Planning a trip to Iceland in summer and wondering what to expect? You’re in the right place.
It’s tricky to pin down what Icelandic summer really feels like. One minute, you see photos of endless daylight and travellers in short-sleeve T-shirts. The next, every packing list tells you to pack a beanie and gloves.
I road-tripped the Ring Road in June and felt both extremes. Sweating through a sunny midday hike, then bracing against the cold wind coming off Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon later the same day.
I joined the crowds at south Iceland’s top sights like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, yet found total solitude at hidden-gem hot pools such as the Hoffell Hot Tubs.
Summer also opens the door to experiences you won’t get any other time of year, like hiking Landmannalaugar’s rainbow rhyolite trails.
In this complete guide to Iceland in summer, I’ll cover the weather, pros and cons, what to pack, crowd levels, and the best things to do.
Reasons to visit Iceland in summer
Summary: Reasons to visit Iceland in summer
- The Midnight Sun
- Milder weather conditions
- Some places are only open in summer
- Road conditions are better
- You can still do glacier hiking
- You can enjoy longer hikes
There are some experiences you can only get in Iceland during the summer. Here are the top reasons to book your summer trip to Iceland:
1. The Midnight Sun
Iceland is far enough north that in the height of summer, the sun never truly sets. The peak of this is around the summer solstice in late June. However, you can experience 24-hour daylight as early as May and as late as August.
This is worth seeing for two reasons:
- The endless golden-hour light is incredible to witness. Walking outside at 1 am to daylight is trippy to the mind when you’re not used to it.
- It gives you way more daylight hours to jam-pack activities into your day.
I’ve even heard of people choosing not to adjust to the time zone difference and exploring most of the sights in nighttime hours to avoid other people.
2. Milder weather conditions
The weather conditions are easier to handle in Iceland’s summer. The temperatures are warmer and less extreme.
3. Some places are only open in summer
When the snowy conditions leave for the summer, certain activities open up access. This mostly applies to attractions that are accessed via F roads.
These are rough, unpaved, and basically off-road tracks that lead to the inner parts of Iceland. They can only be accessed by 4×4 vehicles.
For example, Landmannalaugar in the southern Highlands is open from late June until early September. Landmannalaugar is one of the most stunning hiking spots because of its vibrant, multi-coloured mountains and geothermal hot springs. There are lava fields, waterfalls, and volcanoes here.
The Westfjords is another spot you can only visit in summer. It’s a remote part of West Iceland with rugged hikes and completely isolated mountains.
4. The road conditions are better
While you technically can road trip in Iceland’s winter, the conditions can be sketchy, and 99% of people avoid it. The eastern part of Iceland has curvy drop-off roads that would be terrifying to drive in a winter storm.
The Ring Road is well-maintained, with plenty of pull-offs and petrol stations. There are still stormy and foggy conditions that can feel dicey for nervous drivers, but otherwise, driving in summer is very do-able.
5. You can still try glacier hiking
At first, I assumed summer would mean I couldn’t do any glacier hiking in Iceland. However, there are still several spots that you can visit.
Sólheimajökull and Vatnajökull glacier are two of the most popular glaciers in South Iceland. They offer multi-hour excursions on the ancient ice, where you can peer down crevasses, traverse across ladder setups, and drink water straight from the glacier’s streams.
Tours typically last about three hours, with around one or two of those hours actually on the glacier. You don’t need any mountaineering experience, just an active physical fitness level.
6. You can enjoy longer hikes
Most of the hiking in Iceland during winter requires snowshoes, crampons, or just a lot of extra time to deal with the snow conditions. In summer, you can get on a much larger variety of hikes and spend longer on the trails.
Some of the best longer hikes in Iceland that are great in summer include:
- Studlagil Canyon – 2.5 miles (4km), only accessible in summer due to driving conditions
- Laugavegur Trek – 3 – 5 multi-day trek in Landmannalaugar.
- Blahnúkúr – 3.8 miles (6.1km) round-trip mountain peak
- Keilir Mountain Hike – 4.4 miles (7km)
Cons to visiting Iceland in summer
Summary – cons to visiting Iceland in summer
- No nothern lights
- More crowds
1. No northern lights
With the midnight sun, you won’t have any chance of seeing the northern lights. Unless that is a non-negotiable for you, all the benefits you get from summer travel make up for it. You can always visit again in winter to see them.
2. More crowds
With the better weather conditions come more crowds of people. The southern part of Iceland is the most crowded part of the country because it’s a popular day trip from Reykjavik. Even so, I didn’t find it overcrowded at all.
Certain spots like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfall had lots of people but we just showed up early enough in the morning to avoid most other people. Once we drove past Jokularson glacier lagoon, the number of crowds visibly dropped.
After that and until we got back to Reykjavik, we felt like we were travelling in an off-the-beaten-path destination.
What is Iceland’s weather like in summer?
Iceland’s average daytime temperatures by month are:
- June – 7 to 12 degrees Celsius (45 – 54 Fahrenheit).
- July – 10 to 14 degrees Celsius (50 – 57 Fahrenheit).
- August – 9 to 13 degrees Celsius (48 – 55 Fahrenheit).
No matter what time of year you visit Iceland, you will experience a lot of wind and unpredictable weather changes. It’s not uncommon to start the day with sunny conditions, experience a torrential downpour at lunch, and then finish the day with a winter hat and gloves on.
This crazy weather is a result of Iceland’s position in the Atlantic, where it receives warmer currents flowing up from the Gulf Stream, mild Atlantic air, and cold Arctic air coming from the North.
What to pack for Iceland in summer
The essentials you need for a summer trip to Iceland include:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (ideally with a hood).
- Waterproof trousers – when the rain is pouring and you still want to explore, waterproof trousers are a lifesaver. Plus, they add an extra layer when you need to dress warm
- Down jacket and fleece layer – you’ll need these to layer up when it gets cold. In some spots, like Jokularson glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, and on whale watching tours, you will need all of these layers.
- Long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts – ideally quick drying, but whatever is comfy
- Hiking trousers or leggings
- Waterproof hiking boots (well broken in!)
- Comfortable walking shoes – for towns or casual days
- Wool or thermal socks
- Flip-flops or sandals – for hot springs and guesthouses
- Beanie/hat – I wore mine in June!
- Gloves – lightweight but warm
- Neck gaiter or buff
Gear and accessories
- Daypack – water-resistant or use a rain cover
- Reusable water bottle – Iceland has excellent tap water
- Travel towel (quick-dry or microfibre, for hot springs)
- Sunglasses – yes, even in cloudy weather
- Sunscreen – I got burned from cold, windy days, so make sure you put sunscreen on
- Sleep mask – unless you specifically hunt down accommodation that advertises blackout shades, the sunlight peaks through the shades and makes it hard to sleep.
- Power adapter – Iceland uses the standard Europlug – Type C & F
- Camera/phone with waterproof case
- Dry bag – for your electronics when you get wet behind waterfalls and when it rains
- Swimsuit – for hot springs and geothermal pools
Best things to do in Iceland in summer
Summary – best things to do in Iceland in summer
- Whale watching
- Road trip on the Ring Road
- Golden Circle sightseeing route
- Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui waterfalls
- Skogafoss waterfall
- Seljavallalaug hot springs
- Solheimajokull glacier hike
- Visit Vik
- Hike Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
- Hoffell hot tubs
- Vok Baths
- Studagil canyon
- Sightseeing in Reykjavik
1. Go whale watching in Husavik (June–August)
Husavik is the whale watching capital of Iceland. Between June and August, the nutrients in the water are at their peak.
Humpback whales, mink whales, and even blue whales flock to the bay. The tours go out on large wooden boats, and you get a full-body suit to wear over your clothes for warmth.
2. Road trip Iceland’s famous Ring Road
The Ring Road is the famous route for road tripping in Iceland, stretching 828 approximately (1332 km) around the perimeter of the island. Along the route, you’ll find the majority of Iceland’s top things to do and see, like Skogafoss waterfall, the Eastfjords, Husavik, and of course, Reykjavik.
I road tripped Ring Road for eight days in June. Summertime is the perfect time for it because the roads are in the best possible conditions and almost all attractions are open.
3. Explore the Golden Circle sightseeing route
The Golden Circle sightseeing route is the nickname for three popular tourist sites within driving distance of Reykjavik. They are Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
Thingvellir National Park has the only spot in the world where you can walk between two tectonic plates. Gulfoss waterfall is a large waterfall that crashes into a bright green canyon.
Geysir is a geothermal area where you can see the dormant Great Geysir and Strokkur geysir which shoots water up to 230 feet (70 metres) in the air.
4. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall and visit the hidden Gljufrabui waterfall
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. You can walk behind it to take pictures and get sprayed by its mist.
Further down the path, away from the car park, you’ll come to a hidden canyon with Gljufrabui waterfall pouring down into it. You can walk inside to get a photo right beneath the falling water.
5. See Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss waterfall is another of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It’s one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls, stretching 82 feet (25 metres) wide with a 197-foot (60 metre) drop. You can admire it from the bottom or climb a staircase to the top.
6. Swim in the Seljavallalaug hidden hot spring pool
The Seljavallalaug swimming pool was my absolute favourite attraction when we visited in Iceland. There is a short 20-minute hike to get there, taking you through a beautiful mountainous valley.
The pool is at the bottom of a rising mountain. It has a small changing room, and the water is warmed by geothermal activity. The water isn’t hot, but warm enough to feel pleasant.
7. Visit Sólheimajökull glacier and book a glacier hike
Sólheimajökull glacier is a couple of hours’ drive from Reykjavik. You can get right up close to the glacier ice – it’s only a 15-minute hike from the car park. You can also book a glacier hike where you actually get to walk right on the ice with a local guide.
8. Explore Vik and see the Vik i Myrdal church
Vik is the cutest town on Iceland’s South coast. It is incredibly scenic with black sand beaches and large green cliffs rising high above the town.
It also has the Vik i Myrdal Church, which is a traditional white building with a red roof. The church has great views over Vik and is surrounded by purple lupine flowers in the summer.
9. Hike Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a fairytale canyon in Southeast Iceland. The canyon reaches 328 feet (100 metres) deep and stretches about 1.2 miles (2km) long.
There are about 1.2 miles (2km) worth of trails leading along the top of the canyon with large metal platforms extending over the drop to enjoy the view. Rivers run through the bottom, and the tiered walls create an otherworldly effect.
10. Hike to Svartifoss waterfall and Svínafellsjökull glacier in Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Svartifoss waterfall is another fantastic waterfall in South Iceland. It’s a thin-streamed waterfall plunging from a cliff made out of black basalt columns.
The waterfall is part of the Skaftafell nature reserve. In the same park, you’ll find the incredible Svinafellsjökull glacier.
You can choose between doing a 1.9 mile (3km) hike round-trip to Svartifoss waterfall and a 1.6 mile (2.6km) round-trip hike to the glacier. The hike leads to a valley at the bottom where you can see the glacier head-on.
You could also choose to do a longer 4.3 mile (7km) hike that combines the two in a loop but has a higher vantage point over the glacier. You’ll be able to see over the top of the glacial valley, the crevices running through the ice, and the mountains rising on either side.
11. Spot icebergs and seals at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach are in Southeast Iceland. The glacier lagoon is exactly how it sounds, with icebergs of varying sizes floating in the water. This is a fantastic place to spot seals.
Diamond Beach is right across the street. It is a black sand beach that gets its name because of the crystal clear pieces of ice that wash ashore and litter the beach.
12. Relax in Hoffell Hot Tubs near Hofn
We had never heard of these hot tubs until we drove past a small sign for them on our way to Hofn. They consist of multiple hot tubs embedded in the ground, surrounded by mountains and purple lupine flowers.
The hot tubs themselves are incredibly picturesque. They also have changing rooms and showers on site.
13. Visit Seydisfjordur and walk the Rainbow Street to the church
Seyðisfjörður is my favourite town in Iceland. It is tiny, remote, and amongst Iceland’s Eastfjords.
To get to it, you have to drive through mountains and then descend upon it with views over the top of the town.
There are lots of restaurants, shops, and the famous rainbow street leading to a white church. The best part is how stunning the town is on the water, with massive cliffs rising dramatically on either side of it.
14. Soak in Vok Baths’ floating hot springs
The Vok Baths were another spontaneous discovery on my road trip in Iceland. They are natural geothermal-fed floating pools, placed in a lake.
The whole experience was way cheaper than other hot springs in Iceland, and we felt that it was the most luxurious. There is a swim-up bar, and your admission gives you one drink.
15. Hike Stuðlagil canyon’s basalt cliffs
Studlagil canyon is one of the best places in Iceland for seeing basalt columns. It is a narrow canyon made out of these columns with a rushing river in between.
You can visit the lookout points at the top of the canyon for minimal walking or you can choose to do the 2.5-mile (4km) hike that leads into the canyon at the water level.
15. Sightsee in Reykjavik
You can do this anytime of year, but Reykjavík in the summer is especially radiant. Seeing the famous sites like the Sun Voyager, Old Harbour, Hallgrimskirkja, and Laugavegur is extra special in the summer sunlight.
16. Soak in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
No matter the time of year, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa has to be on everybody’s Iceland bucket list. Yes, it has become the most popular thing to do in the country, and there are crowds. However, it is still 100% worth the visit.
I booked the first time slot in the morning, so when we got into the pool, it felt really quiet. If you get there around midday, it will be peak busyness, but the spa does a good job of limiting how many visitors can be in the lagoon at a time. Make sure to book as far in advance as you can.
17. Hike to the dried lava at Fagradalsfjall volcano
Fagradalsfjall volcano is the site of numerous eruptions that occurred between 2021 and 2025. The whole area has been remade into a crusted lava paradise.
If you’re hoping to see lava in Iceland, this is the place to go. There are now numerous hikes leading from maintained parking lots to see the volcano itself and its surrounding fresh lava field. You can hear the crunch of the lava as you walk on top of it.
If you’re trying to decide when to visit Iceland, summer has so many benefits. You’ll be able to hike way more and visit places like Landmannalaugar and Studagil.
You’ll get to experience the Midnight Sun. Road tripping along the Ring Road has the best conditions of the year and of course, the warmer weather helps. However, Iceland is also an amazing winter destination, so you really can’t go wrong no matter when you choose to visit.
This is a guest post from Hailey from TheRestlessAdventurer.com
