FrostastaðavatnAbout Frostastaðavatn
Frostastaðavatn is a lake in the Icelandic Highlands in the Southern Region, set within a volcanic landscape. It lies among lava fields and volcanic deposits typical of Iceland’s central highland plateau.
The shoreline and surroundings are volcanic in origin, with nearby lava flows and ash deposits that illustrate the region’s geothermal and eruptive history. The area is visited by hikers and people travelling on highland routes during the summer season when highland tracks are open.
The lake and its margins are reached from highland tracks rather than standard paved roads and are subject to seasonal access restrictions; in winter the area is generally inaccessible by normal vehicles. Frostastaðavatn sits inland from Iceland’s southern lowlands, within the broader upland volcanic terrain of the central highlands.
Best Time to Visit Frostastaðavatn
Summer provides the most reliable access; highland roads are often impassable in winter.
Weather & Climate near Frostastaðavatn
Frostastaðavatn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1355 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - -1° | -11° | 122 mm | overcast | 94% | 7.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -6° - -1° | -11° | 127 mm | overcast | 93% | 8.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -6° - -1° | -11° | 120 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 92 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 89 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.2h |
| June | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 90 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 20.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 94 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.4 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.3h |
| August | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 128 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 117 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 3° | -5° | 135 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -8° | 113 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -6° - -1° | -11° | 128 mm | overcast | 94% | 7.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Frostastaðavatn
Access is via highland tracks from the south coast (roads near Skógar and Thórsmörk region); tracks are often seasonal and require a 4x4 or a guided tour. Check with local operators about track openings and weather.
Tips for Visiting Frostastaðavatn
- Bring waterproof boots if approaching the lake's shoreline - volcanic sand and quick changes in weather make conditions variable
- Check local weather for wind warnings; strong winds can whip the surface and reduce visibility
- Photographers should aim for late-afternoon light to catch the black sand contrasts and distant steam columns