Main image

Christian Bickel CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Apavatn

Lake

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

Apavatn SelfossÞingvellirGeysirGullfossSeljalandsfossSkógafossReynisfjaraLandmannalaugarApavatn

Apavatn essentials

Country: Iceland
Driest months: Apr-Jun
Pay in: Krona (kr)
Language: Icelandic

Apavatn at a Glance

About Apavatn

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Air Quality: AQI 17 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -4° - 1° -8° 92 mm overcast 92% 7.5 m/s 0.0 low 5.0h
February Poor -3° - 2° -7° 98 mm overcast 91% 7.5 m/s 0.0 low 8.2h
March Poor -3° - 3° -6° 94 mm overcast 89% 7.3 m/s 0.2 low 11.5h
April Poor 0° - 5° -2° 66 mm overcast 86% 6.5 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.9h
May Acceptable 4° - 9° 3° 65 mm overcast 82% 5.7 m/s 0.9 moderate 18.2h
June Acceptable 6° - 11° 6° 67 mm overcast 81% 5.4 m/s 1.1 high 20.4h
July Acceptable 8° - 13° 11° 71 mm overcast 81% 5.1 m/s 0.9 moderate 19.3h
August Acceptable 8° - 13° 10° 94 mm overcast 83% 5.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 16.1h
September Acceptable 5° - 10° 4° 86 mm overcast 87% 5.8 m/s 0.3 low 12.8h
October Poor 2° - 7° 0° 97 mm overcast 90% 6.1 m/s 0.1 low 9.5h
November Poor -1° - 3° -4° 91 mm overcast 92% 6.4 m/s 0.0 low 6.0h
December Poor -3° - 2° -7° 96 mm overcast 92% 7.1 m/s 0.0 low 3.6h
Getting There & Around

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.