Ljósufjöll

Mountains Icelandic volcanic massif with geothermal features

Ljósufjöll is a volcanic massif in Iceland’s Western Region with lava fields and ridges; hikers and geology enthusiasts use its routes and mountain passes.

Main image

Ljósufjöll is a volcanic mountain system in the Western Region of Iceland. The name denotes a series of peaks and fissures within a volcanic field.

The area is primarily of geological interest for its volcanic landforms and lava fields. There is limited visitor infrastructure and access is subject to weather and highland road conditions.

Ljósufjöll is part of Iceland’s active volcanic landscape and has been shaped by Holocene volcanic activity. The volcanic system is one of several that contribute to the geologically young terrain of western Iceland.

The mountains lie in Iceland’s Western Region and are reached from regional roads and highland routes when conditions permit.

Ljósufjöll
64.9177, -22.5674

How to Get to Ljósufjöll #

Ljósufjöll is reached by driving the Snæfellsnes peninsula from Reykjavík (about 2-3 hours depending on road choice). Routes often use Route 54 and then local gravel roads; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended outside of summer.

Tips for Visiting Ljósufjöll #

  • Bring layers-the region's volcanic highlands can be windy and cool even in summer.
  • If visiting from Reykjavik, combine Ljósufjöll with a circuit of Snæfellsnes to make the long drive worthwhile.
  • Be cautious on slopes after rain; the volcanic rock can be treacherous when wet.

Best Time to Visit Ljósufjöll #

Summer for accessibility and long days; shoulder months for fewer people and clearer vistas.

Summer
June-August · 5-12°C (41-54°F)
Longest daylight and easiest road access; great for hikes along volcanic ridges.
Late Spring-Early Autumn
May & September · 1-10°C (34-50°F)
Fewer tourists and clearer light; still variable conditions.

Weather & Climate near Ljósufjöll #

Climate

Ljósufjöll'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 (1201 mm/year), wettest in October.

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
7.6 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 (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-6° -2°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-6° -3°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
7.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
14.9h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
18.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
20.4h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
19.3h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
16.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
6.7 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 (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

28 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

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

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
7.2 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 (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
3.6h daylight

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