Iceland in July: Weather, Outdoor Adventures, and More
July falls right in the middle of Iceland’s summer, and it is one of the best times to visit the country. The days are warm and long, and every nook and cranny of the country is open for exploration. From whale-watching to hiking to attending summer music festivals to diving in the Silfra fissure between two tectonic plates, a trip to Iceland in July makes for an unforgettable peak season holiday experience for travelers.
- Trish C.
- From USA
Iceland Weather in July
Considered one of the warmest months, Iceland’s average daytime temperature for July is just 13°C (56°F). The nights are much cooler, with the mercury dipping to 9°C (49°F). These temperature averages particularly hold true in coastal areas, including Reykjavik. The temperatures are slightly cooler in the highlands and inland areas.
Notably, July holds the distinction of having the warmest seawater in Reykjavík, with an average sea temperature of 11°C (52°F). With a meager 25 millimeters of rainfall expected throughout the month, July is also one of the dry months in Iceland. While the mesmerizing 24-hour midnight sun phenomenon concludes by the end of June, the night sky remains lit throughout July, with daylight hours spanning an impressive average of 19 hours.
For more information, 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) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -1 | -1 | -1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | -2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 36 | 36 | 36 | 41 | 47 | 54 | 56 | 56 | 49 | 43 | 38 | 34 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 34 | 40 | 45 | 49 | 47 | 41 | 36 | 32 | 29 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 47 | 33 | 40 | 36 | 32 | 25 | 25 | 37 | 40 | 30 | 29 | 35 |
| Jun | Jul | Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 7 | 9 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 54 | 56 | 56 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 45 | 49 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 25 | 25 | 37 |
Why Visit Iceland in July
July is the high season in Iceland for tourism, with travelers from all around locking to the country. Below are some reasons why you should embark on an Iceland trip in July.
- Outdoor adventures: Unlike in the winter months when the country is blanketed in snow, Iceland in July boasts stable weather conditions and the absence of snowfall, prompting the government to lift restrictions on accessing challenging F-roads that lead to some of the most picturesque hiking trails. Embark on thrilling hikes through the Thorsmork Valley along the Laugavegur trail or Fimmvörðuháls trail. You can also opt for a self-guided driving adventure along the Iceland Ring Road, making stops at iconic destinations of the Golden Circle before venturing into the mesmerizing highlands or the South Coast's black sand beaches.
- Music festivals: July is when big-ticket music festivals take place in Iceland. Some of the most popular events include the outdoor Rauðasamdur Festival in Westfjords, the five-day Siglufjörður Folk Festival, and the four-day Eistnaflug in Neskaupstaður.
- Puffin and whale-watching season: Puffins come to Iceland for spring and summer breeding. July falls is Iceland's peak puffin season, which offers prime opportunities to spot these charming seabirds nesting along dramatic cliffs. Similarly, June to August marks Iceland's peak whale-watching season, as warmer waters draw the humpback, minke, and even the elusive blue whales.
- Kayaking and snorkeling: July’s pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor adventures like kayaking and snorkeling. Paddle through crystal-clear glacier-fed rivers or the Solheimajokull Glacier Lagoon with unrivaled views of the surrounding landscapes on Iceland kayaking tours. If you are up for a unique underwater experience, snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure is a must. The glacial waters boast incredible visibility and boast an optimal temperature, which is rare in other months, allowing you to witness the captivating underwater world where two tectonic plates meet.
Where to go and what to do
If you want to make the most of your Iceland trip, then July is the month to go. Outdoor enthusiasts can take on the challenging Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Combined Trek, taking advantage of the open f-roads in July. Marine life enthusiasts can head to Husavik, the whale-watching capital, where they can spot up to 23 whale species, including the majestic humpback. While at it, they can also indulge in an Arctic boat trip and try their hands at fishing.
If puffins enchant you, July is the perfect month to observe these charming birds up close. You can spot them on the popular Dyrhólaey Island. Or head to the Westman Islands, which has the world’s largest Atlantic puffin colony. July is also the perfect time to take advantage of the optimal water conditions and indulge in watersports, such as kayaking in the melted glacial waters of Jökulsárlon glacial lagoon.
To take in the incredible scenery of Iceland, plan a road trip around Iceland’s much-vaunted Ring Road.
Need Help Planning a July Trip to Iceland?
July in Iceland is an invitation to bask in the country's natural wonders. With clear skies, mild temperatures, and endless daylight, you will have ample time to explore the ‘land of fire and ice’ and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Let our team of travel professionals help you create a customized Iceland trip. For more ideas and inspiration, look at our Iceland guide and let us take care of the details.
Related articles:
Iceland in June
Iceland in August
Summer in Iceland
