Elliðavatn | TravelDojo

Elliðavatn is a small freshwater lake in Iceland’s Capital Region located on the southeastern outskirts of greater Reykjavík. The lake sits within a greenbelt and recreational area used by residents for outdoor activities.

Trails run around the lake and through adjacent heathland and forested areas, used year-round for walking, running, cycling and seasonal bathing. Birdlife and quiet shoreline spots are typical features for local visitors and nature watchers.

The lake and surrounding land have long been used by Reykjavík residents for recreation and resource uses; more formal trail and conservation management has expanded in recent decades as the city’s suburbs have grown.

Lies within the Heiðmörk and Elliðaár valley greenbelt on the southeastern fringe of Reykjavík, easily reached from the city’s eastern neighborhoods.

Close to Reykjavík: Situated within the Heiðmörk nature area and served by walking and cycling trails from Reykjavík's eastern suburbs, making it a popular local outdoor destination.

How to Get to Elliðavatn #

From Reykjavík, drive south on Route 41 toward Keflavík for about 10-20 minutes; local roads lead to the lakeshores. The site is accessible by car; services on the Reykjanes Peninsula are concentrated along the main routes, so plan accordingly. Parking is informal and often unmarked.

Tips for Visiting Elliðavatn #

If visiting in winter, come prepared for strong winds off the nearby glaciers; the lake can be icy and slippery.
The area is popular with anglers - check local regulations before fishing.
Combine a trip to Elliđavatn with other Reykjanes Peninsula sites; services are sparse near the lake.

Best Time to Visit Elliðavatn #

Summer is the easiest time to visit for access and mild weather; shoulders offer quiet landscapes and better light for photography.

Summer (June-August)

Jun-Aug · 5-15°C

Midnight sun and accessible trails; most services on the Reykjanes Peninsula operate in summer.

Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October)

Apr-May, Sep-Oct · 0-10°C

Fewer visitors and dramatic light; roads can be muddy in spring.

Winter (November-March)

Nov-Mar · -5-5°C

Short daylight, potential snow and ice; dramatic storms and northern lights when skies clear.

Weather & Climate near Elliðavatn #

Climate

Elliðavatn's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1030 mm/year), wettest in February.

Best Time to Visit

JuneJulyAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

23°

Warmest Month

-14°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

31 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-4° – 1°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

98 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 heavy rain (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-3° – 2°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

112 mm

Rainfall

7.7 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.0

UV Index

Low

8.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Freezing

0°C

Temperature

-3° – 3°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

7.6 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 (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

3°

Feels Like Cold

3°C

Temperature

0° – 5°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

64 mm

Rainfall

6.9 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

14.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

3° – 9°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

66 mm

Rainfall

6.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

18.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

6° – 12°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

57 mm

Rainfall

5.8 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 (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

8° – 13°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

61 mm

Rainfall

5.4 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 (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

8° – 13°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

83 mm

Rainfall

5.5 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 (80 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

5° – 10°

88%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

80 mm

Rainfall

6.4 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.3

UV Index

Low

12.8h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

2° – 7°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

103 mm

Rainfall

6.6 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 (98 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

1°

Feels Like Cold

1°C

Temperature

-1° – 3°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

98 mm

Rainfall

6.9 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. Significant rainfall (104 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-3° – 2°

92%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

104 mm

Rainfall

7.4 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.0

UV Index

Low

3.6h daylight

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