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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Flatey, Skjálfandi #
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).
January
January is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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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.
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April
April is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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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.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.