Iceland in July: Sunny Weather and Travel Tips
July, with its pleasant and inviting weather, is right in the middle of summer in Iceland. This is when days are warm and long, giving you the chance to make the most of your trip to Iceland. Mountain roads, which are closed in winter due to snow, are finally open, giving you access to some excellent trekking and hiking trails. From whale-watching and climbing glaciers to pampering yourself in geothermal spas and enjoying music festivals — there are many unmissable things to do in Iceland in July.
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Iceland Weather in July
July is the height of summer in Iceland when the country receives up to 20 hours of daylight, with even the shortest day receiving around 18 hours. Temperatures in Iceland in July usually hover between 14°C (highest) and 9°C (lowest). Although this might not sound much, it is the Icelander’s equivalent of a hot summer day — and the whole country steps out to enjoy the outdoors during this time.
For a more in-depth seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Iceland.
Weather in Iceland in July - 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 |
| Jun | Jul | Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 11 | 13 | 13 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 52 | 56 | 56 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 45 | 49 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 20 | 30 |
Why Visit Iceland in July
It is no surprise that July is the high season in Iceland when it comes to tourism, with travelers from all around the world flocking to its highlights. Below are some reasons why July is such a great time to visit this beautiful country:
- See it all: Iceland truly opens up in July. All mountain paths are clear of snow and made accessible to visitors during this time of year, and you can visit every corner of the country. So, if you are planning to cover the length and breadth of Iceland, July is perhaps the best time to do it.
- Mountains beckon: The harsh Arctic cold means that many mountains may be out of reach for safety reasons throughout winter. But come summer, you will be able to go trekking and hiking in some of the most stunning areas of the country. Mountain trails are in their best shape in July.
- Festive season: July is also the month when big-ticket festivities take place in Iceland. Some of the most popular events include the Rauðasamdur Festival in Westfjords; Siglufjörður Folk Festival, which sees folk music, concerts, and lectures; and Eistnaflug, a four-day international metal music festival in Neskaupstaður.
- Culture vultures: Given the weather, July is a great time to meet people in the countryside and learn more about their cultures and traditions. Be part of art walks, farm visits, food tours, and pottery workshops during your stay in the country.
- Kayaking and snorkeling: You can choose from a number of kayaking tours in July or even go snorkeling if you wish to. The Solheimajokull Glacier Lagoon, with its numerous icebergs, is an extremely popular kayaking spot, while the Silfra fissure is one of the best places on earth for snorkeling and diving.
- Midnight sun: Witnessing this incredible natural phenomenon is a reason enough to visit Iceland in July. The midnight sun, with its bright nights, peaks at around the 20th of June when the sun is up for nearly 24 hours and lasts from the middle of May to mid-August.
- Horseback riding: Take in the expansive vistas of Iceland’s countryside from the back of an Icelandic horse. You need not travel to remote areas to indulge in this activity as there are countless horseback riding experiences available around the capital city of Reykjavík.
Where to go and what to do
Discover Reykjavik during a walking tour and see its old harbor, Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, and charming town center. Sample a fine selection of craft beers at a local brewery and see the unique artwork and landscapes of Videy Island.
There is no way you could miss out on visiting Thingvellir National Park, where Althing (Iceland’s first parliament) was established by the Vikings in the tenth century, during your stay in the country. Although highlights on Iceland’s Golden Circle are crowded during the day, you can always book a night trip for yourself and tick off the landmarks ranging from the Geysir geothermal area to Gullfoss Waterfall, thanks to the midnight sun.
Learn more about the recent volcanic history of the Westman Islands, hike up the slopes of a crater where the ground is still warm from geothermal activities, and spot adorable seabirds like puffins nesting on steep cliffs. Hiking enthusiasts will also fall in love with the spectacular highlands and bare, craggy cliffs of Landmannalaugar, while those that love wildlife will definitely want to add the Látrabjarg Peninsula located in the Westfjords to their itinerary. If you want to see humpback whales perform their acrobatic skills, then head for Húsavík, a picturesque village that overlooks the stunning Skjálfandi Bay.
July is an excellent time to experience Iceland’s great outdoors and soak up its art and culture. If you are wondering how many days you may need to cover all of these activities, you may want to check out our travel guide on how long to stay in Iceland. We recommend at least a week in the country if you want to witness all the must-see highlights in the country. However, if you have fewer days on your hands, spending at least 3 days in Iceland would give you a satisfying glimpse of those highlights. Contact our travel experts to prepare a customized itinerary to Iceland as per your requirements.
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