Iceland Weather in August: Everything I Wish I Knew Before I Went

Thinking of visiting Iceland in August? My husband and I went during this time and it was one of the most incredible trips we have ever taken.

The weather was milder than I expected, the days were insanely long, and we could cram in so many adventures without freezing our faces off.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what Iceland weather is like in August, from temperatures and rain to daylight hours and what to pack.

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Iceland Weather in August: Quick Facts

Here’s a simple look at what to expect:

It’s not beach weather, but it’s perfect for road trips, waterfalls, and glacier hikes.

What’s The Weather Like In Iceland In August?

Iceland really lives up to the whole “land of fire and ice” thing. You can see a volcano and hike a glacier on the same day and still have time for a geothermal soak before dinner.

There’s truly no bad time to visit Iceland, but August hits the sweet spot. It’s warm (for Iceland), the roads are open, and you get tons of daylight for adventures.

It’s also the last month of Iceland’s short summer, so everything still feels alive and lush before the fall season rolls in.

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.

When we were in Iceland the weather changed constantly. One minute we were in hats and jackets, and the next we were in t-shirts wondering if we overdressed. It definitely keeps 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?

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 Solheimajokull glacier, 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 part of the Iceland experience. You can almost guarantee you’ll see some.

Monthly averages range from about 2 to 4.5 inches of rainfall. In August, you can expect around 3.4 inches of rain, making it one of the wetter months.

But it’s usually not all-day downpours. Think quick showers that roll through and disappear.

We only had one rainy afternoon during our whole trip, but don’t count on that kind of luck. Iceland likes to keep visitors guessing.

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

Expert Tip: Don’t bother bringing an umbrella! Iceland’s wind will destroy it in seconds. Bring a real waterproof jacket and maybe toss in a lightweight poncho.

If you’re looking for more packing help for your trip, here’s my full guide to packing for Iceland in Summer with real stuff we actually used on our trip.

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 it’s a completely different story. 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?

A huge YES from me. If you’re trying to pick the best time to visit Iceland, August checks all the boxes:

✅ Mild weather
✅ Tons of daylight
✅ Green landscapes
✅ Roads fully open
✅ Northern Lights return mid-August
✅ Wildlife watching
✅ Waterfalls are roaring
✅ Perfect for tours and road trips

We drove the South Coast, explored the Golden Circle, soaked in the Blue Lagoon, and even hiked a glacier. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. (See what I did there?)

August let us do EVERYTHING.

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!

What to Pack for August Weather in Iceland

Iceland weather will hand you all four seasons in one day. Here’s what helped us the most:

• Waterproof jacket
• Warm base layers
• Cozy hat + gloves
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Swimsuit for hot springs
• Layers layers layers

Here’s my full Iceland Summer Packing Guide with everything we actually used.

FAQ: Iceland in August

Is Iceland crowded in August?

It’s one of the most popular months to visit, so yes, but for good reason. Make sure you book tours and hotels early.

Can you see the Northern Lights in August?

We did! It is not super common in the early part of August because the nights are still pretty bright. Your best chance is in the second half of the month when the sky finally gets dark again.

Is Iceland cold in August?

Not really, but that’s going to depend on what you’re used to. Cool and fresh is a better description. Pack layers and you’re good.

Can you drive the Ring Road in August?

Definitely! Roads are usually fully open and conditions are great.

Is it worth visiting Iceland in August?

Absolutely. August is one of the best months to visit Iceland. You get great sightseeing weather, long days outside, and tons of activities are available,

Best Things To Do in Iceland in August

August is such a fun time to explore Iceland because everything is open and the weather actually cooperates. Here are some of the best things to do if you’re visiting in August:

• Go on a glacier hike – Glaciers are still very accessible in August. My husband and I hiked Solheimajokull and it was honestly one of our favorite adventures in Iceland. You feel like you’re walking on another planet.
• Road trip the South Coast – Waterfalls, black sand beaches, epic cliffs – it’s all breathtaking and easy to explore in summer. You don’t have to worry about icy roads or closures, which makes everything a lot more relaxing.
• Explore the Golden Circle – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss are iconic stops that are especially beautiful with the lush green summer landscape. You can do it in a day and it never feels rushed thanks to the long daylight hours.
• Soak in geothermal hot springs – You can definitely relax in warm water even if the air feels cool. The Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and other local hot springs feel extra dreamy in the summer sun.
• Try a whale watching tour – August is one of the best months for spotting whales, including humpbacks and minkes. There are plenty of tours, and the success rate is pretty high this time of year.
• See puffins before they migrate – If puffins are on your Iceland bucket list, August is basically your last chance to see them before they head back out to sea for the year.
• Go hiking with endless daylight hours – You can pack so much into one day in August. We loved being able to go back out after dinner and explore a little more because the daylight just keeps going.
• Enjoy local festivals – August is a big celebration month in Iceland. If you love music, food, culture, or just a great party, check out these fun events:

Additional Helpful Iceland Information