Last updated: April 14, 2025
The climate of the Faroe Islands is marked by its cool temperatures and significant precipitation throughout the year. In the island of Eysturoy, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -7°C (19°F) in February, while reaching a pleasant maximum of 19°C (67°F) in July. Rainfall varies notably across the seasons, with Sandoy experiencing its driest month in May with just 50 mm (2.0 in), contrasting sharply with the wettest month in December in Vágar, which receives up to 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain. Humidity levels are persistently high, averaging 77% in December in Vágar, peaking at 88% in July in Norðoyar. This blend of temperature fluctuations and moisture contributes to the unique natural landscapes and ecosystems found throughout the islands.
The Faroe Islands experience a subarctic oceanic climate classified as Cfc according to the Köppen-Geiger system. This unique climate is evident across all regions, including Eysturoy Eysturoy, Norðoyar Norðoyar, Sandoy Sandoy, Streymoy Streymoy, Suðuroy Suðuroy, and Vágar Vágar. Characterized by mild summers and cool winters, the islands’ climate is influenced by the North Atlantic Ocean, resulting in frequent rainfall and often dramatic weather changes. This makes the Faroe Islands a vibrant, though sometimes challenging, destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Cfc | Subpolar oceanic climate with cool temperatures and consistent precipitation. |
The Faroe Islands experience a dramatic range of temperatures throughout the year, starting with frigid January and February lows around -7°C (20°F), while highs barely reach 12°C (54°F). As spring approaches, March offers a slight reprieve, with temperatures warming up to a maximum of 12°C (54°F) in Eysturoy, though chilly nights still linger. By May, the islands begin to bloom with milder weather, peaking at 17°C (63°F) during the day. The summer months of June and July see the most pleasant temperatures, ranging from 6°C (42°F) to a comfortable 19°C (67°F), inviting outdoor adventures. However, as autumn arrives, temperatures gradually dip again, with September seeing highs of 16°C (61°F) and October's maximums falling to 13°C (56°F). November and December bring back the chilly embrace of winter, with temperatures fluctuating between -1°C (30°F) and 13°C (56°F). Overall, the climate is marked by mild summers and cold winters, making it a unique destination for those seeking both rugged beauty and seasonal contrasts.
The Faroe Islands exhibit notable trends in precipitation patterns throughout the year. May marks a relatively drier month, with Sandoy experiencing a minimum of 50 mm (2.0 in) of rain over about 9 days. In contrast, December in Vágar reveals a stark increase, as the islands see their peak precipitation with 150 mm (5.9 in) falling over 24 days. This shift from the milder, less rainy spring to the wet winter months highlights the islands' dynamic climate, characterized by frequent and heavy rainfall as the year comes to a close.
The humidity in the Faroe Islands showcases a distinct seasonal pattern, with levels peaking during the warmer summer months and dipping in the chillier winter. In December, humidity reaches a minimum of 77% in Vágar, as the cold air settles in. Conversely, July experiences the highest humidity levels, maxing out at 88% in Norðoyar, reflecting the moist embrace of the maritime climate during summer. This trend underscores the islands' persistent dampness, making humidity a defining characteristic of their unique weather patterns throughout the year.
In June, the Faroe Islands experience a notable average daily maximum UV Index (UVI) of 6, as seen in both Norðoyar and Suðuroy. This consistent UVI level highlights a shared trend across the islands, signaling an increase in sun exposure during the summer months. As the days grow longer and the weather becomes more favorable, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of these UV levels. Proper sun protection is essential to enjoy the stunning landscapes while staying safe under the sun.
UV Risk Categories
The sunshine duration in the Faroe Islands reveals striking seasonal variations across its regions. In the depths of December, sunlight is scarce, with just 38 hours in Norðoyar and 44 hours in Suðuroy, highlighting the islands’ long, dark winters. However, as summer arrives, these numbers soar dramatically. In June, Suðuroy basks in 401 hours of sunlight, while July shines even brighter in Eysturoy with an impressive 391 hours. This clear contrast emphasizes the Faroe Islands' unique climate, where the fleeting summer sun is energetically celebrated against the backdrop of chilly, dim winters.
The likelihood of sunny weather in the Faroe Islands varies significantly throughout the year and by region. For instance, Eysturoy sees a mere 11% chance of sunshine in August, highlighting how even summer months can be quite overcast. In contrast, Vágar experiences a much more promising 37% likelihood of sunny days in February, suggesting that winter may offer unexpected bursts of sunshine. This trend underscores the islands' unique climate dynamics, where the interplay of geographical factors can lead to surprising variations in weather patterns across different locales and seasons.
In the stunning Norðoyar region of the Faroe Islands, daylight hours paint a vivid picture of seasonal contrasts. During December, the days are short and shadowy, with only about 5 hours of daylight beckoning visitors to experience the tranquil beauty of winter. Conversely, the month of June transforms the landscape into a luminous wonderland, where nearly 19 hours of daylight encourages exploration and adventure under the Midnight Sun. This striking variation in daylight not only highlights the unique climate of the islands but also invites travelers to embrace the enchanting rhythms of nature throughout the year.
The climate in Eysturoy, Faroe Islands is marked by cool temperatures and a rich tapestry of precipitation throughout the year. With January lows dipping to -7°C (20°F) and July peaks reaching 19°C (67°F), the weather is dynamic, heavily influenced by the surrounding North Atlantic. Particularly, the summer months bring a gentle warmth, while the winter is characterized by chilly winds and humidity that often hovers around 85%. Rain is a frequent visitor, especially in the fall and winter, where December alone can see up to 126 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation. For more details and to explore the weather patterns further, visit Eysturoy climate.
Nestled in the North Atlantic, Norðoyar's climate is a unique tapestry of cool temperatures and high humidity, creating a captivating atmosphere year-round. Winters are characterized by chilly lows around -7°C (19°F) in February, while summers offer a mild experience with average highs peaking at 19°C (67°F) in July. Rainfall is frequent, particularly in the autumn months, with October receiving up to 115 mm (4.5 in). Visitors can expect a moist environment, with humidity levels reaching up to 88% in July, enveloping the islands in a refreshing embrace. For more insights into this captivating weather pattern, explore the detailed Norðoyar climate.
Nestled in the North Atlantic, Sandoy’s climate is a captivating blend of cool temperatures and frequent precipitation. Winter months like January and February see temperatures hover between a chilly -1°C to 10°C (31°F to 50°F), while summer brings a mild warmth, with averages reaching a pleasant 10°C to 11°C (51°F to 52°F) in July and August. The islands are known for their lush greenery, resulting from high humidity levels that peak at 88% in July and robust rainfall, particularly in October, which records 121 mm (4.8 in) of downpour. This consistent moisture and moderate climate create an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for exploring Sandoy's stunning landscapes and rich culture. For more details, check out the Sandoy climate page.
Nestled in the North Atlantic, Streymoy, Faroe Islands, experiences a unique and varied climate characterized by cool temperatures and considerable humidity year-round. The winters can be brisk, with January and February seeing lows near -7°C (19°F), while summers bring mild warmth, peaking at around 19°C (67°F) in July. Rain is a frequent visitor, especially in the autumn months of October and November, where precipitation averages over 130 mm (5.1 in). With humidity levels soaring in summer, reaching up to 88%, the air feels fresh and invigorating, making it a delightful spot year-round for nature enthusiasts. For a deeper dive into this fascinating climate, check out Streymoy climate.
Suðuroy, the southernmost island of the Faroe Islands, boasts a mild maritime climate characterized by cool temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. From January to April, the island experiences chilly temperatures ranging from 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F), with frequent rainfall peaking in February. Summer months bring slightly warmer temperatures, reaching a maximum of 14°C (58°F) in July, though the weather remains changeable with moderate precipitation. Visitors can expect a visually stunning landscape shrouded in mist and rain, especially during the wetter months from October to December, with humidity levels often above 80%. Learn more about the local weather by visiting the detailed guide on Suðuroy climate.
Nestled in the Faroe Islands, Vágar experiences a mild oceanic climate characterized by cool temperatures throughout the year. Winters are cold yet bearable, with average temperatures hovering around 5°C (42°F), while summers enjoy a slight warmth, reaching up to 14°C (58°F) in July. The region sees considerable rainfall, particularly in the colder months, with December alone recording approximately 150 mm (5.9 in). Humidity levels are consistently high, peaking at 88% in July, which adds to the lush, verdant landscape that defines this stunning island. For more detailed information, check out the full Vágar climate page.
The climate of the Faroe Islands is characterized by its mild temperatures and significant precipitation, creating a unique environment. With winter lows dipping to -7°C (19°F) in February on Eysturoy and summer highs reaching 19°C (67°F) in July, the islands enjoy a moderate temperature range that rarely experiences extremes. Rainfall varies significantly throughout the year, peaking at an average of 150 mm (5.9 in) in December on Vágar while dipping to a more manageable 50 mm (2.0 in) in May on Sandoy. Humidity levels also demonstrate notable fluctuations, with December reaching an average minimum of 77% in Vágar and July soaring to 88% in Norðoyar. This combination of factors results in a climate that supports rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, making the Faroe Islands a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts.