Iceland in August

Iceland in August: What You Need to Know in 2024

Thinking of visiting Iceland in August? You’re in the right place.

August is one of the warmest months in Iceland, and also one of the most popular for tourism.

The weather in August is a good time to enjoy Iceland’s otherworldly landscape which includes volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, unique rock formations and glaciers.

Iceland in August

I went to Iceland in August for a family trip in celebration of my mom’s 60th birthday. My daughter also turned 7 there during that same week.

There are definitely a few things that we wish we knew in advance.

So, let’s jump in – everything you need to know about Iceland in August.

The Pros of Visiting Iceland in August

✅ The weather is at its best

When I say at its best, I don’t mean that its warm. Iceland is chillier than most other countries are in August. The average temperature sits at around 10-15°C (50-59°F) in August.

I brought T-shirts to Iceland when I visited in August, but I don’t think I ever wore them without at least 1-2 layers overtop – it was usually too cold. I was so glad that I brought my hoodie, rain jacket and beanie.

waterfall in iceland

The chilliness of the August weather in Iceland means that its only colder during other months. So, August is a good time to go to Iceland if you’re not a fan of old weather.

✅ Summer is best time to see wildlife

Summer is the best time to go whale watching, and the best time to see puffins in Iceland. Both whale and puffin tours are shut down during the colder months, so visiting in the summer means you get a chance to see them.

✅ There’s more time to explore

In early August, the sun rises at 4:36am and sets at 10:30pm – this is 18 hours of daylight! The closer you get to the end of August, the amount of daylight gets progressively shorter, but you still have almost 15 hours by the end of the month.

The longer days give you more time to explore the outdoor beauty. If you were to go to Iceland in the winter, you’d only have a few hours of daytime daylight to see things. So, the longer days are definitely a huge benefit to visiting Iceland in the summer.

The Cons of Visiting Iceland in August

Here are the downsides to heading to Iceland during the month of August. These are just some things to keep in mind to make your trip go as smoothly as possibly

❌There are almost 24 hours of daylight.

This can be a good thing in a lot of ways, such extra vitamin D and more time to explore, but it comes with some downsides too.

When I travel somewhere with prolonged daylight, I find it can mess with my sleep cycles and circadian rhythm. Some people might be more sensitive to this than others.

If you think you might struggle with this, then you can try some of the following:

  • Only stay at places that have curtains, especially black-out curtains
  • Bring a sleep mask to block out the early morning light
  • Talk to a doctor about bringing melatonin or another sleep aid on your trip

I am not the best sleeper, so I did all of the above and slept just fine in Iceland. Just something to keep in mind so that you get the rest you need.

❌It’s the most touristy month

The main downside to visiting Iceland in August is that its busier for tourism than other times of the year.

Although tourism to Iceland took a nosedive during the pandemic, the number of annual visitors to Iceland has been increasing over the past couple years. There were 1.7 million tourists in 2022 which was a 146% increase from the year before.

So, you can expect to see quite a few other tourists while you’re there in August. This can increase he difficulty in finding parking spaces, getting into the accommodations you want and the tours you want, etc.

If you’re planning to head to Iceland in August, then be sure to book places to stay and any experiences you want to have in advance so that you don’t miss out.

❌You should expect to pay a bit more

The summer is the most expensive time to visit Iceland. The popularity and supply and demand raises the costs for various things, including accommodations and tours. This is another reason to try to book things in advance; prices go up as the demand rises.

Northern Lights in Iceland

❌It’s harder to see the Northern Lights in August

Seeing the Northern Lights is possible at any time of the year, so there’s a small chance of seeing them in August, but its not as likely.

It needs to be dark outside in order for the Aurora Borealis to be visible. Since there’s only a few hours of darkness, it’s much harder to get an opportunity to see them in the summertime.

If you do want to try to see the Northern Lights in August, you’ll need to be prepared to stay up fairly late (11pm or later) on a night that they’re visible. We tried to see if we could see them when we were in Iceland in August, but we didn’t end up seeing them. (We have however seen them in February though.)

Good to Know: Even though its harder to see the Northern Lights in August, you should absolutely try. You can use the Aurora Forecast to see the chances of seeing the Northern Lights each night that you’re there.

The Verdict: Would I Recommend Visiting Iceland in August?

Yes, even with the downsides to keep in mind, I would definitely recommend going to Iceland in August.

July and August the most popular time to visit – but thats for a reason. Overall, you can do and see more in the summertime.

Most of Iceland’s attractions are centred around the outdoors, and summer is a really good time to be able to take advantage of all the things there are to do, and enjoy them in mild temperatures. In August, we were able to do canoeing, hiking, and spend hours outside each day without freezing. The average temperature only reaches highs of 15-25 C, which means most other months of the year are going to be extremely cold.

Iceland is also also gorgeous in the summer . The lush greens of the valleys in summertime is beautiful against the lakes, ocean and skies.

So yes, I would recommend visiting Iceland in August. Let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy a trip to Iceland in the summer months.

Iceland in August

Best Things to Do in Iceland in August

Here are the best things to do in Iceland during the month of August.

1. Visit small towns

Iceland is full of small towns that can really show you the traditional charm, way of life and culture of Iceland.

Most of the small towns in Iceland are more idea to visit in the summer, because they have reduced services in the winter or are not as accessible in the colder months.

things to do in vik, iceland

One of my favourite small towns in Iceland is Vik, which is about 2 hours from Reykjavik and very popular for tourists. Most day tours from Reykjavik would take you through Vik.

There are several other cute small towns in Iceland besides Vik. Whether you’re sticking to south Iceland near Reykjavik, or venturing to other parts of the country, don’t forget to explore the small fishing villages.

2. Visit waterfalls

Iceland has so many waterfalls, that they don’t even have an exact number. Its said to be over 10,000 in total across the country.

Some waterfalls have parking lots and are easily accessible off of the route 1. Others are remote and require hours of trekking through rugged terrain to see them.

waterfall in Iceland

Some of the most popular waterfalls to visit in Iceland that I would recommend are Skogafoss, Gulfoss and Seljandfoss – all three of these waterfalls are located in South Iceland, within a couple hours of Reykjavik.

I recommend adding these three waterfalls to your Iceland itinerary, in addition to others if you’ll be travelling into West or North Iceland.

To see a list of Iceland’s stunning waterfalls and how to get to them, read my post of 21 best waterfalls in Iceland.

2. Go whale watching

Summer is the best time to see whales in Iceland. There are many breeds that hang near the Icelandic shoreline in the warm months; humpbacks, orcas, fin whales, dolphins, porpoises and so many others.

The most popular spot to go whale watching is Husavik, which is a town in northeast Iceland (almost a 6-hour drive from Reykjavik) however, there are also whale tours out of Reykjavik.

whale watching

If you’ll be driving the entire ring road, then be sure to make a stop in Husavik to go whale watching.

We personally, did not travel that far. If you’re going to be mainly sticking around South Iceland like we did, then there are a few 3-hour whale watching tours that run year-round out of Reykjavik.

Good to Know: To see what the chances are of seeing whales on any given day from Reykjavik, there is a whale diary in English kept online, so you can see what they saw the day before.

3. Do a roadtrip

August is a good time to explore Iceland by car. If you were to come in a snowy month like January or February, then driving wouldn’t be as easy because of snow and ice.

Its pretty easy to rent a car, and driving on the Ring Road (also known as Road 1) is pretty straightforward. There are many attractions to stop off along the way to take in incredible views.

Driving was how we chose to get around Iceland in August. We did a few organized tours in different locations, but other than that, we got around by car.

You could drive the entire ring road, which would take about 17 hours in total. (You would need to give yourself at least a week though, to account for stops, sightseeing and experiences.) I would recommend 10 days to really be able to enjoy it without feeling rushed.

The other option is to drive to Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik and back, which is what we did. This can be done in about 10 hours round trip, spread over about 3-5 days, depending on how much time you have.

Check out Iceland car rentals here

4. Go diving between two continents

Iceland isn’t known as a worldwide scuba destination, but there are some incredible places to explore the underwater.

One of the most popular places in Iceland is a dive site called Silfra in Thingvellir National Park (x of Reykjavik) which is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates.

Silfra Iceland

This dive site was formed in the 1700s by earthquakes, and is filled with glacier meltwater. It has some of the clearest water in the world and reaches depths of X.

To experience Silfra, you can do either a snorkel tour or a dive tour. Most of the tours include pick up at your accommodation in Reykjavik and transportation to Silfra.

Check out the different options for scuba and snorkel tours at Silfra, and book through their website here.

5. Go see puffins

Puffins flock to Iceland during the summer months to nest and raise their young. August is a great time to see them, but they usually start leaving by late August – so aim for early to mid-August if you can.

For the puffin tour, you’ll sail off from Reykjavik Old Harbour and sail through Faxaflói Bay where you’ll get as close as possible to puffins and other sea birds. You’ll also be provided with a pair of binoculars to get a better look!

Because the puffin birdwatching tour is a short tour, its also one of the best things to do in Iceland with kids.

Book your puffin tour from Reykjavik here

6. Hike a glacier

Yes, you can hike a glacier in Iceland, even during the month of August! Glacier hikes are available year round.

We chose to hike the Sólheimajökull Glacier, just off the Ring Road near the town of Vik. Because of how accessible it is, it’s one of the most popular glacier hikes in Iceland.

The only way to hike a glacier in Iceland is with a guide, because the guides are familiar with the ever-changing terrain and any threats to safety. You’ll also need special equipment, which you’re provided with on the tour.

Sólheimajökull Glacier its known for its dramatic looking terrain, which to be honest- look like they’re on another planet. Not a single photo could capture everything you’ll see on this tour, because its so diverse.

You’ll need to set aside about 3 hours to hike the Sólheimajökull Glacier.

Book your Sólheimajökull glacier hike here

7. Visit a hot spring

Although soaking in a hot tub in the winter can be a nice experience, I find it more pleasant in the summer. You don’t have to worry about the freezing cold air.

Since Icelandic summers can still be pretty cool, its nice to be able to soak in a thermal hot tub.

lagoon

We had a nice relaxed visit at the Blue Lagoon, which is near the international airport.

If you choose to visit the Blue Lagoon, I recommend visiting right before or after a flight. We chose to do right after, and headed there straight from the airport after picking up our rental car when we landed.

You can get a mask on-site while you’re soaking in the Blue Lagoon. You can also buy Blue Lagoon skin care products on-site. They’re very high quality and make great souvenirs from Iceland.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon after landing in Reykjavik was nice way to refresh after our flight from Toronto, and a great initial introduction to Iceland. Here are some other hot springs in the Reykjavik area that are worth visiting:

  • Sky Lagoon – just 20 minutes from Reykjavik and newly opened in 2021. Very popular with locals and tourists. It is man-made, but naturally heated. Grab your ticket here
  • Secret Lagoon – 90 minute drive from Reykjavik. Also man-made but its naturally heated with local hot springs. Grab your entrance ticket here.

8. Walk along the Black Sands Beach

Black Sands Beach is located just outside the city of Vik, which is about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik by car. It’s famous for the beach itself, called with black (“the black sand”) and the basalt columns.

The columns are huge and you can climb and get pictures on them. Do this with caution, of course.

Black Sand Beach is very popular with tourists, and almost any south Iceland tour you take from Reykjavik will bring you here.

If you’re doing a road trip on the Ring Road, this is a place you definitely want to stop. Otherwise, you can get a tour from Reykjavik that brings you hear, in addition to other sights on the South Ring Road.

9. Pick up some ice at Diamond Beach

One of the most iconic things to see in Iceland is Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Throughout the year, including in the month of August, you can admire the beautiful icebergs and giant balls of ice (“the diamonds”.)

Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are very close to each other (just a 2-minute walk across the street) so you can easily see them both in a couple hours.

diamond beach iceland
glacier lagoon

You could simply walk around, taking photos and enjoying the sights. When we were here in August, there were food trucks near the parking lot where we could grab lunch.

There are also some special activities at Glacier Lagoon offered in the summertime, such as a kayak tour (for people aged 12+.)

Glacier Lagoon is about a 5 hour drive from Reykjavik, but I don’t recommend you drive straight there – there is way to much to see along the way; waterfalls, black sand beach, and the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon to name a few.

I’d recommend either doing a day tour that includes many of the things to see, or take 2-3 days to drive there giving yourself time to stop at all the spectacular sights along the way.

Book your day tour to Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach from Reykjavik here

10. Go on a kayak tour

Another good reason to visit Iceland in the summer is kayaking, which is generally only offered in the warm months between May and October.

kayaking in Iceland

One of the most epic places to kayak in Iceland is on Glacier Lagoon to get incredible views of the Sólheimajökull Glacier. You must be at least 12 years old, and reserve in advance, because its quite popular.

Book your kayaking tour of the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon here

11. Visit a museum

Museums might not be the first thing you think about when you picture Iceland in summertime, but they’re a great way to learn about the history of Iceland, which dates back to the Viking age, as well as the geology of Iceland – Aurora Borealis, ice caves, volcanoes and geysirs.

Iceland is a fascinating country, culturally and geologically, and museums are a good way to delve into many of the fascinating details.

In addition, museums are a a good way to escape the Iceland weather – we visited a few of them during the August rainy days in Iceland. They’re also a good thing to do in Iceland with kids because many of them are so interactive.

Here are the museums in Reykjavik that I’d recommend checking out:

  • Perlan Interactive Nature Museum – learn about Iceland’s geology; see an Aurora Borealis presentation, and go into a man-made ice cave. These are perfect for if you didn’t get to experience these things for real in Iceland
  • Setter’s Exhibition – learn all about how Vikings settled in Iceland and began building the society
  • Whale Museum – admire true-to-life sized whales that inhabit the shores of Iceland

12. Do a tour of the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a sightseeing trail north of Reykjavik that covers 300 km (186 miles) of untouched, rugged terrain. There are hot springs, thousand year old rock formations, geysirs, waterfalls, and crater lakes.

The Golden Circle is one of the most scenic areas in Iceland, and you can see most of it in about 1-2 days. I would say its a must-see!

Gulfoss waterfall
Kerið crater lake
Geysir

You have a couple options for seeing the Golden Circle. You can either drive through it on your own, or you can book a tour out of Reykjavik.

A Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik lasts around 7 hours, which gives you enough time for the Gulfoss Waterfall, watch the Geysir shoot out the ground, and explore other fascinating sights.

Book your Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik here

13. Go for a hike

Iceland is a great place for a summer hike, for a few reasons – the first one being the dramatic, otherworldly terrain. It looks so unlike anywhere else.

But also, summers in Iceland don’t get overly hot, so you don’t overheat when you’re hiking. Summer is both the most comfortable, but also the safest time to go hiking in Iceland.

hiking in Iceland in August

If you’re an experienced hiker, you could consider the Laugavegur Trail, which is a multi-day hike that totals up to 55 km (34 miles.) It’s the most popular trail in Iceland, and hiked by almost 100,000 people each year.

However, not everyone is up for a multi-day hike. If you’re interesting in doing some short hikes, then I recommend checking out some of the short trails at Thingvellir National Park. One of the hikes is 20 minutes and leads to the Oxararfoss waterfall.

If you’re looking for something in between, another option is to hike to the summit of Mount Esja (near Reykjavik) with a guide, which takes 4-5 hours.

Book your Mount Ejsa hiking tour here

14. Do a tour of a lava cave

Lava caves are caves that are formed thousands of years ago by flowing lava from a volcano. Iceland has about 30 lava tunnels where you can explore these prehistoric caves.

Raufarhólshellir is one of the most popular tunnels in Iceland, and its right outside Reykjavik.

lava cave iceland

Similar to a glacier hike, you can only tour lava tunnels with a guide and with special equipment.

Tours of Raufarhólshellir are about 1 hour long, and include the necessary equipment, a professional guide, as well as some time at the end to explore and take pictures.

Book your Raufarhólshellir lava tour here

Pro Tip: Did you know that you can buy jewelry from Iceland made of 2,000 year old lava beads? It’s one of the most unique souvenirs from Iceland that you can find, as each bead is unique.

15. Eat from a food truck

Food trucks have become very popular around the world in recent years, and Iceland is no different. During Iceland in the summertime, you’ll see food trucks parked outside many of the main attractions. We saw a few of them at Glacier Lagoon.

hot dog Iceland

I would recommend trying an Icelandic hot dog. (I’m vegetarian, and luckily, they have a veggie option.) Icelandic hotdogs come with crispy onion and special mustard toppings that you can’t get at home.

If you order French fries, they often come seasoned with a pink sea salt which is really delicious. The salt is called kartöflukrydd, which means “French fries spice” in Icelandic.

16. Admire views at the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

August is a great time to admire the depths and valleys of moss-covered Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

Fjaðrá river flows through the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and the cliffs are over 300 feet tall. The canyon is believed to have been formed 9,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age.

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

It’s been featured in several TV shows and movies, including Game of Thrones. (Season 8, episode 1, where Jon and Daenyrus flew their dragons together.)

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon has been closed to tourists for years, and just reopened in June 2023. So, consider yourself lucky in 2024 to be able to be able to see this gem.

The canyon is located pretty close to the Ring Road, so its a stop you can make if you’re doing a Ring Road road trip. You can park for free, and there is a wooden boardwalk that you can walk along, taking photos and admiring the views. The best view is from

Good to Know: If you’re wondering how to pronounce Fjaðrárgljúfur, there’s an audio of it here.

Where to Stay in Iceland in August

There are many epic places to spend an Icelandic summer, but here are some of the top choices that are well situated and allow you take advantage of the gorgeous views

  • Budget: Guesthouse Vatnsholt right off the Ring Road with a delicious breakfast included in the price
  • Mid Range: Náttúra Yurtel Stay in a luxury yurt with incredible mountain views near the Golden Circle
  • Luxury: Seljavellir Guesthouse in southwest Iceland, just off Ring Road 1, near Glacier Lagoon

What to Bring to Iceland in August

  • Waterproof shoes. I’d recommend this pair for men, or this one for women
  • Rain gear or poncho. Don’t go to Iceland without some rain protection. I recommend something that is warm and waterproof.
  • A beanie for cold days
  • Layers
  • A fold up umbrella
  • A sleep mask to block out the early morning light
  • Swimsuits, in case you want to go swimming, snorkeling or visit a hot spring

Iceland in August: FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Iceland in August

Can I see Northern Lights in Iceland in August?

It’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland during August, but it needs to be dark in order for them to be visible. Since there are only a few hours of darkness in a 24-hour period in Iceland in August, its more difficult to see them during that time.

Is August a good time for Iceland?

Yes, August is a great time to visit Iceland if you want to see the green covered terrain, be able to spend lots of time outdoors, go kayaking and see wildlife such as whales and puffins.

Is Iceland expensive in August?

Yes, August is one of the most expensive times to visit Iceland. You can expect to spend an average of $300-$400 USD per night for accommodations in the summer. In addition, summer is the popular time to visit, and Iceland is trying to keep up with the demand of the post-pandemic influx of tourism – so book your accommodations early to avoid paying more.

How should I dress in Iceland in August?

You should wear layers in Iceland in August, because its much colder than other parts of the world during that time of year. The temperature can reach 15-20°C (59-68°F) on a good day, but its also possible for it to be as low as 8°C (46°F.) You should also prepare for rain.

Iceland in summer

Conclusion: Should You Go to Iceland in August?

I would definitely recommend going to Iceland in August. Yes, you will see other tourists, but I didn’t find that it ruined the experience or the natural beauty for me. Even with so many other tourists exploring at the same time as us, I felt like I could really connect to nature and enjoy peaceful, vast landscapes without hardly anyone else around.

Visiting Iceland during the month of August allows you the most mild weather to optimize the time that you spend outdoors (which will be a lot!), and the highest chance of seeing Icelandic wildlife. Overall, its a great time to visit Iceland and I hope that this has given you lots of ideas of how to make the most of that time of year.