What type of climate does Iceland have?

Iceland experiences a maritime subarctic climate. This climate is shaped by the country's position at the boundary of polar and tropical air currents, as well as the interaction between the Gulf Stream and the East Greenland Current.1

Despite its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland remains warmer than its latitude might suggest. Temperatures are relatively consistent across the country, with the mean annual temperature in Reykjavík recorded at 40 °F (4 °C). Weather patterns are heavily influenced by North Atlantic fronts, which bring seasonal shifts in temperature and precipitation. While the region is known for frequent gales and varying levels of snowfall, it also experiences significant hours of sunshine and the aurora borealis. Additionally, the Icelandic low—a persistent low-pressure center—plays a major role in driving wind circulation and winter weather across the North Atlantic.12