White sheep grazing on the cliff. Bizarre shape of cliffs surround the stream with glacial water. The Icelandic Tundra in July
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Subscribe to instantly receive discount codes for tours, car rental, camper van rental, and outdoor clothing rental. Thank you! ❤️ Jon Heidar, Editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel MagazineSo, you’re heading to Iceland in July or August? Smart move! You’ve picked the absolute best time of year for a first visit. The weather is (usually) mild, the roads are open, the midnight sun is still hanging around, and there’s so much to do that you’ll wish you had a few more days.
If you’re planning your Iceland trip on your own and want to make the most of your summer vacation, pull up a chair. Think of this guide as a friendly chat with that slightly obsessive uncle who’s been to Iceland a few times and wants to make sure you don’t miss a thing—or blow your budget.
Why July and August are the best months to visit Iceland
You’ve hit the jackpot, timing-wise. July and August are peak summer months in Iceland, and while that means more fellow travelers, it also means:
- Long daylight hours (18+ hours of light!)—perfect for sightseeing into the evening
- All major roads are open, including the stunning Highlands and remote peninsulas
- Milder weather (average temps around 10–15°C / 50–59°F—yes, that’s mild for Iceland)
- Summer festivals, puffins, whale watching, and hiking trails galore
This is Iceland at full throttle—but also, if you’re not careful, full price and full parking lots. So let’s talk strategy.
Tip #1: Lock in your car rental and accommodation
Seriously. Don’t leave this until the last minute. July and August are the most popular months for travelers, and rental cars and budget-friendly accommodations tend to be booked early.
Book your vehicle rental at least 2–3 months in advance, especially if you’re particular about vehicle size or prefer a campervan.
Consider camping if you’re up for it! Iceland’s campgrounds are everywhere, affordable, and the views? Unreal.
Pro tip: My free Stuck in Iceland Newsletter offers discounts on car rentals, camper van rentals, and activities – definitely worth signing up for.
Tip #2: Plan your itinerary, but keep it flexible
First-time visitors often ask, “Should I do the full Ring Road?” Here’s the thing—it depends on how much time you have.
Got 7–10 days? You can manage the Ring Road, but you’ll be driving a lot. Try a counter-clockwise route from Reykjavík, hitting the South Coast first.
Only 5–7 days? Focus on a region—like the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, or the Westfjords. You’ll enjoy it more.
More than 10 days? You lucky duck—combine Ring Road highlights with off-the-beaten-path spots like the Highlands or the Eastfjords.
Leave wiggle room for weather, road closures, or spontaneous detours to places you stumble upon (because Iceland is full of them).
Tip #3: Don’t overstuff your days
It’s tempting to cram every glacier, volcano, and hot spring into your itinerary. But trust me, rushing in Iceland is like reading poetry at 2x speed. It misses the point.
Pick 2–3 highlights per day, at most, and leave room to linger.
You’ll want time to stop for roadside waterfalls, Icelandic horses, or the sheep that just wandered into the road. Be very mindful of road safety when making your stops. Don’t stop in the middle of the road, and please refrain from slamming the brakes, even if you see something exciting. Put safety first and be mindful of your surroundings!
A 3-hour hike or a soak in a spa, swimming pools, or baths is not something to squeeze in between five other stops.
Tip #4: Pack smart for all four seasons (because you’ll get them)
Yes, it’s summer. No, that doesn’t mean you can leave your rain jacket at home.
Layers are your best friend: think of a merino wool base layer, a fleece, and a waterproof shell.
Good shoes: Waterproof hiking boots are a must—even if you’re mostly driving, you’ll end up hiking a bit.
Swimsuit + towel: For hot springs, pools, and impromptu geothermal dips
Eye mask: Midnight sun is beautiful, but it can mess with your sleep
The weather in Iceland can change every 15 minutes. Be ready for sunshine, wind, rain, and more wind—all in the same hour.
Pro tip: Rent outdoor clothing with Iceland Cover to minimize your luggage and save money. Sign up for the Stuck in Ieland Newsletter to save on clothing rental with them.
Tip #5: Plan for busy places
Places like the Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, and Skógafoss are beautiful, but in July and August, they can be packed.
If you want to visit these iconic sites (and you should!), here’s how to do it right:
- Go early or late in the day to avoid tour bus crowds.
- Consider alternatives to the Blue Lagoon. These include the Secret Lagoon, GEOSEA, Vök Baths, Krauma, and Hvammsvík Hot Springs.
Visit towns like Akureyri, Ísafjörður, or Seyðisfjörður if you have the time—tons of fun and culture with fewer crowds.
Tip #6: Eat like a local (and save some cash)
Dining out in Iceland can be expensive quickly. But you don’t have to live on protein bars, either.
- Grocery stores like Prís, Bónus, and Krónan are your best friends for road trip snacks and simple meals.
- Try local specialties like skyr, lamb soup, or fresh seafood in harbor towns—treat yourself occasionally!
Tip #7: Stay safe, stay curious
Iceland is generally safe, but its natural environment demands respect.
- Always check the weather at vedur.is and road conditions at road.is before driving or hiking.
- Download the SafeTravel app—it’ll keep you updated on alerts and let you leave a travel plan if heading off-grid.
- Never ignore signs or closed paths, especially near cliffs, glaciers, or beaches. It’s not just about rules—it’s about staying alive.
Final Thought: Take it slow, look around, soak it in
If there’s one secret to having the best vacation in Iceland in July or August, it’s this: don’t just chase the big Instagram spots. Stop. Breathe. Listen to the wind. Talk to locals. Take that random gravel road (if your rental allows it). Let Iceland surprise you.
This is a place where the scenery does the heavy lifting—you just need to give it space.
