Iceland Weather in August: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

​Thinking of visiting Iceland in August? My husband and I took an unforgettable trip during this time, and I’m here to share all the weather insights you’ll need for your adventure. Read on to learn all about Iceland weather in August, so you can be better prepared for your next big adventure.

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What’s The Weather Like In Iceland In August?

Iceland, the land of fire and ice. There aren’t many places on earth where you can see a volcano on the same day you hike a glacier, but this amazing country is one of them.

There’s really no bad time to visit Iceland, but August is one of the best months if you want mild weather, long days, and the freedom to explore without bundling up like it’s the Arctic.

While winter brings its own kind of magic, August has its own special vibe and there are so many amazing things you can do in summer in Iceland.

August is Iceland’s second warmest month, and the last month of summer. It lays on the cusp between seasons, making it the perfect time of year to really see all Iceland has to offer.

The landscapes are still lush, the roads are fully open, and the weather is just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting. Knowing exactly what to expect from the weather will really help you to plan the perfect trip to Iceland.

How Warm Is It In Iceland In August?

Let’s talk numbers: the average high in Iceland during August is around 55°F (13°C), while the average low dips to about 47°F (8°C). Early August tends to be the warmest, with things cooling down ever so slightly as the month goes on.

Now, that might not sound super warm—but when the sun’s out and the wind calms down, it can actually feel pretty mild. My husband and I wound up in just t-shirts at one point!

When we hiked Sólheimajökull glacier on August 22nd, we started out all bundled up… and ended up peeling off layers until we were just in long sleeve shirts and open jackets. (That’s us in the photo!) Layers are a must when visiting Iceland.

For a visual reference, here is a chart depicting the average monthly high and low temperatures in Iceland throughout the year.

Rainfall In Iceland In August

Rain is just part of the deal when visiting Iceland—it falls year-round, with monthly averages ranging from about 2 to 4.5 inches. In August, you can expect around 3.4 inches of rain, making it one of the wetter months.

That said, the rain usually comes in short bursts rather than all-day downpours.

When we visited from August 19–23, we were super lucky—we only got hit with one rain shower the whole time. But don’t let that fool you—Iceland weather is unpredictable, so it’s always better to be prepared for wet days.

Here’s another visual for you, of the average rainfall in Iceland throughout the year.

Expert Tip: Don’t bother with the umbrella!

Even though it might be tempting to pack one, umbrellas are basically useless in Iceland thanks to the wind. Save the space in your suitcase. Instead, pack a solid waterproof jacket and maybe toss in a couple ponchos—just in case.

If you’re looking for more packing help for your trip, here’s my full guide to packing for Iceland in Summer.

Hours of Daylight In Iceland In August

One of the coolest things about visiting Iceland is how wild the daylight hours are. Back home in Boston, our daylight only shifts about six hours between summer and winter.

But in Iceland? They experience a massive swing—up to 17 hours difference between seasons!

• Shortest day: Around 4 hours of daylight on the winter solstice
• Longest day: Just over 21 hours of daylight on the summer solstice

In August, you’re still getting plenty of sunshine—about 16 hours a day on average. That means long, dreamy days for road trips, hikes, and squeezing in all those epic Iceland stops.

Here’s a quick look at sunrise and sunset times during August in Iceland (based on Reykjavik):

So while the days are getting shorter as the month goes on, you still have plenty of daylight for exploring—and enough darkness at night to possibly spot the Northern Lights.

We were lucky enough to see them right from our hotel room’s balcony in Reykjavik around 1:00 a.m. on August 21. It was absolutely magical.

Here is another handy chart to help you visualize the length of days in Iceland.

Is August A Good Time To Visit Iceland?

My answer to that is a resounding YES! If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Iceland, August checks all the boxes.

You get mild weather (just make sure to bring a raincoat!), plenty of sunshine, and the chance to see the Northern Lights as the days start to shorten. There is really no negative side to visiting Iceland in August!

Iceland weather in August provides the perfect mix of conditions for exploring this unbelievable country. With more daylight hours, you have more time to drive the ring road, explore the Golden Circle, and check out the beautiful South Coast – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. (See what I did there?)

If you’re into hiking glaciers, relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, or spotting wildlife, there’s really no downside to visiting Iceland in August.

Additional Helpful Iceland Information