Iceland · 64°09′N 21°57′W

Reykjavík and the Ring Road

Waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs; northern lights in winter.

Good for: Nature, Adventure, Snow, Nightlife
Rough daily spend: around $230 per person mid-range, not counting getting there (our estimate; it varies a lot)
Mildest months: July is warmest, August is driest

Plan a Reykjavík and the Ring Road trip with friends

Best time to visit Reykjavík and the Ring Road

Warmest in July (around 13° by day), coolest in January (2° by day, -3° at night). August has the fewest wet days (14).

Average weather by month in Reykjavík and the Ring Road
Month	High	Low	Wet days	Rain	Sun / day
Jan	2°	-3°	18	158 mm	1.5 h
Feb	2°	-2°	18	158 mm	3.3 h
Mar	3°	-1°	16	129 mm	5.9 h
Apr	7°	1°	16	130 mm	7.4 h
May	9°	4°	19	123 mm	9.1 h
Jun	11°	7°	16	96 mm	9 h
Jul	13°	9°	16	83 mm	9 h
Aug	13°	8°	14	110 mm	8.4 h
Sep	10°	6°	18	143 mm	6.2 h
Oct	7°	3°	18	156 mm	4.3 h
Nov	4°	0°	15	125 mm	2.2 h
Dec	2°	-2°	18	136 mm	0.7 h

Averages for 2016–2025 from the Open-Meteo historical weather archive (CC BY 4.0), for the point at 64°09′N 21°57′W. Wet day = 1 mm or more. Highlighted months are mild (18–27° highs) and fairly dry.

What to pack for Reykjavík and the Ring Road

For four nights, based on the weather above. Every trip also needs the basics: documents, chargers, toiletries and any medication.

July

Light jumper
Light jacket

January

Warm jumper or fleece
Insulated coat
Hat, gloves and scarf
Thermal base layer
Ski jacket and trousers
Goggles
Warm waterproof gloves
Lip balm with SPF

Either way

5 × underwear
5 × socks
4 × tops
2 × trousers or jeans
Something to sleep in
Comfortable walking shoes
Waterproof jacket
Compact umbrella
Sunscreen
Hiking boots or trail shoes
Day pack
Refillable water bottle
Offline map downloaded
Snacks for the trail
Small cross-body bag
Transit card or app set up

Going with a group? The planner builds a shared list where each person ticks their own things and claims the shared ones.

Going with friends?

One link for the group: find the days you’re all free, vote on what to do, get a day-by-day route and a shared packing list. No sign-up.

Plan Reykjavík and the Ring Road