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.

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

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

• All of Iceland is open: The unpredictable weather conditions outside of summer in Iceland often limit access to certain areas. Summer is the only time you can fully explore all of Iceland because the highland F-roads (mountain roads) are only open during this season, typically from mid-June to mid-September. These roads, which are often unpaved and require 4x4 vehicles, provide access to some of Iceland's most remote and stunning landscapes, including the otherworldly Landmannalaugar region, the volcanic Askja caldera, and the vibrant Kerlingarfjöll mountains.
  Midnight sun: Iceland is famous for its Northern Lights which you can witness even during summer from some remote parts of the country. But more than the Northern Lights, the allure of summer in Iceland is its midnight sun phenomenon, which is especially prominent in its northern region, including Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, which sees 24 hours of sunlight during summertime.
• 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. Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs, is a summer paradise in the Icelandic Highlands. Hike through the vibrant landscape, soak in natural hot pools, and witness the otherworldly beauty of the region.

Major attractions: Trekking the Laugavegur Trail, bathing in the natural hot springs, exploring the Ljótipollur crater lake, and photographing the multicolored mountains are among the must-do activities in Landmannalaugar.

Pros:

• All 35 trails that lead to Landmannalaugar are in excellent condition during summer.
• The midnight sun allows for extended hiking and exploration opportunities.

Cons:

• The area can get busy during peak summer months.
• You need a 4x4 vehicle to travel to the region, which may increase your travel costs.

3. Vatnajökull National Park 

Vatnajökull National Park is a summer paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The melting ice from its glaciers creates mesmerizing waterfalls. 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 that 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 some of the most breathtaking waterfalls. During the summer season, 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. Embark on day and multi-day hikes: Iceland is one of the best places in the world for both day hikes and multi-day hikes. Summer offers ideal conditions for hiking in Iceland. Popular day hikes include the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River trail and the Glymur Waterfall hike. For multi-day adventures, consider the famous Laugavegur Trail connecting Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork or the challenging Fimmvörðuháls route between Thorsmork and Skógar.
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.