Reykjavik vs Oslo: Weather & Climate Compared
On annual averages, Oslo is warmer overall, Oslo is sunnier, and Reykjavik has more rainy days. The monthly comparison shows when that result changes.
Reykjavik vs Oslo weather right now
At this moment, Oslo is the warmer of the two by 25°F (14°C).
The warmer city depends on the month
Oslo takes the temperature crown. Averaged over all twelve months it runs 44°F (7°C), about 4.1°F (2.3°C) above Reykjavik's 40°F (5°C).
For the full seasonal context behind this comparison, see the Reykjavik monthly climate guide and Oslo monthly climate guide.
Where the lead can change
- Sunshine: Oslo is brighter, averaging 7.5 hours of sun a day to Reykjavik's 5.7.
- Rain: Reykjavik records roughly 202 days of measurable precipitation annually; Oslo sees 136.
- Snow: only Reykjavik sees regular snowfall - roughly 50 days of it annually.
- Peak heat: Reykjavik tops out in July (56°F (14°C) highs); Oslo peaks in July (70°F (21°C)).
- Coldest nights: January lows of 27°F (-3°C) in Reykjavik; January lows of 22°F (-6°C) in Oslo.
When the warmer city changes
These two trade places through the year - Reykjavik leads in 3 months, Oslo in 9, so the better-weather answer depends on when you ask. The starkest contrast comes in June, when Oslo runs about 16°F (9°C) warmer; November is the great equalizer.
Reykjavik vs Oslo month by month
| Month | Reykjavik high / low | Oslo high / low | Reykjavik rain days | Oslo rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35° / 27° | 31° / 22° | 18 | 12 |
| February | 36° / 27° | 34° / 24° | 17 | 10 |
| March | 37° / 29° | 40° / 27° | 17 | 9 |
| April | 43° / 34° | 50° / 34° | 16 | 8 |
| May | 47° / 39° | 61° / 44° | 18 | 12 |
| June | 53° / 44° | 69° / 53° | 16 | 12 |
| July | 56° / 47° | 70° / 56° | 16 | 13 |
| August | 55° / 47° | 68° / 54° | 14 | 13 |
| September | 50° / 42° | 61° / 49° | 18 | 11 |
| October | 44° / 37° | 49° / 40° | 18 | 12 |
| November | 39° / 32° | 39° / 33° | 16 | 12 |
| December | 35° / 27° | 33° / 25° | 18 | 13 |
Three-month seasons compared
| Months | Reykjavik high / low | Oslo high / low | Reykjavik rain days | Oslo rain days | Reykjavik sun | Oslo sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December - February | 35° / 27° | 33° / 24° | 53 | 35 | 1.9 h | 3.1 h |
| March - May | 43° / 34° | 51° / 35° | 52 | 30 | 7.7 h | 9.7 h |
| June - August | 55° / 46° | 69° / 54° | 46 | 37 | 9.2 h | 12.0 h |
| September - November | 45° / 37° | 50° / 41° | 52 | 35 | 4.2 h | 5.0 h |
Sunshine, daylight and rain chance
| Month | Reykjavik sun | Oslo sun | Reykjavik daylight | Oslo daylight | Reykjavik wet-day chance | Oslo wet-day chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.5 h | 2.7 h | 5.3 h | 6.7 h | 59% | 37% |
| February | 3.4 h | 4.7 h | 8.4 h | 9.0 h | 60% | 36% |
| March | 6.1 h | 7.1 h | 11.5 h | 11.6 h | 54% | 30% |
| April | 7.5 h | 10.3 h | 14.9 h | 14.5 h | 55% | 27% |
| May | 9.4 h | 11.7 h | 18.3 h | 17.1 h | 60% | 39% |
| June | 9.1 h | 13.1 h | 21.0 h | 18.8 h | 54% | 38% |
| July | 9.6 h | 12.5 h | 19.7 h | 18.0 h | 51% | 42% |
| August | 8.8 h | 10.5 h | 16.4 h | 15.6 h | 45% | 42% |
| September | 6.2 h | 7.5 h | 12.9 h | 12.7 h | 59% | 37% |
| October | 4.3 h | 4.8 h | 9.6 h | 10.0 h | 59% | 38% |
| November | 2.2 h | 2.6 h | 6.3 h | 7.4 h | 53% | 40% |
| December | 0.7 h | 1.9 h | 4.2 h | 5.9 h | 57% | 41% |
Best months for sightseeing
Counting months with average highs between 64°F and 82°F (18–28°C) and fewer than 12 wet days:
- Reykjavik: no month meets both tests - it stays too cool or too wet
- Oslo: June (1 month)
Dataset extremes, distance and time difference
- Reykjavik 2015–2024 extremes: highest daily value 70° in July, lowest 2° in January. These are reanalysis values, not all-time station records.
- Oslo 2015–2024 extremes: highest daily value 90° in July, lowest -18° in January. These are reanalysis values, not all-time station records.
- Distance: Reykjavik and Oslo are about 1,084 miles (1,745 km) apart as the crow flies.
- Time difference: Oslo is 1 hour ahead of Reykjavik right now.