Iceland sees the best that the summer season has to offer in July when days are longer and nights are shorter. The peak of the summer season in July invites an array of festivals and events like camping, hiking, and picnic as a variety of tourist spots, inaccessible in winters, open for the tourists. The difference between summer and winter of Iceland is so eminent that the country seems like two completely different worlds in two seasons. July is the best time to visit Iceland as it allows you to experience the wide variety of natural wonders that Iceland sustains from glorified glaciers, highlands, to bubbling hot springs, trails and mystical natural phenomenon.
Iceland weather in July
Temperature:
The month of July sees the warmest days of Iceland with an average maximum temperature of 14°C (57°F) and an average minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F). Since it is just an average estimate, the days can get warmer up to 20°C and colder up to 6°C. Weather is relatively warm for the citizens of Iceland who face an average of 5°C temperature for most of the year but it may still feel chilly to some. Hence, it is wise to carry a few pieces of warm clothing along with your swimsuits to be prepared for all possible scenarios.
Daylight Hours in July
Even though Iceland is not known for sunny warm weather but the summer season sees plenty of daylight and warm sun rays. One can experience an average of 20 hours of daylight in July in Iceland. Iceland gets its midnight sun at the end of June which keeps the daylight hours still on the high in July when the sun barely ever sets and is up again only after a few hours. Northern parts of Iceland see some dark hours in the night but the southern region stays well-lit by sun rays until the end of July.
Precipitation
Rain is always a possibility in Iceland. Although the summer season is on the peak in June, July, and August, July still experiences a decent amount of rainfall. The average precipitation seen in July is 52 mm. The rainfall is not generally heavy and comes in the form of light precipitation however, bringing suitable clothing is still advised. Raining can mean that summer night will feel colder than average.
Pros of Visiting Iceland in July
1. Midnight Sun
- Pro: In July, Iceland experiences 24 hours of daylight due to the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. This allows you to explore and sightsee around the clock, making it ideal for long days of adventure. Whether you want to visit popular spots early in the morning or late at night, you’ll have plenty of daylight to do so.
2. Best Weather of the Year
- Pro: July is typically Iceland’s warmest and most pleasant month, with average temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring waterfalls without worrying about snow or extreme cold.
3. Accessible Highlands
- Pro: July opens access to Iceland’s highland regions, including places like Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk, which are often closed in other seasons due to snow. The F-roads, which lead to these remote areas, are generally passable in July, making it the perfect time to explore Iceland’s wild interior.
4. Perfect for Hiking and Outdoor Activities
- Pro: If you’re into hiking, July is the best time to explore Iceland’s numerous trails. The famous Laugavegur Trail, along with countless other hiking routes, is at its best during this month. The weather is mild, the trails are accessible, and you’ll find lush green landscapes, wildflowers, and even snow-capped peaks in some regions.
- Check out the best hiking tours in Iceland
5. Abundant Wildlife and Puffins
- Pro: July is a prime time for spotting Iceland’s wildlife, especially puffins, which nest along the cliffs of places like Dyrhólaey and Látrabjarg. You can also see other seabirds, and it’s still a good time for whale watching, particularly in northern Iceland.
6. Lively Festivals and Events
- Pro: July is the height of the festival season in Iceland. Events like the Reykjavik Fringe Festival and local cultural celebrations take place throughout the month. The warm weather and long days create a lively and festive atmosphere around the country, making it a great time to experience Icelandic culture.
7. Waterfalls at Full Flow
- Pro: With the snowmelt from the glaciers, Iceland’s waterfalls are at their most powerful in July. Whether you’re visiting Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, or Skógafoss, you’ll witness them at their most dramatic, with strong water flow creating breathtaking views.
Cons of Visiting Iceland in July
1. Peak Tourist Season
- Con: July is the busiest month for tourism in Iceland. Popular attractions like the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Reykjavik can get crowded. If you prefer a more peaceful and less touristy experience, the sheer number of visitors may detract from the sense of solitude that Iceland is known for.
2. Higher Prices
- Con: July is part of Iceland’s high season, which means prices for accommodation, car rentals, and tours are at their peak. If you’re traveling on a budget, it may be harder to find affordable options during this time. Booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure better deals.
3. No Northern Lights
- Con: With 24 hours of daylight, there’s no chance of seeing the Northern Lights in July. If witnessing the aurora is on your bucket list, you’ll need to plan your trip for the winter months when the nights are long and dark.
4. Crowded Roads and Hiking Trails
- Con: While the weather is perfect for road trips and hiking, the roads and trails can be busier in July. Popular routes like the Ring Road and Laugavegur Trail might feel crowded compared to quieter months, which can detract from the feeling of being alone in nature.
5. Unpredictable Weather
- Con: Despite being one of the warmer months, Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even in July, you could experience rain, wind, and cooler temperatures than expected. It’s important to pack for all kinds of weather, even in summer.
6. Limited Availability for Accommodations and Tours
- Con: With the influx of tourists in July, accommodations and popular tours can get fully booked well in advance. If you’re planning to visit during this time, it’s essential to book your hotels, rental cars, and guided tours early to avoid disappointment.
Your To-Do List in Iceland in July
The mild weather means that every tourist spot is open to welcome visitors in full swing, all roads are open and there are no limitations that tourists often face due to the hazardous Iceland winters. While Iceland is the perfect vacation spot in its entirety, there are still some things that must be done and to experience the best that Icelandic summers have to offer:
Catch the Midnight Sun
If winters in Iceland bring something as special as the Northern Lights to you, the summer season has its specialty on hands – the Midnight Sun. As days are 20 hours long on an average in July, the sun sets at midnight and rises back again only after a few hours making Iceland one of the very few places to experience the midnight sun. There are a few top spots in the country from where you can fully enjoy the beauty of the vibrant shades of Pink, Red, and Gold that the sun brings to the sky. While days start to get darker in July, places like Reykjavík does not get dark at night and hence offers a fabulous view of the midnight sun. Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall which is about an hour and 45 minutes’ drive away from Reykjavík or Glymur waterfall in Hvalfjörður. Not only that you will get to see the best of the midnight sun but also a beautiful view of the waterfall from various angles.
Go take a Hike!
Hiking should be the next on your to-do list after bathing in the glory of the midnight sun. Mid-June to August is the best time to measure the hiking trails. The mild July weather makes it the ideal time of the summer for hiking. Laugavegur Trail is one of the best trails to get on with the hiking. It has actually been chosen one of the best hiking trails in the world. The 4-6 days long hike offers an abundance of landscape change which includes everything from snow-laden trails, volcanoes, glaciers, meadows, and streams. Apart from Laugavegur, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, The Seven Peaks of North East Iceland, and Landmannalaugar ‘The Pearl of the Highlands’ are some great options you can weigh upon as potential places for the hike.
Discover Hiking Tours in Iceland
Tour the Glaciers
Icelandic glaciers are spectacular year-round, but summer offers unique opportunities to explore them when trails and tours are more accessible. During the winter, many glacier tours are limited due to the harsh conditions, but the milder summer weather allows you to visit popular sites like Sólheimajökull, Vatnajökull, and Langjökull. Tours typically depart from key locations such as Gullfoss Waterfall, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and Sólheimajökull base camp, with pickup options available in Reykjavík.
Whether you’re interested in exploring ice caves, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, or even ice climbing, summer opens up a range of adventures. For a successful glacier visit, make sure to pack appropriately—warm clothing, durable hiking boots, and sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare off the snow are essential.
