Iceland in August: Weather, Tips, and More
August is one of the best months to tour Iceland. It is officially the last summer month, and the weather in Iceland in August is glorious — with warm days (certainly by Iceland’s chilly standards) and lots of daylight. Iceland’s weather in August is perfect for summiting its volcanic peaks, hiking over glaciers, visiting national parks, marveling at cascading waterfalls, cruising along the country’s rugged coastline, and getting entertained by puffins squabbling and swimming in the sea. If you are lucky, you might even spot the first Northern Lights of the season, especially in the latter half of the month.
- Carolyn Williams
- From USA
Iceland Weather in August
Mild summer weather persists during August in Iceland, making it one of the year's warmest months. During this time, the average daytime temperature hovers around 13°C (56°F), while nights are cooler at around 9°C (49°F). This temperature pattern is most evident in coastal areas, including the capital city, Reykjavik. If you venture into the highlands and inland regions, expect slightly cooler conditions.
Iceland sees up to 19 hours of daylight in August, while rainfall is also relatively scarce, with only about 25 millimeters of precipitation expected throughout the month. So, if you plan to explore Iceland's beautiful landscapes and unique natural wonders, August provides favorable weather conditions for your adventure.
For a more in-depth seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Iceland.
Weather in Iceland in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -3 | -2 | -2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | -1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 38 | 36 | 36 | 41 | 49 | 52 | 56 | 56 | 49 | 43 | 41 | 40 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 27 | 29 | 29 | 32 | 38 | 45 | 49 | 47 | 41 | 36 | 32 | 31 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 50 | 40 | 40 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 40 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 13 | 13 | 9 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 9 | 8 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 56 | 56 | 49 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 49 | 47 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 30 | 40 |
Why Visit Iceland in August
Without snow, Iceland’s roads are not slippery during August, and all the mountain routes are open to travelers. If you are looking for things to do in Iceland in August, you will be spoilt for choice. Below are the top reasons why this is such a great time to visit Iceland. Below are the top reasons you should be open for an August trip to Iceland.
- Open country: The whole of Iceland is accessible in August, including remote mountains that are closed throughout winter. This means that you can visit practically every corner of this beautiful land. From August, some of the most gorgeous parts of the country are open for trekking and hiking. Do not miss out on places like Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk, which are jaw-dropping during August.
- Festive mood: August is a month of festivals in Iceland. Thjódhhátidh, the country’s biggest outdoor festival, is held during this time. This celebration sees locals and visitors flock to the Westman Islands for a weekend of fireworks, bonfires, and concerts. The Merchants Weekend celebration in North Iceland also features concerts, walking tours, museum visits, and shopping. Verslunarmannahelgi Holiday Weekend (Labor Day Weekend) and Myrarboltinn in Isafjordur are other festivals worth checking out.
- Water sports: With pleasant days and warm weather conditions, August is a fantastic time for water sports in Iceland. Enjoy kayaking along Iceland's spectacular coastline. Go on a kayaking adventure to see massive icebergs in Jökulsárlón or explore the hidden coves of the Westfjords. August is also the prime time for river rafting in Iceland. Head to places like Hvítá or the East Glacial River for some white-water action. You can also snorkel between two tectonic plates at Silfra, where crystal-clear glacial water and surreal underwater landscapes make this a must-do.
- Horseback Riding: August’s mild temperatures and gloriously sunny days are ideal for exploring Iceland’s beautiful countryside on horseback. Popular regions to enjoy a horseback adventure include the famous Golden Circle, the scenic South Coast, and the tranquil North. Expect to pass by remarkable natural wonders like geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and more while riding.
Where to go and what to do
August is the prime time to visit Landmannalaugar and its multicolored mountains, a geothermal wonderland in the Highlands of Iceland. The hiking trails here are surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, which are at their most vibrant during this month. The warm weather allows you to soak in natural hot springs comfortably.
If you like road-tripping, August is a good month for exploring the Gæsavatnaleid Highland Road. The snow-free highland road, leading to Iceland’s rugged interior becomes more accessible during this time of year.
Catch the festive season in Reykjavik during August. Attend events like the Reykjavik Jazz Festival or smaller local festivals to immerse yourself in Iceland's vibrant music scene. Reykjavik also hosts its annual Culture Night (Menningarnótt) and breathtaking fireworks displays in August. It is a lively celebration of Icelandic culture featuring music, art, and food.
Summer in Iceland (June to August) is the peak whale-watching season. Head to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital, to catch sight of humpback, minke, and blue whales. August is also the perfect month to visit Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) to see one of the world's largest puffin colonies. Puffin chicks fledge around this time, and you can see thousands of these adorable birds taking their first flights from the cliffs.
Lake Mývatn is a birdwatcher's paradise in August. Thousands of migratory birds, such as whooper swans and various ducks, gather here before embarking on their southern journey. The unique geological formations around the lake add to the spectacle.
August truly is a magical time in Iceland, with longer daylight hours, comfortable weather, and vibrant natural sceneries all around. It is a month that allows you to experience the country's diverse landscape and culture at its peak.
Need help planning your August trip to Iceland?
August in Iceland is the last chance to bask in the country's natural wonders before autumn. With clear skies, mild temperatures, and endless daylight, you'll have ample time to explore this land of fire and ice, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Fill out our customized Iceland trip form and let our team of travel professionals help your itinerary vision come to life. For more ideas and inspiration, look at our Iceland guide and let us take care of the details.
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