The climate of Selfoss
The petite town of
Selfoss, located in the South of
Iceland, is significantly influenced by a Marine West Coast climate, designated as Cfc by the Köppen climate classification. This pertains to an environment where rainfall is a common occurrence throughout the year, and summer months maintain a cool ambiance. The monthly weather parameters are indicative of this typical climate in Selfoss.
Two key indicators, average high and low temperatures, show the level of chilliness that persists in Selfoss throughout the year. From 1.5°C (34.7°F) in
December to a peak of 13.8°C (56.8°F) in
July, it's clear that even in the warmest months, the overarching weather is cool. It’s important to note that temperatures rarely go beyond these bounds. The lowest observed temperatures go from -1.9°C (28.6°F) in December and gradually reach up to 8.9°C (48°F) in July forecasting an undeniable crispness.
With regards to rainfall, Selfoss witnesses precipitation pretty much all year round with
January having the maximum of 142mm (5.59") and the minimum in
June with 45mm (1.77"). Among snowy months,
March sees the highest snowfall with 220mm (8.66"), gradually reducing till becoming negligible from June to
October, with
November and December again experiencing escalated snowfall.
Relative humidity oscillates between 74% in
May and 82% in January and October. Daylight hours extend from 4.5 hours in December to maximum at 20.7 hours in June, also effectively demonstrating Icelandic characteristic long days in summer and short, dark winter days.
The best time to visit Selfoss
A visit to
Selfoss during the months of
June,
July and
August can be deemed as the best time bearing in mind the pleasant temperatures. The temperatures lie between 12°C (53.6°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F) during these months. Notably, the daylight reaches its maximum of 20.7 hours in June allowing visitors to fully explore the picturesque town.
Additionally, these months coincide with the lowest rain and snowfall levels of the year, making outdoor activities far less likely to be impeded by weather. This is complemented with longer sunshine hours, from 7.6 hours in
May surging to 7.8 hours in August.
The worst time to visit Selfoss
If visitors are discouraged by lower temperatures and lesser sunlight hours, the period from
November to
February may not be an optimal time for a visit. During this time, the temperatures fall to frigid levels, with lows going from -1.9°C (28.6°F) in
December to highs only reaching 1.5°C (34.7°F). In addition, the daylight hours plunge to as low as 4.5 in December.
Rainfall and snowfall also display a surge during these months. Particularly November and December register an increase in snowfall with 48mm (1.89") and 164mm (6.46") respectively.
Spring weather in Selfoss
Spring, from
March to
May, in
Selfoss brings prolonged sunlight hours and temperatures that move from 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 8.5°C (47.3°F). While the sunsine hours ramp up to 18.4 by May, nights continue to be chilly with temperatures hovering between -0.8°C (30.6°F) in March to 4.3°C (39.7°F) in May. Rainfall reduces over these months, but with an increase in snowfall during the March, travellers should be ready for occasional wintery curves.
Summer weather in Selfoss
Summer months are comparatively temperate with temperatures varying from 13.8°C (56.8°F) in
July to 10°C (50°F) in
September. Low temperatures at night vary from 8.9°C (48°F) in July to 6.1°C (43°F) in September. These months are also associated with less rainfall, compared to the rest of the year, and zero snowfall, making outdoor activities more feasible.
Autumn weather in Selfoss
Moving into the autumn months of
October and
November, lower temperatures reappear with highs of 6.5°C (43.7°F) and 3.3°C (37.9°F) respectively. Rainfall increases gradually along with the re-occurrence of snowfall in November making the weather in these months cooler and wetter.
Winter weather in Selfoss
Winter descends on
Selfoss with average high temperatures between 2.2°C (36°F) to 1.5°C (34.7°F) for
December to
February. Lowest temperature recorded is -1.9°C (28.6°F) in December. Snowfall is at its peak in these months, especially notable in December and
January with 164mm (6.46") and 143mm (5.63") respectively. Rainfall is also high, indicative of a true Icelandic winter. It is advisable for visitors during this time to be well prepared for a full-fledged Nordic winter experience.
Weather in January
In
January,
Selfoss experiences temperatures most severe in the annual cycle with a high of 2.2°C (36°F) and a chilly low of -1.2°C (29.8°F). The earliest month of the year tends to be quite humid with cloudy skies and frequent occurrences of rain.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February sees a continuation of the cold weather witnessed in
January. Despite this, some slight changes can be observed in the rainfall which decreases to 112mm (4.41") from 142mm (5.59") in January. The snowfall also reduces, but it's still significant, warranting a need for warm attire.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March brings a slight improvement in temperatures in
Selfoss compared to the freezing cold
January and
February, with the highest temperature increasing to 2.7°C (36.9°F). Noteworthy is the increase in snowfall to 220mm (8.66") making it the month with the highest snowfall in the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the signs of spring become more apparent in
Selfoss. The remarkable decrease in snowfall to 47mm (1.85") from
March’s 220mm (8.66") signifies the end of intense winter conditions. The temperature begins to climb, but layering is still recommended as the weather generally stays comfortable but slightly cold.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is the onset of relatively warmer temperatures in
Selfoss. This is the time when the last traces of snow completely vanish, making it the first month of the year without any snowfall. The town starts to take on a more vibrant atmosphere with the lush greenery emerging after the snow melt.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a comfortable month in
Selfoss with a notable rise in temperatures, reaching up to 12°C (53.6°F). This is also the month with the least rainfall, with total levels dropping down to 45mm (1.77"). The pleasant and primarily dry weather makes it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, enhancing the overall experience of visitors.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July holds the title of being the warmest month of the year in
Selfoss, with the highest average temperature reaching a comfortable 13.8°C (56.8°F). Despite not being the driest, the amount of rainfall is reasonable and does not have a significant impact on outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a slight decline in temperatures in
Selfoss from
July, but the weather remains fairly warm. While daylight hours slightly decrease, they still make up for a substantial part of the day offering ample time for exploration.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the onset of autumn in
Selfoss with temperatures starting to decrease and moving closer to 10°C (50°F). Rainfall increases from
August's 77mm (3.03") to 95mm (3.74"), indicating the transition towards the rainy season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings noticeable changes in
Selfoss’s weather with temperatures continuing a downward trend. As the city inches closer to the end of autumn, rainfall continues to be significant, laying the groundwork for the upcoming winter season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the beginning of winter in
Selfoss with temperatures dipping down to 3.3°C (37.9°F) at the highest. This is the month when snowfall returns to Selfoss, rising to 48mm (1.89") from zero in the preceding months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Selfoss witnesses the peak of its winter season with the coldest temperatures in the year. Notably, snowfall climbs up to 164mm (6.46") making it the second-highest snowfall month after
March. With the longest nights of the year and limited daylight hours, it is a great time to experience the Nordic winter wonderland.
Weather in December »