March in Reykjavik suits travelers who want hot pools, museums and a chance at the northern lights, and who can live with a high of 40°F (4°C).
Whale watching has not reached its peak yet, since that season runs from April to October.
At a glance
- Afternoon high: 40°F (4°C)
- Night low: 30°F (-1°C)
- Rainy days: 14
- Sunshine: 3.6 hours a day
- Sea: 41°F (5°C)
- Whale watching peak: April to October
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in March?
| Month | Average high | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | 38°F (3°C) | 3.6 in (91 mm) | 15 | 2.2 h | 41°F (5°C) |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 3.2 in (81 mm) | 14 | 3.6 h | 41°F (5°C) |
| April | 44°F (7°C) | 2.3 in (59 mm) | 12 | 5.5 h | 42°F (6°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
March in Reykjavik is cold and gray, with an afternoon high of 40°F (4°C) and a night low of 30°F (-1°C). Mornings sit right at freezing, so puddles and wet pavement can turn slick.
14 days of the month bring at least 1 mm of rain, and the sun shows for 3.6 hours a day. Dress in waterproof layers and put the outdoor sights, such as the view from Perlan, in the hours when the sky looks brightest.
February is a touch colder, wetter and darker, with a high of 38°F (3°C) and about two hours of sun a day. April is clearly milder, at 44°F (7°C) with 12 rainy days and more sun. March sits between the two.
What to do in Reykjavik in March
Perlan and its 360° view
Perlan stands at Öskjuhlíð, on Reykjavik’s highest hill and close to the center.
On a gray March day the view depends on the cloud, so go when the sky looks open. The hill is near the center, which makes it an easy stop to fit around a museum visit.
Hallgrímskirkja and Skólavörðustígur
Hallgrímskirkja sits at Hallgrímstorg, 101 Reykjavík. Organ concerts are held at noon on the first Saturday of every month from September to June, so March has one. A service in English is held on the last Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Skólavörðustígur leads up to the church and is lined with cafés, shops and galleries, which makes it a good place to warm up before or after. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and garden is at the southwest corner of the square.
Harpa on the old harbour
Harpa is at Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík, on the waterfront at the old harbour. It opened in May 2011 and has panoramic views of Faxaflói Bay and the Esjan mountain range.
The building is a dry place to spend part of a wet day. Step out onto the waterfront for a look at the bay and the mountains when the weather clears.
Sky Lagoon and the geothermal pools
Sky Lagoon is a geothermal lagoon by the sea, with an optional seven-step ritual. Reykjavík also has geothermal pools around the city, and hot water suits a month when the air stays near freezing.
Soaking in steaming water with a cold breeze on your face is the point of a March visit. Bring a swimsuit in your day bag.
Northern lights cruise and ski areas
Night is when you go, so keep the daytime light.
The ski areas at Bláfjöll and Skálafell are about 30 minutes from the city center. Tours by horse also start just outside Reykjavík, on farms near the city.
Is Reykjavik busy in March?
The City Center is the best base for first-time visitors, within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points. The 101 district around Laugavegur, the old harbour and Austurvöllur Square is the main area. Hotels there include Hotel Reykjavík Saga, near Lake Tjörnin, and Sand Hotel, downtown. Book early for a center location.
Can you swim in Reykjavik in March?
The sea near Reykjavik averages 41°F (5°C) in March. That is a monthly average and far too cold for a swim.
Warm water here means the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon, which sits by the sea.
What to pack for Reykjavik in March
March asks for warm, waterproof layers, since the air hovers around freezing and 14 days bring rain.
- A waterproof jacket and rain pants for the 14 rainy days
- A warm hat and gloves for lows near 30°F (-1°C)
- Shoes with grip for wet, slick pavement
- A swimsuit for the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon
- Extra layers for a 2-hour northern lights cruise at night
- Sunglasses for the low sun on bright days
What to know before visiting Reykjavik in March
Reykjavík has 14 distinct city areas across six municipalities. Laugavegur has bars, clubs and restaurants that open in the evenings.
Reykjavík City Museum includes five museums and exhibitions, and the National Museum of Iceland has audio guides in 10 languages. The Botanic Garden and Viðey Island are easy to reach and known for their birdlife, though March weather suits indoor stops better.
Is March a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Yes, March is a good month for travelers who want hot pools, museums and northern lights, and who accept cold, wet weather.
If you want swimming, book Sky Lagoon or the city pools. For whales, April is the better month.
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/why-choose-reykjavik), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/service/hallgrimskirkja-church-tower), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/reykjavik-sailors/), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=accommodation&page=1), checked 2026-10-30
- perlan.is (https://perlan.is/visit?msclkid=c2a46990c64e17466ba601eeea04dae2), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=reykjavik+city+museum+officially+opened), checked 2026-10-30
- northiceland.is (https://www.northiceland.is/is/upplifun/afthreying/sjo-og-vatna-afthreying/bataferdir/), checked 2026-10-30