Given its location in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland’s weather is heavily influenced by its maritime climate and can be quite unpredictable. Rapid shifts in conditions are common, with sunshine one moment giving way to wind, rain, or even snow the next. Summers are generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit, while winters can be quite cold, hovering around freezing. However, thanks to the moderating effects of ocean currents, Iceland avoids the extreme Arctic chill experienced by areas further inland at similar latitudes. Layering and weather-resistant clothing are essential when exploring this island nation’s breathtaking landscapes.