Reykjavik: a 3-day plan and the best time to go

The best time to go

The most comfortable months for walking about are June and July: mild days and less rain. The warmest month is July, at about 56°F (14°C) in the afternoon. The wettest is September.

1. Jan35°169 mm
2. Feb35°152 mm
3. Mar37°153 mm
4. Apr41°119 mm
5. May47°93 mm
6. Jun53°83 mm
7. Jul56°99 mm
8. Aug55°121 mm
9. Sep50°181 mm
10. Oct43°147 mm
11. Nov38°149 mm
12. Dec36°172 mm

Bars show the typical night-time low to daytime high; the numbers are daytime highs in °F and rain in millimetres for the month. Averages for 2001–2020 from NASA POWER, so a given year can be warmer, colder or wetter.

Three days in Reykjavik

Written with AI from public facts about Reykjavik, then checked by Sureno's rules. Opening times and prices change: check them before you go.

Day 1 City centre and harbour

Morning

Hallgrímskirkja

City Centre

See the church and its striking architecture at an unhurried pace.

Afternoon

Harpa Concert Hall

Old Harbour

Explore the bright glass facade and enjoy views across the harbour.

Evening

Old Harbour restaurants

Old Harbour

Choose a relaxed dinner near the water.

Day 2 Museums and city views

Morning

National Museum of Iceland

Vesturbær

Explore exhibits that introduce Icelandic history and culture.

Afternoon

Perlan

Öskjuhlíð

Visit the museum and enjoy city and bay views from its dome.

Evening

Laugavegur cafés

Miðborg

Have a relaxed meal along Reykjavík’s main shopping street.

Day 3 Pond and local life

Morning

Tjörnin pond

Miðborg

Take a gentle stroll by the water and nearby city landmarks.

Afternoon

Árbær Open Air Museum

Árbær

See historic buildings and learn about everyday life in Iceland.

Evening

Grandi food hall

Grandi

Sample local dishes in a casual harbour-side setting.

What to eat

• Try Icelandic lamb soup, fresh fish and skyr.

Getting there

• Fly into Keflavík International (KEF).
• From New York: about 5 h 36 min in the air, non-stop (a straight-line estimate; real routes take longer).
• From Los Angeles: about 8 h 51 min in the air, non-stop (a straight-line estimate; real routes take longer).
• From London: about 2 h 53 min in the air, non-stop (a straight-line estimate; real routes take longer).
• Central Reykjavík is walkable, though distances and weather can make buses or taxis more comfortable. Keflavík International Airport is outside the city, so plan an airport transfer separately.
• Check official Iceland entry rules before travel.
• Weather can change quickly; bring layers and allow extra time for gentle walks.

Plan the flight from your city

Where to stay

• MiðborgIt is central for the pond, shops, restaurants and many main sights.
• Old HarbourIt offers harbour views, restaurants and easy access to Harpa.

The official Reykjavik tourism siteWhere to sleep, on Wikivoyage

About Reykjavik

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located on the southern shore of the Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland and has a latitude of 64°08′ N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Reykjavík has a population of around 140,000 as of 2026, and the surrounding Capital Region has a population of around 252,000, constituting approximately 64% of Iceland's population.

From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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