Iceland in Summer: Weather and Top Destinations

Iceland experiences mild temperatures during the summer. Reykjavik, the country’s capital, has an average of 10°C, perfect for outdoor activities. In addition to long daylight hours, the sun barely sets during the summer months, which run from June to August. This gives visitors almost 24 hours of daylight to explore more of the country. The only caveat is that the weather in Iceland during summer can get unpredictable at times.

	June	July	August
Avg High	11°C (52°F)	13°C (55°F)	13°C (55°F)
Avg Low	7°C (45°F)	9°C (48°F)	8°C (46°F)
Rainfall (mm)	20	20	30
Daylight Hours	20h 51 min	19h 34 min	16 hrs 19 min

For a more detailed seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Iceland.

Other Related Articles:
Iceland in June
Iceland in July
Iceland in August

There are plenty of reasons to go on a trip to Iceland in the summer. Here are some of them:

• Catch the major summer festivals: Iceland in summer is all about festivals and events happening all around the country. Reykjavik Arts Festival, held annually from May through June, is Iceland's biggest arts festival featuring cultural performances, exhibitions, and workshops. Another popular event is the Secret Solstice Festival, held during the summer solstice in late June, where music fans can enjoy performances from both local and international artists.
• Witness unique cultural traditions: You can be a part of the Icelandic National Day celebrations on June 17th and watch parades commemorating the country's independence from Denmark whilst enjoying traditional Icelandic food. You can also attend the Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður, where you get a chance to learn about the Viking culture and try Viking-inspired food and drinks.

To plan the perfect Iceland trip, we recommend looking at our Iceland guide for a clear overview of the country.

Below are the tp destinations to visit during summer in Iceland:

1. Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that includes some of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders. The 300-kilometer loop begins and ends in Reykjavik and takes visitors through three popular attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Major attractions: Snorkeling and diving are popular activities you can partake in while visiting Silfa Fissure located in Thingvellir National Park. You also would not want to miss out on watching the Strokkur Geyser erupt and hiking along the edge of the Gullfoss canyon.

Pros:

• The sun stays up late, casting a beautiful light over the scenery, adding to the charm of the Golden Circle.
• The Golden Circle's natural wonders, such as Geysir and Gullfoss, are easily accessible during the summer months.

Cons:

• The Golden Circle tour route can get extremely crowded during the summer.

2. Westfjords

Westfjords, a region known for its rugged coastline and fjords,is a great summer vacation spot, particularly when you have nearly 24 hours of daylight. Visit the impressive Dynjandi waterfall, hike through the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and observe seabirds up close at the Látrabjarg cliffs.

Major attractions: Boating tour to see puffins, taking a dip in the natural hot springs of Reykjafjordur, hiking along the cliffs of Látrabjarg to see bird colonies, and exploring the picturesque fishing village of Ísafjörður are some must-do activities.

 Pros:

• Summer’s mild weather conditions make outdoor activities even more enjoyable.
• Partaking in popular activities such as birdwatching and hiking is more accessible during summer.

Cons:

• This region is extremely remote and can be accessed only by boat or foot trail.

3. Vatnajökull National Park 

Vatnajökull National Park is a summer paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The melting ice from its glaciers creates mesmerizing waterfalls. One such waterfall is the Svartifoss, or "Black Falls," known for its unique basalt column formations. When visiting the park, taking a boat tour or kayaking through the glacier lagoon is an experience you should not miss.

Major attractions:  Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, is a major attraction which offers a range of activities such as glacier hiking, ice caving, and ice climbing. Other popular attractions include the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the Skaftafell hiking area, and the Dettifoss waterfall. 

Pros

• While at the park, you can climb the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnúkur, during summer, when the weather is at its most favorable.
• The park is committed to conserving its biodiversity and natural environment, allowing you to witness the park's greenery, vibrant ecosystem, and diverse wildlife during summer. 

Cons

• The glaciers are not in their most impressive state during the summer months. So, if you want to see the Icelandic glaciers in all their glory, summer is not the best season to visit.

 Iceland boasts a wide range of activities and attractions to explore during the summer months. Here are some of the top things to do in Iceland during the summer season:

1. Witness Iceland’s stunning waterfalls: Iceland boasts the most breathtaking waterfalls. During the summer, the snow and ice that feed the falls melt, creating the most spectacular waterfall displays. Some of the most popular waterfall spots to visit during the summer months are Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss.
2. Explore the country's glaciers and ice caves: Iceland's glaciers and ice caves are some of the most stunning formations in the world. During summer, warmer temperatures create opportunities for glacier hiking and ice cave exploration. Vatnajökull Glacier, Langjökull Glacier, and the Crystal Ice Cave are some of the best places to go for glacier and ice cave exploration.
3. Experience Iceland’s exotic wildlife: Iceland is home to a variety of exotic wildlife species, including puffins, whales, and reindeer. During summer, the long daylight hours make it easier to spot these animals in their natural habitats. Visit Westman Islands for puffin watching, Husavik for whale spotting, and the Eastfjords for reindeer sightings.
4. Indulge in local food & culture: Take the time to learn about Iceland's culture and customs. You can start by trying local delicacies such as fermented shark (hákarl), dried fish (harðfiskur), or lamb soup (kjötsúpa). Then, you can explore the country's museums, art galleries, and music venues at your own pace to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and artistic traditions.

Here are a few tips for a smooth and enjoyable summer trip in Iceland:

• Dress wisely: Even in summer, Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing. This is especially important when visiting places like Skaftafell National Park, where the weather changes rapidly.
• Rent a car: Renting a car is the best way to explore Iceland's scenic landscapes, as public transportation can be limited. Stick to paved roads and be mindful of single-lane bridges when driving to places like the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site or the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Additionally, be sure to have a map and emergency supplies on hand.
• Respect the environment: Iceland's natural wonders are fragile. So respect the environment by staying on marked trails and avoiding littering. Leave nothing but footprints.

The long daylight hours during the summer months make it difficult for the Northern Lights to be visible, but you can see them if you plan your trip properly. If you are visiting Iceland in the summer and hoping to embark on a Northern Lights tour, your best bet is to go as far north as possible, where the nights are the darkest. You can also visit Iceland towards the end of summer when the nights get a little longer and darker.

Iceland in summer promises a wide variety of unique experiences for travelers of all ages looking to have a good time. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse cultural events, Iceland is a must-visit destination during the summer months.

Looking to visit Iceland soon? Let our travel experts curate the perfect trip for you with our customizable trips to Iceland.