The Faroe Islands are something of an undiscovered gem. Officially part of the Kingdom of Denmark, these attractive islands are wonderful for bird-watching, hiking and catching a glimpse of the incredible aurora borealis.
But being such a far-flung group of islands, it’s no wonder you may be wondering when the best time to visit the Faroe Islands is. Our guide is here to help, with a monthly breakdown of the weather to help you plan when to travel to the Faroe Islands.
The Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands Weather in January
The first month of the year is a frigid month for the Faroe Islands. The short days (around four hours of daylight on average) make it a quiet time of year for tourists to visit, while many of the islands get dusted in snow too, creating beautiful scenery.
Temperatures sit between a low of 2°C and a high of 4°C, so make sure to bring enough clothes to wrap up warm – January is also the windiest month of the year.
January is also a wet month for the Faroe Islands, with 165 millimeters of rain. There’s almost constant cloud cover too. In fact, the skies are overcast for almost three-quarters of January. But as the month wears on, daylight increases to around six hours per day. It’s certainly not the best time to visit the Faroe Islands unless you are into surfing (yes you can surf in the Faroes)!
Faroe Islands Weather in February
February is still very much winter in the Faroe Islands – as a result, there’s still a low number of tourists making their way to their shores. Temperatures are much the same as they were in January – the average is 3.5°C, with highs of 5°C. Not the best time of year to visit the Faroe Islands if you don’t like the cold!
Cold coverage continues throughout February, with overcast skies expected for much of the month (around 70% of the time). Rainfall is still fairly high at this time of year, but much less than the previous month, with 115 millimeters falling across the month. The sea temperature is a chilly 7°C – not really the time of year for a dip.
Faroe Islands Weather in March
Spring is on the horizon in the Faroe Islands once March rolls around. By this time, temperatures start to increase (but not by much, the average is still around 3.5°C). Days are getting rapidly longer though – the start of the month has around 10 hours 22 minutes of daylight, but by March 31 this has increased to 13 hours 20 minutes.
Rainfall becomes something of a fixture in March – it’s wetter than February, with around 140 millimeters of rain falling over an average of 21 days throughout March. Sea temperatures remain at their coldest for the entire year (7°C).
There’s still a bit of snow that can linger around, so drive carefully, especially at night.
Faroe Islands Weather in April
April means that spring proper has arrived as the winter weather begins to dispel. Migrant birds, like puffins, and even daffodils, begin to appear towards the end of the month, making this a great time of year to visit the Faroe Islands.
The overcast cloudy skies decrease as April wears on (there’s an average of 60% cloud coverage throughout the month). Days are now around 14-15 hours long, but the hours of sunshine are only 3.5 hours, and that’s down to all that cloud coverage.
Temperatures have increased, but it’s definitely not warm – the average is 5°C. Rainfall has now decreased to just 98 millimeters.
Faroe Islands Weather in May
Days become much longer in May as summer is just around the corner and the islands start to gear up for the busy tourist season, though it’s now shoulder season so you’ll be able to score some deals if you travel now.
It’s still pretty cold though. The average temperature in the Faroe Islands in May is 7°C, swinging between lows of around 5°C and highs of 9°C. Overcast days are also fairly common, but rain has again decreased (an average of 75 millimeters across the month). But days in May are pretty long – 17.8 hours on average, getting steadily longer ahead of June. Cloud coverage means that there are only around four hours of sunshine though.
It’s a good time of year to visit the Faroe Islands thanks to the warmer weather and the lack of tourist crowds. In particular, those keen on photography will find May a good time to capture the nature and seascapes of the islands.
Faroe Islands Weather in June
June is the start of the Faroe Islands’ tourist season. Hikers and nature-lovers flock to the islands to enjoy long days and beautiful landscapes. June is also known for its festivals and cultural activities (see below), which adds to its popularity.
June sees the islands’ longest daylight hours, peaking on the Summer Solstice, but on average they’re around 19 hours a day. This means you’ll get to glimpse that famous “midnight sun.” However, the sun itself only peeks through the clouds for an average of 4 hours a day.
Rainfall is at its least in June – it’s the driest month for the Faroe Islands, with only 57.5 millimeters falling across five days on average. Sea temperatures are still not great for swimming, averaging 9.4°C! All in all, June is absolutely the best time to visit the Faroe Islands.
Faroe Islands Weather in July
July boasts the second-longest days of the year in the Faroe Islands, with daylight hours averaging 18.6 hours. It’s overcast for much of the month, however, with only about 3.5 hours of sunshine expected per day. But this is the Faroe Islands after all, and no one ever accused them of having perfect weather.
But the temperatures are much warmer, seeing highs of 13°C. It’s one of the best times of year to visit the Faroe Islands if freezing climates just aren’t your thing.
Another good aspect is the lack of rain, with only around 70 millimeters of rainfall expected throughout the month. Even sea temperatures “warm” to around 10°C, should you feel inspired to take a dip! After June, July is one of the best times to visit the Faroe Islands.
We got married in the Torshavn in early July (see photo above) and miraculously had perfect weather for the day. The rest of our week in the Faroe Islands? Not so much – always bring a rain jacket and rain pants no matter the month in the Faroes.
Faroe Islands Weather in August
Temperatures in August in the Faroe Islands are about the same as July, but on average it’s the warmest month of the year. It’s also the warmest month of the year for the seawater lapping the islands’ shores at 11°C and surfing. Not exactly balmy, but maybe nice for a spot of cold water swimming. Wetsuits were still essential when we went surfing in the Faroes in the summer.
Hours of daylight start to decrease rapidly in August, falling to around 16 hours per day. Sunshine itself is also low, with just 3.2 hours of gleaming sunlight to soak up, even though it’s August you should still expect plenty of cloud coverage.
Rainfall is rising in August, with 96 millimeters on average across 13 days of the month. On a sunny day we recommend taking the ferry to Kalsoy to hike to Kallur Lighthouse – it’s one of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands!
Faroe Islands Weather in September
September sees the start of fall, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the best time to visit Faroe Islands. While it is getting colder and wetter, there are also far fewer tourists than in the summer and accommodation is cheaper, so it’s a nice time of year to visit the Faroe Islands to soak up the last of the hiking season. It’s also one of the best times to rent a car and just drive around the Faroe Islands.
Temperatures see highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C, with plenty of cloud cover throughout the month resulting in just 2.7 hours of sunshine per day. Hours of daylight also fall to just 12.9 on average. Sea temperatures hover around 11°C, so it’s a bearable temperature to don your wetsuit and try out the islands’ excellent surfing – it is the start of the surfing season, after all.
Faroe Islands Weather in October
Similar to September, October is a good time to visit Faroe Islands – particularly for photographers wanting to capture some stunning light and for hikers yearning to explore the islands’ quiet trails. We visiting in early October one year, and even though we rarely saw the sun it was still a fantastic time to visit.
Temperatures peak to around 9°C, but they drop to lows of 6°C. Days have greatly shortened and will continue to do so until December (they’re just 9.9 hours on average). There’s also only 1.6 hours of sunshine expected on any given day.
Faroe Islands Weather in November
November is firmly winter in the Faroe Islands. Days are short – just 7.1 hours on average – with just 0.7 hours of sunshine expected. Understandably, this is when locals head inside for creature comforts and coziness.
Temperatures have dropped by this point – December sees lows of 3°C and highs of just 6°C. Rainfall has also increased to around 140 millimeters falling over 21 days. Wind is also increasing in November, so it can feel particularly cold. Not exactly the best time of year to visit the Faroe Islands.
Faroe Islands Weather in December
December sees the shortest days in the Faroe Islands – they’re just 5.3 hours long on average, with a measly 0.2 hours of sunshine on any given day, with the sun setting around 3 p.m. each day. It’s a pretty dark month, that’s for sure. It is December that hosts the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice, after all.
So this may not be the best time to visit the Faroe Islands for you (that is unless you like surfing, as the waves pick up in the winter).
Temperatures are almost at their lowest at this time of year – the average low is 3°C, with highs of 5°C. Rainfall averages out at around 135 millimeters across 22 days and you might see a bit of snow (a beautiful sight!). Wind is also an issue this time of year, making it feel much colder. December is one of the worst months to visit the Faroe Islands.
Festivals in the Faroe Islands
Winter Festivals
Come November, when the nights are dark enough, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights begin to appear across the Faroe Islands. They’re best seen in the northern, less populated, parts of the island territory. Head to the coastal village of Viðareiði for a particularly awesome vantage point.
Christmas is celebrated in style in the Faroe Islands. In the holiday season leading up to the day itself (December 25, obviously), the capital city of Tórshavn is illuminated with seasonal decorations. There’s even a Christmas Village in the city centre, complete with food stalls and various festive events taking place. For example, in Vaglið you can even go ice skating (open throughout the month of December).
New Year’s Eve is a large celebration on the island. Every year, the islanders come together on December 31 to usher in the new year with the help of a huge fireworks display. The festivities continue through January 1. Best seen in larger villages and towns.
Spring Festivals
Spring marks the return of many seabirds, while wildflowers begin to bloom, making this a great time of year to visit the Faroe Islands for natural beauty (there are fewer tourists than in summer, too).
March 12 is Grækarismessa or St Gregory’s Day in the Faroe Islands. Aside from religious observances, it’s also seen as the traditional seasonal return of the oystercatcher (the national bird of the Faroe Islands), which is believed to usher in the start of warmer months.
As for festivals in Faroe Islands in spring, it all starts with Flag Day or Flaggdagu on April 25. This commemorates the day back in 1948 when the presiding Danish government granted the islands “home rule.”
Á grynnuni, also known as the Seafood Festival of Vágsbotnur, is a traditional family-focused event. Falling sometime in May, it’s all about celebrating the culinary delights of the islands’ seafood cuisine.
Also in May are various “Festivals of the Sea.” The most iconic take place at Toftir and Vestmanna, attracting people from all over the islands, with boat competitions at races at their heart.
Summer Festivals
By summer there are almost 20 hours of sunlight, and life feels like it’s returned to the islands. Needless to say, it’s a great time of year to visit the Faroe Islands, but it’s also a popular spot for tourists in summer.
There are more boating festivities at the start of summer. In the first weekend of June, for example, the town of Klaksvík hosts the Norðoyastevna Festival. Going strong since 1936, it celebrates the cultural life of the northernmost isles.
Culture Night also falls in June. This “cultural frenzy” celebrates past heritage and contemporary music and art equally. Held in Tórshavn, it’s a free event in which everybody takes to the streets and enjoys the vibrancy of the capital city.
There are numerous events throughout summer, but G! Festival is the big one. Taking place on Eysturoy island in the village Syðrugøta across July 12-14, it attracts both local and international music acts and tourists, too.
The holiday of ólavsøka is held on July 28 and 29, celebrating a 10th-century battle. Expect traditional Faroese dancing and songs, concerts and art exhibitions.
Fall Festivals
Things start to wind down in fall as bird-watching season comes to an end. But there are still events taking place across the islands – Atjan Wild Islands, for example, takes place this time of year (September). It’s a trail running festival mixed with music and cultural events.
In mid-October, the isles play host to the Faroe Islands International Minority Film Festival. Held in the capital Tórshavn, it helps promote social cohesion in Nordic countries and beyond.
When is the Best Season to Visit the Faroe Islands?
The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is easily during the summer months. From June to early September the weather will be the warmest and most delightful. However, summer in Europe is an expensive and busy time and the Faroe Islands are small, so you’ll need to book ahead if visiting during the summer. It’s also the best time to go hiking in the Faroe Islands.
If you are searching for warm sunny weather, don’t be fooled or lured to the Faroe Islands in the summer. It still is sweater weather year round, and we frequently found ourselves putting on our down jacket and rain jacket even in the peak of July!
When is the Best Time to See Puffins in the Faroe Islands
The best time to see the puffins in the Faroe Islands is from May to August. If you’re lucky you might be able to still catch them in September, but it depends on the season. To see the largest colony, I highly recommend heading to Mykines Island. That being said we also saw them while hiking around Gjogv!
When is the Cheapest Time to Visit the Faroe Islands
The cheapest time to visit and the best time visit the Faroe Islands do not go hand in hand. The Faroe Islands are never truly that cheap, but the season when you’ll get the best is in the winter.
From October to early April is when room rates and car rentals will be their lowest. You’ll also find lower prices in the shoulder season (September and May), but outside of those months expect very high prices on accommodation and car rentals.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
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- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
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