Iceland in August – Weather, Travel Tips & Best Things to Do

August is one of the best times to visit Iceland, offering warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and excellent road conditions. Whether you’re planning a road trip, hiking adventure, or exploring Iceland’s natural wonders, August provides the perfect mix of comfortable weather and incredible scenery.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in August, including weather, road conditions, must-see attractions, and expert travel tips!

Is August a Good Time to Visit Iceland?

Yes! August is one of the most popular months to visit Iceland because of:

✅ Mild summer weather – Warmer temperatures and comfortable conditions.
✅ Long daylight hours – Up to 16.5 hours of sunlight.
✅ Best time for road trips – The Ring Road and Highlands are fully open.
✅ Prime hiking season – Trails are clear, and weather is ideal for outdoor adventures.
✅ Wildlife viewing – Puffins, whales, and seals are easy to spot.

However, August is also one of the busiest months in Iceland, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and tours.

💡 Tip: Book your hotels, car rentals, and tours in advance to secure the best prices!

Iceland Weather in August

August is one of the warmest months in Iceland, making it perfect for exploring outdoors.

Average Temperatures

🌡️ 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)

• Reykjavik & South Iceland: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F)
• North Iceland & Highlands: 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F)
• The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden rain showers!

Daylight Hours in August

☀️ 14-17 hours of daylight

• Early August: Sunrise at 4:30 AM, sunset at 10:30 PM.
• Late August: Sunrise at 6:00 AM, sunset at 9:00 PM.
• No true darkness until late August!

💡 Tip: Take advantage of the long daylight hours by exploring late into the evening.

Rain & Wind

🌧️ August can have occasional rain showers, so bring a waterproof jacket.
💨 Winds are generally mild but can pick up in the Highlands.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in August

1. Drive the Ring Road for the Ultimate Road Trip

August is the best month for a self-drive adventure around Iceland!

🚗 Top Stops Along the Ring Road:

• Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss – Two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – See floating icebergs and visit Diamond Beach.
• East Fjords – Explore remote villages, fjords, and wildlife.
• Lake Mývatn – Home to geothermal areas, craters, and lava fields.

💡 Tip: Rent a 4x4 vehicle if you plan to visit gravel roads in the Highlands.

2. Experience the Midnight Sun Magic

Even though June and July have the longest daylight, August still offers incredible late-evening sunsets.

🔹 Best Places to Watch the Midnight Sun:

• Kirkjufell Mountain – One of Iceland’s most iconic peaks.
• Dyrhólaey Cliff – Overlooks black sand beaches and puffins.
• Goðafoss Waterfall – A stunning sunset location in North Iceland.

💡 Tip: Bring a sleep mask if you have trouble sleeping in bright conditions!

3. See Puffins Before They Migrate

August is the last month to see puffins in Iceland, as they leave by mid-August.

🔹 Best Puffin Viewing Spots:

• Westman Islands – Home to the largest puffin colony in the world.
• Dyrhólaey Cliffs – A great place to see them on South Iceland’s coast.
• Látrabjarg Cliffs – The best puffin-watching location in the Westfjords.

💡 Tip: Visit early morning or late evening for the best puffin sightings.

4. Go Whale Watching

August is one of the best months for whale watching in Iceland!

🔹 Best Places for Whale Watching:

• Húsavík – The whale-watching capital of Iceland.
• Reykjavik Harbor – Take a tour from the city.
• Akureyri – Another great northern location for spotting whales.

💡 Tip: Book a small boat tour for a more intimate experience.

5. Hike in Iceland’s Stunning Landscapes

With clear trails and great weather, August is perfect for hiking.

🥾 Best Hiking Trails in Iceland:

• Landmannalaugar (Laugavegur Trail) – Famous for colorful rhyolite mountains.
• Fimmvörðuháls Hike – A challenging hike between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
• Glymur Waterfall Hike – A rewarding trail with epic waterfall views.

💡 Tip: Pack good hiking boots and waterproof clothing for sudden weather changes.

This is just the tips of the iceberg. There is planty of other cool things to do in Iceland in August. It is a time where everyone should find something of their interest. 

Packing List for Iceland in August

✅ Waterproof jacket & pants (for unexpected rain)
✅ Hiking boots (for uneven terrain)
✅ Warm layers (even in summer, Iceland can be chilly!)
✅ Sunglasses & sunscreen (the sun is strong due to long daylight)
✅ Swimsuit & towel (for hot springs & geothermal pools)

Conclusion

Visiting Iceland in August is an amazing experience, offering warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and excellent travel conditions. Whether you’re road-tripping the Ring Road, hiking in the Highlands, or spotting puffins, August provides endless adventure opportunities.

🚗 Thinking of renting a car? The roads are fully open, making August the perfect time for self-drive trips!