Climate for Station: Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

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Climate Analysis & Overview

Reykjavik's climate profile reveals a nuanced thermal narrative, with a slight long-term warming trend contrasted by recent cooling. The precipitation pattern has become more evenly distributed, suggesting a shift in weather dynamics. These trends align with Iceland's broader climate goals of understanding and adapting to changing conditions.

A Tale of Two Temperature Trends

Reykjavik, located at 64.1269°N, -21.9025°W, experiences a subpolar oceanic climate, classified as Cfc in the Köppen system. This classification is characterised by cool summers and mild winters, heavily influenced by the North Atlantic Ocean. Over the long term, Reykjavik has seen a slight warming, with all-time high temperatures rising by 0.16°C (0.29°F) and lows by 0.10°C (0.18°F). However, the past decade tells a different story, with a cooling trend observed in both highs and lows. Highs have decreased by 0.56°C (1.01°F) and lows by 0.78°C (1.40°F). This recent cooling could be attributed to regional climatic shifts and oceanic currents, which are crucial in shaping Reykjavik's weather patterns.

Precipitation Patterns: A More Even Distribution

The Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) is a measure of how precipitation is distributed over time. Reykjavik's PCI has decreased from a baseline of 10.69 to a current value of 9.63, indicating a more even distribution of rainfall events. This change suggests that precipitation is now spread more consistently throughout the year, rather than being concentrated in fewer, more intense events. Such a shift could have implications for water management and flood risk, aligning with Iceland's efforts to adapt to evolving precipitation patterns.

Record Extremes: A Snapshot of Variability

Reykjavik's climate extremes provide a snapshot of its variability. The record high temperature stands at 24.3°C (75.7°F), while the record low is -19.7°C (-3.5°F). These extremes underscore the city's capacity for significant thermal variation, despite its generally moderate climate. Such variability is typical for coastal regions at high latitudes, where oceanic influences can lead to rapid weather changes.

Geographic Influences on Climate Dynamics

Reykjavik's geographic position on the southwest coast of Iceland means it is subject to the moderating effects of the North Atlantic Ocean. The city's proximity to the ocean helps to stabilise temperatures, preventing the extremes often seen in continental climates. Additionally, the surrounding mountains and volcanic landscapes can influence local weather patterns, contributing to the variability observed in both temperature and precipitation.

Aligning with Iceland's Climate Goals

Iceland is committed to understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate variability. Reykjavik's climate data provides valuable insights into these efforts, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by changing weather patterns. As Iceland continues to pursue its climate objectives, understanding localised trends in places like Reykjavik will be crucial for informed decision-making and sustainable development.

Station Statistics

10-Year Trend

High: -0.56 °C/decade

Low: -0.78 °C/decade

Rain: +0.54 mm/decade

25-Year Trend

High: -0.05 °C/decade

Low: -0.23 °C/decade

Rain: +0.98 mm/decade

50-Year Trend

High: +0.47 °C/decade

Low: +0.30 °C/decade

Rain: +0.38 mm/decade

All-Time Trend

High: +0.16 °C/decade

Low: +0.10 °C/decade

Rain: +0.20 mm/decade

Percentage Above-Average Days

Last 12 Months: 59.5%

This Year: 51.9%

Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) ℹ️

Last 12 Months: 9.5

Historical Average: 11.0

Percentile Rank of Last 12 Months ℹ️

High: 90th percentile

Low: 77th percentile

Rain: 92nd percentile

Change in Variance ℹ️

High: -4.6%

Low: -4.7%

Intraday: +10.2%

Data Coverage

89.2%

First Year of Data

1941

Station Location

Historical Weather Records

Max HighAvg HighMin HighMax AvgAvg AvgMin AvgMax LowAvg LowMin LowMax PrecipitationAvg PrecipitationMax SnowAvg Snow
Record24.3 °C-12.7 °C18.9 °C-13.5 °C18.2 °C-19.7 °C54.6 mm
January10.7 °C2.4 °C-11.5 °C9.0 °C-0.1 °C-12.9 °C8.7 °C-2.7 °C-19.7 °C42.3 mm2.9 mm
February10.2 °C3.0 °C-11.9 °C9.1 °C0.5 °C-10.9 °C8.0 °C-2.1 °C-17.6 °C41.8 mm3.1 mm
March13.0 °C3.8 °C-10.0 °C9.4 °C1.1 °C-11.9 °C8.4 °C-1.5 °C-16.4 °C36.8 mm2.7 mm
April17.1 °C6.3 °C-8.6 °C11.9 °C3.4 °C-10.0 °C9.3 °C0.7 °C-16.4 °C52.1 mm2.1 mm
May21.0 °C9.7 °C-2.6 °C15.8 °C6.6 °C-4.9 °C11.4 °C3.8 °C-7.7 °C38.8 mm1.8 mm
June22.4 °C12.4 °C6.0 °C16.4 °C9.5 °C2.0 °C13.0 °C6.9 °C-0.7 °C31.1 mm1.7 mm
July24.3 °C14.1 °C8.2 °C18.9 °C11.3 °C5.9 °C18.2 °C8.8 °C1.4 °C39.0 mm1.8 mm
August23.5 °C13.7 °C7.4 °C17.4 °C10.9 °C5.1 °C15.4 °C8.2 °C-0.4 °C42.4 mm2.2 mm
September18.5 °C10.9 °C1.4 °C15.1 °C8.2 °C0.3 °C13.5 °C5.8 °C-4.4 °C52.7 mm2.7 mm
October15.7 °C7.3 °C-4.0 °C12.3 °C4.8 °C-5.2 °C12.1 °C2.4 °C-10.6 °C49.2 mm3.0 mm
November13.0 °C4.3 °C-8.6 °C10.7 °C2.2 °C-10.7 °C9.5 °C-0.4 °C-15.1 °C44.7 mm2.8 mm
December12.0 °C2.8 °C-12.7 °C10.1 °C0.4 °C-13.5 °C8.6 °C-2.3 °C-16.8 °C54.6 mm2.9 mm

Data Visualisations

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Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical

Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Max Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Min Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Average Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Rainfall this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Relative Humidity this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Max Wind Gusts this Year

Max Temperature this Year | 1 of 6

Climate 12-Month Moving Averages

Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Max Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Min Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Average Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Rainfall 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Relative Humidity 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Peak Wind Gust 12-Month MA

Max Temperature 12-Month MA | 1 of 6

Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year

Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Max Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Min Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Relative Humidity Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Peak Wind Gust Throughout Year

Average Max Temperature Throughout Year | 1 of 5