A sunny day in Iceland in August

August marks the start of a transitional season in Iceland, where the season slowly begins to shift into fall. But the beauty of Iceland’s late summer is that it’s still technically summer, meaning there are still plenty of daylight hours to explore Iceland, combined with amazing activities and festivals as well as agreeable weather. 

Here we’ll run through everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in August, from what to expect from the weather to unmissable experiences.

Weather and Temperatures in Iceland in August

August brings milder temperatures, long daylight hours, and relatively stable weather conditions. However, as we begin to get later into the month, early signs of fall start to appear, with chillier nights, a bit more rain, and, if you’re lucky, the first glimpses of the Northern Lights.

Iceland Temperature in August

Let’s face it - it just doesn’t get hot in Iceland. That being said, August is one of the warmest months of the year, and your last chance to experience summer before the island slips into fall. Here’s what you can expect in terms of temperatures in Iceland during August:

  • Reykjavík & South Iceland: 10-14°C (50-57°F), but warmer days can reach 16-20°C (61-68°F).
  • North Iceland & East Fjords: Generally a little cooler, with averages of 8-12°C (46-54°F).
  • Westfjords & Highlands: Cooler evenings, with temperatures dropping to 5-10°C (41-50°F) at night.

Rain & Wind in Iceland in August

    • Rainfall: August sees a bit more rain than the other summer months, with between 10 and 15 days of rain throughout the month, depending on where you are in the country. No matter where you are, showers tend to be light and brief, though the odd storm can occur later in August.

  • Wind: Apart from the Highlands, winds tend to be lower in the earlier part of August. Towards the end of the month, high winds or gusts become more commonplace as we shift into fall.

A view of Vik, Iceland, in August with Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the distance.

Daylight Hours in Iceland in August

August still offers long summer days, but daylight hours gradually shorten as the month progresses. Worry not, though - you’ll still have more than enough time to pack in all your explorations.

  • Early August: Around 18 hours of daylight, with the sun setting around 10:30-11:00 PM.
  • Mid-August: About 16-17 hours of daylight, with earlier sunsets around 9:30-10:00 PM.
  • Late August: Around 14-15 hours of daylight, with the sun setting before 9:00 PM.

What to do in Iceland in August

Simply put, August is a hopping month in Iceland! In addition to hiking, puffin watching, whale watching tours, and the activities you can enjoy in June and July, there’s a wealth of activities unique to late summer that you simply have to check out. 

Reykjavík Culture Night (Menningarnótt)

In the middle of August, the country looks forward to this wonderful festival of culture, marking the city’s anniversary. This is one of Iceland’s biggest annual celebrations, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of music, art, and street performances. The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display, bringing locals and visitors together for a night of culture, creativity, and community spirit.

Þjóðhátíð Festival

Located in the Westman Islands, this festival takes place on the weekend prior to the first Monday of August. Featuring live performances, bonfires, fireworks, and a legendary crowd singing event, it’s a unique celebration of Icelandic music, tradition, and community.

Go Berry Picking in Iceland’s Countryside

August kicks off Iceland’s delicious berry season! Grab a basket and take part in this wholesome tradition. Sample wild blueberries, crowberries, and bilberries in areas like Þingvellir National Park, Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, and the East Fjords. A popular local pastime, it’s a great way to enjoy Icelandic nature while gathering fresh, antioxidant-rich treats straight from the earth.

Fresh-picked Icelandic blueberries in someone’s open hand.

Fishing

If you’re an avid fishing enthusiast, August is a great time for you to visit Iceland! This is prime fishing season in Iceland, with abundant salmon, trout, and Arctic char in rivers and lakes like Laxá in North Iceland, Þingvallavatn, and the East Fjords. Visitors need a fishing permit (veiðileyfi), which can be purchased from local landowners, fishing lodges, or online, and must follow strict catch-and-release rules in many areas to protect fish stocks. Just imagine yourself relaxing in the shallows beneath the balmy August sun and catching your own dinner! What a way to connect with the land.

Snorkeling & Diving

Snorkeling in Iceland in late summer offers a unique chance to explore the crystal-clear glacial waters of Silfra, a rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park. With water visibility exceeding 100 meters and a steady temperature of around 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round, Silfra is one of the world’s top cold-water snorkeling sites. August’s milder air temperatures make it a more comfortable time to experience this breathtaking underwater landscape, with dry suits provided to keep you warm.

Clear waters at Silfa fissure in Iceland.  

August really is a wonderful time to visit Iceland. While it may be a busier time of year - there’s good reason for that, given the long days, nice weather, and full agenda of fun things to do. Our team of experts is on hand should you have any questions about renting a car to make getting around Iceland easier during your holiday.

 

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