Weather in June in Iceland

At the height of the summer season, June is a great time to visit Iceland. It’s Iceland’s driest month, and it’s the time of year when days are longest. Visit to see the midnight sun, remote highland landscapes, and Iceland’s wildlife at its most abundant.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know about weather in Iceland in June. Read on to discover what to get up to in this season, in any weather.

Icelandic weather in June: What to expect

Come to Iceland in June and you’ll have a great chance to see the Land of Fire and Ice at its mildest, sunniest, and—arguably—most beautiful. It’s also the month of the summer solstice, meaning you’ll be treated with long hours of daylight.

Of course, though, we can’t guarantee that you’ll escape a shower. And in the evenings it can still get quite cool. No matter what season you visit Iceland in, it’s always best to bring a jacket.

What are the daylight hours in Iceland in June?

As we mentioned, June is the month of the summer solstice. If you don’t know, that’s the longest day of the year. And this far north, it means you’ll enjoy daylight long into the night. In fact, in Reykjavík on June 1st, the sun comes up at 03:21 and sets at 23:31. That means you should expect fewer than four hours of darkness each night. By June 21st—the longest day of the year—the sun rises at 02:55 and sets at 00:03. On this day, then, it’s light for more than 21 hours of the day. That’s why people often talk about the “midnight sun” in Iceland. For some days in June, the sun is literally still above the horizon at midnight. But throughout the whole month, you’ll be able to enjoy long evenings (with much more time for adventure!).Of c

ourse, the further north you go in Iceland, the more daylight you’ll enjoy in this season. In Akureyri, on the north coast of Iceland, the night is much shorter. On June 21st, you’ll have just half an hour of night—compared to just under 3 hours in Reykjavík.

What’s the temperature in Iceland in June?

June is one of the warmest months in Iceland. In the south of the country, July and August are warmer (but only marginally!). And in the north, June is often the warmest month overall. In Reykjavík, the average high temperature is 13.0°C (55.4°F) and the average low is 7.2°C (45.0°F). In Akureyri, average highs are very slightly higher—13.7°C (56.7°F)—and the lows are slightly lower: 6.6°C (43.9°F). It’s worth being clear that these temperatures are only averages. In Reykjavík, highs have reached 22.4°C (72.3°F), while lows have reached below zero. In comparison, in Akureyri, the record temperature is 29.4°C (84.9°F). It’s quite a difference!

How much rain does Iceland get in June?

June holds the crown for being Iceland’s driest month. But the amount of rain you get will depend on where you’re traveling. For instance, in Reykjavík, June receives an average of 43.3mm (1.70 inches) of rain. That’s spread out over an average of 9 days. It’s twice as much as you’ll get if you stay in Akureyri. This northern city receives 20.7mm (0.81 in) of rain throughout June on average, spread over an average of 4.9 days. June is just one of 4 months in Iceland when it probably won’t snow at all.

What to do in Iceland in June to best enjoy the weather

June is a great time to visit Iceland if you want to enjoy the country’s nature. Here are three things to try when you travel in the country.

1. Head into the outdoors (including the highlands)

If you’re a lover of the outdoors, June is when you’ll see Iceland at its best. With a good chance of sunshine and rain unlikely, it’s the perfect time to head into the wild.  There’s a lot to see and do. For instance, why not take a hike through Iceland’s national parks? Or you can explore the landscapes of the Land of Fire and Ice in a different way, such as on horseback, a glacier hike, or an off-road vehicle. The summer is also your only chance to visit the Icelandic highlands. This is a remote area in the center of Iceland, which is inaccessible during the winter months due to snow. From June, the roads open and you can visit the region’s weird and wonderful coloured landscapes.This season also offers some unforgettable wildlife-watching experiences. For instance, you have the best chance to see whales, as they stay around Iceland’s shores in the summer months. It’s a brilliant time to see Iceland’s most famous sights too. Visit the likes of Snæfellsnes peninsula or Skaftafell Nature Reserve, for magnificent natural beauty.

2. Try Iceland’s summer specialties

The nation’s food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Iceland. But with its growing range of quality restaurants, it offers a varied and interesting cuisine to explore. Summer is the season when Iceland’s food is at its freshest and most abundant. It’s a time when foraged foods—such as fruits and berries—make their way to restaurant plates, while you can enjoy fish straight from the sea too. At Berjaya, our restau

rants provide a great opportunity for you to sample the tastes of Iceland’s summer. In all our locations—from casual cafes to elegant dining rooms—we do our best to source the freshest ingredients available. For instance, visit Lyng in Egilsstaðir for locally reared reindeer and traditional cured meats. Or head down to Reyjavík’s harbor, for fresh fish straight from the North Atlantic at Slippbarinn. Explore our full range of restaurants for more options.

3. Plunge into a hot spring (or escape the weather in an indoor spa)

Iceland’s spa scene is deservingly world famous. Built on traditional methods of healing the body and soul, local spas are an unmissable experience in any season. In the summer, though, it can be particularly rewarding to make use of nature’s own therapeutic resources. Iceland’s widespread volcanic activity heats natural pools across the country, where you can submerge yourself beneath the open sky. For instance, take the hike into Reykjadalur, or “steam valley”, to plunge into the hot waters of a river. Or, in the highlands, visit Landmannalaugar’s naturally heated pools. However, if you want to escape the weather (or want to be pampered a little closer to home), visit one of Berjaya’s intimate and welcoming spas. If you’re a guest at the Parliament Hotel, unwind in the Parliament Spa. It has everything you need for a deeply relaxing experience, including a steam, geothermal pool, and a sauna, as well as massage treatments. Alternatively, visit the Natura Spa at our Reykjavík Natura Hotel. With its hot tub and premium facilities, it’s the perfect place to escape a summer shower.

How to enjoy Iceland’s June weather to the fullest

In June in Iceland, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained. But to get the best out of your trip—in any weather—we recommend you do the following.

1. Always come prepared for changing weather

While June promises some of the best weather of the year in Iceland, things don’t always go to plan. And as weather patte

rns change across the world, there’s a higher risk than ever that you might have a surprise or two. This is to say, whenever you come to Iceland, always pack some additional warm waterproof layers. During the evenings in particular, temperatures can become quite cool. And rain can happen at any time, even if the skies earlier seemed clear. Dressing appropriately is particularly important if you’re out in nature. You can end up quite uncomfortable if you don’t have the right gear. Check the forecast provided by the Icelandic Met Office before you go. It’s one of the most reliable local forecasts available. Knowing what to expect is really important when you’re driving too. If a storm is forecast and you’re not comfortable on Iceland’s roads, it can be better to stay where you a

re until it passes.

2. Make the most of Iceland with the midnight sun

One of the best things about Iceland in June is that there’s just so much light. It simply gives you much more day to enjoy. Our most important piece of advice is to make the most of it! Whether you’re heading out to go camping, you want to see Iceland’s sights without the crowds, or you’re just staying in Reykjavík, it’s a pity to go to bed when the sun’s still up. That said, you will need some shut-eye even if it’s bright outside. For these moments, we recommend you bring an eye mask, so that the light of dawn doesn’t wake you as early as 02:00 in the morning!

Quick summary: Why June is a perfect time to visit Iceland

As the driest and lightest month in Iceland, June is a great time to visit. It’s the ideal opportunity to head out into the outdoors, or explore Iceland’s world-famous sights. At Berjaya, we help to make your trip unforgettable, no matter what season you visit. In each of our seven hotels, we’ll provide a luxurious and comfortable place to stay. Check out our full range of hotels and book your Iceland adventure today.

Frequently asked questions about June weather in Iceland

Still got questions about the weather in Iceland in June? Here we provide some answers.

Is June a good time to visit Iceland?

If you want mild and dry weather, June is probably the best time to visit Iceland. It’s the height of our summer and it offers the ideal opportunity to explore our country’s diverse scenic landscapes. As we’ve shown throughout this piece, it’s also the time of year when we have the longest hours of daylight. Visiting in the season of the midnight sun is an unforgettable experience!

What’s Iceland’s weather like in June?

In June, Iceland typically enjoys mild, dry days and long hours of daylight. However, you should be prepared for the odd showe

r too. There are still an average of 9 days during the month when it rains in the southwest of the country (but fewer in the north!).

What to do in Iceland in June?

There’s lots for you to do in Iceland in June:

• Visit the Icelandic highlands, as the remote roads open
• Bathe in a natural hot spring
• Sample the tastes of fresh summer delicacies
• Take a road trip along the Icelandic Ring Road
• Explore national parks and nature reserves
• Glimpse whales and dolphins on a wildlife tour

Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in June?

You won’t be able to see the northern lights in June, no. Simply, there will be too much light in the sky, as the sun won’t set until about midnight. All this light masks the aurora borealis. If you want to see the northern lights in Iceland, visit between late September and early April, when the skies are dark.

How should I dress for the weather in Iceland in June?

You can get a serious range of temperatures throughout June. At its very hottest, Iceland can reach 30°C (very much shorts and t-shirt weather!). But during the night, temperatures can drop below zero. This means that layers will be your best friend. Always pack an extra jumper that you can throw on, and don’t forget your waterproof!

Is it common to experience rain in Iceland during June?

While June is the driest month in Iceland, it’s still possible to get rain. It’s roughly twice as likely to rain in the southwest of the country (around Reykjavík) in June than it is in the north (around Akureyri). But, wherever you are, it’s always worth having a waterproof jacket with you.

Are there any specific weather-related travel advisories for Iceland in June?

There’s nothing in particular that you need to be aware of when traveling in Iceland in June. It’s one of the few months of the year when we don’t typically experience snow. That said, storms can occur. Check the forecast at the Icelandic Met Office for details.

Can I go glacier hiking in Iceland in June?

June is a good month to go glacier hiking. It’s early enough in the summer that there will still be some snow cover. Meanwhile, the chances of fine weather are high. Check out our glacier hiking tours here.

Is June a good time for whale watching in Iceland?

June is one of the best times of year for whale watching. During the summer months, as many as 23 species of whale make Iceland’s waters their home. To see one of these creatures in the wild is truly an incredible experience.

How do the weather conditions in June affect driving in Iceland?

You shouldn’t find any additional issues when driving in Iceland in June. During this month, the weather tends to be stable and any snow on the roads will have melted. For this reason, you’ll also be able to access the F-roads that pass through the highlands. If you have any concerns about driv

ing in Iceland visit road.is for updates on road conditions.

Are outdoor activities like hot springs and hiking recommended in June?

With mild weather and a low chance of rain, June is one of the best months of the year for outdoor activities in Iceland. Here are some

 of our favorites:

• Visit Reykjadalur to bathe in a hot river
• Head to the highlands for otherworldly volcanic landscapes
• Explore “Iceland in miniature” on the Snæfellsnes peninsula
• Hike through Skaftafell nature reserve.

What’s the best way to stay updated on the weather in Iceland during my visit in June?

The best way to stay up to date on weather forecasts is at the Icelandic Met Office. It provides daily information on local weather conditions.