An In-Depth Look at Iceland’s Record-Breaking Weather in 2025

Overview

Date: April 2, 2026

The year 2025 has etched itself into Iceland’s weather history as the warmest year since records began. With a national average temperature of 5.2 °C, this figure stands 1.1 °C above the 1991–2020 average, marking an unprecedented milestone. Temperatures soared well above average throughout nearly every month, with spring proving particularly notable. In fact, it was the warmest spring on record, with May showcasing the highest temperatures ever documented in that month.

May brought with it a remarkable 10-day heatwave, marking a high point in an otherwise unusually calm year for weather. Though the start of the year was relatively wet, conditions shifted dramatically as the year progressed, leading to dry spells and minimal snow cover across the nation.

Seasonal Breakdown

The winter of 2024–2025 was marked by a mix of weather, including some colder days in December and January, followed by a milder February and March. While overall conditions were generally favorable, February did not pass without incident; a fierce southerly gale struck on February 5–6, creating one of the most significant storms in recent memory.

As spring arrived, warmth defined the season. Early April saw temperatures rise sharply, culminating in that remarkable heatwave in mid-May. During this, maximum temperature records were shattered—one notable peak reached 26.6 °C at Egilsstaðir Airport on May 15.

June arrived with a chilling contrast, bringing cooler conditions. Yet, the warmth soon returned in July, which became the warmest July on record, tying with July 1933. Notable days included a warm spell on July 14, when temperatures crossed the 20 °C mark at approximately 70% of weather stations. August mirrored July’s warmth, with a record-breaking temperature of 29.8 °C noted at Egilsstaðir Airport on August 16.

September ushered in a change, with significant rainfall in North and East Iceland, leading to notable river flooding and landslides. The early part of October remained warm but ended with a snap of cold, bringing heavy snowfall to the northern regions. On October 28, Reykjavík recorded 40 cm of snow, setting a new October record that created chaos in the city’s transportation system.

November shifted back to a cold, dry climate with light winds, while December defied expectations with exceptionally warm temperatures. The month closed with a record high of 19.8 °C in Seyðisfjörður on Christmas Eve.

Temperature Insights

Overall, the annual average temperature reached 5.2 °C, surpassing previous records, notably outstripping the 2014 benchmark. Reykjavík reported an annual average of 6.1 °C, while Stykkishólmur recorded 5.7 °C. In contrast, Akureyri logged 5.2 °C, both significant deviations from their historical averages.

The highest annual average was measured on Surtsey, off the southern coast, at an impressive 7.3 °C. Meanwhile, the coldest recorded temperature was a chilling -25.9 °C in Möðrudalur on January 30.

As highlighted in various figures, the year was characterized by astounding temperature anomalies, particularly in the northern and northeastern highlands. Notably, temperatures soared above the 1991–2020 average, with anomalies regularly exceeding 1.4 °C at selected weather stations.

Precipitation Patterns

While precipitation levels were below the ten-year average for most regions, they did top the 1991–2020 averages in various locations. Reykjavík measured 924.2 mm of precipitation, representing a modest increase from historical norms. Significant rainfall occurred early in the year, particularly in February, but a drier period followed.

January was particularly wet, setting the stage for drought conditions that persisted into spring. The summer months saw high levels of rainfall, notably in the north and northeast, with October marking a significant return to moisture.

Snow Cover and Sunshine Hours

Snow cover was notably sparse throughout 2025, with Reykjavík recording just 32 days of complete snow cover—23 fewer than average. The winter months should have been characterized by snow, but conditions shifted swiftly, leading to lower-than-normal snowfall levels across the country.

In contrast, sunshine hours in Reykjavík totaled 1,422.2 hours, outpacing both the 1991–2020 average and the last decade’s average. Spring brought bright weather to Iceland, particularly in Akureyri, making it the second sunniest spring on record.

Conclusion

The year 2025 will not be forgotten anytime soon, as it underscored the impacts of climate change on Iceland’s climate, illustrating a significant warming trend that challenges historical norms. As we look ahead, understanding these patterns will be essential for adapting to a shifting climate.