How to visit Iceland in summer

With lush landscapes and bright blue skies, summer is one of the best times to visit Iceland. Summer’s endless daylight hours mean you can explore Iceland to your heart’s content. In June, the sun shines for more than 20 hours on average, reaching a full 24 hours during the summer solstice. This is known as the midnight sun, and is an incredible phenomenon to experience first-hand.

Naturally, summer is Iceland’s peak season, and you’ll definitely encounter crowds at most tourist attractions. Prices for accommodation will also spike, so it’s best to make bookings as far in advance as possible. Read on for more tips to maximize your summer in Iceland.

Between June and August, Iceland’s temperatures are a cool 55 to 60 degrees, so you'll want layers that can keep you warm or peel off if it warms up. Think sweaters and leggings.

Iceland’s summer weather can be unpredictable, so waterproof gear is also a must—ideally from head to toe. This will also come in handy as you explore thundering waterfalls or spouting geysers. And if you’re planning on taking a dip in Iceland’s hot springs or geothermal pools, don’t forget your swimsuit and flip-flops.

Tip: The Iceland sun doesn't really set in summer, so to ensure a good night’s sleep, pack an eye mask.

Located in the center of Iceland, the highlands are a vast region filled with natural wonders like waterfalls, lava fields, volcanoes, and hot springs. From mid-June to late September, the roads leading to the highlands are open, offering a tiny window of exploration. Summer is the only time you can traverse this usually impenetrable landscape, and we highly recommend making the most of this rare opportunity.

Where to go: There are several routes you can take, from the beginner-friendly Kaldidalur to Sprengisandur, an ancient pass. Due to the highlands’ rough terrain, you’ll need a four-wheel vehicle to explore the area.

Iceland is home to more than 60% of the world’s entire Atlantic puffin population, and summer is the best time to spot these adorable creatures. Puffins spend most of the year out at sea but come ashore in May to breed and raise little pufflings.

Where to go: Puffin hotspots Akurey and Lundey are only half a mile away from Reykjavik. You can also admire the colorful birds by taking a cruise from Old Harbour. Or join this multi-stop tour across the South Coast to come up close to Iceland’s largest puffin colony.

Summer is the best time to try Icelandic dishes that feature fresh meat and produce such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. It's also the prime season for brown trout and Arctic char; the largest salmon run comes in mid-July. Tuck into fresh seafood as you watch the ships come into the harbor at Kopar, or discover more authentic local food on this Reykjavik food walk.

Don't miss: Between late June and early July, Höfn celebrates Humarhátíð, the annual lobster festival. As local fishermen haul large bundles of langoustines ashore, the fishing town makes merry with music, dancing, and drinking. Afterward, head to any restaurant in Höfn to try inventive langoustine-based dishes, from lobster pizza to soup.

In summer, geothermal water is diverted into the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach lagoon, warming it to a comfortable 59 to 66 degrees. From May to August, visitors can enjoy the beach and its facilities free of charge, including changing rooms and showers. Other than the lagoon, Nauthólsvík also has a sauna, two pools, and fine golden sand—a rare sight in Iceland.

Tip: After your visit to Nauthólsvík, head to the nearby Perlan museum to learn more about Icelandic nature, explore an indoor ice cave, and gaze out at the city from the observation deck.

If you’re visiting Iceland around summer solstice (around June 20-22), you’ll be able to experience the height of the midnight sun phenomenon, where the sky remains bright into the night. Don’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime experience on sleep—make it a night to remember by chasing the midnight sun on an ATV. But don't worry if you missed those dates: The sun is out long into the night throughout the summer.

Tip: This is also a great time to check out tourist attractions without the crowds, such as Kirkjufell Mountain, which you can admire while kayaking in tranquil waters. Or simply stroll along Reykjavik’s bay to watch the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture reflect the bright orange and pink hues of the midnight sun.

Every August, Reykjavik celebrates Menningarnótt (Culture Night) to commemorate the start of the museum and theater season. On this day, downtown Reykjavik comes alive with street performances and exhibitions, allowing everyone to experience the city’s culture for free.

Tip: Many friendly residents embrace this spirit of hospitality by opening their homes to the public—this tradition is known as vöfflukaffi, as waffles and coffee are typically served. Menningarnótt ends on a high note—with a spectacular fireworks display by the harbor.

Iceland is one of the best places to go whale watching—especially in summer when tours are less likely to be canceled due to poor weather conditions. You’ll also get to see a far larger variety of marine life, as many migratory whales like minke and humpback whales come to polar oceans to feed on Iceland’s bountiful krill and zooplankton during summer.

Tip: For the best chance of spotting these gentle giants, join a whale-watching cruise, where your expert guides are trained to identify signs of marine wildlife. You can even make the most of the midnight sun to observe the nocturnal habits of dolphins and whales.

If you’re not a fan of crowds, skip the typical attractions and head for the Westfjords. Just like the highlands, Iceland’s Westfjords are only accessible in summer, when travel isn’t restricted by snowfall. The mountainous Westfjords are sparsely populated, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and discover hidden gems.

Don't miss: Some must-visit places in the Westfjords include Dynjandi (a series of seven stunning waterfalls cascading down a staircase-like cliff surface), Raudasandur Beach (which is filled with vivid red and orange sand), and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (home to the elusive Arctic fox). Along the way, you’ll spot many remote hot springs—go ahead, take a dip.

An iconic pitstop in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon isn’t your typical hot spring—its waters are bursting with nourishing elements like silica, algae, and minerals, which give the lagoon its distinctive milky blue hue. In summer, the Blue Lagoon hosts midnight sun events, opening till late for guests to immerse in sound healing and float therapy.

Tip: If the summer crowds get overwhelming at the Blue Lagoon, the Retreat Spa offers a more intimate experience—you’ll get access to private changing rooms and the spa’s exclusive pool, which flows from the same wellspring of geothermal seawater. Or why not check into Silica Hotel? The Nordic-chic hotel has a private lagoon and patio, where you can enjoy the most incredible summer sunsets overlooking moss-covered lava fields.