Hi fellow hiker,

Weather is one of the biggest factors that determines the success of your hike. One moment you may be warmed by the sun, and the next, peppered with pellets of ice. It's important to have an accurate weather forecast so you are not caught in a compromising position.

Below, we've attached some links to important sources of weather and trail conditions information, as well as a video outlining how to protect yourself in a storm. We will talk more about mountain safety in a future email, but we've included two safety-related videos, as well, as a small preview.

Best regards,

Pygmy Elephant

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The weather in Iceland, particularly in the Icelandic Highlands, can be quite variable and often challenging. Below are some key points about the weather in this region.

• Cool temperatures: Iceland generally experiences cool temperatures year-round. In the Highlands, temperatures are typically lower than in coastal areas due to the higher elevation.  Average temperatures in summer range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) but can drop to near freezing at night.
• Wind: The Highlands are known for their strong winds, which can make the temperatures feel significantly colder. 
• Precipitation: The region receives significant precipitation, predominantly in the form of rain during summer and snow during winter. Fog is also common.
• Weather Variability: The weather in the Highlands can change rapidly. It's not uncommon to experience multiple weather conditions in a single day, including sun, rain, wind, and snow.
• Certain geothermal areas in the Highlands, like Landmannalaugar, may have slightly milder microclimates due to geothermal activity. However, these areas can still experience rapid weather changes.

For accurate and up-to-date weather information in Iceland, including the Icelandic Highlands, we highly recommend the following websites.

1. Vedur.is (Icelandic Meteorological Office)

   • Website: vedur.is
   • App available: Android, Apple
   • Features: This is the official source for weather forecasts, warnings, and updates in Iceland. It provides detailed forecasts, including temperature, wind, precipitation, and avalanche warnings. It also includes weather maps and information on road conditions.

2. Safetravel.is

   • Website: safetravel.is
   • App available: Android, Apple
   • Features: This site offers comprehensive travel safety information, including weather forecasts, road conditions, and alerts. It's a great resource for those planning to travel in remote areas like the Highlands.

3. Road.is (Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration)

   • Website: road.is
   • App available: None
   • Features: This site provides real-time information on road conditions, including weather-related closures and hazards. It's essential for checking the status of F-roads in the Highlands.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Ask your hotel reception and hut wardens about current route conditions. Most of the accommodations, especially the mountain huts, have some of the most up-to-date information on trails, including potential dangers.

VIDEO LINKS

For inquiries regarding your specific itinerary, please contact your group leader or key travel builder. If you have any questions about the content of this email, feel free to reply here.