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Embracing Iceland in summer: top things to do
Looking for an ice-cool destination where you can chill out in the summer? The obvious answer is Iceland! More land than ice between June and August, this volcanic island transforms in the summertime, opening up a whole host of things to do that are only accessible in Iceland in summer.
From the magical midnight sun to the remote and rugged Westfjords region, you’ll need to arrive between June and September to really get to know this volcanic beauty. Read on to find out how to make the most of a super sunny summer in Iceland!
What makes an Icelandic summer unique?
Iceland in summer is out of this world. With the sun barely setting, you’ll find yourself with seemingly endless hours of daylight. This means you can jam pack your days exploring stunning scenery, scaling volcanoes, melting your stress away in thermal spas and seeing whales and puffins in their natural habitat.
If you’re feeling in need of an extra dose of vitamin D, there’s no better destination. With an average of 20 – 22 hours of daylight a day, you’ll be basking in those rays, quite literally, all day and night.
At peak hours of daylight during the summer solstice, you can witness the jaw-dropping midnight sun. Night owls beware!
So, what does the midnight sun look like? Imagine seeing the sun descend, “bounce” off the horizon, then ascend again. This sets off an ethereal glow that lasts for hours.
This flabbergasting phenomenon takes place from mid-June until the end of the month. Forget the Northern Lights – the midnight sun is where it’s at when Iceland is at its sunniest.
Another USP of Iceland in summer is that you can reach places you might not be able to at other times. Remote regions like the wild, untamed Westfjords open up in the summer. And the pristine paradise, Landmannalaugar, which is covered with snow and ice for almost 10 months of the year. When temperatures rise, this melts away, unveiling multicoloured mountains and heavenly hot springs.
Can I expect warm weather during my visit to Iceland in summer?
While the average temperature in Iceland in summer may not reach tropical levels, the mild climate offers a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. With average temperatures ranging from 10–13 °C (50–55 °F), visitors can comfortably enjoy the natural wonders of Iceland without the extreme cold that characterises the other Icelandic seasons.
This means that you can enjoy hiking without the risk of overheating, and everything will be less icy and dangerous. Hurrah!
Top 10 must-do Icelandic summer activities
Iceland may be a small country, but it packs a punch. With a list of things to do as eclectic as Bjork’s musical style, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are some of our favourite summery things to do in Iceland:
1. Golden Circle
Iceland’s most famous and spectacular route is equally stunning in summer or winter. The former offers pleasantly warm temperatures and verdant valleys, and the latter icy snowscapes.
From the canyons of Thingvellir National Park to geysers erupting in the Geysir geothermal area and the striking beauty of Gullfoss waterfall, the Golden Circle will leave you breathless. And it’s much more easily accessible in the summer, with better road conditions and fewer road closures.
2. Wildlife watching
Summer in Iceland brings a diverse range of wildlife-watching opportunities. Ever wanted to see puffins nesting, seals swimming and arctic foxes slinking around? These creatures thrive in the extended daylight of Iceland’s summer season, so summer is the perfect season for animal enthusiasts to visit.
- Seasons: Puffins (April to September), Seals (May to July) and Arctic Fox (boats from Hornstrandir run in the summertime).
3. South Shore
At The Explorer, we love nothing more than seeing raw nature at its wildest. And even better if it’s easy to get to! Just a stone’s throw from Reykjavik, discover Iceland’s incredibly impressive South Shore.
The coastline here is relatively young. It was created during the last Ice Age by lava flow. Bask on black sand beaches, take photos of towering waterfalls, look at lunar landscapes and even see a subglacial volcano!
4. Hiking Trails
James Bond, Star Wars, Game of Thrones… With this many TV shows and movies filmed in Iceland, you know the scenery has got to be something special!
As temperatures rise and frost recedes, the Icelandic Highlands open up for discovery. We recommend checking out Landmannalaugar, a true hiker’s heaven, for kaleidoscopic mountains and fields of solidified lava.
5. Snæfellsnes
Snæfellsnes is often called Iceland in miniature. If you only had a day to explore Iceland (and believe us, that wouldn’t be enough!) this petite peninsula would be a good bet. You can find a volcano, a glacier, dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches, as well as Iceland’s diverse fauna.
6. Summer Festivals
As the snow melts and Iceland’s not-so-sizzling-but-slightly-less-cold summer begins, so does the season of summer festivals! Grab yourself a ticket for any number of vibrant celebrations, such as the Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður, Reykjavík Arts Festival and the enchanting Night of Lights Festival.
7. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Ever heard of a glacier lagoon before? Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is exactly what it says on the tin: a huge shimmering lake made by a glacial activity. What you might not expect is the breathtaking spectacle of an armada of icebergs floating serenely on the surface. The effect is truly otherworldly.
The icebergs were formed over 1000 years ago. And Jökulsárlón Lagoon? It’s a young whippersnapper of a glacial feature at only 80 years old.
8. Whale Watching
Want to see whales in Europe? Iceland is for you. Many whales head to sunnier climes in the winter to breed, then return to Iceland every summer. Great news for lovers of these super cetaceans, as you’ll get a chance to see pods of whales, from minke to humpback and sperm to blue whales, off the coast of Iceland. July is the best month to catch them.
We’d recommend joining a whale-watching tour for the best chance of observing them. We’re sure you’ll have a whale of a time!
9. Snorkelling and diving
Not the first plan that comes to mind when planning a holiday in Iceland, admittedly. Especially with all the other options for snorkelling around the world. But nowhere else on Earth can you swim between two continents.
Silfra, Iceland’s most popular dive spot, is the only site in the world where you can snorkel or dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We can’t be the only ones who think that is incredibly cool! In summer, you’ll be more comfortable in the (slightly!) warmer water, see more colourful algae and enjoy better visibility.
10. Lava Tunnel Tour
And last but not least on our list of things to do in Iceland in summer: our very own hop-on hop-off Reykjavik bus! This is simply the best way to get around Reykjavik, especially in the summer when you can sit up on our top deck and enjoy the views and the nice weather.
You won’t have to worry about booking expensive taxis in the local lingo or learning complicated public transport systems. Just hop on and go! Hop off at any stop that takes your fancy! Of course, all our stops are strategically located next to the capital’s top sights.
Planning your Icelandic summer escape
Here are some things to think about when planning your summer adventure here:
- Although the summer is a fantastic time to visit this iciest of islands, there are some downsides. Summer is the busiest time for tourism, particularly July. And, as we know, more tourists mean more crowds and more expensive attractions and hotels. You can minimise this by booking to go in early July, before the local schools break up.
- We all know it’s sensible to book in advance to save money. Iceland in the summer can sell out, so get booking for cheaper deals and more availability.
Start your summer Iceland adventure
Well, if we haven’t convinced you by now that Iceland in the summer is the bee’s knees, the whale’s tail and the seal’s… heels (?!), then perhaps nothing will! So go on, take the plunge and visit this magical island in the summer. You won’t regret it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Travelling in Iceland in summer is great for families.The roads are usually clear of snow, making it easier to access all the sights. Plus, the longer daylight hours mean you have more time to explore. You can also get around Reykjavik easily and cheaply while getting the best views from a hop-on hop-off bus.
Layers are a good idea. Also, bring
- a durable waterproof jacket that can handle unexpected showers
- sturdy hiking boots
- a warm hat and gloves for chilly evenings
- sunglasses for the randomly sunny moments.
- some thermal layers in case it’s cold
This season is perfect for family-fun escapades like:
- exploring the highlands
- visiting huge, green national parks
- dipping into steamy hot springs to relax those travel-weary muscles