Waterfall and stream in Iceland during July.

Picture yourself hiking through Iceland’s mountains at midnight or soaking up local culture at a real Icelandic festival. July is one of the best and most popular times to visit Iceland, for these reasons and more. With mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and accessibility to just about every corner of the island, July draws travelers from all over the world hoping to catch the best of Iceland. From road trips to hiking through the Highlands, there’s so much to experience in July in Iceland!

Read on for our top tips to help you prepare for your trip to Iceland in July. As always, for the ultimate experience of freedom, we recommend that you hire a car and explore at your own pace.

Weather & Temperatures in Iceland in July

July sees some of the warmest and most stable weather, making it a brilliant time to explore the country. Iceland is quite famous for its unpredictable weather, but July brings longer days, less rainfall, and warmer days compared to other months. Here’s what you can expect in terms of weather and temperatures in July.

Iceland Temperature in July

While you can never expect Iceland to get hot (maybe don’t expect to be sunbathing on a beach on this trip!), July is when you’ll expect the warmest and most comfortable temperatures of the year, though exact temperatures will vary based on a number of factors, including location.

  • Reykjavík & South Iceland: Average highs of 12-15°C (54-59°F), with occasional peaks reaching nearly 20°C (68°F) on clear and sunny days.
  • North Iceland & East Fjords: Typically slightly cooler, with average highs around 10-14°C (50-57°F).
  • Highlands & Interior: Cooler than the rest of the country. Temperatures drop significantly, especially at night, often around 5-10°C (41-50°F).

At night, temperatures across the country rarely fall below 7-10°C (45-50°F), though the Highlands and remote areas can get colder due to higher elevation and open landscapes.

Rain & Wind in Iceland in July

  • Rainfall: July is one of the driest months in Iceland, but light rain showers can still be expected, especially in the south and west regions of the country. You can expect between 8 and 12 rainy days in July, though showers are usually brief.
  • Wind: Summer winds are milder than in autumn or winter, but coastal areas can still be breezy. The Highlands can also experience strong wind gusts, particularly in open, elevated areas.

Sunshine & Daylight Hours in July

Following the Midnight Sun at the end of June, July sees a great deal of sunlight hours, giving you all the more chance to explore Iceland around the clock. 

  • Early July: You can expect 22-24 hours of daylight. Even after sunset, it never feels completely dark and feels more like constant twilight. This makes July a great time for road trips, photography, and extended sightseeing.
  • Late July: Sunsets start returning, with about 18-20 hours of daylight by the end of the month.

What to do in Iceland in July

Like June, July is one of the best times to spot Icelandic wildlife. But in addition, it’s also just a fantastic time to experience and enjoy outdoor activities. 

Couple hiking in Iceland on a sunny day.

Hiking & Trekking

You can’t really beat July in terms of the best time to hike in Iceland. Some of Iceland’s most popular hiking destinations, like Thorsmork Valley and Landmannalaugar, are located within Iceland’s Highlands. This remote region of Iceland makes up the interior of the island and is crisscrossed by a network of gravel roads that are impassable during any time of the year other than summer. These roads, known as F-Roads, are most accessible in July, making it the perfect time to explore some stellar hiking locations. 

Road Trips

Iceland has built quite a reputation as an iconic road trip destination. From the Ring Road that encircles nearly the entire island, to the quick and accessible Golden Circle and even the remote northern Diamond Circle, there is so much open road to explore in Iceland! 

Going on a road trip gives you the freedom to explore Iceland on your own agenda - see the sites that mean the most to you and pass over those that you’re just not interested in. 

Festivals & Cultural Events

Throughout the year, Iceland has an active calendar with lots of cultural events and festivals that provide an authentic Icelandic experience. July hosts a couple worth mentioning. 

    • Reykjavík Fringe Festival: The Reykjavík Fringe Festival is a dynamic summer showcase of local and international artists, featuring theatre, dance, comedy, circus acts, poetry, drag, burlesque, and more. Held across the city, it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity and boundary-pushing performances.

  • Folk Music Festival in Siglufjörður: The Folk Music Centre in Siglufjörður brings Icelandic folk music to life through engaging videos of performers of all ages. Visitors can try traditional instruments like the Icelandic fiddle and langspil or simply enjoy the music over a cup of coffee.

  • The National Icelandic Horse Competition: The National Icelandic Horse Competition is held twice a year, bringing together the country’s top riders to showcase the unique Icelandic horse and its famed five gaits. Featuring events like tölt, pace racing, and dressage, the competition highlights the skill of both horse and rider.

Two young girls riding Icelandic horses in Iceland.

Now you’ve got all the information you need to create an unforgettable itinerary for your trip to Iceland in July! And we may be biased, but July is one of our favorite months of the year in Iceland! Speak to our team if you have any questions about hiring your car or visiting Iceland in general, or browse our range of cars to decide which is right for you.

 

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