Main image

Hansueli Krapf CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Réttarfoss

Waterfall

A waterfall in northeastern Iceland, Réttarfoss draws hikers and photographers to river canyons and basalt formations along inland hiking routes.

Réttarfoss AkureyriSauðárkrókurMývatnDrangeyGoðafossBlöndulónDimmuborgirSvínavatnRéttarfoss

Réttarfoss essentials

Country: Iceland
Driest months: Mar-May
Pay in: Krona (kr)
Language: Icelandic

Réttarfoss at a Glance

Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Réttarfoss

Late spring to early autumn is the most practical time to visit for road access and full daylight.

Summer
June-August · 5-12°C
Midnight sun and accessible roads; many waterfalls are at their most photogenic.
Autumn
September-October · 0-8°C
Crisper air, fewer visitors, and early snow at higher elevations.
Winter
November-March · -10-2°C
A dramatic time but expect icy roads and limited daylight.

Weather & Climate near Réttarfoss

Climate

Réttarfoss's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -5°C to 12°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 15 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-21°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -5° - 0° -9° 39 mm overcast 94% 6.2 m/s 0.0 low 4.4h
February Poor -5° - 0° -9° 31 mm overcast 93% 6.1 m/s 0.0 low 8.0h
March Poor -5° - 0° -9° 34 mm overcast 92% 6.1 m/s 0.2 low 11.5h
April Poor -3° - 1° -7° 24 mm overcast 91% 5.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 15.0h
May Poor 0° - 5° -2° 26 mm overcast 89% 5.0 m/s 1.1 high 18.6h
June Acceptable 4° - 10° 4° 37 mm overcast 86% 4.7 m/s 1.2 high 21.3h
July Acceptable 6° - 12° 7° 52 mm overcast 87% 4.3 m/s 1.0 moderate 19.8h
August Acceptable 6° - 11° 6° 51 mm overcast 88% 4.3 m/s 0.6 moderate 16.3h
September Poor 3° - 8° 2° 55 mm overcast 91% 4.8 m/s 0.3 low 12.8h
October Poor -1° - 4° -3° 59 mm overcast 93% 5.0 m/s 0.1 low 9.3h
November Poor -4° - 1° -7° 50 mm overcast 94% 5.2 m/s 0.0 low 5.7h
December Poor -5° - 0° -9° 36 mm overcast 93% 5.8 m/s 0.0 low 2.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Réttarfoss

Réttarfoss is reached by regional roads in Northeast Iceland; visitors typically drive from Akureyri or Húsavík. Check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (vegagerdin.is) for seasonal conditions and recommended routes.

Tips for Visiting Réttarfoss

  • Wear waterproof boots: paths near many Icelandic falls can be wet and slippery.
  • Check local road conditions in winter; the Northeast can be isolated when storms roll through.
  • Combine the visit with nearby geological sites to make the most of long drive times.