The climate of Tórshavn
Resting in the
Faroe Islands,
Tórshavn is identified by the Köppen climate classification as a Marine West Coast, characterized by a cool summer denoted as 'Cfc'. This climatological categorization cl" predictability in the region's weather with mild temperatures throughout the year. Even during peak summer, temperatures never climb beyond 13.1°C (55.6°F). Winter months can generate lowly lows, but they generally hover around the freezing point, seldom dipping below 1.3°C (34.3°F).
In terms of rainfall, the city witnesses a well-spread pattern across the year with the leanest period from
May to
July, yielding a precipitation level between 58mm (2.28") and 74mm (2.91"). The rest of the year proves wetter, with two maximum accumulated rainfall peaks, one in
January showing 158mm (6.22") and another in
October measuring 147mm (5.79").
The city upholds a constant high level of humidity, range spanning from 87% to 90%. The amount of daylight varies greatly, ascending to 19.6 hours in
June before dramatically retreating to a scant 5.4 hours in
December, while sunshine hours per day range from a winterly low of 0.2 hours in December to 4.2 hours in the sunny zenith of June.
The best time to visit Tórshavn
Considering the weather conditions, the period between
May and
July emerges as the most favorable timeline to visit
Tórshavn. At this time, the city experiences the driest months with monthly rainfall from 58mm (2.28") to 74mm (2.91"), similar to a desert's annual allocation. Coupled with temperatures ranging from 9.2°C (48.6°F) to 13.1°C (55.6°F), these months provide the perfect canvas for outdoor activities without the discomfort of sweltering heat. It is also this period where daylight lasts the longest, stretching from 17.8 hours to 19.6 hours, complementing the city's mild summer temperatures with abundant natural light.
The worst time to visit Tórshavn
Regrettably, the winter months from
November to
February can prove challenging in
Tórshavn. Heavy rainfall totals from 135mm (5.31") to 158mm (6.22"), scarce sunlight with daily totals from 0.2 hours to 0.7 hours, and extended low temperatures from 2.1°C (35.8°F) to 6.2°C (43.2°F) can combine to create a gloomy and uncomfortable climate even for the most hardened travelers.
Spring weather in Tórshavn
Spring gradually brings a mild reprieve to the icy grip of the winter months. From
March to
May, temperatures improve gently from 6°C (42.8°F) to 9.2°C (48.6°F) with corresponding nighttime lows between 1.7°C (35.1°F) and 5.1°C (41.2°F). While rainfall doesn't dwindle completely, it gradually reduces from 132mm (5.2") in March to 63mm (2.48") by May, making spring a favorable time to experience
Tórshavn's rebounding vibrancy.
Summer weather in Tórshavn
Summer in
Tórshavn, although cool by typical standards, boasts plenty of daylight, ranging from 17.8 hours in
May to a lengthy 19.6 hours in
June. With temperatures oscillating from 11.1°C (52°F) to 13.1°C (55.6°F) and minimum temperatures fluctuating between 7.1°C (44.8°F) and 9.2°C (48.6°F), locals and visitors alike savor these somewhat milder months before the cold returns. Rainfall during this period registers its annual low with an average of 58mm (2.28") to 74mm (2.91").
Autumn weather in Tórshavn
As autumn stretches from
September to
November, temperatures in
Tórshavn start to fall, ranging from day highs of 11.5°C (52.7°F) to a cooler 7.2°C (45°F) and night lows falling from 7.6°C (45.7°F) to 3.4°C (38.1°F). The daylight hours also begin to shorten quite noticeably from 12.9 hours in September to 7.1 hours by November. The rainfall starts increasing, hitting a high of 139mm (5.47") in November.
Winter weather in Tórshavn
The harshness of winter grips
Tórshavn from
December to
February as daylight diminishes to a meager 5.4 hours in December to 6.3 hours in February, and sun barely shines for more than 0.7 hours a day. These months see the mercury falling to freezing lows from 2.1°C (35.8°F) to 1.7°C (35.1°F) and maxing out at a chilly range from 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). The winter months are also among the wettest with rainfall averages ranging from 135mm (5.31") to 158mm (6.22"), and the sea temperature diving to its coldest, measuring from 8.2°C (46.8°F) to 7.4°C (45.3°F).
Weather in January
January reigns as the month with the maximum average rainfall in
Tórshavn, hitting 158mm (6.22") and makes for grey, damp days. It acts as a beacon for winter's full swing by casting minimal daylight, contributing to a persisting chill.
Weather in January » Weather in February
A noticeable reduction in the rainfall can be seen from 158mm (6.22") in
January to 115mm (4.53") in
February. Although the intensity of the downpour lessens, the month is still dominated by wet and foggy days. Relative humidity remains high maintaining the cold and moist air.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A further drop in rainfall from
February to
March doesn't change the predominantly cold and wet climate of
Tórshavn. March welcomes spring with an increased number of daylight hours, promising longer warming sunny days ahead. The temperatures start to climb, resulting in a gradual melting of the winter chill.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Gaining respite from the earlier cold conditions, a rise in both the average high and low temperatures is recorded in
April. The increment from 6°C (42.8°F) average high in
March to 7.3°C (45.1°F) average high in April marks the end of winter and welcome of spring.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Mild climate characterizes
May in
Tórshavn with the temperature climbing to 9.2°C (48.6°F) average high. The rise in temperature gives way to a more sunny and serene atmosphere, welcoming locals and tourists. A considerable gain in daylight hours further brightens the city.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June invites the summer season to
Tórshavn with an average high temperature of 11.1°C (52°F). The city delights in the peak number of sunshine hours and longest days of the year. At this juncture, the sea temperature ideally suits for various aquatic activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July showcases the hottest month of the year in
Tórshavn, reaching a proficient 12.8°C (55°F) average high. The summer season is in full effect with lots of sunshine and blue skies. July blesses Tórshavn with warm days and mild nights which are perfect for exploring this stunning city.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer warmth with an average high temperature of 13.1°C (55.6°F). The weather remains desirable for tourists seeking to experience the charm of
Tórshavn. The amicable sea temperature favors a range of water-related activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Stepping into autumn,
September witnesses a dip in average high temperatures from 13.1°C (55.6°F) in
August to 11.5°C (52.7°F). A slight nip in the sea winds hints at the changing season. The month is graced by pleasant autumn hues making the city's landscape appealing.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Tórshavn embraces the chill in the air as
October brings a further dip in the average high temperature to 9.3°C (48.7°F). With a significant surge in rainfall from 120mm (4.72") in
September to 147mm (5.79") in October, city streets often glisten under showers.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The climate takes a cooler turn, dropping the average high temperature to 7.2°C (45°F) in
November. The immersive autumn hues start to fade, surrendering to the barren winter scenery. The sea temperature falls, readying itself for the upcoming winter freeze.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The festivities continue in
Tórshavn with an average high temperature of 6.2°C (43.2°F) in
December. The city witnesses the shortest day of the year, intensifying winter's presence. The sea temperature hit the yearly low of 8.2°C (46.8°F), marking the advent of the coldest phase of the year.
Weather in December »