Author: Camila Contreras-Langlois

Journey to Iceland in August to have a memorable summer trip to the Land of Fire and Ice.

At this time of year, you could enjoy some of the warmest days of the year and long daylight hours to explore further. The natural landscape will be as magnificent as ever and there will be plenty of thrilling excursions to try and sights to visit.

Prepare for your August vacation with this local experts’ guide. You’ll find lists of activities to try and places to see, useful weather and packing guides, and more.

• Browse our Iceland summer packages.
• Blog: Iceland in summer: must sees and must dos.

Should you visit Iceland in August?

Yes! You won’t be disappointed to be visiting Iceland in August.

In fact, you may find it is one of the best months of the year for an Icelandic adventure. There is a variety of festivals happening around the country that you could join. Whale watching and snowmobiling are just some of the activities you could get up to in August.

Just at the cusp of the shoulder season, August is one of these months that’s the best of both worlds. The change toward autumn means you may have a chance to spot the Northern Lights while also benefiting from long days of exploration.

And expect the natural scenery to be as stunning as ever. Admire the cascading waterfalls, explore national parks with glaciers and volcanic peaks, and sail along the rugged coastline.

Want to know the top reasons to visit Iceland in August? Look no further!

1. Good weather to go camping, walking or sailing
2. A full calendar of cultural events
3. Long hours of daylight with the potential to glimpse at the Northern Lights
4. Ideal conditions for road trips
5. A range of outdoor activities are available

What to expect of Iceland in August?

June, July, and August are the warmest months of the year in Iceland. For that reason, you’ll enjoy stable weather and average temperatures between 8°C (46°F) and 15°C (59°F).

Expect some wind and not too much rain if you’re lucky. You may even look forward to a mild heatwave with temperatures rising into the low 20s (68°F).

• Blog: Complete guide to Iceland.

Daylight hours

On average, you can expect around 16 hours of daylight in August in Iceland. Having passed the summer solstice in late June, August slowly loses daylight.

Earlier in the month, the sun rises around 4.30 a.m. and sets by 10.20 p.m. By the end of the month, there is daylight between 6 a.m. and 8.45 p.m.

If you’d like to experience the famous midnight sun, whereby the sun barely sets over the horizon, visit in June or July.

Can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland in August?

The change in daylight hours at this time of year is what may allow you to catch sight of the famous Aurora Borealis. Solar activity happens all year long, but you need proper darkness to be able to spot it in the sky.

From August, the nights are longer and you may be able to witness the Northern Lights. If this is the main reason for your trip to Iceland, we recommend you visit Iceland in winter for the best chances of sightings.

• Check out Northern Lights packages in Iceland.
• Blog: Your guide to the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Your August packing guide

Have you ever heard “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”? It’s a famous saying in the Nordic countries. Pack with this philosophy in mind and you’ll be ready for anything. Enjoy all the amazing adventures you have planned without worrying about the weather.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your trip to Iceland in August:

• Short-sleeved shirts and lightweight layers
• Long pants and shorts
• Fleeces or lightweight wool sweaters
• A waterproof and windproof jacket (or shell layers)
• A pair of waterproof trousers
• Gloves, scarf, and warm hat
• Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Sturdy walking or hiking boots
• Thermal underwear and socks
• Binoculars for wildlife watchers
• Swimwear, flip flops, and a towel to go for a dip

We especially recommend layers at this time of year to allow you to adapt to the day’s weather as it can change in an instant.

• Look up our camping trips in Iceland.

Top things to do in Iceland in August

August is a great time to travel to Iceland because so many remote corners are accessible, and activities are available.

Here are the best things you could get up to in August:

• Take a thrilling road trip
• Hike in the national parks
• Warm up in hot springs
• Delve inside a volcano
• Snowmobile atop glaciers
• Look out for whales and puffins
• Admire glittering icebergs
• Marvel at shiny waterfalls
• Kayak or sail on a glacier lagoon
• Attend a vibrant festival
• Try Icelandic cuisine

• Check out all the optional activities you could add to your Iceland trip.

Events and festivals in Iceland in August

Visiting Iceland in August and want to celebrate with the locals? It is one of the hottest months of the year in terms of cultural events and festivals.

The first weekend of August is a bank holiday, Verslunarmannahelgi. You’ll probably find enticing events to join during these 3 days.

Þjóðhátíð is one of the largest festivals in Iceland and is hosted on the Westman Islands. It’s a glorious weekend filled with Icelandic music, seaside views, fireworks, bonfires, and festivities.

Because of the importance of fishing, we also have to mention “Great Fish Day” or Fiskidagurinn mikli. This celebration of fisherfolk with seafood feasts is hosted in Dalvík, near Akureyri in North Iceland.

Later in the month, Reykjavík is the center of much action. It hosts the Reykjavík Marathon, Culture Night, Pride, Jazz Festival, and more.

Best things to see in Iceland in August

You know the best things to do and events to attend. Now, how about the best locations to tour and places to visit in Iceland in August? Add the following to your summer bucket list for a memorable August vacation.

1. Reykjavík

Reykjavík, the vibrant capital of Iceland, is ideal for a northern city break.

We recommend visiting attractions like the interactive Perlan and the Árbær Open Air Museum. You could also attend festivals we’ve previously mentioned and taste Icelandic cuisine at local restaurants.

For majestic views, go hike the nearby Mount Esja. Immerse yourself in peaceful nature on Viðey Island. Go whale watching on a cruise from the city’s harbor. Or visit one of the many geothermally heated swimming pools to warm up.

There is plenty to do in the city itself, but top Icelandic attractions are also on your doorstep, including the famous Golden Circle.

• Browse summer multi-day tours from Reykjavík.

2. Golden Circle

Speaking of the Golden Circle, it is a must-see during your Icelandic travels. Whether you’re spending a few days in Reykjavík or touring the Ring Road, it’s easily done in a day. You could drive it or join a guided tour to benefit from the knowledge of a local.

The main attractions of this scenic route are Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Strokkur geysers, and the breathtaking Þingvellir National Park. But there’s much more to this circuit, including high mountain passes, volcanic craters, and cute villages.

• Browse summer Golden Circle tours.
• Blog: Complete guide to the Golden Circle.

3. Vatnajökull National Park

There are 3 national parks in Iceland and if you’re circling the Ring Road, you should spend some time in Vatnajökull. Here you’ll find some stunning hiking trails, even more waterfalls, and a vast array of activities to enjoy.

The landscape here is dominated by the Vatnajökull glacier, with snowy peaks, ice caves, and glacial lagoons. In fact, you won’t want to miss the mythical Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the south coast. You could witness bobbing icebergs and even spot some seals. 

Across the road, admire the contrasting landscape of Diamond Beach where chunks of shining ice lay on the black sand dunes.

4. The highlands

In August, you could take an adventure into the rugged landscape of the central highlands. This region of Iceland is only accessible in summer and August is a great time to explore it.

You’ll want to make sure you have a 4-wheel drive to take on the rough stretches of road that lead into the mountains. Once you reach the picturesque huts, you’ll be rewarded with colorful mountains and plenty of hiking possibilities.

The F-roads into the highlands are open depending on the weather. For that reason, you’ll want to keep an eye out for road conditions.

• Book a summer hiking tour of Iceland.

5. North Iceland

On a road trip around the Ring Road, circling the island, you’ll pass through North Iceland. This region is worth the visit and you could stop for a few days to take full advantage of it.

Here are a few places you could see during your visit:

• Akureyri, the “Capital of the North” and largest town of the region
• Húsavík, along the Skjálfandi bay, for the best place to whale watch
• Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve, for otherworldly landscapes
• Goðafoss and Dettifoss, the most famous waterfalls of North Iceland
• Ásbyrgi, to experience the lush, sheltered forest and waterfalls of this canyon 

A circuit that you could follow to hit many of the above sites is the Diamond Circle. August is an ideal time to explore these attractions due to the long days of summer. You’ll find plenty of wildlife to spot, sea cliff walks to take, and geothermal or hot springs to visit.

• Pick one of these summer Ring Road self-drive tours.
• Blog: Driving Iceland’s Ring Road – ultimate guide.

6. Westfjords

August is a great time to head off the beaten path. We’ve mentioned the highlands and now it’s time for the wondrous Westfjords.

What can you expect here? Hiking trails along the coast, sweeping sea views, an array of wildlife, tranquil fishing villages, and iconic Icelandic natural wonders.

Among other things, you could visit a red sand beach at Rauðisandur, traipse through the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, see puffins at the Látrabjarg cliffs, and admire the Dynjandi waterfall.

For a peaceful vacation immersed in nature, you’ll want to add this north-west peninsula to your bucket list for your next summer vacation.

7. Snæfellsnes peninsula

The beauty of the Snæfellsnes peninsula is that it has the feel of being remote while also being near enough Reykjavík. You’ll reach this western peninsula within 2 hours’ drive from the capital.

Then you can look forward to gems that are reminiscent of the wider island. In fact, Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in miniature” so it’s the perfect place to get a taster of Iceland. Especially if you’re not driving the whole Ring Road on this trip.

You’ll still be able to enjoy the lava fields covered in moss, rugged sea cliffs, steep mountains, and misty waterfalls of Iceland.

When you’re visiting the peninsula, drive to the far end and explore the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Here you’ll find the most famous sight of the area, Kirkjufell mountain, as well as gems such as Djúpalónssandur beach and the Arnarstapi cliffs.

• Check out our summer self-drive tours of Iceland.

8. Reykjanes peninsula

Reykjanes is the south-east peninsula jutting into the ocean below Reykjavík. This is where you’re likely to arrive in Iceland. Instead of bypassing it to head to the capital and beyond, we recommend adding it to your itinerary.

Although understated, there are many top highlights located here. Its location atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge tectonic plate boundary, gives Reykjanes its stark look of volcanoes, peaks, and dark lava fields.

Here you could cross the famous Bridge Between Continents to experience this ridge or even visit Iceland’s newest volcano, Fagradalsfjall. You’ll find it in the Geldingadalur valley near the fishing town of Grindavík. The town is lovely for a wander and the volcano for a memorable and scenic hike.

Last but not least, we can’t forget to mention the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is amongst the most popular attractions in Iceland. It is located near the airport and so is very accessible, especially at the beginning or end of your vacation.

• Blog: Iceland volcano eruption – your guide to Fagradalsfjall.

Planning your trip to Iceland in August

Whatever you dream of visiting and doing in Iceland, August is a fantastic month for your vacation. You’ll find a range of ways to travel in Iceland too, including camping trips, multi-day breaks, self-drive tours, and privately guided packages.

For a personalized experience created by locals who know Iceland inside out, book with Iceland Tours. Our travel experts are based in Reykjavík and can help make your dream vacation a reality.

Find your favorite itinerary amongst our Iceland travel packages and customize it with activities depending on your budget. By booking with a local company, you’ll have peace of mind as we support you before, during, and even after your tour.

Your summer vacation to Iceland awaits!

Imagine yourself in a frosted landscape looking up at snowy peaks and glaciers as the Northern Lights appear in the dark sky. This is what awaits you on an Iceland winter tour.

In order to plan your dream itinerary, we’ve compiled the best things to see during your winter adventure. You’ll also find our favorite activities, a useful packing guide, and what to expect from that famous Icelandic weather.

Why visit Iceland in winter?  

Visiting Iceland during the winter has its advantages. While they are the coldest and darkest months of the year, don’t be put off by the Icelandic winter weather. There are endless possibilities of activities and places to see during the “off-season”.

The top 5 reasons to visit Iceland in winter are:

1. It is a quieter travel season than summer meaning you have more attractions to yourself
2. There is less traffic on the roads
3. There are plenty of activities you could try, from whale watching to glacier walking
4. You can witness the stark landscape covered in frost and snow
5. The magical Northern Lights appear at this time of year

• Explore Iceland with a winter package.

If you’re interested, keep reading. We have more in store for you!

How is the weather in Iceland in winter?

This is often the first question asked about traveling to Iceland during the winter months. Rest assured, it won’t be as cold as you may expect for a northern country.

From mid-October the temperatures start to fall. At the height of winter, between December and February, you can expect average temperatures to hover around -2 °C (28 °F). In the north, the average is closer to -10 °C (14 °F).

It’s good to remember that in Iceland, the wind adds a chill factor. But come prepared and it won’t be a problem!

What to pack and what to wear on a winter trip to Iceland

Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. This is the philosophy to keep in mind when visiting Iceland.

In winter, the weather becomes more changeable, so it’s best to come ready for everything. Bring layers so you can adapt to the day’s weather and appreciate all that Iceland has to offer, come rain or shine, snow or wind.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland winter trip:

• Lightweight wool underlayers
• Fleeces and warm sweaters
• An insulated jacket that’s waterproof and windproof
• Waterproof or winter trousers
• Gloves, scarf, and warm hat
• Sturdy walking or hiking boots
• Thermal underwear and socks
• Swimwear, flip flops, and a towel to visit hot springs or spas

What about daylight hours?

Days become short during the winter in Iceland. As the island is located near the Arctic Circle, the difference between summer and winter daylight is extreme.

While you could witness the midnight sun in June and July, in winter you could experience a near-polar night in December and January. A polar night is when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, and so there’s no daylight.

From mid-October, you can expect the number of daylight hours to reduce until the winter solstice. Throughout November Iceland gets around 5-6 hours of daylight, falling down to 3-4 hours in December.

From January the hours of daylight start to climb back up. From February and March, they go from 7 to nearly 14 hours of daylight. At this time, there is finally more light than darkness.

Why should you travel during this dark period?

Darkness is what you’re after if you intend on catching a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon occurs near the Earth’s poles and can only be viewed in a dark sky. In winter, there is plenty to go around.

Top places to add to your must-see Iceland winter list

Winter tours in Iceland can be as diverse and exciting as summer vacations. While the highlands and Westfjords are best kept for the summer, there is plenty to visit during the wintertime.

Pick some (or all!) of the following Icelandic locations for a memorable winter adventure: 

1. Join in the winter festivities of the capital, Reykjavík
2. See the stunning landscape of the Snæfellsnespeninsula
3. Stop by the village of Vík and its nearby black sand beach, Reynisfjara
4. Discover the varied wilderness of the Vatnajökull National Park
5. Roam around the lunar landscape of the Lake Mývatn area
6. Visit the highlights of the Golden Circle
7. Admire the icebergs glistening at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
8. Walk amongst shining ice at the Diamond Beach
9. Explore the fishing villages and fjords of East Iceland
10. Photograph all the frosty waterfalls, from Goðafoss and Seljalandsfoss

Top things to do in Iceland in winter

You’re now ready with all the best places to visit in winter, but what about the must-do activities? What thrilling excursions and day trips should you add to your itinerary?

We’ve compiled 10 must-dos in Iceland in winter for some inspiration:

1. Chase the northern lights

If you’re traveling to Iceland in winter, this is the ideal time to book a Northern Lights tour. From late August, you can witness this natural phenomenon, also called Aurora Borealis, in Iceland.

As the winter has a low amount of daylight hours, it means more time to admire them in the dark night sky. You could book a specific Northern Lights package for your vacation, or you could add an excursion to your existing itinerary.

• Check out these Iceland Northern Lights travel packages.
• Blog: Your guide to the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Travel to these spots for your best chances to see the Northern Lights in Iceland:

1. North Iceland

North Iceland sits right below the line of the Arctic Circle and the aptly named “Northern Lights Belt”. This means it is the best region in Iceland to experience darkness and the famous Aurora Borealis.

No matter where you’re staying along the way, North Iceland is full of smaller urban centers with less light pollution – perfect for your viewing pleasure.

2. Snæfellsnes peninsula

This remote western peninsula is another popular destination if you’re chasing the Northern Lights. As opposed to North Iceland, it has the advantage of being located closer to Reykjavík and so can be reached more easily if you have a short vacation.

Here you’ll find breathtaking coastal landscapes away from city lights. You could also admire the Aurora Borealis against the backdrop of its high peaks like Kirkjufell.

3. South coast

Travel to the quaint villages, black sand beaches, and vast wilderness of the south coast to see the Northern Lights. This region benefits from a slightly warmer climate than the north thanks to the Gulf Stream. You’ll also find plenty of darkness away from light pollution for your Aurora hunting.

4. Reykjavík

If you’re short on time or you’d prefer to stay in Iceland’s capital city, you could still check the Northern Lights off your bucket list.

Reykjavík has quite a few parks and miles of coastline, which are perfect for getting away from the city’s artificial light. Sometimes the solar activity is so strong, you may be able to see the colorful ribbons from the city center.

From the capital, you could also take some Northern Lights excursions, either by bus or by boat. These will take you away from the city for the night to give you the best conditions to witness the Aurora Borealis.

• Book a winter multi-day tour from Reykjavík.

2. Discover the ice caves in Iceland

Book one of the coolest winter excursions available in Iceland. Go inside a glacier to explore and admire the vivid blue colors of the naturally formed ice caves.

Ice-caving tours include all the required gear (helmet, headlamp, and crampons) and expert guides, so you’re in good hands.

You could also walk Into the Glacier. This is a magnificent man-made ice cave beneath the Langjökull ice cap. Descend into the icy tunnels of Langjökull that have been carved out to show you what it’s like beneath the surface.

3. Drive the Ring Road

For a stunning winter road trip in Iceland, take on Route 1 aka the Ring Road.

At this time, you can expect driving to be a bit slower than in summer due to the weather and road conditions. But don’t let that stop you! You can still make it a memorable trip with snow-covered peaks as a backdrop and Northern Lights.

• Check out these Iceland winter self-drive tours.
• Blog: Driving Iceland’s Ring Road – ultimate guide.

Safety tips to drive in Iceland in winter

Here are our top recommendations if you want to take on a self-drive tour of Iceland in winter:

• First, make sure you are an experienced winter driver
• We recommend you rent a 4×4 (4-wheel drive)
• Keep your headlights on at all times – this is mandatory in Iceland!
• Use a map and do not rely solely on your GPS
• Every morning check the weather and road conditions before setting off
• Slow down if you’re in doubt and take your time
• Remember that with Iceland Tours you have support 24/7

4. Go glacier hiking

Did you know that 11% of Iceland’s mainland is covered in glaciers? Make sure to take some time to explore these icy giants with a guided walk.

Guides will lead you safely onto the frozen landscape and you’ll be equipped with all the necessary gear, including crampons. This will allow you to see the snowy landscape, glacial ice sculptures, ice ridges, and deep crevasses from up close.

There are a few locations to try this sort of exploration. You could embark on a trip atop the outlet glacier in Skaftafell, extending out from the mighty Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Or visit Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier.

5. Snowmobile atop glaciers

Another fantastic way to experience the ice of Iceland is snowmobiling. Yes, that’s right, you can snowmobile atop glaciers during your vacation here.

Winter and summer alike, try your hand at driving a snowmobile on top of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier or across the Langjökull ice cap. You could also take an adventure from the Gullfoss waterfall along the Golden Circle.

6. Go whale watching

Whale-watching tours are available all year long so don’t let the conditions of winter put you off this wildlife excursion.

The main benefit of a winter tour is that there are fewer visitors. This means there’s likely to be a smaller group on the boat than in summer. When there are whale sightings, you’ll have a great view to witness the beautiful sea creatures and take fantastic photos.

You can also appreciate a different set of whales at this time. Belugas migrate south during the winter when the ice starts to form in the Arctic. In certain areas, like off the Snæfellsnes peninsula, you can spot orcas in the winter.

You’re also likely to see dolphins and harbor porpoises, and if you’re lucky minke whales and perhaps even a humpback whale.

Another bonus of winter is the backdrop of your cruise. On the horizon, you could admire the snow-topped mountains and coastline of Iceland. The Northern Lights may also make an appearance for an even more memorable experience and photos.

• Blog: Ultimate guide to the best whale watching in Iceland.

7. Dig your teeth into Icelandic cuisine

Whether you’re visiting for a tour of Iceland or for a short city break, Reykjavík is the ideal place for foodies to explore.

Here you’ll find a vast array of restaurants serving traditional Icelandic dishes as well as international cuisine. You could even take a food tour of the capital to get a taste of local ice cream, pastries, seafood (including shark!), Icelandic spirits, and more.

Or why not take a day trip to the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse? At Friðheimar, they grow pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of geothermal heat.

8. Relax in a hot spring or spa

Iceland is recognized for its volcanic and geothermal activity. One of the top benefits of this is the naturally heated pools and hot springs dotted around the country.

In the capital, you’ll find nearly 20 swimming pools that the locals love to visit every day, summer or winter. You could also treat yourself to a spa day at the Blue Lagoon in the nearby Reykjanes peninsula.

If you’re touring the country you could visit the Húsafell Canyon Baths, the Secret Lagoon, or the Mývatn Nature Baths. There are also natural pools in the countryside which are free to dip in.

These will all allow you to warm up and relax in soothing waters after a day out in the snowy Icelandic landscape.

9. Snorkel between the tectonic plates

It’s not quite snorkeling with tropical fish in the Caribbean, but this will be an experience like no other.

Silfra is a fissure created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates cutting through Iceland.

The fissure fills with glacial water that has been filtered underground for decades through hardened, porous lava rock. The process of the glacial water makes Silfra one of the clearest bodies of water on earth with up to 120 meters (394 feet) of visibility.

Come snorkel at Silfra for an unforgettable time!

• Look up all the excursions and day tours you could add to your Iceland itinerary.

10. Attend a festival

Major events and festivals happen throughout the year in Iceland. This means even during the winter season you’ll find plenty to do. Join the locals or an international audience at top music and cultural festivals.

The best winter celebrations and events include:

• Reykjavík International Film Festival – October
• The lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower – October
• Iceland Airwaves music festival – November
• Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations – December
• Þorrablót midwinter celebration – January
• Reykjavík International Games – January
• Winter Lights Festival – February
• Reykjavík Food and Fun Festival – March
• Reykjavík Blues Festival – April
• Children’s Culture Festival – April

Plan your trip with Iceland Tours

When you’re ready to plan your winter adventure, get in touch with the travel experts at Iceland Tours.

You’ll have access to 24/7 support throughout your tour with peace of mind knowing we’re there for you along the way.

Our Iceland packages include tried-and-tested routes, accommodation, car rental (for self-drive tours), and all the activities you want to do. Having a local plan your vacation means you’re in good hands when it comes to enjoying the best Iceland has to offer.