July brings near-endless daylight, open highland roads, puffins and the warmest weather of the year. Here is what July in Iceland is really like and how to plan around the crowds.
It is 11:30 p.m. in July, and you are standing on a ridge above Landmannalaugar, still wearing sunglasses. The light has gone soft and gold, the rhyolite hills glow orange and pink, and nobody in your group wants to go to bed. That is the strange gift of an Icelandic July. Time stops behaving.
July is the warmest month in Iceland and the easiest month to travel. You get around 18 to 21 hours of daylight, open highland roads, puffins on the cliffs and whales in the bays. The trade-offs are crowds, the highest prices of the year and the fact that "warm" in Iceland usually means a light jacket rather than shorts.
Is July a good time to visit Iceland?
Yes, July is one of the best times to visit Iceland, especially for hikers, road-trippers and first-time visitors who want to see as much as possible. Almost every road, trail and attraction is open, the weather is at its mildest, and the long days mean you can sightsee from morning until late evening.
It is also the busiest month. Popular stops like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Jökulsárlón fill with tour buses by mid-morning, and hotels and rental cars sell out months ahead. If you can plan early and start your days at unusual hours, July is hard to beat.
July is a great fit if you want to:
Hike in the highlands, including Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk
See puffins and go whale watching
Drive the full Ring Road or explore the Westfjords
Enjoy the midnight sun and late-night light
It is a poor fit if you want to:
See the northern lights, because the sky never gets dark enough
Visit natural ice caves, which close for the summer
Travel cheaply or book at the last minute
Weather in Iceland in July
The weather in Iceland in July is mild, changeable and rarely hot. Based on the Icelandic Met Office's station records, Reykjavík's average July temperature from 1991 to 2020 was 11.6°C (53°F). Daily highs averaged about 14.9°C (59°F), and lows about 9.1°C (48°F).
July is one of the drier months in the capital, with about 50 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation on average, compared with about 95 mm in December. Reykjavík also averages around 183 hours of sunshine in July, compared with about 13 hours in a typical December. You can explore the long-term station records in the Icelandic Met Office's climate data.
How warm is Iceland in July?
Iceland in July is cool by most standards. Expect daytime temperatures in the low to mid teens Celsius (mid 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit), with the occasional warm spell above 20°C (68°F), most often in the north and east. Akureyri averages about 11.2°C (52°F) for the month, close to Reykjavík, but its summer days can feel warmer when the sun is out and the wind is calm.
The highlands are colder. Snow can fall at Landmannalaugar or on the Laugavegur Trail even in July, and nights at mountain huts can drop close to freezing. Wind is the constant everywhere, so a windproof layer matters as much in summer as in winter.
Does it rain in Iceland in July?
Yes, it rains in Iceland in July, but usually less than in fall and winter. Rain tends to come in bands that pass through in a day or two, and the south coast is wetter than the north. Pack a proper rain jacket and waterproof pants, and treat a dry, sunny day as a bonus rather than a promise.
Midnight sun and daylight in July
July is the season of the midnight sun. On July 1, the sun rises in Reykjavík at about 3:05 a.m. and sets just before midnight, giving nearly 21 hours of daylight. By July 31, sunrise is around 4:30 a.m. and sunset around 10:40 p.m., which still leaves about 18 hours.
Even after sunset, the sky never gets fully dark. In the north, the light lasts even longer. Akureyri has about 22.7 hours of daylight on July 1, with the sun dipping below the horizon for barely an hour and a half.
The endless light has practical benefits. You can visit popular sights early in the morning or late in the evening, when the crowds have gone. It also has a downside. Many people struggle to sleep, so bring an eye mask and choose accommodation with blackout curtains.
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in July?
No, you cannot realistically see the northern lights in Iceland in July. The aurora still happens, but the sky never gets dark enough to see it. The aurora season starts again from late August, when the nights darken, and runs until about mid-April. If the northern lights are a priority, plan a trip between September and March instead.
Highland roads and hiking in July
July is when Iceland's interior opens up. The highland roads, called F-roads, are closed for most of the year because of snow and meltwater, and they open gradually from late May to early July, depending on the route and the winter. By July, most of the main highland routes are usually open.
Vegagerðin, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, publishes historical opening dates. Its data shows the road into Landmannalaugar from the west often opens in early June, while longer crossings like the Sprengisandur route (F26) have typically opened around the start of July. Opening dates change each year, so always check the live map before you go.
Visit Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is the highlight of the Icelandic highlands, with rhyolite mountains streaked in red, yellow and green, lava fields and a natural hot spring for soaking after a hike. It is only reachable by 4x4 on F-roads, or by highland bus or tour. If you do not want to drive river crossings, the Landmannalaugar bus from Reykjavík runs in summer and drops you at the trailheads.
Hike the Laugavegur Trail
The Laugavegur Trail runs about 55 km (34 miles) from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, usually over four days, with mountain huts along the way. July is peak season, when the huts are staffed and the trail is mostly clear of snow. Huts book out months ahead, and the Iceland Touring Association (Ferðafélag Íslands) runs most of them, so reserve as soon as your dates are set.
Explore Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk is a green valley tucked between three glaciers, with birch woods, glacial rivers and some of the best day hikes in the country. Reaching it means crossing unbridged rivers that only high-clearance vehicles can handle. A guided hike in Þórsmörk uses a super jeep for the river crossings, so you can focus on the trails.
Reach Askja and the northern highlands
In the north, July opens the road to Askja, a vast volcanic caldera with the milky-blue Víti crater lake. It is one of the most remote places most visitors will ever reach, and the drive crosses lava deserts that feel like another planet. The Askja caldera expedition is the safer way to go, because the route involves long distances, rough tracks and river fords.
Things to do in Iceland in July
Beyond the highlands, July makes every corner of the country easier to reach. These are the experiences we would put at the top of the list.
See puffins
July is one of the best months to see puffins. They nest on cliffs around Iceland from late spring and usually leave by mid-August, so July sits right in the middle of the season. Good places include Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara on the South Coast, Borgarfjörður Eystri in the east and the islands of Breiðafjörður and the Westman Islands.
Keep your distance from the cliff edge. The grass-covered edges where puffins nest are often undercut and can collapse, and the birds are easy to disturb.
Go whale watching
Summer is the peak whale watching season, with calmer seas and the most species around. From Reykjavík, minke and humpback whales are common, and dolphins and harbor porpoises often appear. A summer whale and puffin cruise from Reykjavík's Old Harbour combines both wildlife highlights in one trip.
In the north, Húsavík and Akureyri's Eyjafjörður are both famous for whale watching, with humpbacks often seen close to shore.
Drive the Ring Road
July is the easiest month to drive the full Ring Road (Route 1), which loops about 1,320 km (820 miles) around the country. Mountain passes are clear, the long days give you room for detours, and every guesthouse and gas station along the way is open. Allow at least seven days, and ten if you want to slow down in the east and north.
Explore the Westfjords
The Westfjords are at their best in July, when the gravel roads and mountain passes are easiest to drive and the region's long fjords glow in the late light. Dynjandi waterfall, the bird cliffs at Látrabjarg and the town of Ísafjörður are the main draws. The region is remote and drives are slow, so a multi-day Westfjords trip is the most relaxed way to see it.
Explore Mývatn and North Iceland
The north is one of July's best-kept secrets for travelers who only know the South Coast. The Lake Mývatn area has pseudocraters, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the steaming vents at Hverir, while Dettifoss, one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, thunders through its canyon about an hour's drive away. Goðafoss sits right beside the Ring Road between Mývatn and Akureyri.
Summer brings one small nuisance. Mývatn literally means "midge lake," and on calm, warm days, swarms of tiny flies hover around the shore. Most do not bite, but a head net makes walks far more pleasant. Húsavík, about an hour north of Mývatn, is one of the best whale watching towns in the country.
Ride Icelandic horses
July is a lovely time to ride, with green pastures, long evenings and mild weather. Riding tours run all over the country, from short beginner rides near Reykjavík to multi-day treks in the north. The breed's smooth tölt gait makes long rides surprisingly comfortable.
Drive the Golden Circle in summer
The Golden Circle is busier in July than at any other time, but it is also at its greenest. Þingvellir's rift valley is lush and full of wildflowers, Strokkur erupts every few minutes at the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss often throws rainbows across its spray on sunny afternoons. The loop takes about three hours of driving from Reykjavík without stops.
Because the light lasts so long, you can flip the usual schedule. Start in the late afternoon, reach Gullfoss around 8 p.m. and enjoy the falls with a fraction of the daytime crowd. Summer also opens up add-ons like snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, a soak at a local hot spring or lunch at a greenhouse farm.
Snorkel in the Silfra fissure
Silfra is a water-filled crack in the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates inside Þingvellir National Park. The water is glacial meltwater filtered through lava rock for decades, so visibility can exceed 100 meters, and it stays around 2 to 4°C (36 to 39°F) all year. July is the most comfortable month to try it, because the air is mild when you climb out.
You must snorkel or dive with a licensed operator, who provides a drysuit and thermal layers. Operators have age, health and swimming requirements, so check them before you book.
See the waterfalls and canyons of the south
The South Coast is green and full of wildflowers in July. Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon are all at their most lush, and the black beaches near Vík contrast with green cliffs. Arrive before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid most of the tour buses, which is easy when the sun barely sets.
Visit the Westman Islands
The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) sit just off the South Coast and are home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. The ferry from Landeyjahöfn takes around 35 minutes when sea conditions allow. On Heimaey, the only inhabited island, you can climb the Eldfell volcano, which erupted in 1973, and visit the Eldheimar museum built around houses buried in its ash.
July is the island's busiest month, and the famous Þjóðhátíð festival takes over Heimaey on the long weekend in early August, so book ferries and rooms well ahead if you plan to visit late in the month.
Spend a long evening on Snæfellsnes
Snæfellsnes, about two hours north of Reykjavík, is quieter than the South Coast in July and packs a lot into a small area. Kirkjufell, the black church at Búðir, the sea cliffs at Arnarstapi and the glacier-topped volcano Snæfellsjökull are all within a day's loop. In July, you can do the whole circuit in an evening and watch the sun dip toward the sea after 11 p.m.
Enjoy Reykjavík in summer
Reykjavík comes alive in July. Café terraces fill on sunny days, the harbor is busy with whale watching boats, and the long evenings make it easy to walk from the Old Harbour to Grótta lighthouse to watch the late sun over the bay. The ferry to Viðey island runs more frequently in summer, and the island's walking paths, art and birdlife make a peaceful half-day escape just minutes from the city.
Combine geothermal pools with the highlands
July is a good time for remote hot springs that are hard to reach in winter, such as Landmannalaugar's natural pool and the geothermal valleys of Kerlingarfjöll. The highlands and hot springs expedition links several of these over multiple days, so you can soak in places most visitors never see.
Crowds and prices in Iceland in July
July and August are Iceland's busiest months. Expect full parking lots at the Golden Circle and South Coast stops by late morning, and long lines for popular lagoons. Accommodation is the main pressure point, especially in small towns along the South Coast and in the east, where a handful of hotels serve thousands of visitors.
Prices are at their highest. Book hotels, rental cars and popular tours as early as possible, ideally several months ahead. Camping and campervans are popular ways to save money and stay flexible, and Iceland has hundreds of campsites that are open throughout the summer.
How to avoid the crowds in July
The long daylight is your best tool. Visit the most popular sights before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m., when the tour buses have left. Head to the Westfjords, the east or the north, which see far fewer visitors than the South Coast. Spend more time in the highlands, where a short walk from the parking lot takes you away from almost everyone.
Driving in Iceland in July
Driving in Iceland in July is as easy as it gets, but it still has rules worth knowing. Speed limits are 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 50 km/h or lower in towns, and speed cameras are common. Single-lane bridges, loose gravel and sheep on the road all call for care.
If you plan to drive in the highlands, you need a 4x4, and you must follow the rules for F-roads. Ordinary cars are not allowed on F-roads, and rental contracts usually exclude damage from river crossings. Check the official road conditions map at umferdin.is before setting off each day.
Before any highland trip, check SafeTravel.is for alerts and leave a travel plan. River levels rise quickly on warm afternoons as glaciers melt, so cross rivers in the morning where you can, and never cross water you are unsure about.
Staying safe in Iceland in summer
Summer feels gentle, but Iceland's hazards do not take the season off. Glaciers are dangerous to walk on without a guide, because crevasses hide under snow bridges and meltwater softens the ice. Only go onto a glacier with a certified guide and proper equipment.
On the South Coast, Reynisfjara's sneaker waves are a risk in every month, including July. Stay well back from the water, keep children close and never turn your back to the sea. In the highlands, weather can change from sunshine to sleet within an hour, so carry warm layers, food and water on every hike, even a short one.
Finally, respect closed paths and roped-off areas. Many popular sites close sections in summer to protect fragile moss and vegetation that can take decades to recover from footprints.
What to wear in Iceland in July
Summer in Iceland still means layers. You might be in a T-shirt at noon in Akureyri and in a fleece and rain jacket by evening in Vík.
A waterproof, breathable rain jacket with a hood
Waterproof pants for rain and waterfalls
A fleece or light insulated jacket
Merino or synthetic base layers for hiking
Comfortable hiking boots or sturdy waterproof shoes
A light hat and gloves for the highlands and windy evenings
Sunglasses and sunscreen, because the sun is up for most of the day
An eye mask for sleeping in the midnight sun
A swimsuit for pools and hot springs
If you are hiking in the highlands or near Mývatn, a head net for midges can be a relief on calm days. Arctic terns also nest in July and will dive at anyone who gets too close to their nests, so a hat helps there too.
Where to stay in July
Book early, whatever kind of accommodation you choose. In Reykjavík, you have the widest choice, while along the South Coast and in the east, the best hotels and guesthouses fill up many months ahead. Highland huts and mountain lodges book out quickly too.
Campsites are a flexible option in July. Most towns have one, many have hot showers and kitchens, and some offer cabins or camping pods for those without a tent.
Iceland in July with kids
July is the easiest month to travel in Iceland with children. The weather is at its mildest, daylight removes any worry about driving in the dark, and outdoor activities like horse riding, whale watching and short hikes are all running. Geothermal swimming pools, which nearly every town has, are a reliable win on any day, rain or shine.
The midnight sun is the main challenge for younger kids, who may struggle to sleep. Blackout curtains, eye masks and a consistent bedtime routine help. Plan shorter driving days than you would as adults, and build the trip around a few bases rather than moving every night.
Iceland in June vs July vs August
June, July and August are all summer months, but each has a slightly different character. June has the longest days and fewer crowds than July, but some highland roads and trails may still be closed or covered in snow early in the month.
July is the peak of summer, with the warmest weather, the most reliable highland access and the most visitors. August is slightly darker, which brings back the first chance of the northern lights late in the month, and it is often a little less crowded after the middle of the month, although puffins start leaving by mid-August.
How to plan a July trip to Iceland
For a first July trip, aim for 7 to 10 days. With seven days, combine Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, the South Coast and one highland day trip. With ten days or more, drive the full Ring Road or add the Westfjords. Book anything with limited capacity, such as huts, highland tours and hotels in small towns, as soon as your dates are fixed.
A sample one-week plan for July:
Spend the first day in Reykjavík, with an evening whale watching trip
Drive the Golden Circle on day two, visiting stops early or late to avoid crowds
Take a highland day trip to Landmannalaugar on day three
Head along the South Coast to Vík on day four, staying overnight
Continue to Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell on day five
Hike in Þórsmörk on day six
Return to Reykjavík on day seven, with a soak in a pool or lagoon
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Iceland in July?
July is Iceland's warmest month. Reykjavík averages about 11.6°C (53°F), with highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F). Expect mild days, some rain, wind and very long daylight hours.
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in July?
No. The sky does not get dark enough in July to see the aurora. The northern lights season returns from late August and runs until about mid-April.
What should I pack for Iceland in July?
Pack layers: a rain jacket, waterproof pants, a fleece, base layers and hiking boots. Add sunglasses, sunscreen, an eye mask for the midnight sun and a swimsuit for the pools.
Is Iceland crowded in July?
Yes. July is one of the busiest months, especially on the Golden Circle and South Coast. Visit popular sights early in the morning or late in the evening, and spend time in the Westfjords, the east or the highlands to escape the crowds.
Are the highland roads open in July?
Most main highland roads are usually open by July, although exact dates vary each year depending on snow and meltwater. Always check the official road map before driving, and only use a 4x4 on F-roads.
Can you see puffins in Iceland in July?
Yes. July is one of the best months for puffins. They nest on sea cliffs around Iceland from late spring and usually leave by mid-August.
How many hours of daylight does Iceland have in July?
Reykjavík has nearly 21 hours of daylight on July 1 and about 18 hours by July 31. The sky does not get fully dark at any point during the month.
Plan your July trip
July is Iceland at full volume, with open highlands, puffins on the cliffs and light that lasts until midnight. Plan early, use the long evenings to beat the crowds and get off the Ring Road at least once. The highlands are the part of Iceland you can only reach in summer, and a Landmannalaugar super jeep day is the easiest way to see them without driving the F-roads yourself.
