Main image

Ólafur Ágúst CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Flatey, Skjálfandi

Island

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, Skjálfandi AkureyriSauðárkrókurMývatnDrangeyGoðafossBlöndulónDimmuborgirSvínavatnFlatey, Skjálfandi

Flatey, Skjálfandi essentials

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

Flatey, Skjálfandi at a Glance

About Flatey, Skjálfandi

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.
When to Go

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).

Air Quality: AQI 15 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -3° - 2° -7° 55 mm overcast 92% 7.6 m/s 0.0 low 3.8h
February Poor -4° - 2° -7° 49 mm overcast 91% 7.3 m/s 0.0 low 7.8h
March Poor -4° - 1° -7° 52 mm overcast 90% 7.0 m/s 0.1 low 11.5h
April Poor -2° - 3° -5° 32 mm overcast 89% 6.3 m/s 0.4 low 15.2h
May Poor 2° - 7° 0° 28 mm overcast 89% 5.6 m/s 0.7 moderate 19.1h
June Acceptable 5° - 10° 4° 36 mm overcast 85% 5.2 m/s 1.0 moderate 22.6h
July Acceptable 6° - 11° 6° 43 mm overcast 86% 4.9 m/s 0.9 moderate 20.6h
August Acceptable 6° - 11° 6° 49 mm overcast 87% 5.0 m/s 0.6 moderate 16.6h
September Poor 4° - 8° 3° 63 mm overcast 89% 5.7 m/s 0.2 low 12.9h
October Poor 1° - 5° -1° 81 mm overcast 91% 6.2 m/s 0.1 low 9.2h
November Poor -1° - 3° -5° 67 mm overcast 92% 6.7 m/s 0.0 low 5.2h
December Poor -3° - 2° -7° 56 mm overcast 92% 7.2 m/s 0.0 low 1.5h
Getting There & Around

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.