What To Do In Reykjavik On A Rainy Day? 19 Easy Ideas!

Storm in Iceland today? I’d imagine just about everyone experienced a storm or two during their visit.

While the rain (and wind) may ruin your original plans there are still plenty of things to do in Reykjavik when the weather’s turned sour.

So if you’re asking yourself what to do in Reykjavik on a rainy day check out these ideas below.

What To Do In Reykjavik On A Rainy Day? 

Explore The Beautiful Harpa Concert Hall 

The Harpa Concert Hall features a distinctive geometrical glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.

This architectural stunner is a work of art and definitely worth your time while visiting Reykjavik. 

You can walk through the building and appreciate the unique architecture — it’s free.

Or, join a guided tour and see the areas not open to the public. The tours are 5.200 ISK ($41 USD).

For a truly incredible show, be sure to visit the Harpa Concert Hall at night. The facade is illuminated with 1,000’s of LED lights moving across the building.

Additionally, be sure to check for live music events including the the Iceland Symphony Orchestra which calls Harpa Concert Hall home.

Sip Coffee In A Cafe

If you find yourself wondering what to do in Reykjavik on a rainy day, relaxing in a cafe is a favorite option among locals and visitors alike.

There is something so perfect about a coffee and a rainy day. 

We loved Reykjavik Röst.

It’s location right on the harbor was perfect for watching boats come in and out and people scurry by in the rain.

The Best Reykjavik Coffee Shops

There are so many cafes throughout town, many of which are excellent.

Here are a few of the top picks:

• Café Babalú
• Reykjavik Röst
• Te og Kaffi
• Vinyl
• Reykjavik Roasters
• Stofan Café

Visit The Sky Lagoon In The Rain 

Sky Lagoon is Reykjavik’s latest geothermal spa craze. 

The spa is set on a cliffside overlooking the ocean and couldn’t be more stunning. In addition to soaking in the hot springs Sky Lagoon offers “The Ritual.” This is a 7 step ode to Icelandic bathing traditions.

The Ritual involves a sauna, self-applied body scrub, and steam room, just to name a few. It’s a unique way to experience Iceland’s ancient bathing traditions in a modern, nordic-inspired setting. 

Depending on how bad the weather is this may or may not be the best place to visit in the rain. Since the geothermal spa sits right on the ocean the wind here can be ferocious.

We visited during a particularly bad storm so soaking in the warm pool was a bit of an adventure! (Think white caps on the pool surface.)

However the spa experience, which is located indoors, was excellent!

You can book tickets directly through their website: Sky Lagoon.

Otherwise if you’d prefer to book through a tour company, which offers pick-up and drop-off, you can do so here: Sky Lagoon With Transportation.

Trying to decide between Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon? Check out Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Should You Visit?

Visit The Spa In Reykjavik 

The rain can provide a perfect excuse for some self-care.

If you’re looking to pamper yourself with a massage or facial check out these refreshing options in Reykjavik:

• Reykjavik Spa
• Hreyfing Spa
• Laugar Spa 
• Reykjavik Day Spa

Tour A Lava Cave

Exploring lava caves is a great activity in any weather, especially when it’s raining, since the incredible caves offer protection from the elements.

Viðgelmir is one of the largest lava caves in the country, just shy of 1600 meters (1 mile), and is a must-see while you’re in Iceland.

The cave features amazing colors and dramatic lava formations formed deep in the earth. 

The cave can only be explored with a guide, you can book a tour here: Lava Caves & Waterfall Tour.

This is a small group tour so tickets typically sell out.

Viðgelmir is about 2 hours from the city, if you’d prefer a shorter tour option consider touring the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel instead.

This also requires a guide, which can be booked here: 3 Hour Lava Caving Tour.

Browse A Local Bookstore 

Another relaxing option is to browse a local bookstore.

Scan the latest releases or get lost in an all-time classic — there’s no better way to spend a rainy day than in a bookshop.

We enjoyed the bookstore, Penninn Eymundsson Austurstræti, which offered a huge selection of books in English and Icelandic throughout it’s 2 floors.

The Best Bookstores in Reykjavik

• Bòkin Books
• Kolaportið
• Ida Zimsen
• Mál og Menning
• Penninn Eymundsson Austurstræti

Enjoy A Museum 

Visiting a museum is a no-brainer when the weather turns rough and luckily Reykjavik has plenty of them.

From traditional art and history museums to quirky and outlandish collections, there’s something for everyone’s interest in the capital city of Iceland. 

The Best Museums In Reykjavik 

• Icelandic Phallological Museum 
• Reykjavik Art Museum
• Icelandic Punk Museum
• Saga Museum 
• Whales of Iceland 
• Perlan 
• National Museum of Iceland 
• Reykjavik Maritime Museum 

Participate In A Beer Tour 

There are many who find themselves in pubs on gray and rainy days.

It’s easy to understand why, as they’re often a great spot to weather a storm.

Check out The Drunken Rabbit Irish Pub or Sessions Craft Beer for a wide variety of local fare.

You can also opt for a beer tour! Spend an evening sampling Iceland’s top craft beers over a 2.5 hour tour led by a local guide.

You’ll sip 10 different beers, most of which can only be found in Iceland, while learning about the history of Icelandic beer extending all the way back to the the Vikings.

You can book this popular tour here: Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour… Warning, it does sell out.

Spend A Rainy Day At The Blue Lagoon 

The Blue Lagoon is an outdoor geothermal spa made famous by it’s milky blue, mineral-rich water. It’s one of Iceland’s top attractions and yes, you can go in the rain. 

While a sunny day may be preferred, a rainy day here certainly isn’t a bad one.

The Blue Lagoon’s perpetually warm waters are perfect even on the coldest days in Reykjavik.

The cost varies depending on time of day, averaging between 17000-22000 ISK ($135-175 USD) per person to visit. I recommend visiting the lagoon as early as possible for the fewest crowds and least expensive tickets.

Be sure to book your time slot before heading to the lagoon, walk-up tickets are not guaranteed. You can book tickets directly through their site: Blue Lagoon.

Otherwise if you’d prefer to book through a tour company, which offers pick-up and drop-off, you can do so here: Blue Lagoon Ticket With Transportation.

Public Pools In Reykjavik  

If you’d prefer to do as the locals, skip the Blue Lagoon and head to a public pool instead.

There are pools all around Iceland so you’ll have no problem finding one that suits you. 

Laugardalslaug is the largest and most popular in Reykjavik with 3 huge pools and 8 “hot pot” tubs, all of which are heated year-round.

The pool is 1300 ISK ($10 USD) per person.

Be sure to bring your own towel or plan to rent one. 

The Top Public Swimming Pools In Reykjavik 

• Vesturbæjarlaug 
• Laugardalslaug
• Sundhöllin
• Árbæjarlaug
• Seltjarnarneslaug

Visit Perlan 

Perlan is a historic landmark and a must-visit location whether or not it’s raining. 

The museum has excellent displays including a highly realistic glacier and ice cave exhibition.

Additionally, the beautiful building houses a planetarium, restaurant, observation deck, and cozy cafe situated under the glass dome.  

The cost is 7090 ISK ($56 USD) and most people spend 2 – 3 hours here.

Go On A Foodie Tour In Reykjavik  

Iceland has developed a reputation for it’s quirky delicacies, such as fermented shark and lamb hot dogs.

However, this doesn’t properly represent their cuisine.

Reykjavik offers delicious restaurants serving up diverse dishes using local ingredients — not an easy task on a remote island covered in volcanos and glaciers.

For a self-guided foodie tour check out a few of the following:

• Fiskmarkaðurinn
• 101 Reykjavík Street Food
• Matarkjallarinn
• Café Loki
• Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

If you’d prefer to join a guided foodie tour there’s plenty of them.

One of the most popular tours is hosted by Your Friend In Reykjavik, you can book the tour here: Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour.

In doing so you’ll learn lesser-known details about Icelandic cuisine while enjoying the city’s best eateries.

Vegan Food In Reykjavik

On a plant-based diet?

No problem, Iceland is very vegan friendly, as much of Europe is.

My fellow vegans check out:

• Mama Reykjavik 
• Garðurinn
• Chickpea
• Vegan World Peace
• Loving Hut Iceland

Participate In An Icelandic Cooking Class

Prefer to prepare a meal yourself?

Salt Eldhús offers a 3 course cooking class with lunch and dinner menu’s presented by a professional chef.

While preparing your meal sample local specialties such as homemade Icelandic rye bread, smoked Arctic char, and dried Atlantic wolffish.

You can book your cooking class here: Salt Eldhús Cooking Classes.

This is a great way to spend a rainy day in Reykjavik!

Go For A Whale Watching Tour 

If it’s not raining too hard consider a whale watching tour through Elding Whale Watching. 

Elding is a family company that’s offered whale watching tours in Iceland for over 20 years.

If you book the Classic Whale Watching tour you’ll be in a very large boat with plenty of protection, including a huge heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows.

Commonly spotted near Reykjavik are white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, minke whales, and in summer, humpback whales.

Best of all, the whales don’t care if it’s raining. They’ll still be out.

You can book your whale watching tour here: Whale Watching Reykjavik

Go Shopping In Reykjavik  

What to do when it’s raining in Reykjavik? Go shopping.

The downtown shopping area is compact making it relatively easy to get from shop to shop even in the rain.

Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavik.

It offers an excellent variety of boutiques, thrift stores, and popular chains.

Additionally, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants should you need a quick bite to refuel between stores.

If the weather’s really bad, Kringlan Mall is located indoors, this is where you’ll find most locals shopping.

Kolaportið Flea Market

The biggest flea market in Iceland, Kolaportið, is also centrally located downtown.

It’s a huge building full of ever-changing goods and hidden treasures.

Visitors can easily spend hours browsing the unceasing selection of goods here.

Important Note: Kolaportið is open only on weekends.

Visit The Iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church 

Standing at 68 meters (224 feet) tall Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Reykjavik and among the tallest buildings in Iceland. 

This is one of the city’s most iconic sites, you can spot it from just about everywhere downtown.

The unique structure, inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns, is beautiful inside.

You can even go to the very top, which offers views of downtown Reykjavik.

Whether or not you should go to the top on a rainy day depends on how low the visibility is.

When visibility is very low it’s best to save this part for another day.

The church is free to walk around, but if you wish to go to the top there’s a fee of 1500 ISK ($12 USD) per person.

Did You Know? It took 41 years to complete the construction of Hallgrímskirkja? Construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1986.

Go To The Cinema Old Harbor No. 2

Catch a movie at this tiny, one room cinema centrally located in the Old Harbor.

The renovated loft has more of a “home” feel than a traditional cinema vibe.

The movies are primarily nature documentaries specific to Iceland, perfect to get you excited about your upcoming Iceland adventures.

Most movies are in English, but not always.

Catch A Show 

Iceland is well known for it’s music scene and no visit is complete without attending at least one show.

No matter your musical interests you’re likely to find something you enjoy on any night of the week, regardless of the weather. 

Most concerts are free and are located in coffee shops and bars around downtown.

Additional Shows In Reykjavik

• Gaukurinn – hosts a weekly stand-up comedy show and is well-known for drag shows.
• Tjarnarbio – a popular venue for music, theatre, and dance performances. 
• Thjodleikhuskjallarinn (National Theatre Basement) – hosts improv sessions and cabaret performances. 
• Bio Paradis – the city’s art cinema, screening classic Icelandic films with English subtitles and international classics.

Attend Elf School 

Icelandic Elf School offers lectures and guided tours about Icelandic folklore.

Elf School is perfect for a rainy day in Reykjavik and will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about wee folk.

Did You Know? According to Icelandic folklore there are 13 kinds of elves that inhabit Iceland.

Reykjavik Elf School is only in session on Friday afternoons.

When Is The Rainy Season In Iceland? 

Iceland doesn’t have an official rainy season but precipitation peaks October – February.

Rain is common year-round, however.

How Many Days A Year Does It Rain In Iceland?

Iceland Averages 150 days of precipitation per year.

Does It Rain All Day In Reykjavik?

This depends on the season but most often, yes.

Reykjavik Weather 

For up to date weather and road conditions in Iceland keep an eye out on this site.

We found this very helpful during our 8 Day Iceland Road Trip.

Can You See The Northern Lights In Iceland If It’s Raining?

Unfortunately, it’s much less likely than on a night with clear skies.

If you find yourself wondering what to do in Reykjavik when it’s raining, have no fear, there are plenty of great things to do around town!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Reykjavik and Iceland guides below.