Apavatn

Lake Freshwater lake set among lava fields

Apavatn is a lake in southern Iceland ringed by low mountains and farmland; anglers and birdwatchers visit for trout fishing and open-water landscapes.

Main image

Apavatn is a freshwater lake in the Southern Region of Iceland. The lake sits within a landscape of plateaus and volcanic terrain typical of southern Iceland.

Apavatn is used locally for angling, and its shoreline comprises low, often boggy ground and scattered outcrops of lava and volcanic rock. The lake contributes to regional drainage and local rural land use rather than being a developed recreational centre.

Geographically it lies inland in southern Iceland, within the broader area of highland margins and agricultural lowlands that transition toward central volcanic plateaus.

  • Fishing and setting: Known locally as a freshwater lake in Iceland's Southern Region, it supports angling for trout and is surrounded by low plateau and lava-formed terrain.
Apavatn
64.1736, -20.6569

How to Get to Apavatn #

Apavatn lies in southern Iceland and is accessible by car from Route 1 with short local roads leading to the lake. It is within driving distance of the Ring Road detours in the Southern Region.

Tips for Visiting Apavatn #

  • Arrive mid‑afternoon for best light-the lake often gives a spectacular mirrored surface as winds die down.
  • Parking is limited; if driving, use designated lay-bys along Route 1 and follow local signage.
  • Bring a windbreaker-conditions can change quickly and the open highland can be chilly even in summer.

Best Time to Visit Apavatn #

Best in summer for access and milder weather; winter offers stark landscapes but requires care for icy roads.

Summer
June-August · 8-15°C (46-59°F)
Milder temperatures, long daylight hours, and good conditions for hiking and photography.
Winter
December-February · -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F)
Snow and ice can make access difficult; dramatic winter light but limited services.

Weather & Climate near Apavatn #

Climate

Apavatn's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1017 mm/year), wettest in February, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
18.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
20.4h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
19.3h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
16.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
12.8h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.6h daylight

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