Reykjavík Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Reykjavík has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1436 mm (57 in) of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The amount of precipitation varies moderately throughout the year. The wettest month, February, sees around 148 mm (5.8 in) of snow/rainfall, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of snow/rain now and then. The driest month, June, still receives a respectable 87 mm (3.4 in) of rainfall.

February, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 3°C (37°F). The city receives 60 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month June you can expect a temperature of 14°C (57°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Reykjavík Temperature page.

Reykjavík's average annual precipitation is 1436 mm (57 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm (30 in), characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Reykjavík:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA, over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

For more detailed information about Reykjavík's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Reykjavík Climate page.