Flatey, Skjálfandi

Island Small Icelandic island in Skjálfandi Bay, rich birdlife

Flatey island in Skjálfandi Bay supports a tiny seasonal settlement, traditional houses and seabird colonies. Day‑trippers arrive by boat from Húsavík for birdwatching, quiet walks and occasional summer cultural events.

Main image

Flatey in Skjálfandi Bay is a small flat island off the northern coast of Iceland in the Northeastern Region, near the town of Húsavík. The island is known for its seabird colonies and low, flat terrain.

The island’s main attractions are birdlife and short walking routes around a small cluster of houses and coastal shoreline; it is lightly developed and visited primarily for nature and wildlife observation. Facilities are minimal and visits are typically short and seasonal.

Historically the island had a small local population and retained some of the old coastal buildings; today it is used seasonally for tourism and birdwatching activities.

The island lies in Skjálfandi Bay north of Húsavík and is reached by small boats from the Húsavík area during the calmer months.

  • Seasonal access: Seasonal boat tours from Húsavík run in summer months for birdwatching and short landings; tours are weather dependent.
Flatey, Skjálfandi
66.1640, -17.8584

How to Get to Flatey, Skjálfandi #

Flatey in Skjálfandi is typically reached by coastal vessels from Húsavík. There are no regular car ferries; visitors should book local boat excursions or charter arrangements from Húsavík’s harbor and confirm seasonal schedules.

Tips for Visiting Flatey, Skjálfandi #

  • Weather in Skjálfandi can be capricious - layer clothing and prepare for sea spray if approaching by boat.
  • Flatey (island name repeats across Iceland) on Skjálfandi is small; check ferry schedules and private skipper availability in Húsavík.

Best Time to Visit Flatey, Skjálfandi #

Icelandic summers provide the most reliable access; plan boat excursions from Húsavík during June-August.

Summer
June-August · 8-15°C (46-59°F)
Longest daylight hours and calmer seas - best for boat access and birdwatching.
Shoulder seasons
May and September · 5-12°C (41-54°F)
Fewer tourists and still fairly reliable sea conditions, though services are reduced.

Weather & Climate near Flatey, Skjálfandi #

Climate

Continental climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -4°C to 11°C. Moderate rainfall (611 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.8h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.8h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

33 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
15.2h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
19.1h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
22.6h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
20.6h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
16.6h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
12.9h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.2h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
1.5h daylight

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