What August feels like in Reykjavik
Late summer arrives in Reykjavik with August. Expect cool, jacket-on afternoons — comfortable for a long walk. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Reykjavik in August
August is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Wet days average about 6.8 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Reykjavik averages about 7.2 mm per rainy day, so August is typical. It is among the three driest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
In mid-August, sunrise is at about 5:16 am and sunset at about 9:49 pm (local time) — 16 h 33 min of daylight. Compared with mid-July, the day has lost 3 h 18 min. About 56% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How August compares to the rest of the year
August is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Reykjavik. Compared with July, afternoons are 0.7°C (1.3°F) cooler, with 17 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into September. The next month's average high: 10.4°C (50.7°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- 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.
Tips for visiting Reykjavik in August
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Bright days make sunglasses worth packing.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in August?
Expect around 13.4°C (56.1°F) in the afternoon and 8.4°C (47.1°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in August?
It does: about 15 rainy days bring roughly 102 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in August?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is August or September better for visiting Reykjavik?
August, clearly: it ranks #3 of 12 among Reykjavik's months, against #7 for the other. September is cooler and has more rainy days.