If you plan to visit Iceland in August, this information will help you to know what to expect when traveling during this month.
That includes the following:
- Road conditions
- What to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month
- Some tips on driving in that time
- Top activities, and events that happen annually during this month
This episode is part of a series about months in Iceland. Here are the other months.
Review of the All Things Iceland Podcast
"I’ve been interested in visiting Iceland for years and finally did it last January 2023 and fell in love-with the island! I’ve been 3x this year alone and hoping to spend time during every season. I listen to a lot of podcasts but somehow I missed this “gem” from Jewells! Pun intended! I’ve started listening from episode 1 and working my way forward and I am excited there are so many to enjoy! I am so impressed with Jewells’ language skills and love how she teaches a word every episode. As a fellow American from the East Coast I am inspired by her passion for such a beautiful and wonderful country. And maybe I’ll follow in her footsteps and move there too! Thanks Jewells for this wonderful podcast!"
If you are enjoying the podcast, please leave a written review, if that is possible, on whatever platform you are listening to this on and you might here it in one of the episodes. Thank you to all of the people who have been leaving reviews and ratings. It helps others to know what they can expect to hear about Iceland when they listen.
Weather and Average Temperature in Iceland During August
In August, Iceland is as warm as it gets, though ‘warm’ is relative when talking about this subarctic island. Average temperatures hover around 10-15°C (50-59°F), with the possibility of warmer days reaching up to 20°C (68°F). However, Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s not unusual to experience a little bit of everything – from sun to rain to fog – sometimes all within the same day.
Daylight Hours in August
One of the most extraordinary features of Iceland in August is the amount of daylight. While the midnight sun of June has passed, you can still enjoy long days with around 16 hours of daylight. Sunrise is usually around 5:00-6:00 AM, and sunset is around 9:00-10:00 PM. This extended daylight allows more time for exploring and experiencing the island.
August 1st
The sun rises at 04:33 and sets at 22:32 for a total of 17:58 of daylight
August 15th
The sun is up 05:17 and sets at 21:44 for a total of 16:26 of daylight
August 31st
At 6:06 AM, the sun comes up and at 8:48 PM the sun sets for a total of 14:42 of daylight
What to Wear in August in Iceland
Layers are the key to comfort in Iceland. For August, you should pack:
- A waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Warm layers like fleece or wool.
- T-shirts and lighter clothes for warmer days.
- Waterproof hiking shoes or boots.
- A hat and gloves – it might sound strange for August, but they can be very welcome, especially in the evenings or when out on the water during whale-watching tours.
My Ultimate Packing Checklist is linked in the show notes and will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the summer list. Just know that it can be a little chilly during the evening in July, especially in the north, so you will need some layers.
Road Conditions & Driving in Iceland during August
August is one of the best times for driving in Iceland as the roads are generally clear of snow and ice. However, always check road conditions before setting out, especially if you plan to drive in the highlands or on F-roads, which require a 4×4 vehicle.
Always be mindful of the changeable weather, and remember that off-road driving is illegal in Iceland to protect the delicate environment.
Expert Trip Planning Tip for August in Iceland
Due to the long day light hours, great road conditions, access to the highlands, and warmer weather, August is the second most popular month for people to visit Iceland. I highly recommend booking accommodations far in advance. Before the end of 2022, more than 70% of accommodations in the country were booked for the 2023 year.
If you know you want to visit Iceland during the summer, whether it is in 2024 or beyond, I strongly suggest booking your flights, accommodations, and car or camper van rental as soon as possible. Up to six months in advance for accommodations, car rentals and camper vans is not unheard of so that you can choose among the best options available during that time.
Go Car Rental Iceland
Go Car Rental Iceland is a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.
I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them.
I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.
Go Campers Camper Van Rentals
If you plan to use a camper van, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that.
Why You Should Visit Iceland in August
- Weather: August offers some of the most temperate weather conditions for outdoor activities.
- Wildlife: It’s a great time for puffin and whale watching.
- Nature: Waterfalls are at full force, and the landscape is lush and green.
- Festivals: Many cultural events take place in August.
Top Activities to Do in August
- Whale Watching: The waters around Iceland are teeming with marine life during this period.
- Hiking: With the warmer weather and longer days, trails like those in Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork are very popular.
- Puffin Watching: Head to the Westman Islands or other coastal areas to see these birds before they migrate.
- Hot Springs and Pools: Relax in the naturally heated waters found all around the country.
- Glacier Tours: Whether it’s a hike or an ice cave expedition, August is a solid time to visit the glaciers.
August Events and Holidays in Iceland
- Verslunarmannahelgi: The first weekend of August is Iceland’s equivalent to a long weekend where Icelanders often go camping.
- Gay Pride: Reykjavik Pride, a vibrant and joyous celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, takes place in early August.
- Culture Night: Reykjavik’s Culture Night (Menningarnótt) happens in late August and includes free events like concerts, performances, and fireworks.
- The Great Fish Day: Held in Dalvik, a small town in the north, where you can enjoy a feast of fish and celebrate with the locals.
Final Tips for Visiting Iceland in August
- Book accommodations and car rentals well in advance, as August is peak tourist season.
- Be prepared for all types of weather. Don’t be fooled by the calendar; it’s still Iceland.
- Stay informed about the weather and road conditions, especially if you’re heading into the highlands.
- Respect the nature and wildlife. Follow guidelines for eco-friendly tourism to help preserve the natural beauty of Iceland.
August in Iceland is a dynamic, vibrant time filled with the best that nature has to offer. The blend of cultural festivities and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors make it one of the most desirable times for an Icelandic adventure.
Book an Iceland Trip Planning Call with Me
The other is that if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link.
Another great resource is to grab full access to my Iceland map, you get over 250 places that I recommend in Iceland, along with four itineraries to use for planning your trip. Those itineraries include a 10-day Ring Road trip, a 3-day South Iceland trip, The Famous Golden Circle and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day Trip.
A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access, which includes any updates I make to the map.
There is a link to the my Iceland map in the Trip Planning Help tab at the top of this website or you can go directly to the site of my map on rexby.com/jewells/Iceland.
Random Fact of the Episode
August is such a fun month because we are still in summer but as we get toward the end of the month, we have actual dark nights. This means that the northern lights can potentially be seen.
I and many others have experienced seeing the northern lights at the end of this month. While I wouldn’t try to come this month with the expectation of seeing them, it a pleasant surprise when they do appear.
Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland
Icelandic Word of Episode
Ágúst – August
