Hvítavatn

Lake Glacial lake in southern Iceland

In southern Iceland, Hvítavatn is a glacial-fed lake visited by hikers and photographers for its pale waters and surrounding volcanic ridges; access typically involves highland tracks.

Hvítavatn
64.1181, -17.5547

How to Get to Hvítavatn #

Hvítavatn is in Iceland’s Southern Region highlands. Access often requires driving on mountain or F-roads; a 4x4 is usually necessary. Consult current road condition reports from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration before setting out.

Tips for Visiting Hvítavatn #

  • Use a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle if accessing by unpaved Highland roads; weather changes quickly.
  • Bring a waterproof layer and sturdy boots for the rough lava and scree around the lake.
  • Photograph early or late in the day - the light on the pale glacial water is best at sunrise and sunset.

Best Time to Visit Hvítavatn #

Best visited in the summer months when access roads are open and conditions are safest; expect changeable weather year-round.

Summer
June-August · 5-12°C
Most accessible time for trails and highland roads; long daylight means flexible timing.
Late Spring/Late Autumn
May & September-October · -1-8°C
Fewer visitors but increasingly unpredictable weather; snow may linger into spring at higher elevations.

Weather & Climate near Hvítavatn #

Climate

Hvítavatn's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -6°C to 9°C. Abundant rainfall (1665 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
16°
Warmest Month
-17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

23 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

23 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -2°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

25 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-7° -3°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
18.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.5
UV Index
High
20.4h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
19.3h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

156 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
16.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
12.8h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (171 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

26 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

25 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
8.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.6h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Hvítavatn