Contrary to popular belief, Iceland has rather mild, coastal weather due to the effect of the golf stream. The average summer temperature in the capital Reykjavik is 10.6°C/51°F in July. The highest recorded temperature in the capital area is 24.7°C/77°F. The average winter temperature in Reykjavik is about 0°C/32°F in January.
A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. It brings mild air from the Atlantic which in contact with colder arctic air results in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and often strong wind. Furthermore this leads to more rainfall in the southern and western part than in the northern part of the island.
During summer, the nights are bright throughout Iceland and in the month of June the sun never fully goes down. On a clear summer days, the sunset and sunrise is beautifully combined.