Most Icelanders Not Happy With Summer Of 2014

In terms of the weather alone, most Icelanders have been unhappy with this past summer, with one notable exception.

According to a new poll from Market and Media Research, only 45.4% of Icelanders nationwide have been satisfied with the weather this past summer. This is up slightly from 44.9% for the summer of 2013, but way down from 96.3% for the summer of 2012.

The trend can be attributed to what have been relatively cool, cloudy and rainy summer both this year and last, while the summer of 2012 was decidedly warmer and sunnier.

Regionally, not all Icelanders were of the same mind. The lowest levels of satisfaction with the summer weather were found in the southwest, with only 37% of those in Reykjavík and 33.7% of those in the capital area happy with the summer. In the south and the northwest, that figure hovers closer to about 45%. However, in the northeast, 92.4% of respondents said they were pleased with the summer weather.

Northeast Iceland, in the summertime at least, is known for having significantly warmer temperatures and clearer skies than anywhere else in the country. Those hoping for balmy 18°C temperatures and sunny skies might do well to visit the northeast next summer.