Frequently asked questions about Iceland in August
Is August a good time to visit Iceland? In short, yes! Read on to find out more with these answers to commonly asked questions.
How is Iceland in August?
With long days and many cultural events taking place, August is a popular month for Iceland tours. The weather is mild, driving conditions are good, and you have more daylight hours at this time of year to enjoy outdoor activities. There are also some fantastic festivals you can attend.
What are the best things to do in Iceland in August?
There are so many exciting things to do in Iceland in August. As it’s summer and the weather is usually good, you can choose from many outdoor excursions.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Iceland in August:
-
Marvel at waterfalls
-
Hike in national parks
-
Dip in hot springs and pools
-
Look for whales and puffins
-
See geothermal wonders and volcanoes
-
Go horse riding
-
Walk along unusual beaches
-
Taste Icelandic cuisine
-
Venture off the beaten track
-
Admire glacier lagoons
Cultural events in August
Iceland in August is culturally vibrant as well, with a number of lively festivals taking place. The first weekend of August is a bank holiday, Verslunarmannahelgi, so you could go along to some of the fun-filled events held over the three days.
One famous Icelandic festival of the weekend is Þjóðhátíð (“Thjodhatid”), which is held in the Westman Islands. Expect fireworks, Icelandic music, and glorious views.
In the capital city, you could attend the Reykjavík Marathon, Culture Night, Pride, Jazz Festival and more. In Dalvík, North Iceland, you can go along to the “Great Fish Day” celebration for a seafood feast served up by the friendly locals.
Good to know: If you’re unsure about what you want to do in Iceland, don’t worry. Our Iceland experts are based in Reykjavík and know the country inside out. They’ll help you see Iceland your way, tailoring your itinerary by adding all the best excursions and experiences to suit you.
What are the best places to visit in Iceland in August?
The best places to visit in Iceland in August include waterfalls, hot springs, geothermal sites, glaciers and more. Because the weather tends to be good at this time of year, you’ll find that you can go virtually anywhere in the country – especially on a 4x4 tour.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Iceland in August:
Where you go in Iceland depends on how much time you have to spend. If you are only staying for a few days, your best bet is to explore Reykjavík and the surroundings.
Want to spend a week or longer in Iceland in August? Then you’ll have time to journey around the country in a full circle to reach its many beautiful corners. As well as the southern and western regions, you can explore the east and north of Iceland too.
You could also visit Greenland as part of your August tour with these Iceland and Greenland combination packages.
What is the weather like in Iceland in August?
August – along with June and July – is one of Iceland’s summer months, so you might experience the best weather of the year. On average there are highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). There may be rainy days or very warm weather during your Iceland holiday in August.
Iceland’s climate is unpredictable, so prepare for sun, wind and rain if you’re planning a trip for August!
What is the temperature in August in Iceland?
In Reykjavík the average temperature in August is 11°C (52°F). In Akureyri it is 10°C (50°F). Generally Iceland experiences highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F) in August.
That said, you might be lucky enough to visit during a heatwave and enjoy a really warm day in Iceland at 20°C (68°F). The highest recorded temperature in August in Iceland was 28°C (82°F), in 2017.
What to wear in Iceland in August?
When packing for your August trip to Iceland, remember that the weather can change quickly. That’s why we recommend bringing layers so that you can adapt to the wind, sun or rain.
For Iceland summer tours, it’s important to pack SPF lotion, sunglasses and a sun hat. You might also want to bring an eye mask as the nights can be quite bright, due to the midnight sun.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in August:
-
Fleece jacket or lightweight wool sweater
-
Waterproof and windproof jacket
-
Waterproof trousers
-
Sturdy walking shoes with a good grip
-
Gloves
-
Scarves
-
Warm hat
-
Cap
-
Thermal underwear and socks
We also recommend packing a swimsuit, quick-dry towel and flip-flops if you’re planning on visiting some of Iceland’s hot springs or geothermal pools.
What are the daylight hours in Iceland in August?
Iceland enjoys long daylight hours in August, thanks to the midnight sun. You can expect around 15-18 hours of daylight at this time of year.
At the beginning of August, the sun rises at approximately 4:30 AM and sets at around 10:30 PM in Reykjavík. In Akureyri the sun rises even earlier, at 4 AM, and doesn’t set until 10:30 PM.
By the end of August, daylight hours in Iceland are shorter. In Reykjavík the sunrise takes place at about 6:10 AM and sunset at 8:40 PM. In Akureyri the sunrise occurs at around 5:50 AM and sunset at 8:30 PM.
Can I see the northern nights in Iceland in August?
Want to go on a northern lights tour? It is almost impossible to see the aurora borealis in August because the long days mean the sky is too light at night. Visit in winter, between October and April, when the nights are longer and darker than in summer.
However, if you visit Iceland in August and want a taste of the northern lights, there is a way you can do just that.
Head to the Perlan in Reykjavík, where you’ll be able to witness a version of the “northern lights” in the planetarium. What’s more, you could enter the “Wonders of Iceland” exhibition centre. Experience volcanoes, earthquakes, and even a 100-metre-long ice cave that you can walk through.
How to tour Iceland in August?
There are various ways to travel on your Iceland tour in August. Depending on your personal tastes, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.
Road trips in August
For a self-guided journey through Iceland, you could opt for a road trip adventure. There are many self-drive tour routes to choose from in August. For shorter stays we recommend driving the Golden Circle in South Iceland or exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the West.
If you have a week or more to spend in Iceland, drive around the Ring Road for a full loop of the country. This way you can visit virtually all the stunning corners of Iceland in one trip!
That’s just the start though. You could go off the beaten path in the Westfjords or the Westman Islands. Or discover the highlands in a 4x4, where you’ll find extraordinary landscapes accessible only in summer.
When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, your car rental comes with collision damage waiver, unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, and a hand-marked map of your route. You also get two named drivers on the insurance policy so you can share the driving with a travel companion.
Multi-day tours in August
Another way to see Iceland on an independent tour is to base yourself in one or two locations, such as Reykjavík and Akureyri. You can then explore Iceland’s highlights on day trips.
A multi-day tour of Iceland is a great way to combine solo travel with guided excursions. You can fill your itinerary with as many tour-led activities as you wish!
Privately guided tours in August
On the other hand, you might prefer to be accompanied by a local expert throughout your Iceland experience.
A privately guided tour is one of the most exclusive ways to see Iceland. You’ll have your own personal guide to show you the best locations and sites. August is a great month for a private tour as you can visit remote places like the highlands.
Small group tours in August
Or you could discover Iceland with like-minded visitors as part of a small group tour. You’ll get to meet people from around the world and learn from the expertise of a local guide, who will show you the most beautiful and fascinating parts of Iceland.
Our small group tours of Iceland in August range from 5 to 14 days in duration, taking you to various locations in the country. You could visit the popular south coast or travel around the Iceland Ring Road for an in-depth tour.
Good to know: Whichever of these travel styles you choose, you’ll get all the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.
Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.
Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
