When is Summer in Iceland?

Icelandic summer officially begins at the end of April—on the first Thursday after April 18. In 2025, it was April 24; in 2026 it will be April 23; and in 2027, April 22. This day is called Sumardagurinn fyrsti in Icelandic, it means “First day of Summer”.

However, we don’t really feel summer until May or June, when the country transforms into a vibrant green paradise and the days grow longer and longer. Most people consider summer to last until the end of August, though early September can also be quite mild.

It’s the most popular time to visit Iceland, as many mountain roads (like the F-Roads) are only accessible in summer, allowing visitors to reach remote areas like Þórsmörk or Mælifell volcano.

What Is the Weather Like in Iceland in Summer?

One of the most common questions we get is: “Is it cold in Iceland in summer?”
The short answer: not as cold as you think, but it’s definitely not hot either.

Average Summer Temperatures

Average temperatures in summer range between 9°C and 15°C (48°F–59°F). On sunny, calm days, it can feel much warmer—sometimes up to 25°C (77°F). But remember: Iceland is famous for its microclimates. Weather can change in minutes, and wind or rain can make it feel colder than it actually is.

• June: 8°C to 14°C (46°F–57°F)
• July: 10°C to 15°C (50°F–59°F)
• August: 8°C to 14°C (46°F–57°F)

July is usually the warmest month, but there are no guarantees. It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day.

Does It Rain in Summer?

Yes, it rains—but not as much as in autumn or winter. The south of Iceland (where Katlatrack is based) tends to get more unstable weather than the north. Expect light, intermittent showers more often than heavy downpours.

Always bring a good waterproof jacket and don’t let the forecast discourage you: when it says “rain,” it often just means light drizzle that won’t ruin your plans.

Is It Windy in Summer?

Yes, wind is a year-round feature in Iceland. While it’s usually calmer in summer, it can still affect how cold it feels. A 12°C (53°F) day with wind might feel more like 5°C (41°F).

That’s why dressing in layers is essential.

Is There Snow in Summer?

For most of the country, there’s no snow in summer, except on glaciers. If you visit places like Mýrdalsjökull or Vatnajökull, you’ll still see ice and snow year-round, as they are massive glaciers. But you won’t find snow in towns or on main roads during the summer months.

How Much Daylight Is There in Summer?

One of the most magical things about Iceland in summer is the endless daylight.

From late May to early August, Iceland experiences what’s known as the midnight sun. In June, in places like Vík, the sun barely sets around midnight and rises again at about 3:00 a.m. Even during the “night,” the sky never goes completely dark.

This gives you more time to explore, hike, or take tours without worrying about losing daylight. Just be aware that sleeping can be tricky if you’re sensitive to light—bring a sleep mask just in case.

What to Wear in Iceland in Summer

Even though temperatures are mild compared to winter, the weather can still change quickly. Here’s what you should definitely pack for summer:

1. Waterproof outer layers

A good waterproof jacket and pants are essential. Rain can start at any time—and attractions like waterfalls can soak you in seconds!

2. Base layers

Bring thermal underwear or long-sleeve shirts made of merino wool or technical fabrics. They regulate your body temperature and dry quickly.

3. Fleece or light down jacket

Perfect for layering when temperatures drop. It’s always better to have an extra layer than to be cold.

4. Waterproof hiking boots

Even if you’re not hiking long distances, the terrain can be uneven, wet, and slippery. Dry feet are happy feet.

5. Hat, gloves, and light scarf

Yes, even in summer. Wind can be strong, especially near the coast or up in the highlands.

6. Sunglasses and sunscreen

Believe it or not, Icelandic sun can be strong—especially when it reflects off glaciers or the sea.

7. Swimsuit

Wait—what? Yes! Many visitors enjoy soaking in natural hot springs like the Blue Lagoon or Seljavallalaug. Don’t forget your towel!

Why Visit Iceland in Summer?

Open roads: Places like Landmannalaugar or Mælifell are only accessible in summer.
Ideal tour conditions: Glacier hikes, ice cave tours, and Super Jeep expeditions are easier and more comfortable in this season.
More daylight: You can explore for hours without worrying about sunset.
Active wildlife: Summer is the best time to see puffins, seals, and even whales.
Festivals and local life: Small towns come alive with concerts, cultural events, and local celebrations.

But keep in mind that Iceland in Summer Doesn’t Mean Tropical Weather!

While summer days can be pleasant, Iceland is not a beach destination—though we do have stunning black sand beaches! Keep in mind that even in July, it can get cold and rainy for several days in a row. The key is to come prepared and keep your expectations realistic.

A foggy, moody day might be perfect for exploring an ice cave above Katla volcano, while a sunny one is ideal for a Super Jeep tour to Þórsmörk or Þakgil.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Summer?

A very common question is: can you see the northern lights in summer in Iceland?
The answer is no. The sky doesn’t get dark enough for auroras to appear. Northern lights season starts in late August or September and runs through April.

Conclusion: Summer in Iceland Means Adventure—With Unpredictable Weather

The Iceland weather in summer can be mild and pleasant, but it’s still unpredictable. The secret to enjoying it? Come prepared, dress smart, and keep a flexible attitude.

If you love unique landscapes, fewer crowds on the trails, and long, bright days full of opportunity, Iceland in summer is the season for you.

Ready for an Adventure?

Check out all our summer tours at katlatrack.is and start planning your trip with us. We’ll take you to places only locals know—driving Super Jeeps built to conquer any terrain.

See you in South Iceland, engine running and ready to take you into the heart of this extraordinary land.

More from our blog

If you want to learn more about Iceland… Keep reading!

Welcome to our hometown, Vik!  It’s a town where only around 750 people live on a daily basis.  So to say we all know each other is pretty darn true!  When you drive down the mountain and into the town, you get a sense of excitement but still with the underlying, small town charm and hospitality. Vík is the perfect town to visit on your drive around Iceland. It’s located right on the ring road, a relatively short drive from Reykjavik, and if you want to stay for more than one day there are plenty of hotel rooms available in town!

But what makes Vík truly special is the sheer amount of unique adventures you can go on from there. We are surrounded by glaciers, canyons, mountains, sand dunes and beaches. So no matter what sort of adventures you are interested in, you are sure to find them in Vík! Below is our guide to the best sights to see and the best unique and offbeat things to do in Vik, Iceland.

3 – Explore caves and Learn about their local folklore

The geography surrounding the southern glaciers in Iceland means that the area is scattered with hidden caves

By booking one of our custom tours, we can take you to countless local caves that can be very hard to find otherwise.  As we explore them, our guide will tell you about the folklore stories that come with!  For those who want to try something completely different, this is one of the best things to do in Vik.

4 – Adventure to an ice cave!

This is the big one! Some of the best ice caves in Iceland can be found in the Kötlujökull outlet glacier that juts out from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull, the fourth largest glacier in the country. If visiting an ice cave is one of your bucket list items, there aren’t many places better than Vík. 

The Icelandic adventure experience is focused around visiting awe-inspiring locations that are hard to reach ny normal means, and the Katla Ice cave tours are no exception. Many of our tours, like the FastTrack Ice Cave and Katla Glacier Ice Cave tours combine breathtaking ice caves and exciting super jeep journeys to their location.  And as locals, we are always on the lookout for more types of ice caves so we have somewhere exciting to take you year-round!

5 – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

An obvious pick, for anyone who has done even a tiny bit of research, and for good reason too! 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is not only stunning for the sand and the caves, but primarily because of the basalt columns emerging from the sea!  The area will leave you inspired.  Special Note: This area can be quite dangerous with sneaker waves so please do not go near the water and beware of what the tide is doing.

6 – Journey to a Viking tomb!

No joke folks!  One of the first settlers is buried on top of a nearby mountain in Vik.  So if you are game for a hike that is about 1 hour or less depending on your pace, we recommend as a thing to do in Vik is to visit a traditional Viking tomb.  You will drive 10 minutes east from the heart of Vik until you see a sign on the right saying “Hjörleifshöfði.” 

Do not drive here in your standard rental car during winter (snow levels can be high).  Follow the well-driven track (DO NOT OFF ROAD) until you see the next sign on the left pointing you towards the parking lot.  Follow the path that leads to the top of the mountain and there you will find one of the first settlers buried in the traditional Viking tomb way.  There will likely not be many people there as it is an offbeat thing to do in Vik Iceland.

7 – Visit the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and Sea Arch

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan or natural beauty, you will love visiting Dyrhólaey.  It overlooks a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean.  During summer this place is full of all sorts of birds nesting and catching their dinners.  There is a historical lighthouse, lovely sea arch, and endless views that offer fantastic photo opportunities!

8 – Visit Þakgil canyon

Þakgil (or Thakgil for those without an icelandic keyboard) is one of the best hidden gems in the entire region. A huge, mossy canyon with numerous natural caves, vistas, hiking trails and picnic locations. As locals of the area we believe this is an absolute must-see and there is no better way than going on our Þakgil buggy tour with one of our local guides.

9 – Explore the Hidden Mountains

After this long list of what to do in Vik Iceland, you might be after something even more offbeat in a super jeep, maybe?  Our Katlatrack super jeep would love to show you a mountain areas only locals go!  If you book our Hidden Mountains tour, you will experience an awe-inspiring area very few people have laid their eyes on.  It will feel so fresh and new that you’ll want to plant a flag in the ground with your names on it saying you “just discovered it”!

The natural beauty of Vik South Iceland will leave you always wanting more.  There is so much to see and do, especially during the summer months when all of the highland roads are open.  Our Vik based super jeep team would love to share our local knowledge and addiction to adventure with you by showing you the pure side of Iceland.  We hope today you have enjoyed this Iceland travel blog post on 25 things to do in Vik!  Feel free to contact us on planning your own unique adventure exploring all that you wish in Vik!!

Your Adventure Awaits,

Guðjon + KatlaTrack Team