The climate of Ólafsvík
Ólafsvík's climate falls under the ET or Tundra section of the Köppen climate classification system. This town in
Iceland, enveloped in cool and windy conditions, receives a fair amount of humidity that usually ranges from 75% to 82%. With an annual low and high temperature fluctuating from 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), the mercury never soars too high.
Throughout the year, the rainfall measurement oscillates between 37mm (1.46") and 96mm (3.78") per month, with rainfall days varying from 12.2 to 19.9. Snowfall in Ólafsvík is of significance, with an accumulation varying between 1mm (0.04") to 99mm (3.9") over a month, from zero to 9.8 snowfall days. Ólafsvík also experiences months with limited sunshine hours, between 2.1 hours and 7.8 hours, and a sunshine day range from 4.7 to 14.2 days.
Unique weather patterns in Ólafsvík include sparse moments of solar warmth during
June, when the UV index reaches 4, the highest value all year. Furthermore,
March, notorious for a high average snowfall of 99mm (3.9"), contrasts sharply with June,
July, and
August, where no snowfall is reported.
The best time to visit Ólafsvík
The optimal time to explore
Ólafsvík is during the months of
May to
August. May experiences a welcoming warming trend with temperatures ranging from 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). Moreover, these months exhibit the longest daylight duration, ranging from 18.8 hours to a remarkable 21.5 hours in
June, supplying enough daylight for extended outdoor activities. Humidity stays relatively balanced, and rainfall is at its lowest, from 37mm (1.46") to 60mm (2.36"). Visitors can revel in the added boon of no snowfall during these months.
The worst time to visit Ólafsvík
The least favorable time to visit
Ólafsvík spans from
November to
March. During these months, the temperatures plummet drastically, stretching from 0.8°C (33.4°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F), making outdoor activities challenging. Additional factors such as lower daylight hours, ranging from 4 hours to 6.3 hours and an increased number of snowfall days (from 4.4 to 9.8) contribute to the harsh weather conditions.
Spring weather in Ólafsvík
Spring, emerging in
Ólafsvík between
March and
May, paints a mixed picture of weather conditions. March still experiences a wisp of winter with a recorded high snowfall of 99mm (3.9") over 9.8 days, while by May the snow entirely vanishes. The weather becomes gradually lenient with a temperature range from 3.3°C (37.9°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F) and a considerable decrease in rainfall from 81mm (3.19") to 56mm (2.2").
Summer weather in Ólafsvík
The summer months from
June to
August in
Ólafsvík show the most hospitable face of the weather. The maximum daily temperatures range from 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), providing comfortable conditions for visitors. Days stretch longer with daylight extending from 20 hours to 21.5 hours, accompanied by an adequate amount of sunshine ranging from 5.5 hours to 7.8 hours a day.
Autumn weather in Ólafsvík
Autumn in
Ólafsvík, witnessed from
September to
November, starts to demonstrate a shift towards the harsher edge of its weather spectrum. Temperatures begin slipping from a comfortable 9.5°C (49.1°F) in September to a chillier 5.2°C (41.4°F) by November. A noteworthy increase in rainfall from 91mm (3.58") to 65mm (2.56") and snowfall from 1mm (0.04") to 30mm (1.18"), coupled with reducing daylight hours from 13 hours to 6.3 hours, adds to the gloom of the season.
Winter weather in Ólafsvík
Winter in
Ólafsvík, extending from
December to
February, brings the most severe weather conditions. The temperature stays between 1.4°C (34.5°F) to 3.8°C (38.8°F) while marked increases in snowfall up to 99mm (3.9") in a month and frequent snowfall days (up to 9.8 days) make travel and outdoor activities difficult. The scarce daylight hours, ranging from 4 to 5.3 hours, add to the wintry gloom of Ólafsvík.
Weather in January
The beginning of the year in
Ólafsvík,
Iceland brings chilly temperatures and heavy snowfall making the surroundings a winter wonderland. The days are short with limited sun exposure making frost quite persistent. Snow blankets Ólafsvík for nine days in
January with an accumulated snowfall of 93mm (3.66").
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January,
February continues with the snowy tableau yet with a slight reduction in snowfall quantity. The cold wind continues to blow, yet the sun manages to peep out more often than in the previous month, offering some respite from the freezing temperatures.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The freezing grip of winter continues through
March yet with a noticeable shift towards spring. The accumulated snowfall reaches its peak amounting to 99mm (3.9") making it the snowiest month of the year. Less gloomy than the previous two months, the sunlight gradually increases, warming the frosted landscapes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies the full arrival of spring in
Ólafsvík with a noticeable increase in temperature and daylight hours. Snowfall is significantly reduced, and rains pick up slightly compared to the winter months. With accumulated snowfall reducing drastically to 44mm (1.73"), the thawing process begins in earnest.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings warmer temperatures and significant changes in the overall weather conditions of
Ólafsvík. End of snow episodes, increasing daylight, and rain usher in the fertility of the season. The snowfall diminishes substantially to a meager 5mm (0.2") confirming the end of winter.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June kicks off summer in
Ólafsvík mitigating the rains and eliminating snow altogether. It is characterized by increasing temperatures and the highest daylight hours of the year, inviting residents and tourists to outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the summer season with warm weather and long daylight hours. The landscapes are thriving in a spectrum of colors and life, offering a visual treat. Despite being the warmest month, temperatures remain comfortable peaking at an average high of 11.2°C (52.2°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Unlike many other regions,
August in
Ólafsvík tends to cool down instead of heating up. It experiences a gradual drop in temperature and daylight hours from the peak summer season. The temperature range hovers from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), much like the previous month, yet the feel of autumn starts to creep in.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of autumn in
Ólafsvík with a sharper drop in temperature compared to
August. The weather is in transition, preparing for the harsh conditions of the looming winter. Interestingly, September experiences the highest number of rainfall days being 19.9 and registering a total of 91mm (3.58").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October in
Ólafsvík becomes increasingly colder and windier signaling the imminent winter season. The rainfall drops slightly, and the daylight hours decrease significantly marking the gradual descent into dark winter days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November witnesses the solid arrival of winter in
Ólafsvík. The temperatures continue to drop, and snowfall rises substantially compared to the previous month. A notable increase in snowfall is observed, with accumulations reaching 30mm (1.18").
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December Ólafsvík ensconces itself in full winter mode. The cherry on top for the perfect white Christmas, snowfall peaks at 73mm (2.87") making it the second snowiest month after
March. Though a frosty time, Christmas lights and celebrations bring warmth to the freezing temperatures.
Weather in December »