Ultimate Guide to Summer in Iceland

Summer in Iceland provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. With almost endless daylight, tumbling waterfalls, and wildlife thriving across the island, it’s one of the most magical times to explore this Nordic land. From chasing puffins along towering cliffs to soaking in geothermal hot springs or hiking under the midnight sun, Iceland in summer is one for the books.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Iceland, there’s much to research. When exactly is summer in Iceland, what’s the weather like, and how can you make the best of your time there? In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything from temperatures to the best activities and local tips so that you can plan an adventure that’s as unforgettable as the landscapes. 

Why Visit Iceland in the Summer?

While Iceland has stunning beauty on offer all year round, it’s the summer when the country truly comes to life, making it the perfect season for hiking, diving, and going on road trips. 

With longer days, easier driving conditions offering access to remote locations (including Highland F-Roads), traveling by car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Our hire cars provide the perfect opportunity for hitting Iceland’s roads for a custom road trip itinerary! 

 

When is Summer in Iceland?

Culturally, many Icelanders state that the arrival of summer comes on the first Thursday after April 18th, a day known in Iceland as Sumardagurinn Fyrsti (First Day of Summer). However, in terms of weather and tourism, Iceland’s summer season can be designated as running from June - August. Here’s a look at each summer month in Iceland at a glance.

June

This is the start of the peak summer season in Iceland. You can expect to see lush, green landscapes, accessible roads, and the midnight sun, with nearly 24 hours of sunlight around the Summer Solstice (21-22 June).

July

July is the heart of summer in Iceland. It’s the warmest and most popular month for tourism, and it’s ideal for camping, festivals, and exploring the wild Highlands. 

August

The days are still long and warm, but things begin to quiet down a bit in terms of tourism. Sometimes in late August, you can begin to glimpse the very first hints of the Northern Lights, especially towards the end of the month, though they are more commonly seen from September.

Temperatures & Weather Conditions

Iceland certainly isn’t known for sizzling summers, but the season does bring some of the country’s most comfortable and stable weather. This makes summer the perfect time to visit if you’re seeking outdoor adventures and scenic drives.

Typical Summer Temperatures in Iceland

One of the best things about Iceland’s summer is that it remains mild throughout. This means you’re never going to encounter a day where it’s too hot to undertake your activity of choice! Let’s take a look at Iceland’s average temperatures throughout the summer. 

• June: 9–13°C (48–55°F).
• July: 10–15°C (50–59°F), often the warmest month.
• August: 9–14°C (48–57°F).

Weather Conditions to Expect in Iceland During the Summer

While summer is the most stable season for weather, you can never escape Iceland’s changeable weather patterns! As such, it’s always best to be prepared for:

• Wind: Even during the summer, Iceland can be quite breezy, particularly along coastal regions or in open, flat areas.
• Rain: Light rain is not at all uncommon during the summer, but it tends to pass pretty quickly.

The prospect of packing for a trip to Iceland, no matter the time of year, can leave visitors scratching their heads. It’s best to follow the advice laid out in our blog, What Not to Wear in Iceland.

Best Things to Do in Summer in Iceland

With open roads, long days, and nature in full bloom, the possibilities are endless for things to explore during an Icelandic summer holiday. Here, we’ll dive into all the best things you can do during the summer in Iceland. 

Explore Iceland’s Natural Wonders

Iceland is absolutely littered with jaw-dropping sights, the vast majority of which are not man-made. The list is (almost) literally endless, but here are a few of the top choices for summer exploration:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch icebergs drift serenely past you and spot seals basking nearby. Then, simply cross the road to Diamond Beach, where you can see chunks of ice from the lagoon that have floated ashore, resting on vivid black sands.
• The Eastfjords: Explore this quieter region of Iceland, full of winding fjords, peaceful villages, and plenty of wildlife, including reindeer and puffins. 
• The Westfjords: Remote, rugged, and ideal for adventurous spirits who want dramatic cliffs and minimal crowds. 

Learn about Iceland’s natural wonders in greater detail in our blog.

Road Trips

If there’s one thing Iceland’s not short of, it’s fantastic road trips. Whether you want to tackle all of Iceland on the Ring Road, daring routes in the Highlands, or prefer something shorter like the Golden Circle, you can take your pick. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a road trip in Iceland, and we’ve even made your summer playlist for you!

Driving in Iceland in Summer

Summer is, without a doubt, the easiest time to explore Iceland’s roads. With snow and ice a distant wintry memory, almost all areas of the country are accessible. Unless you’re planning to drive on the F-Roads, you will not need a 4x4 at this time of year and can relax knowing you’ll only encounter the easiest of driving conditions. 

Find out everything you need to know about driving in Iceland.

Summer Culture

Icelanders love summer. In fact, many Icelanders escape to their summer homes for much of the season to enjoy the sunshine and get away from their day-to-day lives. If you’re planning to be in Iceland during the summer, take advantage of the fantastic summer culture. 

• Midnight Sun Celebrations: Around the Summer Solstice, locals embrace the never-ending sun with music, festivities, and bonfires.
• Festivals: From the Reykjavík Arts Festival to Reykjavík Pride to the Secret Solstice Music Festival, there is so much to soak up with Icelandic events in the summer!
• Hot Springs & Pools: What better time of year to explore Iceland’s many natural hot springs or public pools? Icelanders love to swim, and you’ll find many beautiful and clean hot springs, pools, and spas across the country.

Outdoor Activities

Like everywhere else across the Northern Hemisphere, summer is the time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors in Iceland! From glacier hiking to wildlife watching, there is so much to behold outdoors in Iceland in the summer months. 

• Hiking: Trails open up all over the country, and you can enjoy day hikes from Reykjavík to trekking through Laugavegur; there’s a trail to suit everyone.

• Whale Watching:  The waters surrounding Iceland are teeming with marine life, including a wide array of whale species. Húsavík, Akureyri, and Reykjavík are all great locations for whale watching tours.

• Puffin Watching: If bird watching is a passion of yours, Iceland is a great spot. Throughout the summer, you can spot adorable puffins nesting along Iceland’s cliffs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot their pufflings!
• Horse Riding: Icelanders are immensely proud of the Icelandic Horse, and all through the country, you can find local tour companies offering horse riding tours through some of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes.

Now you’ve got all the information you could possibly need to have an epic summer adventure in Iceland. Just make sure to ask any questions, our team is always on hand to help!

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