What March feels like in Akureyri
March is early spring in Akureyri. Afternoons struggle to get past 0.8°C (33.4°F), close to the coolest of the year: it feels properly wintry even at midday. Nights fall to about -4°C (24.8°F), about 4.8°C (8.6°F) below the afternoon, well below freezing. Humidity averages 82%: damp air makes the cold feel rawer.
Rain in Akureyri in March
Rain falls on about 18 of 31 days; wet days bring about 5.9 mm (0.2 in), steady rain rather than a passing shower, close to the city's usual 6.3 mm. With temperatures this low, much of it likely falls as snow.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 4th coolest month of the year; afternoons are only 0.4°C (0.7°F) warmer than in February, with 11 mm more rain. Temperatures keep climbing into April, to about 3.1°C (37.6°F), and it gets drier.
March in Akureyri: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years March averages -1 to 3°C (30 to 37°F) in the afternoon, with 60–165 mm of rain or snow. Rain or snow falls about every other day in an average March.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest March | 2022 | 3.6°C (38.5°F) | 74 mm | 16 |
| Coldest March | 2023 | -2.7°C (27.1°F) | 93 mm | 21 |
| Wettest March | 2021 | 2.6°C (36.7°F) | 180 mm | 21 |
| Driest March | 2017 | 1.2°C (34.2°F) | 51 mm | 14 |
Odds across years
In 7 of 20 years, March had 21 or more wet days. In 4 of 20 years, it had under 70 mm of rain or snow. In 4 of 20 years, the average high reached 2°C (35.6°F) or more. In 6 of 20 years, it stayed below 0°C (32°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain or snow falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — much too cold to sit outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain or snow on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Akureyri in March
Rain Protection
Rain or snow is frequent, so bring a waterproof jacket and boots with grip.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat, plus warm shoes for icy pavements.
What to wear in Akureyri in March
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around -3°C (27°F): a proper winter coat, gloves and a hat.
- Afternoon, around 1°C (33°F): the coat stays on, even at midday.
- Evening, around -2°C (29°F): back near freezing, so keep every layer on and watch for icy pavements.
Cold year or mild year
In a cold year like 2023, March highs averaged only -2.7°C (27.1°F), so one extra warm layer is worth packing. Even in a mild year like 2022 they reached just 3.6°C (38.5°F), so the winter coat still comes.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 4 wet days in a week, as rain or snow, with about 5.9 mm (0.2 in) on each.
- A winter coat with a waterproof outer layer
- 2 warm mid-layers and a thermal base layer
- Gloves and a hat
- Warm boots with grip
Travelling on specific dates? Check your exact dates in the Trip Planner.
Quick questions
How warm is Akureyri in March?
Afternoons average 0.8°C (33.4°F) and nights about -4°C (24.8°F), freezing by most people's standards; it is the 4th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Akureyri in March?
Yes: rain falls about every other day and totals about 106 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying. With temperatures this low, much of it likely falls as snow.
What should I wear in Akureyri in March?
Pack rain protection and warm layers, plus a layer for cold mornings and evenings.
Is March or April better for visiting Akureyri?
April scores clearly better on our climate ranking (#6 of 12 vs #9). April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.
