If you plan to visit Iceland in July, this information will help you to know what to expect when traveling during this month. That includes 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.
July Weather & Average Temperature in Iceland
July is one of the warmest months in Iceland, though “warm” by Icelandic standards might be considered mild in many other places. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). However, in particularly sunny conditions, it can reach up to 20°C (68°F). Nighttime temperatures rarely go below 8°C (46°F). It’s also one of the drier months, but always be prepared for rain or drizzle.
Daylight Hours during July in Iceland
One of the most enchanting features of Iceland in July is the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. This is when the sun barely sets or doesn’t set at all. In Reykjavik, the sun can set around midnight and rise again around 3 AM, but it never gets truly dark. The further north you go, the more pronounced this effect is.
July 1st – Sunrise is at 03:05 AM and sunset is at 11:56 PM. 20 hours and 51 minutes of daylight can be expected.
On July 15th, you can expect the sun to rise at 3:40 AM and sunset is at 11:24 PM. You will have 19 hours and 45 minutes of daylight at this time.
The last day of the month, July 31st, has slightly less day light but not much! You can expect the sun to come up at 4:30 AM and set at 10:35 PM. That amounts to 18 hours and 5 minutes of daylight.
What to Wear/Pack for Iceland in July
- Layer Up: The weather can be unpredictable. Start with a base layer, add an insulating layer like a fleece or wool sweater, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
- Waterproofs: Always carry a waterproof jacket and possibly trousers. Showers can come and go suddenly.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are ideal, especially if you plan on exploring the countryside.
- Sun Protection: Due to the angle of the sun, sunburn can sneak up on you. Pack sunglasses, sunblock, and maybe a hat.
- Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for those geothermal pools and the Blue Lagoon.
Road Conditions & Driving
July is one of the best months for driving in Iceland. Most of the highland roads (F-roads) that are closed during the winter due to snow and muddy conditions start to open up in late June to early July, providing access to Iceland’s rugged interior. Nonetheless, always check road conditions before traveling, especially if heading to the highlands. Car rental companies will provide necessary information, and you can also use the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
Expert Trip Planning Tip for July
Due to the long day light hours, great road conditions, access to the highlands, and warmer weather, July is the 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 Rental in Iceland
If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Camper 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 July
- Optimal Road Conditions: This allows for a smoother Ring Road trip and access to the Highlands.
- Vibrant Flora: Iceland is in full bloom, making its landscapes even more mesmerizing. The purple lupine are still around during the first part of the month too.
- Wildlife Watching: It’s an ideal time for puffin, other bird life, and whale watching.
- 24-hour bright, long days
Top Activities to Do in July
- Hiking in the highlands of Iceland like Landmannalaugar: Located in the Highlands, its colorful rhyolite mountains and hot springs are a treat.
- Puffin Watching: Head to places like the Westman Islands or Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords.
- Whale Watching: Husavik in North Iceland is considered the whale-watching capital.
- Glacier hiking
- Midnight Sun Marathon: Held in Reykjavik, it’s an experience like no other.
July Events and Holidays
July is an interesting time in Iceland because it’s when many Icelanders go on vacation. So, they are not major events or holidays happening during this month but there are still annual activities that might be of interest.
- Songhátíð í Hafnarborg – The Song Festival in Hafnarfjörður
- The Chamber Music Festival in Reykholt
- The Bláa Kirkjan Concert Series in Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland
- Lung-A festival is also in Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland
- A heavy metal festival called Eistnaflug in Neskaupstaður, East Iceland
- The Bræðslan festival in Borgarfjörður Eystri
- For horse lovers, there is the annual National Icelandic Horse Competition, which rotates locations in the countryside.
Plan Your July Adventure in Iceland with Ease
If you want even more recommendations on amazing things to do, I have a few options for helping you plan your epic adventure in Iceland. The links to all of these options are under the “trip planning help” tab at the top of this website.
One option is a one-to-one hour-long video consultation with me. After filling out a short survey and choosing a date in my calendar that works for both of us, we hop on a Google Meet video call and discuss how you can best use your time. I have done 82 of these so far and it’s been a blast virtually meeting many of my podcast listeners and social media followers. I’ve also had great feedback about how helpful those calls have been for those that booked.
If you prefer not to jump on a video call but you want more personalized help, you can purchase a personalized itinerary that I will make for you.
Lastly, if you feel like planning it all yourself is preferred but you want to know about hidden gems and places you just might not be aware of, you can grab My Iceland Map. I have compiled over 250 awesome places, activities, accommodations and more in this map.
If you decide to get full access to it, you will also receive all of the pre-set itineraries I have made. Those itineraries include a 10-day epic Summer Ring Road Adventure, a 3-day South Coast Adventure, The Famous Golden Circle Route, and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day trip itinerary. Additionally, if I make any updates to the map, such as new places, you will get those updates too since you have lifetime access.
Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland
Random Fact of the Episode
It is said that Iceland averages 171 hours of sunlight during this month.
Icelandic word of episode
Júlí – July
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