Reykjavik weather in March
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 17 rainy days across the month, on average.
March in Reykjavik is cold and wet, with average highs of 3°C (37°F) and lows of -2°C (28°F). Expect around 133mm of precipitation spread across roughly 17 rainy days, so waterproof gear is essential. You'll get about 6 hours of daylight daily, offering limited but gradually improving natural light as spring approaches. It's still decidedly winter, though the worst of Iceland's harsh season is fading.
This month sits between peak winter tourism and the spring shoulder season. Fewer crowds than December-February means shorter queues at attractions and better accommodation rates. The atmosphere is quieter and more local. While the Northern Lights are still possible on clear nights, they're less frequent than earlier in winter. Many Icelanders view March as the transition month—still bundled up, but hopeful for warmer days ahead.
If you're visiting Reykjavik in March 2026, pack serious waterproof layers and expect changeable conditions. The upside: lower prices, manageable crowds, and a more authentic Icelandic experience than summer. This month suits budget-conscious travelers and those wanting to escape tourist season.
What to pack for Reykjavik in March
March weather demands waterproof, insulated layers. Temperatures hover just below freezing with frequent rain and wind, so your outfit needs to handle wet conditions and cold without bulk. Thermal base layers trap warmth, while a quality rain jacket keeps you dry. Windproof outer shells are crucial since Icelandic winds cut through lighter fabrics.
- Merino wool thermal base layers
- Waterproof insulated winter jacket
- Fleece-lined windproof pants
- Insulated waterproof hiking boots
- Wool beanie and thermal gloves
What to pack for Reykjavik in March
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Reykjavik
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Reykjavik across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Golden Circle day tour, ice cave exploration, Northern Lights hunting on clear nights, geothermal hot spring visits like Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon
Other places with a similar climate right now
Reykjavik in March — FAQ
Q01Is March a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Is March a good time to visit Reykjavik?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In March, Reykjavik averages a high of 3°C (38°F) and a low of -2°C (29°F), with 133mm of rainfall across roughly 17 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in March?
What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in March?
The average high temperature in Reykjavik during March is 3°C (38°F), with an average low of -2°C (29°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in March?
How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in March?
Reykjavik averages approximately 17 rainy days in March, with a total monthly rainfall of about 133mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Reykjavik in March?
What should I pack for Reykjavik in March?
For Reykjavik in March, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Reykjavik in March?
How crowded is Reykjavik in March?
Tourist crowds in Reykjavik during March are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.