Are you thinking about visiting Reykjavik, Iceland? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Reykjavik worth visiting?
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This city is a good place to visit for one to five days. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Money's Best Places to Travel in 2023. Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It makes a good starting point for exploring the country, but many people head quickly into Iceland's countryside, as that is what the region is known for. In town you'll find the National and Saga Museums, which offer a fascinating overview on the country's Viking past. Just outside of town is the world famous Blue Lagoon Spa, which is in the town of Grindavik. The city has a thriving nightlife scene that is centered around its many festivals.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reasons to Visit Reykjavik
Hiking
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.
Nightlife
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.
Shopping
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 Reykjavik worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Reykjavik is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the hiking and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Reykjavik
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| August | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| September | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Reykjavik worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather in Reykjavik can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Reykjavik, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery and get out into nature.
Autumn Weather in Reykjavik
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| November | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| December | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Reykjavik worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Reykjavik. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Reykjavik can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -0°C (32°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to take advantage of the local nightlife.
Winter Weather in Reykjavik
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| February | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Reykjavik worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Reykjavik. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Reykjavik can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. During this season it's fun to experience the quaint shops, the gorgeous scenery, and the nightlife scene.
Spring Weather in Reykjavik
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| June | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Reykjavik
Food: Reykjavik doesn't top the list for most foodies. 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).
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Reykjavik might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Reykjavik here or see if Reykjavik is expensive here.
Related
What is Reykjavik most famous for?
Reykjavik is most famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. People visit this impressive city for its great hiking. And many visitors also come to this city for its nightlife and shopping. It is often described as clean, green, safe, and friendly.
What is the most famous sight in Reykjavik?
The most popular sight in Reykjavik is The Thermal Pools. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Reykjavik on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Thermal Pools and other attractions here.
How touristy is Reykjavik? Is it a popular city to visit?
Reykjavik is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
- South Coast Summer Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik: $165
- Full Day Golden Circle - Guided Tour: $268
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- Golden Circle Small Group Day Tour: $90
- Reykjavík Walking Tour with access to private club: $174
- Private Reykjavik Cat Walking Tour: $149
- Cold & Hot: Adventure Spa Tour Combo: Silfra & Sky Lagoon Self-Drive: $210
How long should I spend in Reykjavik?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Reykjavik is one to five days. Since Reykjavik has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Reykjavik?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Reykjavik?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Reykjavik?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.