Prestahnúkur

Mountain Remote Icelandic mountain with volcanic plateau and glaciers

Prestahnúkur is a remote volcanic massif in western Iceland frequented by hikers and four‑wheel‑drive highland routes; the area features lava fields and sparse highland terrain.

Main image
Prestahnúkur
Prestahnúkur mountain, Western Region, Iceland
64.5869, -20.6649

How to Get to Prestahnúkur #

Access is via highland roads from the west (routes off the Ring Road, R1); many approaches require a 4x4 or guided transfer. Check road conditions with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration before attempting.

Tips for Visiting Prestahnúkur #

  • Avoid the season when roads are snowed under-check local maps for summer access routes if planning a hike.
  • Hire a local guide for off-trail routes; the area's lava fields and glaciers can be disorienting.
  • Visit at midnight in midsummer for a chance at aurora sightings on clear nights-Prestahnúkur is remote enough for dark skies.

Best Time to Visit Prestahnúkur #

Summer is recommended for most visitors for accessibility and safer conditions; winter is for experienced parties.

Summer
June-August · 5-12°C
Longest daylight and easiest access; trails and highland roads are most passable.
Winter
November-March · -5-3°C
Short daylight and snow-covered routes-only for experienced winter mountaineers.

Weather & Climate near Prestahnúkur #

Climate

Prestahnúkur's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -8°C to 7°C. Abundant rainfall (1237 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

27 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
9.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

21 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
9.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.2h daylight

March

March is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

23 Poor

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-8° -4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
8.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.5h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -2°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.9h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-2°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
18.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
20.4h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
19.3h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
16.1h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
12.8h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -2°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.0h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

29 Poor

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

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

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