Overview

Date: April 2, 2026

Iceland experienced its warmest year on record in 2025, with a national average temperature of 5.2°C—an increase of 1.1°C compared to the average for 1991–2020. Monthly temperatures exceeded historical norms almost universally throughout the year. Spring was particularly notable, being the warmest ever documented, with May breaking all previous records. A significant heatwave in mid-May lasted for ten days, marking the most intense stretch of warm weather for that month in Iceland’s history. The year delivered generally stable weather, with a calm atmosphere and only a few stormy days. While early 2025 was relatively wet, conditions dried up significantly as the year progressed, and snow coverage was notably scant across the nation.

During the winter of 2024–2025, Iceland enjoyed mostly favorable conditions. December and January were colder, while February and March saw milder temperatures with minimal snowfall. However, February did see attempts at severe weather, notably a powerful southerly gale on February 5-6, categorized as one of the strongest storms in recent memory.

Spring was marked by extraordinary warmth, prompting vegetation to grow ahead of schedule. Early April showcased particularly high temperatures, and mid-May’s heatwave led to record-breaking highs, with Egilsstaðir Airport reaching 26.6°C on May 15.

In contrast, June turned cooler, with many regions experiencing lower average temperatures than May. Unusually low air pressure and significant precipitation were observed in northern and northeastern Iceland. The warmth returned in July and August, with July tying for the warmest July ever recorded, matching the heat of July 1933. Notably, July 14 brought 20°C or更 at approximately 70% of weather stations, while August hit 29.8°C on August 16 at Egilsstaðir Airport—the highest August temperature ever recorded.

September was particularly wet, especially in the Eastfjords and Strandir regions, leading to significant flooding and landslides. October’s early warmth gave way to colder conditions and substantial snowfall, particularly around October 27, when Reykjavík experienced its highest October snow depth on record, reaching 40 cm.

The year continued with cold, dry conditions in November and a notably warm December, ranking as the third warmest December in Iceland’s history. A new record was set on Christmas Eve in Seyðisfjörður, where temperatures climbed to 19.8°C.

Temperature

2025’s annual average temperature across Iceland reached 5.2°C, marking an unprecedented high and surpassing the former record set in 2014. Reykjavík saw an average of 6.1°C—1.0°C above previous averages—while Stykkishólmur recorded 5.7°C, 1.3°C above.

A closer look at various weather stations reveals patterns of warming throughout the country:

• Surtsey off the southern coast had the highest annual average at 7.3°C.
• Conversely, Gagnheiði recorded the lowest at -0.1°C.

Across all weather stations, temperatures consistently exceeded both the 1991–2020 average and the prior decade’s average. The largest deviations were noted in northern and northeastern highlands, with Hallormsstaðaháls reporting a 1.4°C anomaly. The year’s maximum temperature occurred at Egilsstaðir Airport on August 16, hitting 29.8°C, while the lowest was registered in Möðrudalur at -25.9°C on January 30.

In Reykjavík, the highest temperature of the year was recorded at 21.8°C on July 14, contrasted with the lowest of -10.9°C that same January. Similar patterns were seen in Akureyri.

Remarkably, 2025’s temperatures were significantly warmer when compared to 2024, which itself was particularly chilly. This stark contrast noted an approximate 1.8°C difference between the two years. The trend shows a troubling rise, with four of the five hottest years occurring in this century.

Temperature irregularities were particularly noticeable throughout the year. Every month, save for January, June, October, and November, was warm relative to historical averages. May topped as the warmest on record, while December was identified as the third warmest.

Precipitation

Precipitation levels in 2025 showed a complex pattern. Although total precipitation fell below the past decade’s average, many areas still reported figures exceeding the averages for 1991–2020. Early in the year saw generous rainfall, whereas later months transitioned towards dryness.

In Reykjavík, annual precipitation totaled 924.2 mm, slightly up relative to past averages, while Stykkishólmur saw 831.8 mm, well above its previous long-term average. Akureyri recorded 604.2 mm, and Dalatangi measured 1598.9 mm—both reflecting more varied trends relative to historical data.

January experienced abundant rainfall across most locations, particularly in southern Iceland. The winter overall proved wet in the west but drier in the northeast. April transitioned into a relatively dry month, but May exhibited variations that saw areas recording below-average precipitation. Conversely, June experienced heavy rains in the north, particularly on June 3-4, due to severe weather events.

The final months of the year displayed a dry trend nationwide; however, Reykjavík and parts of southwestern Iceland noted above-average precipitation in October. In December, while generally dry, localized storms brought considerable precipitation.

Snow

The year 2025 saw a significant reduction in snow cover nationwide. In Reykjavík, complete snow cover lasted only 32 days, a stark reduction from past averages. While January brought some heavy snowfalls, the latter part of winter gave way to unusually dry conditions, with highlands largely snow-free by early spring.

Notably, a cold spell in early June brought snowfall to the mountains, impacting farmers. However, conditions weren’t as severe as the previous year.

October delivered a surprising amount of snow, accumulating to record levels in Reykjavík by month’s end, causing widespread traffic disruptions.

Bright Sunshine

Across Reykjavík, sunshine hours totaled 1422.2, exceeding historical averages by 54 hours. Akureyri followed suit with similar sunny signs, marking a significant increase over both the past ten-year average and the long-term average.

While winter months were below average, spring particularly stood out due to sunny conditions. Summer in Akureyri was marked by average brightness, contrasting with a cloudier Reykjavík. Bombardments of volcanic haze in mid-July also impacted conditions.

Figures for the latter months reveal fluctuations around average sunshine hours, varying from the exceptionally bright to the overcast.

Sea Level Pressure

The nation’s average sea level pressure in Reykjavík was consistent with historical norms, clocking in at 1005.2 hPa. Records show that the highest pressure was achieved at Öndundarhorn on December 27.

Wind Speed

The calm nature of 2025 featured below-average wind speeds, with particularly gentle conditions in January, March, July, and November. The most severe weather event was a strong southerly gale in February, temporarily disrupting transportation.

Largely, the weather patterns of 2025 reveal a complex interplay of warmth, precipitation, and calmness—one that may inspire both awe and concern in an era of climate change.