykjavik?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Lyon or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lyon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Lyon has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.


Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Lyon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Reykjavik?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Lyon or Reykjavik More Beautiful?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon and Reykjavik are somewhat similar when it comes to the amazing scenery.

You'll find world class beauty in Lyon as well. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.

Reykjavik is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.


Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon and Reykjavik are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Lyon is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon and Reykjavik are both superb to visit as a couple.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Lyon is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.


Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Lyon is a great destination for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Is Lyon or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Lyon is top-notch. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Lyon or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Lyon
Reykjavik

Lyon and Reykjavik both are superb when exploring on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Reykjavik?

In either Lyon or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lyon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lyon than Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Lyon than Reykjavik. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lyon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lyon than Reykjavik. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lyon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lyon than Reykjavik if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lyon.


  • How many days in Lyon or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lyon 2-5 
    Reykjavik 1-5

One day in Lyon or Reykjavik?

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Reykjavik?

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Lyon or Reykjavik?

People visit Lyon because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the safe destination of Reykjavik. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.


A week in Lyon or Reykjavik?

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The safe city of Reykjavik offers nightlife and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Lyon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lyon is €155, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €256. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lyon and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lyon 53
    Reykjavik 133
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lyon 106
    Reykjavik 266
Compare Hotels in Lyon and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Lyon or Reykjavik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lyon


Hotels in Reykjavik


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lyon Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lyon 17
    Reykjavik 44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    5.20
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Transfers by Private Drivers Lyon St Exupery Airport to Lyon: $77
  • Transfer: Saint Exupéry Airport(LYS) to Lyon City Center: $49
  • Transfer: Lyon City Center to Saint Exupéry Airport(LYS): $49
  • Transfer Privé Lyon saint exupery airport to lyon : $115
  • Private transfer from or to Lyon train stations - Lyon city by car or luxury van: $45
  • Private transfer from Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport to Lyon: $103
  • Private transfer from Lyon LYS airport to Méribel: $576
  • Private transfer from Lyon LYS airport to Courchevel 18500: $591
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $153
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Sedan Car: $89
  • Private Transfer: Port of LYON to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $104
  • Private Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $104

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
  • Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
  • Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $27
  • From Reykjavik/Keflavik Airport: 1-Way Blue Lagoon Transfer: $28
  • Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $29
  • Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $29
  • Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavik and Reykjavik Hotels: $36
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $37
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $43
  • Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn): $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Lyon or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Lyon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lyon 71
    Reykjavik 50
Typical Food Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • No Diet Club - Food tour with many tastings ! (Lyon Sud): $57
  • Street Food Tour: $62
  • Lyon Street Food Tour : $63
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $67
  • 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour: $68
  • Presqu'île : 3h Food tour in the heart of the city: $72
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $73
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $77
  • Bakeries and Pastries Food Tour: $83
  • Lyon Exclusive Best Bakeries and Pastries Food Tour - Max 8 Ppl: $84
  • Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $89

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    170

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $95
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $123
  • Icelandic Food Tour: $123
  • Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $123
  • Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $133
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
  • Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: $179
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
  • Private Christmas Food Tour with a Local Guide: $206
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lyon 20
    Reykjavik 69
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    45

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $26
  • 1-hour tourist walk with guide: $37
  • 2 hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Lyon : $210
  • 2h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $37
  • 3 Hours Private Bike Tour in Lyon with a Guide: $171
  • 3-Hour Gourmet Tour of the Presqu’île in Lyon: $73
  • 3h - Electric Bike Tour of Lyon with a Local Guide: $53
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $11
  • Alternative Tour: Murals and Hidden Frescoes of Lyon: $44
  • An unusual city tour with sketches: $62
  • Audio-Guided Tour of the United States Quarter and Painted Walls: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of Old Lyon: $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    10
  • Wine and Spa
    28

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Reykjavík Self Guided Interactive City Tour: $7.36
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $21
  • Icelandic Phallological Museum Entry Ticket: $23
  • Saga Museum Entry Ticket: $25
  • Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $26
  • Settlement and Egils Saga Exhibition Ticket: $26
  • Saga Museum - Entrance ticket: $27
  • Whales of Iceland Museum Entrance Ticket: $30
  • Northern Lights: Aurora Basecamp Observatory Guided Experience: $30
  • Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon Self-Guided Driving Tour: $32
  • World War II Walking tour around the city centre: $37
  • Entry Ticket to FlyOver Iceland Experience: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lyon 24
    Reykjavik 27
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    6.80
  • Bottle of Wine
    15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Beaujolais Segway Tour with Wine Tasting: $62
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $94
  • Music Tour with Wine Tasting: $95
  • Traboules and Wine Tasting in Lyon Old Town: $101
  • From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $102
  • Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $102
  • From Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour: $102
  • Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $104
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $104
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $104
  • Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $105
  • Beaujolais wine tour from Lyon half day: $114

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    8.39

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $31
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $35
  • Reykjavik Bar Crawl 5-Stop Nightlife Tour with Drinks Included: $195
  • Private Brewery & Beer Tasting Tour: $407
  • Microbrewery and Distillery Private Tour: $410


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Lyon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lyon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lyon and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Lyon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lyon Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lyon or Reykjavik?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Reykjavik, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Lyon or Reykjavik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lyon or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Lyon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Lyon is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 22°C (71°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Lyon. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lyon 22°C (71°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Reykjavik. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Lyon is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lyon 14°C (56°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. In the winter, Lyon is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lyon in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lyon 4°C (39°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Lyon or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Lyon is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 11°C (53°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lyon usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lyon 11°C (53°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Lyon

Lyon Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)