A significant wet weather system is moving across Iceland this weekend, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and reduced visibility to much of the country. Veðurstofa Íslands — Iceland’s national meteorological office — has issued warnings for multiple regions, and travellers should check conditions before heading out.
Key takeaways
- Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast across most of Iceland this weekend.
- The South Coast, West, and Westfjords face the worst conditions.
- Highland roads such as the F-roads may be temporarily impassable.
- Conditions are expected to ease early next week, but remain unsettled.
- Travellers should monitor Veðurstofan (en.vedur.is) for live updates before driving or hiking.
Which parts of Iceland will be worst affected by the wet weather?
The heaviest rainfall is expected along the South Coast — from Reykjavík east through Vík í Mýrdal and toward the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon — as well as across the West region and the Westfjords. These areas sit directly in the path of the incoming Atlantic low-pressure system.
Reykjavík itself is forecast to see persistent rain throughout Saturday and into Sunday morning, with gusts making conditions feel more severe than the temperature alone suggests. The capital’s Laugavegur shopping street and the Old Harbour area will be wet underfoot for much of the weekend.
The North — including Akureyri and the Mývatn area — faces a mixed picture. Rain is likely on Saturday, but conditions there are expected to be less intense than in the south and west. The East Fjords region may see the lightest impact overall, though localised showers remain possible.
How long will the rain last across Iceland?
The core of the weather system is forecast to push through Iceland on Saturday, with the worst rain and wind concentrated between Saturday morning and Saturday evening. Sunday should see gradual improvement in some areas, but showers will persist, particularly in the west and south.
By Monday, drier and calmer conditions are expected to return to much of the country, though meteorologists caution that the broader pattern remains unsettled. So travellers arriving mid-week next week are likely to find improved, if still changeable, conditions — typical of an Icelandic summer.
Is it safe to travel in Iceland this weekend?
Travel is not impossible, but it requires careful preparation and real-time monitoring. Iceland’s road conditions can change rapidly, and wet weather significantly increases risk on mountain roads, narrow coastal routes, and river crossings.
The key safety steps for this weekend are:
- Check Vegagerðin (road.is) — Iceland’s Road Administration — for live road closures and conditions before every journey.
- Check Veðurstofan (en.vedur.is) for the latest weather warnings and wind forecasts.
- Avoid driving on F-roads (highland interior roads) unless you have confirmed they are open and you are in a capable 4×4 vehicle.
- If flying domestically or internationally, contact your airline directly — Icelandair and Eagle Air both operate routes that can be affected by high winds.
- Give extra stopping distance on wet roads, especially on Route 1, the Ring Road, where surface water can build quickly.
Local authorities have not issued a national travel ban, but official warnings at the yellow or orange level carry serious weight in Iceland and should not be ignored. When Veðurstofan issues an orange warning, conditions are considered dangerous enough to affect safety.
Will the weather affect the highlands and popular hiking routes?
Yes — and this is where travellers need to pay closest attention. The Icelandic highlands, accessible via F-roads such as the F35 (Kjalvegur) and F26 (Sprengisandur), are extremely exposed to wind and rain. Flash flooding and rapidly rising rivers are genuine hazards during heavy rainfall in the interior.
The popular Laugavegur trail, which runs between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk through the southern highlands, crosses several unbridged rivers. Heavy rain raises water levels fast and can make crossings impassable or dangerous within hours. Hikers already on the trail should monitor conditions closely and follow guidance from hut wardens at Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, and Þórsmörk.
Þingvellir National Park — one of Iceland’s most visited sites, around 40 kilometres northeast of Reykjavík — will remain accessible by road this weekend, but expect wet trails and limited visibility on the Almannagjá rift walk.
Skaftafell, in Vatnajökull National Park, and the trails around Svartifoss waterfall are hikeable in rain, but paths become slippery. Waterproof footwear and layered clothing are not optional in these conditions.
What are meteorologists forecasting for the coming week in Iceland?
Forecasters at Veðurstofan indicate that the wet system will clear the country by Monday, bringing a brief respite. However, another low-pressure area may approach from the Atlantic mid-week, meaning conditions could turn unsettled again by Wednesday or Thursday.
Temperatures in Reykjavík are expected to remain in the 9–13°C range through next week — cool by northern European summer standards but within the normal range for Iceland in July. Wind is the variable that matters most: even light rain becomes unpleasant when wind speeds exceed 15–20 metres per second, which is forecast for exposed coastal and highland areas this weekend.
Travellers planning to visit later in the coming week should watch the extended forecast closely. Iceland’s weather is notoriously changeable, and a week-ahead forecast carries wide margins of uncertainty. The seven-day outlook on Veðurstofan is the most reliable public tool available.
Practical advice for travellers this weekend
Pack as though the forecast is worse than it looks. Waterproof outer layers, warm mid-layers, and waterproof footwear will cover most scenarios. Even in summer, hypothermia is a risk in Iceland’s wet and windy conditions.
Tour operators running day trips from Reykjavík — to the Golden Circle, the South Coast, or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — will typically monitor conditions and may reschedule if safety is in doubt. Contact your operator directly if you have a booking this Saturday or Sunday.
For those staying in Reykjavík, the weekend still offers plenty indoors: the Harpa concert hall, the National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafnið) on Suðurgata, and the Settlement Exhibition (Landnámssýningin) on Aðalstræti are all sheltered options that reward a slow visit.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the official Iceland weather forecast in English?
The official source is Veðurstofan — the Icelandic Meteorological Office — which publishes full forecasts, warnings, and weather maps in English at en.vedur.is. This is the most authoritative and frequently updated public forecast available. Warnings are colour-coded from green through yellow, orange, and red, with red indicating extreme and potentially life-threatening conditions.
Are Iceland’s F-roads open this weekend?
F-road status changes rapidly during wet weather events and is managed by Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. Check real-time road conditions at road.is before travelling. In heavy rain, river levels rise quickly and F-roads may close without much advance notice. Only 4×4 vehicles are legally permitted on F-roads even when open.
Will the rain affect flights to and from Iceland?
Keflavík International Airport, around 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík, is designed to operate in severe weather and rarely closes due to rain alone. However, strong crosswinds — which often accompany Atlantic weather systems — can cause delays or diversions. Passengers should check their airline’s app or website directly and arrive with extra time this weekend.
Is Iceland worth visiting in rainy weather?
Many experienced Iceland travellers say that overcast, rainy conditions actually enhance certain landscapes — waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss run at full force, and the soft light suits photography. The key is to dress appropriately and adjust expectations: some hiking and highland routes become genuinely unsafe, but road trips on Route 1 with frequent indoor stops can still be memorable. Flexibility matters more than any single forecast.
What should I do if a weather warning is issued during my trip?
Follow instructions from Veðurstofan and local authorities. If an orange or red warning is active for your area, stay indoors or remain in secure accommodation and avoid driving unless essential. Your accommodation host or tour operator will usually advise guests directly. Emergency calls in Iceland go to 112, and the 112 Iceland app allows users to register their location — a useful precaution during any severe weather event.
