What March feels like in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, March is early spring on the calendar. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. There is little difference between day and night: nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Reykjavik in March
March is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 7.3 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. Across the year Reykjavik averages about 7.2 mm per rainy day, so March is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in March
Mid-month, Reykjavik gets 11 h 35 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:50 am to sunset near 7:25 pm. Since mid-February the day has gained 3 h 4 min. The sun is out for roughly 55% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 4th coolest month in Reykjavik. Afternoons run 1°C (1.8°F) warmer than in February, with 12 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into April. The next month's average high: 6.1°C (43°F).
Who March 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 March
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in March?
It feels cold: typical highs are 3.1°C (37.6°F), with lows near -1.7°C (28.9°F).
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in March?
Quite a lot — 124 mm spread over about 17 days.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in March?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is March or April better for visiting Reykjavik?
April, clearly: it ranks #5 of 12 among Reykjavik's months, against #8 for the other. April is warmer.