Weather in July in Iceland

It’s never a bad time to visit Iceland. But the Land of Fire and Ice is particularly inviting in July. Come in July to experience the height of summer, when Iceland is at its warmest, and its landscapes are most vibrant and colourful.

In this guide, we share what you can expect from the weather in Iceland in July. Plus, read on to discover what to get up to on your Icelandic summer adventure.

Icelandic weather in July: What to expect

Visit in July, and you’ll experience Iceland at its warmest and often its driest, too. Of course, there’s no guarantee of fine weather. But in July you have the best chance to see our country’s weather at its best.

Here’s what to expect from the July weather in detail.

What are the daylight hours in Iceland in July?

After June, the month of the summer solstice, the nights are technically getting shorter in Iceland. But in July, there’s still lots of light in the sky long into the night. For instance, in Reykjavík, on the 1st of July, the sun comes up at 03:06 and sets at 23:55. This means that you have just over three hours of darkness each night. At the end of the month, the sun will set much earlier. On the 31st of July, the sun rises at 04:32 and sets at 22:32.

So, in July, in the capital, you won’t experience the midnight sun—not technically, at least—as the sun won’t stay above the horizon at midnight. But you can see it further north. For instance, in Akureyri, at the beginning of July, the sun sets at 00:32 and rises at 02:00. As such, you’ll be able to enjoy sunlight throughout the entire night.

What’s the temperature in Iceland in July?

July is one of the warmest months in Iceland, particularly in the southwest. In Reykjavík, it’s the warmest month overall. The average high temperature is 14.9°C (58.8°F) and average lows are 9.1°C (48.4°F). But it can reach as high as 25°C (and fall as far as 1.4°C). So, you can expect a large range—but it’s definitely smart to bring a warm jacket!

In Akureyri, you’ll experience a wider range of temperatures still. Average highs are 15.1°C (59.2°F) while average lows are 8.5°C (47.3°F). Temperatures have reached over 27°C.

How much rain does Iceland get in July?

The amount of rain you can expect depends on where you are in Iceland. Typically, the north is much drier than the south. But in all regions, July is one of Iceland’s driest months.In the capital, Reykjavík, you can expect an average of 49.9mm (1.96 inches) of rain across July, typically falling on 10.3 days throughout the month. On average, that gives you 20 dry days to play with.

In comparison, in Akureyri, July gets an average of 33.7mm (1.33 inches) of rain, and it typically rains on 7.7 days throughout the month. So, while you’ve got a good chance of dry weather, it’s worth taking a waterproof jacket with you wherever you go.

What to do in July in Iceland (no matter the weather)

With a good chance of fine weather in Iceland in July, it’s one of the best months to head outside. Here are four things to get up to enjoy the best (and avoid the worst) of the weather.

1. Enjoy Iceland’s outdoors at its best

Iceland’s landscapes are beautiful in any weather. But July is one of the months when this dramatic scenery is at its most glorious. So, where should you start if you’re a lover of the outdoors? There are few better places to explore than Iceland’s south coast. Packed with magnificent national parks, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and atmospheric black-sand beaches, South Iceland offers some of the country’s unmissable sights.

Alternatively, thanks to its drier, more settled weather, North Iceland is also a fantastic location at this time of year. Tour the Arctic Coast Way, or explore the Diamond Circle route from Akureyri or Mývatn. In July, the Icelandic highlands are open for exploration too. This wild and remote region is inaccessible throughout the winter, as the roads aren’t cleared of snow. As such, the summer is the only opportunity to see its dramatic, otherworldly landscapes for yourself. Whichever you choose, Iceland’s outdoors is unmissable in July—whatever the weather.

2. Experience one of Iceland’s July festivals

In July in Iceland, there’s a festival for everyone, no matter what it is you like to do. If you’re into music, it’s probably the best month of the year to visit. July hosts the Írksir Dagar (“Irish Days”) festival in Akranes, Reykholt Chamber Music Festival, Bræðslan Festival, and many more. Or, if you want some local arts and culture, head to Seyðisfjörður for LungA. During this festival, the village in East Iceland comes alive with exhibitions, fashion and art galleries, live music, food pop-ups and more.

Alternatively, if you’re a bit of an athlete, why not try the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon? It takes you through the breathtaking scenery of the highlands, from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, one of the jewels of Iceland’s outdoors.

3. Sample the flavours of Iceland’s summer

Visit Iceland in July and you’ll discover a country in full bloom. Of course, that makes for a gorgeous place to explore. But it also means that there’s an abundance of seasonal ingredients and flavours that you can enjoy in local Icelandic cooking. For instance, summer is the season when catches from the sea are most plentiful, offering delicious fresh seafood. And it’s a time when fruit, herbs, and more can be foraged from Iceland’s forests and pastures.

Try all of these flavours at restaurants committed to showcasing the best of Icelandic cuisine. At Berjaya, for example, we focus our efforts on creating seasonal dishes from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find the authentic taste of Iceland in all our restaurants, from wine bars and elegant dining options. Explore our full range of restaurants here.

4. Unwind in a natural hot spring or indoor spa

Iceland is deservingly famous for its spa traditions. And July is as good a month as any to indulge in the country’s relaxing and often luxurious facilities. If the weather’s fine, head into the outdoors and plunge into a natural hot spring. For instance, in the Icelandic highlands, visit the historic springs at Landmannalaugar, known as the “People’s Pools”.

Alternatively, hike the evocative “steam valley”, Reykjadalur, where you can bathe in a river whose waters are naturally heated by geothermal energy. If the weather leaves something to be desired, make use of Iceland’s indoor spa instead. For instance, at Berjaya, many of our hotels have state-of-the-art facilities where you can relax on a rainy afternoon, or rejuvenate yourself after a busy day out. Find out more about all our spas.

Packing tips to enjoy Iceland’s summer weather

To ensure you enjoy the summer weather to the fullest, it’s important to think carefully about what you bring with you. Changing weather shouldn’t stop you from having fun in Iceland in July. But to enjoy the summer months, it’s worth preparing for wetter and cooler weather than you might hope for. That means a waterproof jacket is a must in Iceland in any season, along with sturdy shoes that are appropriate for rugged paths in the outdoors. A warm hat can be smart too, as temperatures can fall in the evenings.

In warmer moments, when the sun is shining, you’ll usually be comfortable enough in a t-shirt and pants. The trick here is dressing layers, so you’re comfortable in any conditions, no matter how the weather changes. Other must-haves on your packing list for a summer in Iceland? There are three items that you shouldn’t do without:

• Sun cream. Yes, seriously. In the north, the sun can be very strong in the summer. If you’re out and about in the sunshine, some protection is always necessary.
• Midge spray. Midges are biting insects that come out in summer when the wind settles. An insect repellent will keep them at arm’s length, even if there are lots of them around.
• An eye mask. As the sky stays light long into the night in the summer, it can help you get to sleep if you wear an eye mask.

Other than that, we’ll trust you to remember everything you’ll need to enjoy your time in Iceland—such as a camera, your phone, and any other personal items.

Quick summary: Why July is the perfect time to visit Iceland

With the best chance of beautiful weather, abundant fresh food, and the opportunity to visit the highlands, summer may well be the best time to visit Iceland. But no matter when you want to come to Berjaya, we can make your trip unforgettable. In each of our seven hotels—alongside our restaurants and spas—we can provide a comfortable, authentic, and luxurious experience. Explore our full range of hotels and book your trip.

FAQs

Is July a good time to visit Iceland?

If you want to see the country with the best chance of fine weather, July is an ideal time to visit Iceland. It’s among the warmest months of the year, as well as one of the driest. This gives you the best opportunity to explore the country to the fullest.

What’s Iceland’s weather like in July?

Iceland’s weather in July tends to be dry and mild. Of course, there is a chance of rain, but on average, we tend to see at least 20 dry days throughout the month. Still, it can be quite cool in the evenings, so it’s worth packing something warm.

What to do in Iceland in July?

There are many things to do in July in Iceland:

• Hike in Iceland’s national parks, such as Vatnajökull
• See waterfalls and dramatic ravines
• Attend a music or cultural festival
• Sample some of Iceland’s seasonal delicacies
• Unwind in an Icelandic spa
• Visit the highlands, a region that’s only accessible in summer

Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in July?

You won’t be able to see the northern lights in July in Iceland. Simply, there’s too much light in the sky! Throughout July, the sun stays above the horizon for as many as 21 hours a day, meaning that it’s just not dark enough to see the aurora borealis.  Instead, visit between September and April to see the northern lights in the Icelandic sky.

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

It’s best to dress in layers on your visit to Iceland, particularly if you’re visiting the outdoors. It means that you can quickly take a layer off, or put one on, if the weather changes. Start with a T-shirt, but pack a jumper and a waterproof jacket just in case.

Is it common to experience rain in Iceland during July?

July is one of the driest months of the year in Iceland. But you should still expect to experience rain. In the southwest of the country, around Reykjavík, there are an average of 10 “precipitation days”—i.e. days on which it rains—each July. There are fewer in the north.

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

Generally speaking, there are no specific travel advisories for weather in July in Iceland. Most roads should be clear, including those that take you to the Icelandic highlands. That said, summer storms can occur. You can find details of those at the Icelandic Met Office, who produce the most reliable weather forecasts in the country.

Can I go glacier hiking in Iceland in July?

July is a good time to go glacier hiking, with tours frequently running on glaciers including Vatnajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Sólheimajökull throughout the month. Please only walk on Iceland’s glaciers if you’re experienced on this terrain, or you’re with a guide.

Is July a good time for whale watching in Iceland?

July is one of the best times in Iceland for whale watching. During the summer, there are as many as 24 different types of whales and dolphins in Icelandic waters. It’s an unforgettable experience to see these creatures in their natural habitat.

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

Generally, you shouldn’t have any weather-related issues when driving in Iceland in July. All roads will be clear of snow, even those in the highlands and on higher mountain passes. However, if it’s raining heavily and you’re not used to Iceland’s roads, you may want to wait until the storm passes by driving. Check the Icelandic Met Office for weather forecasts.

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

July is without exaggeration one of the best times for outdoor activities in Iceland. In the average month, the weather will be quite settled and dry, giving you the ideal conditions to explore.

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

The best way to stay up to date on the weather in Iceland is to visit the website of the Icelandic Met Office. They provide reliable and usually accurate forecasts. Additionally, you can visit road.is to check road closures and driving conditions.