"Aurores boréales, peu de monde."
Expert on Reykjavik · 1 contributions
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Mediterranean Desk — Mowando·Editor
Mediterranean Desk — Mowando·EditorThe best periods
The best time to visit Reykjavik is May to September for the light, October to March for aurorae.
Mai, Juin, Jui, Aoû, Sep
Été — soleil de minuit et terrasses animées
- ✅Soleil de minuit en juin : 21 h de jour, ambiance unique sur les terrasses
- ✅Festivals culturels nombreux (Secret Solstice, Reykjavik Pride, Iceland Airwaves dès novembre)
- ✅Excursions baleines depuis le vieux port à plein régime (avril-octobre)
- ❌Tarifs hôteliers élevés (200-350 €/nuit en chambre standard)
- ❌Vie nocturne très bruyante les week-ends sur Laugavegur
Oct, Nov, Déc, Jan, Fév, Mar
Hiver — aurores boréales et marchés de Noël
- ✅Aurores boréales depuis la périphérie (Grótta, Mount Esja)
- ✅Marchés de Noël en décembre, lumières partout dans la ville
- ✅Tarifs hôteliers en baisse de 30-40 %
- ❌Très peu de jour (4 h en décembre)
- ❌Vent et neige fréquents, parfois blizzards qui paralysent les transports
Avr
Avril — transition lumineuse
- ✅Aurores encore possibles début avril + jours qui s'allongent rapidement
- ✅Tarifs en baisse, foule absente
- ❌Météo très changeante, neige possible jusqu'à fin avril
Month-by-month climate
Temperatures, rainfall and sunshine in Reykjavik across the 12 months.
| Jan | Fév | Mar | Avr | Mai | Juin | Jui | Aoû | Sep | Oct | Nov | Déc | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | -3° | -2° | -2° | 1° | 4° | 7° | 8° | 9° | 6° | 2° | 0° | -3° |
| Max | 2° | 2° | 3° | 6° | 9° | 11° | 13° | 13° | 10° | 6° | 4° | 1° |
| Mer | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pluie | 152mm | 154mm | 130mm | 130mm | 132mm | 110mm | 82mm | 124mm | 140mm | 130mm | 135mm | 127mm |
| Soleil/j | 1.4h | 3.1h | 5.8h | 6.9h | 8.8h | 8.2h | 8.8h | 7.6h | 5.9h | 4.5h | 2.2h | 0.7h |
Tourist crowds
Monthly attendance levels (0 = empty, 100 = saturated).
Jan
40
Fév
40
Mar
40
Avr
55
Mai
70
Jui
90
Jui
95
Aoû
90
Sep
75
Oct
55
Nov
45
Déc
55
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Reykjavik?+
2 to 3 days are enough to discover the historic centre on foot (Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, old harbour, Laugavegur, Tjörnin gardens), make a day excursion to the Blue Lagoon or Golden Circle, enjoy a gastronomic new Nordic dinner and a bar evening. Beyond 3 days, it's more relevant to go and explore the south coast or the north.
Which neighbourhood to choose for sleeping in Reykjavik?+
__Historic centre__ (Laugavegur, Bankastræti, around Hallgrímskirkja): everything on foot but noisy at weekends. __Grandi__ (former port converted to creative quarter): calm, trendy cafés, 15 minutes' walk from the centre. __101 Reykjavík__ (centre postcode, covers a wide area): recommended for a first stay. Avoid the eccentric residential quarters (Vesturbær, Hlíðar) unless on a tight budget.
Is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur really worth the detour?+
Yes — for the curiosity and the experience. It's the world's most famous hot-dog stand since Bill Clinton's visit in 2004. The Icelandic pylsur (lamb-pork-beef, fried and raw onions, sweet mustard, remoulade, sweet ketchup) costs €5 each. Ask for 'one with everything' (eina með öllu) Icelandic-style. Stand located in the centre, near the old harbour. Queue is frequent but fast.
Can you see Northern Lights from Reykjavik?+
Yes, but the best viewings are outside the city centre to escape light pollution. Free spots in Reykjavik: Grótta lighthouse (Seltjarnarnes peninsula, 30 min walk from the centre), Mount Esja (15 min by car), Perlan (museum with aurora planetarium and panoramic view). Period: September to mid-April, optimal in November-February. Organised tours from Reykjavik: €60-90/person, free re-tour guarantee if not visible.
Do you need a car in Reykjavik?+
No, the centre is visited on foot and Strætó buses (ISK 450 / €3 a ticket) cover the whole city. For the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle or outside excursions, a hire car is useful (pick it up at the airport and drive directly to Reykjavik), or use shuttles/organised tours. Paid parking in town (red, blue, green zones) Monday to Friday 9am-6pm.
What are the best restaurants in Reykjavik?+
Gastronomic: __Dill__ (the country's first Michelin star, new Nordic cuisine, €150-200/person, booking 2 months in advance), __Matur og Drykkur__ (revisited traditional Icelandic cuisine, €60-100/person), __Snaps__ (French-Icelandic bistro, €40-70/person). Mid-range: __Grillmarkaðurinn__ (Icelandic grills, €50-80/person), __Fish Company__ (fish, €60-90/person). Casual: __Sægreifinn__ (legendary lobster soup, €25/person), __Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur__ (hot dogs, €5).
Our verdict
Reykjavik is a mandatory stop and an excellent base for 2-3 days before exploring the rest of Iceland. The city is small enough to be discovered entirely on foot, but rich enough culturally to justify multiple visits. Our tip: stay in the historic centre or Grandi, treat yourself to a gastronomic dinner (Dill, Matur og Drykkur), a bar evening on Laugavegur, and a soak at Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. Book your excursions (Golden Circle, whales, aurorae) on arrival to optimise slots according to weather. And don't forget the pylsur (lamb hot-dog) at the Bæjarins Beztu stand — unmissable institution for €5.
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