What April feels like in Reykjavik
Mid-spring arrives in Reykjavik with April. Midday brings little warmth — expect coat-and-scarf weather from morning to evening. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Reykjavik in April
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 7 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. That is close to Reykjavik's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.2 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in April
Mid-month, Reykjavik gets 14 h 58 min of daylight, from sunrise near 5:59 am to sunset near 8:57 pm. Days are getting longer: 3 h 23 min more daylight than in mid-March. The sun is out for roughly 57% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How April compares to the rest of the year
In Reykjavik's temperature order, April sits as the 6th coolest month. Against March, the average high is 3°C (5.4°F) higher, with 6 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into May. By May, typical highs are 9.3°C (48.7°F).
Who April suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Reykjavik in April
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in April?
Afternoons average 6.1°C (43°F) and nights about 0.8°C (33.4°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 6th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in April?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 118 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in April?
Pack rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is April or May better for visiting Reykjavik?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#4 of 12 vs #5), rated Poor against Poor. May is warmer.