Summer in Iceland Guide

Going to Iceland in June, July or August but don't know what to do or expect? This handy guide will help you plan for the weather, shortlist things to do in Iceland, and highlight fun culture events into your travel calendar, so that you can make the most of Iceland's endless Summer nights.

Weather During Summer Months in Iceland

Don’t get put off by the ‘Ice’ in Iceland, especially in Summer, when the weather is relatively mild for the Nordic island, just south of the Arctic Circle. In Iceland, the summer months are typically considered to be June, July, and August.

These months have the longest days and the mildest temperatures, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid 50s Fahrenheit (10-14°C) to the low 60s Fahrenheit (15-20°C). Keep in mind that the weather can vary depending on location, with the south and west of the country generally experiencing warmer temperatures than the north and east.

Iceland is one of the few places in the world where there is a natural phenomenon, called midnight sun, where the sun stays visible in the sky at local midnight because of the high latitude of the country.

In Iceland, the midnight sun is visible from late May to late July (depending on the location). This is part of the reason Iceland is such a must-see destination, with that said, be aware that summer is the busiest tourist season in Iceland, so be sure to book your accommodations and transportation in advance.

Activities During Summer Months in Iceland

With milder weather, you won’t be short on things to do, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as: hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even, whale watching. Plus, the long daylight hours make it easy to see all that Iceland has to offer without having to fit it all in before the sun goes down (it doesn’t really!).

Though Summer in Iceland brings with it more crowds, there are things you can do during this time of year that you couldn’t do otherwise, such as:

Hiking

Iceland and hiking go hand-in-hand. It is an activity that can be enjoyed all year-round.

That being said, there are generally more trails available to explore in the summer months, because the snow and ice in colder months make some hiking spots inaccessible.

If you are going to Iceland in summer, make the most of the trails that are better to see in summer, such as:

Landmannalaugar in the central highlands (only accessible by 4×4 vehicle)
Laugavegur, which is a multi-day trail with views of mountains, glaciers, and valleys.

Camping

Camping is a fun and affordable way to experience Iceland during the summer.

It is much more accessible and easier to plan for in summer. The majority of campsites operate in the summer months, from June to August; you will probably find that many of the the biggest or most well-known sites along the popular routes, are not even open during the fringe seasons. As the weather is generally mild from June to August, there are heaps of beautiful campsites to choose from.

Remember to book your campsite in advance, as campsites can fill up quickly in summer!

Whale watching

The best time to go whale watching in Iceland is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the whales migrate to the country’s waters to feed.

The exact timing can vary, as it is depends on water temperature and the availability of food. It’s a great opportunity to take a boat tour to see lots of different species up close, including humpback whales, minke whales, and even killer whales.

There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in Iceland, which typically depart from Reykjavik or other coastal towns, including: Elding Whale Watching, North Sailing, and Reykjavik Sailors.

Fishing

Fishing in Iceland is popular during the summer months, because the waters are filled with some of the most popular fish to catch in Icelandic waters, such as:

Arctic Char
Salmon, and
Trout

River fishing is popular for catching both arctic char and salmon.

Sea fishing is popular for cod, haddock, and halibut.

Finally, lake fishing can be a peaceful and relaxing way to spend a summer day, just keep in mind, if you have your heart set on ice lake fishing, you might want to consider going from November to April (see our Winter Guide).

Book a guided tour to make sure you’re following local fishing regulations and have the necessary licenses and permits.

There are several companies that offer fishing tours, including:

Arctic Adventures
Icelandic Mountain Guides, and
Reykjavik Angling Club.

Horse riding

There is no better way to take in Iceland’s beautiful landscape of valleys and coastlines, than on horse back.

Doing this in summer means you’re not at the mercy of shorter days or harsher weather, that may make the ride more tricky.

You don’t have to be an experienced horse rider, there are tours that cater for all different levels. You can even opt to go on a multi-day horse riding tours, which can last for 3+ days, and include overnight stays.

For short tours, Efstidalur II Dairy Farm and Galtarviti Horse Ranch offer beautiful rides through the countryside.

If you’re interested in a multi-day riding tour, check out: GJ Travel and Icelandic Mountain Guides. While, Reykjavik Riding and Laxnes Horse Farm run both short and multi-day horse riding tours.

Summer Events In Iceland

If you visit Iceland in summer, not only will you have endless daylight to experience all the natural beauty, you will have the chance to attend some of the most exciting events of the year.

If you’re the type of traveler who loves variety, and you want to have your scenic adventure with a side of culture and theatre, then time your visit with some of these popular and highly-anticipated special events that take place in June and August in Iceland.

June Events

Secret Solstice

Unconfirmed next event date: 22 – 24 June, 2024

Imagine going to a music festival where the sun doesn’t set. That is the beauty of Secret Solstice, a popular music festival in Iceland takes place in June.

The three-day festival features a diverse range of international and local artists and offers a variety of activities, such as yoga classes and guided hikes.

Some past performers include: Rita Ora, Patti Smith, Florence + The Machine, Lil Nas X, Solange, Wiz Khalifa, and The Chemical Brothers. It is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant music scene of Reykjavik and to discover new artists!

Reykjavik Arts Festival

Next event date: 1 – 16 June, 2024

The Reykjavik Arts Festival is an annual summer extravaganza of events, including concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, film screenings, music, dance and visual arts.

This festival is a showcase for both local and international artists and is a great way to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Reykjavik. It takes place in June each year, and lasts for about 10 days.

August Events

Reykjavik Culture Night

Next event date: August, 2024

Iceland has a reputation for being a relatively expensive place to visit, but if you visit in August, during Culture Night, many of Reykjavik’s cultural institutions, such as museums, galleries, and libraries, are open late and offer free admission.

This annual event happens on the first Saturday of August and is a celebration of Icelandic culture, art, and music.

Culture Night, or Menningarnótt, is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant cultural scene in Reykjavik and learn more about Icelandic history and traditions.

Gay Pride

Unconfirmed next event date: 8-13 August, 2024

Reykjavik Pride is a joyful and welcoming event typically held in August as a week-long event with parades, concerts, performances, and workshops.

Iceland is known for being a very LGBTQ+-friendly country, and the annual Reykjavik Pride festival is a celebration of this welcoming and inclusive culture.

The main event is the Pride Parade through the streets of Reykjavik, which culminates in a large outdoor concert and celebration in the city center.