If you’re staring at a world clock trying to figure out what time in reykjavik it is before you hop on a flight, you might think a simple Google search has given you the answer. It’s GMT. All year. No Daylight Savings. Simple, right?
Honestly, that’s where most people stop, and it’s also where they start messing up their itineraries.
In Iceland, "time" is a bit of a trickster. Because the country sits so far north, the clock on your phone and the actual movement of the sun are often in a heated argument. While the digital numbers stay consistent, the reality of your day—when you can see the road, when the Northern Lights appear, and when you’ll actually feel like eating—swings wildly depending on the month.
The GMT Trap: Why Iceland Doesn't "Spring Forward"
Iceland has stuck to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) since 1968. They just stopped doing the whole Daylight Savings thing. This means that if you are visiting from London in the summer, you’re on the same time. But once the UK shifts its clocks in October, Reykjavik is suddenly an hour behind.
If you're coming from New York, you're usually looking at a 4-hour or 5-hour jump. It sounds manageable until you land at Keflavík (KEF) at 6:00 AM local time. Your brain thinks it’s 1:00 AM. You’re ready for deep sleep, but the Icelandic customs officer is wide awake and ready for your passport.
The lack of seasonal clock changes is actually a blessing for planners. You don't have to worry about a "missing hour" ruining a bus reservation or a dinner at Matarkjallarinn. However, the perceived time is what gets you. In June, the "time" might be 11:00 PM, but the sun is screaming at you to stay awake and go for a hike. In December, it might be 10:00 AM, but you’ll still be stumbling around in total darkness wishing for a third cup of coffee.
What Time in Reykjavik Means for Sunlight (The Monthly Reality)
You can't talk about the time without talking about the light. It dictates everything from driving safety to whether or not you'll actually see a puffin.
- The Winter Slump (December - January): This is the "short day" era. On the winter solstice (around December 21st), the sun doesn't bother showing up until about 11:30 AM. It hits the horizon, gets tired, and leaves by 3:30 PM. You get roughly 4 hours of weak, golden light. If you book a "day tour" during this time, keep in mind that half of your driving will be in pitch blackness.
- The Equalizer (March & September): These are the most "normal" months for travelers. Around the equinoxes, sunrise is roughly 7:30 AM and sunset is 7:30 PM. It’s the sweet spot where the time on your watch actually matches the vibe outside.
- The Midnight Sun (June - July): This is where what time in reykjavik becomes irrelevant. The sun technically "sets" around midnight and "rises" at 3:00 AM, but it never actually gets dark. It’s a perpetual twilight. You’ll see locals washing their cars or mowing lawns at 1:00 AM because, well, why not?
Managing the Jet Lag Monster
Most flights from North America are "red-eyes." You leave at night and land in the morning. The biggest mistake travelers make is checking into their hotel and taking a "quick" four-hour nap.
Don't do it. If you sleep from 8:00 AM to noon, you have officially ruined your internal rhythm. Instead, drop your bags and head straight to a public pool like Laugardalslaug. The shock of the cool air and the soak in the 40°C (104°F) hot tubs is the local secret for resetting the system.
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Business Hours: When Does Reykjavik Actually Open?
If you’re a morning person, Reykjavik might frustrate you. This is not a city that rushes to work at 6:00 AM.
Standard Shop Hours: Most boutiques on Laugavegur (the main drag) don't open until 10:00 AM. They usually close around 6:00 PM. If you’re looking for a souvenir at 9:00 AM, you’re mostly out of luck unless you hit a dedicated tourist shop.
Supermarkets: Look for the "Bónus" (the one with the pink pig logo) or "Krónan." They usually open around 10:00 AM and close by 8:00 PM. If you have a late-night craving, "10-11" convenience stores are open 24/7, but be warned: they are significantly more expensive. It’s basically a "convenience tax."
The Alcohol Factor: This is a big one. You cannot buy wine or spirits in a supermarket. You have to go to Vínbúðin, the state-run liquor store. Their hours are notoriously tight—many close at 6:00 PM sharp and are closed entirely on Sundays. If you land on a Saturday evening and want a bottle of Icelandic gin for your cabin, you better move fast.
Dining and "Icelandic Time"
Dinner is a social event. Most locals don't sit down to eat until 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM. If you show up to a high-end spot like Dill or Grillmarkaðurinn at 5:30 PM, you’ll likely be sitting in an empty room with the staff still polishing silverware.
Also, keep in mind that "happy hour" in Reykjavik is a sacred window, usually between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Since a pint of beer can easily run you $10-$15 USD, timing your afternoon around these hours isn't just a suggestion—it’s a financial strategy.
Practical Steps for Your Arrival
To make sure you're actually prepared for the reality of what time in reykjavik is like when you hit the ground, follow this sequence:
- Check the "Civil Twilight" hours: Don't just look at sunrise/sunset. Civil twilight is when there is enough light to actually see things. In winter, this adds about 45 minutes of usable light on either side of the sun's appearance.
- Book the Blue Lagoon for your arrival: Since it's near the airport and opens early (usually 8:00 AM), it's the perfect place to kill time and stay awake until you can check into your hotel.
- Download the "Parka" or "EasyPark" app: If you're renting a car, parking meters in downtown Reykjavik are strictly enforced. Most zones require payment from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays.
- Pack a Sleep Mask: If you are visiting between May and August, a high-quality, blackout sleep mask is more important than your toothbrush. Your hotel might have curtains, but the sun is persistent. It will find a gap.
Iceland's relationship with time is less about the clock and more about the environment. If you stop trying to fight the rhythm of the light and just lean into the weirdness of a 3:00 PM sunset or a 1:00 AM sunrise, you'll have a much better time. Just remember to buy your beer before Vínbúðin closes at six.