Despite its name and latitude, warm Gulf Streams keep southern Iceland snugger than many a central European country. Summers are pleasant but don't make particularly enviable postcards, with average July temperatures around 12°C (53°F). Winters, however, are significantly blunted and while fresh enough to put some rose in your cheeks, it will not be freezing them solid. The higher altitudes and northern coast face early-year Arctic winds so are naturally colder. Snow turns to rain around spring but is never too heavy.