Iceland in June: Sunny Weather and Magical Mountains
The summer officially begins in Iceland in June, making it a glorious month to explore the length and breadth of this beautiful country. This is when days are long — the longest in the year, in fact — and the countryside is in full bloom. The mountain paths that had been closed for winter are fully accessible now. The weather in June makes it the perfect time to go on an Iceland tour to spot wildlife, including whales, seals, and the famous puffin. Whether you choose to rent a car or take a guided tour, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Iceland in June. Plus, this is the month when you can witness the midnight sun. For a few extraordinary weeks in June, the sun does not set at all.
Iceland Weather in June
The most striking thing about Iceland’s weather in June is that the sun remains visible throughout the night as well. Its temperature during this month, however, is not what you would call typical summer temperatures in other parts of the world, although for Icelanders it is warm enough to spend lots of time outdoors. The average temperature in Iceland in June is 9 °C and it can sometimes spike up to 15° C, making June the third-warmest month in Iceland. Also, the country sees the least amount of rainfall during this time.
For a more in-depth seasonal overview, make sure to check our travel guide on the best time to visit Iceland.
Weather in Iceland in June - 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) | 37.4 | 35.6 | 35.6 | 41 | 48.2 | 51.8 | 55.4 | 55.4 | 48.2 | 42.8 | 41 | 39.2 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 26.6 | 28.4 | 28.4 | 32 | 37.4 | 44.6 | 48.2 | 46.4 | 41 | 35.6 | 32 | 30.2 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 50 | 40 | 40 | 20 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 40 |
Why Visit Iceland in June
Long days, warmer climate, summer festivals, and an idyllic country waiting to be explored. Still, looking for reasons to visit Iceland in June? Continue reading for more details.
- Open season: Iceland is fully accessible in June. This is when mountain paths are clear of snow, and you can visit every corner of this enchanting land. So, if you are planning a comprehensive tour of Iceland, June is one of the best months to do it.
- Magical mountains: Iceland’s harsh winter weather means that many mountainous trails are out of reach. But in summer, you can go hiking and trekking in some of the most gorgeous parts of the country.
- Festive spirit: Starting in 2014, Secret Solstice has taken Reykjavik’s culture scene by storm. This music festival has featured headliners like Radiohead and Foo Fighters and is becoming an international event to watch out for. Also, if you are in the country on June 17, you can be part of Iceland’s Independence Day celebrations.
- Kayaking and snorkeling: There are a number of kayaking and snorkeling tours to choose from while in the country during this time, including ones that take you to breathtaking snorkeling spots like Silfra, which is located between two continental planes.
- Midnight sun: The midnight sun phenomenon peaks around the 20th of June when the sun does not set. Experiencing this remarkable event is reason enough to visit Iceland in June.
- Horseback riding: See some spectacular countryside scenery from the back of Icelandic horses in June. These animals are known to be intelligent and friendly.
- Golden Circle tour: This 237 km route covers some of the most famous landmarks of Iceland, such as the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Field, and Thingvellir National Park. June is when these highlights are at their best.
Where to go and what to do
Go on kayaking trips, hike through the Icelandic countryside, or even camp to see the sun that never sets during your trip to Iceland in June. The weather during this time of year is perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy a hike through the Laugavegur Trail, which connects Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork nature reserves, go on a guided fishing trip off the country’s coast, or combine sea-angling with whale-watching expeditions. Iceland’s coasts are full of krill and fish, luring birds and whales to its stunning coastline. In addition to this, geothermal energy is abundant, and there are few things as delightful as taking a warm dip while on a hot spring tour in Iceland, of which you will find plenty across the country.
Taking a tour of Reykjavik, the country’s capital will give you a view of a city buzzing with activity in June. Besides soaking up the art and architecture of the city, you can wander around Austurvöllur Park located in the city’s downtown. The scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula also makes for a charming destination in June. From black sand beaches and mountain peaks to volcanic craters and tiny fishing villages — there is a lot to admire here. 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.
What to bring
A warm jacket along with a good pair of hiking shoes are a must if you are planning to go on a hiking trip in Iceland. Make sure that you also pack a few warm clothes for chilly evenings.
June is one of the loveliest months of the year in Iceland and the perfect time to discover the country’s great outdoors. Check out our guide on how long to stay in Iceland to get an idea of how many days you should spend in the country. 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 tour itinerary to Iceland as per your requirements.
Look no further if you are planning on booking a trip to Iceland in June.
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