The territory of Iceland is located on an island with the same name, which is located on the very edge of Europe and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its icy name, the country is not arctic, its climate softens thanks to the North Atlantic current closer to the coast, and the Gulf Stream prevents the island from turning into a cold desert with eternal ice.
What are the climatic conditions in Iceland?
In general, it can be said that the subtropics reign in the country, but in the central part the climate and nature of Iceland are considered continental. Weather on the island can change in a few minutes. It was just warm and the sun was shining, when suddenly it became cold and dank. Even the locals themselves are joking about this, they say: "If something does not suit you in our weather, then wait about fifteen minutes, and it will change." Affects the climate and Arctic drift ice.
Precipitation rates across the country are just as different as temperatures, due to different climatic zones. For example, the western coast of Iceland accounts for about 100 to 1,500 thousand mm; in the northeast, their norm can be about 700 mm per year, but in the southern regions of the island (on higher elevations), precipitation can reach as much as four thousand millimeters.
But despite such a changeable climate, the nature of Iceland is famous for its beauties. On its territory you can still find places untouched by man, these are snow-capped peaks of mountains or ice fields and coasts with bays. Undoubtedly, tourists on the open spaces of the island discover a lot of interesting and unknown, but in order for the country during the trip not to be surprised by its natural conditions, it is better to know in advance what weather falls for each season.
Weather in winter
In winter, daylight hours last only about five hours, and during this period of the year the darkest time in Iceland sets in. The nature of the whole state is dominated by cold, strong winds. January is considered the coldest month, the thermometer on the coast can drop to 0 degrees Celsius during the day, and -4 at night.
Although the weather is windy and not very gentle at this time of the year , tourists still rush to the island in thousands to see the unique natural phenomenon - Aurora Borealis. The season of this northern sowing lasts from October to March, and the guests of the country can enjoy perhaps the most beautiful sight that can be seen in their entire life.
Not everyone knows that it is the amazing nature of Iceland that is famous for its valley of geysers, which is located in the south of the country. The water temperature in one of these hot springs - in the Blue Lagoon - can reach +37 degrees Celsius. It is here that Icelanders and tourists themselves come to warm themselves in the cold winter time.
Spring weather
The air temperature in March remains relatively low, at about +3 degrees Celsius, but the amount of precipitation is significantly reduced. In April and May it becomes much warmer and the mercury columns rise already to + 7-10 degrees Celsius. Even in winter, ice drift begins on the coast of the island, and this process lasts throughout the spring in Iceland. The nature of the island, despite such a still cool temperature, can please tourists.
In April, sea cruises begin, which take travelers straight to Greenland itself, to the island of Grimsey. Wildlife enthusiasts can watch humpback whales in the Fahsaflowi and Hervey Bays this season.
In the spring, Icelanders still celebrate many holidays, which are accompanied by festivities. In early March, they celebrate beer day, and during the first spring months, Lutheran Easter lasts. These days it is customary to treat guests with an Easter lamb.
Weather in summer
In summer, the temperature rises and gets a little warmer in Iceland. It is during this period of the year that nature and climate are most favorable for traveling and excursions around the island. Therefore, the season, which lasts from June to September, is considered to be high in this state.
The warmest weather is set on the island in July, when the air warms up to +17 degrees Celsius during the day and up to +10 at night. Tourists who decide to visit the resorts of the island in the summer can see the amazing phenomenon of Iceland. Nature will surprise them with its white nights, which will leave unforgettable impressions and memories.
Fans of quiet hunting in summer will be able to enjoy fishing to the fullest, as the Gulf Stream attracts whole schools of various aquatic inhabitants to the sea. In the rivers of the island, you can catch salmon, which is here until September. Undoubtedly, this is also the best period for excursions and for exploring the whole country as a whole.
Weather in autumn
The beginning of autumn is characterized by still relatively warm and calm weather. In October, cyclones begin passing through the Atlantic Ocean and the weather deteriorates sharply. And in the month of November, daylight hours are already significantly reduced and the island begins a dark season with long nights. Roads in the central part of the island and in the north of the country can be closed due to obstruction, icing and snow blockages. Therefore, when planning to travel around Iceland at a given time, you need to follow the information about the weather conditions in the state.
Resorts in Iceland
This island is very interesting for tourists with its landscapes and contrasts. The nature and resorts of Iceland simply fascinate travelers with its magical and cold beauty. The most popular are Reykjavik (the capital of the state and the largest city) and Akureyri (commonly considered the northern capital of the country).
South Iceland can attract its guests with the popular Vatnajokull glacier, which is the largest in the world. Another attraction of this part of the country is the glacial lagoon Yokulsaurloun.
Fans of amazing landscapes, devoid of any signs of modern civilization, can take a jeep ride through the highlands of central Iceland, which is practically not populated by people.
Museums in the country and interesting facts
The state can attract many tourists from all over the world. Sights of Iceland - nature, museums, monuments and much more. For example, in Husavik there is a non-profit organization that was opened in 1997. Various studies have been carried out there to find out more about whales. And subsequently, thus, a whole museum dedicated to cetaceans appeared.
There is a photo gallery in Reykjavik, it has about 5 million different photos. The oldest is considered to be made in 1870. It contains all the interesting facts about the traditions and customs of Iceland.
It is interesting that Icelanders do not have surnames, they are replaced by patronyms - this is the same as the patronymic of the Slavic peoples. If suddenly the father for some reason does not recognize the child, then he gets his middle name from the mother, that is, the matronym.
Residents of Reykjavik can easily go shopping at the nearest store in pajamas or home clothes, and this will not seem strange to anyone.
Iceland is considered the most sparsely populated country in the world, as approximately 320 thousand people live in it. Compared to the years of World War II, this is even a lot, because at that time about 50 thousand occupied the territory of the country. The population of this state is considered the most reading people in the world, they love books very much.
No matter how scary this cold country is with its impregnable climate and glaciers, at least once in its life many travelers and adventure lovers tend to visit it.