#675 European Rank
Stokksnes
Vestrahorn, Iceland•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August
Photo: Eric Kilby (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.08/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
10.5°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€65/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Volcanic Black Sand
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Gentle Wave Action
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces W (270°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Good Swimming
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces W (270°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
W (270°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 0°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the W-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Stokksnes: Light coastal break; family friendly with standard water awareness. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Vestrahorn, Iceland, Iceland
Crisp & Bracing
Early August
10.5°C
Air ~22°C
Short dips only; spring wetsuit recommended
Invigorating cold dip. Swimmers generally wear a shorty wetsuit for sessions over 10–15 minutes.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 10.5°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.7°C | 8°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 6.6°C | 9°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 6.7°C | 11°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 7.1°C | 14°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 7.5°C | 17°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| June | 8.7°C | 20°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| July | 9.8°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| August | 10.5°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| September | 9.4°C | 20°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| October | 8.0°C | 17°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| November | 7.4°C | 13°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| December | 7.0°C | 10°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all Iceland Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 10.5°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
Planning around peak water warmth (10.5°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Stokksnes for the optimal June–July–August swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Stokksnes (Vestrahorn, Iceland, Iceland)
🌊 Water temperature: 10.5°C
⛱️ Beach access: 100% free public sand • Sunbeds: €0–€0
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces W (sheltered from E winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/stokksnes-is/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Good
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.7 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.5 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.2 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About Stokksnes
A black-sand headland where tufted dunes and mirror pools reflect the jagged spires of the Vestrahorn massif.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (10.5°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Reached via Stokksnesvegur off Route 1 near Höfn in Southeast Iceland; private road entry fee at Viking Cafe.
•Protected Status / Environment: Sensitive coastal black sand dune ecosystem under private land stewardship and conservation.
•Notable Feature: Iconic black volcanic sand beach and dramatic jagged peaks of Mount Vestrahorn rising straight out of the lagoon.
Official Tourism Authorities:visiticeland.com
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
Wide Open Public Sand
Free Public Sand (100%)Private Concessions (0%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
Free (100% Public)
No commercial loungers; bring your own parasol and beach mat.
Towel Bather Guidance
Abundant unencumbered shoreline. Free towel placement everywhere with minimal commercial footprint.
Legal Shoreline Rights: 100% open public coastline. No commercial sunbed concessions or umbrella installations permitted.
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Typical Rate: ~€8/day
EasyPark AppPayByPhone App
EasyPark mobile app is widely supported across blue-line municipal zones.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Morning Shade • Late Afternoon Golden Hours
Faces westward into the open horizon, offering bright afternoon sun and prime sunset vantage points.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Recommended for Shingle / Pebbles
Pebbles and dark sand become scorching hot by midday and challenging under barefoot tread.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
NoFood / Tavernas
NoGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
NoNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Vestrahorn, Iceland. Accessible via regional coastal roads (64.246°N, -14.988°E).
Discreet Utility: Rough Road & Trail Access
Reaching Stokksnes involves dirt tracks or steep trails. Booking a rental SUV or 4x4 provides higher clearance for unpaved coastal roads.
•Frigid; a place to photograph, not swim.
•A black-sand headland mirroring the jagged Vestrahorn massif.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Vestrahorn, Iceland.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Stokksnes?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stokksnes
What is the water temperature at Stokksnes?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Stokksnes averages 10.5°C (51°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Stokksnes?
Stokksnes is classified as a volcanic black sand shoreline located in Vestrahorn, Iceland.
Is Stokksnes good for families with kids?
Stokksnes has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Stokksnes?
Parking arrangements vary locally. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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