Jokulsarlon Weather by Month
Temperatures, rain, wind and daylight around the lagoon, season by season
The weather around Jökulsárlón is described as fairly temperate all year, though a waterproof winter coat and waterproof shoes are advised. Winter may be cold, windy and rainy.
Jokulsarlon weather at a glance
Summer temperatures in Vatnajökull National Park range between 10 °C and 20 °C, and winters are rather mild. The average July temperature in the southern part of Iceland is 10–13 °C.
| Measure | Value | Area or period |
|---|---|---|
| Summer temperature range | 10 °C to 20 °C | Vatnajökull National Park |
| Average July temperature | 10–13 °C | Southern Iceland |
| Average daytime temperature | 10-12 °C | Around the coast, May to September |
| Average winter temperature | About 1 °C | Southern lowlands near the Icelandic coast |
| Average April temperature | 4 °C, with about 15 hours of daylight | Iceland |
| Average daily sunshine | 5-6 hours | July and August |
| Precipitation | Between 1,000 and 3,000 mm per year | Low-lying areas south of the Vatnajökull ice cap |
Summer weather and daylight
The main tourist season in Iceland runs from late May to early September. In the first half of that season the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours.
The average daytime temperature around the coast from May to September is 10-12 °C. Average daily sunshine in July and August is 5-6 hours, and even in midsummer skies are often cloudy or overcast.
In summer a lightly insulated jacket is described as making an extended time viewing the lagoon more enjoyable.
Winter weather at the lagoon
Winter at Jökulsárlón may be cold, windy and rainy, and winter weather clothing is described as advisable. In the park's low-lying areas the temperature in winter rarely falls below −10 °C and is often well above freezing.
Southern lowlands near the Icelandic coast average around 1 °C in winter. Winter brings long nights and occasional severe storms.
Nights and sunrise in winter
The aurora borealis is often visible at night during the Icelandic winter. For sunrise in winter, the beach on the east side of the bridge is named as the best vantage point.
Spring and autumn conditions
The average temperature in Iceland in April is 4 °C, with about 15 hours of daylight.
Driving conditions are usually very good from April to November, and often less favourable in winter. Boat trips among the icebergs at the lagoon run from 1 May to 15 November.
Rain and wind
Low-lying areas south of the Vatnajökull ice cap receive between 1,000 and 3,000 mm of precipitation per year. Southern and western Iceland are generally wetter than the north.
Compared with northern Iceland and the Eastfjords, the South Coast is wetter and windier. Lowland wind speeds in Iceland reach 18 m/s on 10–20 days per year.
Wildlife through the seasons
Skuas nest around the lake in summer and may occasionally attack people. Seal sightings in the lagoon vary by season and conditions.
Tours and activities by season
- Boat trips among the icebergs run from 1 May to 15 November.
- Several different companies run lagoon tours in boats or kayaks.
- Ice cave tours operate in winter, departing from the lagoon parking lot.
- Park rangers offer free educational walks during the summer months.
- Park rangers work in the Jökulsárlón area all year round.
Tours and activities near the lagoon
Roads and access
Jökulsárlón is accessible year-round from Road 1. Driving conditions are usually very good from April to November and often less favourable in winter.
On the road condition map, information is entered between 7:00 and 22:00, while weather station data is updated around the clock.
Clothing described for each season
- All year: the weather is described as fairly temperate, with a waterproof winter coat and waterproof shoes advised.
- Winter: cold, windy and rainy conditions are possible, and winter weather clothing is described as advisable.
- Summer: a lightly insulated jacket is described as making extended lagoon viewing more enjoyable.
Jokulsarlon weather questions
What are summer temperatures like?
Summer temperatures in Vatnajökull National Park range between 10 °C and 20 °C. The average July temperature in southern Iceland is 10–13 °C.
How cold does it get in winter?
In the park's low-lying areas the winter temperature rarely falls below −10 °C and is often well above freezing. Southern lowlands near the coast average around 1 °C in winter.
How much rain falls around the lagoon?
Low-lying areas south of the Vatnajökull ice cap receive between 1,000 and 3,000 mm of precipitation per year.
When do boat trips run?
Boat trips among the icebergs at the lagoon run from 1 May to 15 November.
How much sunshine is there in July and August?
Average daily sunshine in July and August is 5-6 hours, and skies are often cloudy or overcast even in midsummer.
Is the aurora visible in winter?
The aurora borealis is often visible at night during the Icelandic winter, which also brings long nights.
Is the lagoon accessible in winter?
Jökulsárlón is accessible year-round from Road 1, though driving conditions are often less favourable in winter.