Frequently asked questions about Iceland in July
Whatever you’re wondering about visiting Iceland in July, we’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions. Is July a good time to visit Iceland? Definitely! What can you visit during this time of year? Read below to find out all the details from our local travel experts.
How is Iceland in July?
With long days and many cultural events taking place, July is a popular month to visit Iceland. 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 July?
There are so many exciting things to do in Iceland in July. 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 June:
-
Drive the Ring Road around the island
-
Marvel at waterfalls
-
Hike in national parks
-
Dip in hot springs and pools
-
Go whale and puffin watching
-
See geothermal wonders and volcanoes
-
Roam the countryside on an Icelandic horse
-
Walk along black sand beaches
-
Venture off the beaten track
-
Admire glacier lagoons
Cultural events in July
July is when the cultural calendar in Iceland starts to grow, peaking in August.
Horse lovers will enjoy the national Icelandic horse competition Landsmót Hestamanna. You’ll also find a variety of music festivals and concerts, including the exclusive Bræðslan and heavy metal Eistnaflug. Both music festivals are held in East Iceland.
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 July?
The best places to visit in Iceland in July 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 July:
-
-
-
-
Visit the village of Vík to see the interesting rock formations of
Dyrhólaey
-
-
-
See the “Capital of North Iceland”,
Akureyri
-
-
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 July? 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 July tour with these Iceland and Greenland combination packages.
What is the weather like in Iceland in July?
As July is one of Iceland’s summer months, you might experience the best weather of the year. On average there are highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). There may be rainy days or very warm weather.
Iceland’s climate is unpredictable, so prepare for sun, wind and rain if you’re planning a trip for July!
What is the temperature in July?
In Reykjavík the average temperature in July is 13°C (55°F). In Akureyri it is 11°C (52°F). Generally Iceland experiences highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) in July.
You may be lucky and visit during a heatwave. For the Icelandic summer that usually means temperatures rise into the low 20s (68°F).
Does it snow in Iceland in July?
It is unlikely to snow in Iceland in July.
What are the driving conditions in Iceland in July?
A road trip in Iceland in July has its advantages. The roads are in good condition and there are plenty of daylight hours to explore. This means you could have long drive days to get from one destination to the next, or to make more stops along the way.
Since the weather is changeable in Iceland, it is important to come prepared. Make yourself aware of road safety precautions before you travel.
During your trip check weather and road conditions regularly. For your peace of mind, our team is on hand 24/7 should you need to get in touch at any point.
When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, car rentals come 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.
What to pack for a trip to Iceland in July?
Iceland is famous for its ever-changing weather, so we advise that you be as prepared as possible. Even though July is a summer month, at all times of year, we recommend bringing warm and cooler layers to be ready for the different temperatures.
That way, come rain or shine, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in July:
-
Short-sleeved shirts and lightweight layers
-
Fleece and lightweight wool jumpers
-
Waterproof and windproof jacket or shell layers
-
Waterproof trousers
-
Gloves
-
Scarves
-
Warm hat
-
Thermal underwear and socks
As well as these essentials, be sure to bring good sturdy walking or hiking boots depending on what activities you may want to enjoy. And, if you’re keen to experience the famous Blue Lagoon, remember to pack your swimwear.
What to wear in Iceland in July?
Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
As the weather is expected to be mild in July, we recommend layers. That way you can remove or add clothes depending on the day’s weather.
Make sure to bring some warm under layers as well as water and windproof outer layers. If you plan on visiting beaches, going for coastal walks and exploring national parks, you should wear some good hiking shoes or boots.
What are the daylight hours in Iceland in July?
Iceland enjoys long daylight hours in July, thanks to the midnight sun. In late June, as Iceland experiences the summer solstice, the sun barely sets at all. This means you can expect around 18-20 hours of daylight at this time of year.
At the beginning of July, the sun rises at approximately 3 AM and sets at around 11:55 PM in Reykjavík. In Akureyri the sun rises even earlier, at 2 AM, and doesn’t set until well past midnight.
By the end of July, daylight hours in Iceland are a little bit shorter. In Reykjavík the sunrise takes place at about 4:30 AM and sunset at 10:30 PM. In Akureyri the sunrise occurs at around 4 AM and sunset at 8:30 PM.
Can I see northern nights in Iceland in July?
In July, it is unlikely you’ll see the northern lights. This is because during the summer months there are few hours of proper darkness.
Visit between October and March to go on one of the northern lights tours available in Iceland. These allow you to go to quieter and more remote areas to (hopefully) enjoy the spectacle.
How to tour Iceland in July?
There are various ways to travel on your Iceland tour in July. Depending on your personal tastes, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.
Road trip
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 July. For shorter stays we recommend driving along the South Coast 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 discover the remote highlands in a 4x4.
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
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
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. July is a great month for a private tour as you can visit remote places like the highlands.
Small group tours
Or you could discover Iceland with like-minded visitors as part of a small guided 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 July 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.
