A short description for tourists.
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. However, this brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air resulting in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and storminess. Furthermore this leads to more rainfall in the southern and western part than in the northern part of the island.
The summer tourist season is from late May to early September. During the first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours and the interplay of light and shadows on mountains, lava fields and glaciers yield an ever changing landscape. However, even during the middle of summer the sky is frequently cloudy or overcast and the sunshine does not warm the air much. Hence, during daytime, the air is usually cool (“refreshing” is the local euphemism) and cold during nighttime.
The winter season is the abode of long nights, and severe winter storms. However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draws an increasing number of tourists.
During summertime tourists should bring a windbreaker, rainwear, a thick pullover (wool or fleece) and sturdy walking shoes. Travelers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.
During wintertime tourist should bring warm clothing, warm coat, mittens etc. Iceland has many swimming pools, usually with geothermally heated water. Hence, in either season a visitor should bring a swim suit.
A detailed information about the climate of Iceland can be found in Einarsson, Markús Á.: Climate of Iceland, in H. van Loon (editor): World Survey of Climatology: 15: Climates of the Oceans. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1984, pp 673-697.
Original text source at the Icelandic Met Office website.
As an example of one day – August 2nd, 2010
Maximum and minimum temperature in Iceland today
Lowlands
Reykir í Fnjóskadal 19 °C
Ásbyrgi 18.9 °C (66 °F)
Siglufjarðarvegur 18.8 °C
Brú á Jökuldal 3.8 °C
Ásbyrgi 2.6 °C (36.7 °F)
Fáskrúðsfjörður Ljósaland 2.6 °C
Highlands °C
Biskupsháls 17.5 °C
Svartárkot 17.4 °C
Vatnsskarð eystra 16 °C
Kárahnjúkar 4.2 °C
Eyjabakkar 3.9 °C
Brúarjökull B10 2.1 °C
Maximum wind in Iceland today
Lowlands
Stórhöfði sjálfvirk stöð 19.6 m/s (70 km/h or 40 mph)
Vatnsskarðshólar sjálfvirk stöð 15.8 m/s
Sandskeið 15.3 m/s
Highlands
Skarðsmýrarfjall 17.1 m/s
Tindfjöll 16.4 m/s
Laufbali 14.9 m/s