Iceland in June: The Self-Drive Travel Guide

June marks the true arrival of summer in Iceland. The weather is at its mildest, roads are open across the country, and the longest days of the year bring almost 24 hours of sunlight. It’s a time when you can drive into the highlands, watch puffins along the coast, hike on glaciers, and even step inside a volcano, all with the midnight sun lighting your way.

June is also the start of peak travel season, which means popular attractions will be busier and rental cars, accommodations, and tours can book out quickly. Planning ahead is essential, but the payoff is huge: the chance to see Iceland at its most accessible, colorful, and alive.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in June, from weather and packing tips to road conditions, the best rental cars, top things to do, festivals, and a suggested self-drive itinerary.

• Related readings: Iceland in May ; Driving in Iceland

Table of Contents

• Iceland Weather in June
• What to Pack for Iceland in June
• Driving Conditions in Iceland in June
• The Best Rental Car for Iceland in June
• Is June a Good Time To Go to Iceland?
• Best Things to Do in Iceland in June
• Best Festivals and Events in Iceland in June
• Self-Drive Itinerary for June
• What Does Iceland in June Look Like?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Weather in Iceland in June

Iceland has optimal weather conditions in June. You won’t need to worry about snow-covered roads limiting your access to attractions or freezing temperatures making you uncomfortable during hikes. The mild weather in Iceland in June means you’ll have access to more parts of the country as Iceland F-roads become accessible, and camping becomes a more comfortable activity. Plus, you’ll get the most sun of the entire year! 

The Average Temperature of Iceland in June

Temperatures in June typically range between 9°C (48°F) and 15°C (59°F), though warm days can climb higher. Reykjavík and the South Coast are usually milder, while the highlands and northern regions remain cooler. Nights rarely dip below freezing, making camping and long days outside much easier than in spring or fall.

The Daylight Hours

June is all about light. Around the summer solstice (June 21st), Iceland enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight. Even when the sun dips below the horizon for an hour or two, the sky remains bright with lingering twilight. The phenomenon is known as the midnight sun and is one of the highlights of visiting in June.

Expect 21–22 hours of usable daylight throughout the month. It’s perfect for road trips, as you can explore without worrying about darkness. A good sleeping mask is a must, though, since your body clock might struggle with constant light.

Is Iceland Cold in June?

Compared to winter, June feels warm. That said, it’s not summer heat in the traditional sense. You’ll still need layers, especially with Iceland’s unpredictable winds and rain showers. Think of June as “crisp hiking weather”: comfortable enough for long days outside, but still requiring a jacket, sweater, and sturdy footwear.

What to Pack for Iceland in June

Packing for June means preparing for mild days, bright nights, and the occasional rainstorm. Layers are essential, along with a few summer extras. If you’re visiting Iceland in June, here are the essential things you’ll need to pack: 

• Raincoat/waterproof jacket
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Eyemask
• Hiking boots 
• Swimsuit
• Thermal layer (top and bottom)
• Comfortable walking pants 
• Warm hat
• Shorts and t-shirt 
• Cosy, breathable sweater

Check out our full Iceland packing list for everything you need to bring with you on your self-drive trip to Iceland.

Driving Conditions in Iceland in June

June offers some of the best driving conditions of the year. Snow is gone from the main roads, rural tracks are clear, and even the highland F-roads typically open by mid-month.

• Ring Road & Golden Circle: Fully open and easy to drive in any type of rental car.
  
• Westfjords & Eastfjords: Remote but accessible. Gravel stretches require more care.
  
• Highlands (F-roads): Usually open from mid-June. These roads are rough, include river crossings, and legally require a 4×4.

While road conditions are favorable, summer brings other challenges: more traffic, distracted drivers stopping suddenly for photos, and the occasional dense fog or heavy rain. Always check road.is for updates and adjust your driving speed to conditions.

The Best Rental Car for Iceland in June

The best rental car for June really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. If you’re sticking to Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, or the South Coast, a compact 2WD or economy car will be more than enough for the smooth, paved roads in those areas. Travelers looking to complete the full Ring Road or explore more remote regions like the Eastfjords or Westfjords will find a 4×4 SUV to be a better choice, as it provides greater comfort and stability on gravel stretches.

For anyone planning to venture into the Highlands, a 4×4 is mandatory by law, and a high-clearance SUV is strongly recommended to handle river crossings and rugged terrain. June is also one of the most popular months for camping, so campervans are a fantastic option for those who want the freedom to combine transportation with accommodation. Since June is peak season, it’s always best to book your rental car well in advance to secure both availability and the best price.

Is June a Good Time To Go to Iceland?

June is one of the best months to visit Iceland, combining long days of nearly 24-hour sunlight with mild, comfortable weather. By this time, the highlands are usually open, giving travelers access to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, while puffins, whales, and other wildlife are at their peak. Festivals and cultural events add even more to the experience, making June both adventurous and vibrant. The only drawback is its popularity. This is high season, so expect bigger crowds, higher prices, and the need to book in advance.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in June

For visitors to Iceland in June, there’s definitely no shortage of things to do since you won’t be limited by the weather. But there are some attractions and activities that you don’t want to miss. Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Iceland in June:

1. Drive the Ring Road

June is the perfect time to take on the full Route 1 Ring Road, a 1,333 km loop around Iceland. The long days give you plenty of time to see major highlights like Seljalandsfoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn, and Godafoss. With the highlands open, you can also detour to interior routes like Askja or Landmannalaugar.

• Recommend reading: Iceland Ring Road Travel Tips

2. Experience the Midnight Sun

The solstice brings surreal experiences: watching the sun set and rise in the same golden arc, hiking late into the night without a flashlight, or camping under skies that never go dark. Popular midnight sun viewpoints include Kirkjufell, Vestrahorn, and the black sand beaches near Vík.

3. Glacier Adventures

Snow doesn’t disappear with summer. It clings to Iceland’s glaciers year-round. In June, you can hike on Sólheimajökull or Vatnajökull, snowmobile across Langjökull, or even descend into an ice cave on a guided tour.

Recommended glacier hiking tours:

4. Snorkeling or Diving in Silfra

Þingvellir National Park is home to the Silfra fissure, where you can snorkel or dive between two continents. June’s clear, mild weather makes this otherworldly experience even more enjoyable, with visibility often reaching 100 meters.

Recommended snorkelling tours in Iceland:

5. Icelandic Horseback Riding 

Riding an Icelandic horse is a classic summer activity. These small, sturdy horses are known for their unique tölt gait. Tours range from short family rides to longer treks through lava fields, beaches, and mountain trails.

Recommended Horse Riding tour in Iceland

6. Step Inside a Volcano

Only in summer can you actually descend into the magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur volcano, located about 30 minutes outside Reykjavík. After a short hike, you’re lowered 120 meters into the colorful, cathedral-like chamber of this Iceland volcano. It’s one of the most unique adventures you can have anywhere in the world.

Inside the Volcano official tour:

7. Whale Watching & Puffin Spotting

June in Iceland is one of the best times of year to enjoy some of Iceland’s incredible wildlife. Especially whales and puffins! There are many different types of whales that call Iceland’s waters home, including humpback, minke and orcas.

Some of the best places to see whales in Iceland include the waters around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Húsavík, and the Westfjords. Whale-watching tours are available from several coastal towns, with experienced guides leading visitors to the best spots for sightings.

Puffins are known for their colourful beaks, and distinctive waddles and many visitors hope to see them when visiting Iceland. Some of the best places to see these adorable seabirds in Iceland in June include the Westman Islands, the Dyrhólaey peninsula, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Visitors can take guided tours that take them on scenic coastal trails to reach the birds’ nesting sites, where you can observe them in their natural habitat. 

Top Festivals and Events in Iceland in June

During the month of June, there are many festivals taking place in Iceland that will allow visitors to tap into the local culture of Icelandic people. Here are some of our favourites:

Iceland’s Independence Day (June 17)

June 17th is Independence Day in Iceland, which celebrates the day Iceland became independent of Denmark and established the Republic of Iceland back in 1944. Reykjavik comes alive with a parade on Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and vendors selling hot dogs, ice cream and candy. But there are also smaller celebrations in villages around the country. 

Fisherman’s Day in Reykjavik 

In early June, Icelanders celebrate Fisherman’s day, which honours the fishing industry that has been so pivotal in the country’s culture and economy. Most of Iceland’s towns are harbour towns, where fishing plays a big role in the livelihood of the communities.

On this day, fishermen come to port, honour lives lost at sea, and spend time with their family and friends. Now, Reykjavik holds a festival all weekend long called The Festival of the Sea, where you’ll find live music and food vendors. Plus, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum is free to visit on Fisherman’s Day. 

Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður

Viking culture is part of Iceland’s history, and on the second weekend in June, you can experience this first-hand in Hafnarfjörður town at the annual Viking Festival. It’s hosted at the Viking Village, where you’ll find a Viking market where you can purchase traditional Viking goods like silver jewellery, leather and fur items and even swords. In classic Viking style, they roast lamb, do fighting demonstrations and share stories about the history of Vikings. 

Summer Solstice Celebrations

Around June 21, Iceland celebrates the longest day of the year. Events range from small local bonfires to large music gatherings under the midnight sun. Some Ásatrú (Norse pagan) groups host solstice rituals in Þingvellir, while hikers and photographers chase the golden light across the countryside.

Jónsmessa (Midsummer Night) – June 24

According to folklore, Midsummer Night is a time of magic. Cows are said to speak, seals take human form, and elves may appear with tempting gifts. Locals celebrate with traditions like rolling in morning dew for good health or venturing into the countryside to connect with Iceland’s mystical past.

Reykjavík Fringe Festival

Taking place in early June, the Reykjavík Fringe Festival brings theater, dance, drag, burlesque, and street art to venues across the city. It’s a lively showcase of creativity and contemporary culture.

Við Djúpið Music Festival (Ísafjörður, Westfjords)

This classical and contemporary music festival combines masterclasses, chamber concerts, and cultural programs in the stunning setting of the Westfjords. Held in late June, it’s a hidden gem for travelers seeking a mix of music and nature.

Suggested 7-Day Self-Drive Itinerary for Iceland in June

Day 1 – Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Arrive in Reykjavík, explore Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall, and finish with a soak in the Blue Lagoon.

Day 2 – Golden Circle
Visit Þingvellir National Park (snorkel Silfra if you’re adventurous), see Geysir and Gullfoss, and relax in the Secret Lagoon.

Day 3 – South Coast
Drive to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, walk the black sands of Reynisfjara, and overnight near Vík.

Day 4 – Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón
Hike in Skaftafell National Park, take a glacier hike, and visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Overnight in Höfn.

Day 5 – Eastfjords
Enjoy the scenic fjords, fishing villages, and wildlife. Overnight in Egilsstaðir.

Day 6 – North Iceland
Join a whale-watching tour in Húsavík or Akureyri, explore Lake Mývatn’s geothermal landscapes, and relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 7 – West Iceland & Return
Drive south, stopping at Hraunfossar waterfalls. If timing allows, join Reykjavík’s Independence Day celebrations or a local solstice event.

What Does Iceland in June Look Like?

Think endless daylight, green meadows dotted with sheep, puffins nesting on seaside cliffs, and glaciers glittering in the distance. June paints Iceland in summer colors: waterfalls roaring with meltwater, lupines blooming along the Ring Road, and golden light circling the sky all night long. Here is what you can expect Iceland to look like in June:

FAQs

• • Can you ever see the northern lights in Iceland in June?
    No. The nights are simply too bright in June, even in the north. The northern lights are technically still active above the atmosphere, but the constant daylight of the midnight sun makes them impossible to see. Aurora season begins again in late August when darkness returns.

 

• • Are puffins in Iceland in June?
    Yes. June is actually one of the best months to see puffins. The birds nest on Iceland’s cliffs from May through August, and by June the colonies are full and active. Popular places to spot them include the Westman Islands, Dyrhólaey, Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

 

• • Does it get completely dark in Iceland in June?
    Not really. Around the solstice, the sun sets for only an hour or two, and even then the sky glows with twilight. It never gets fully dark. Travelers often use sleeping masks to adjust, while photographers and adventurers take advantage of the midnight sun for extended days of exploration.

 

• • Can you swim in Iceland in June?
    Absolutely. Swimming is part of Icelandic culture, and pools, lagoons, and hot springs are open year-round. June is especially pleasant for visiting geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, or natural hot springs such as Reykjadalur, since you can soak in warm water while the air is fresh and mild.

 

• • Are there midges in Iceland in June?
    Yes, particularly around Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, which is famous for its clouds of harmless but sometimes irritating midges. They don’t bite, but a head net can make exploring more comfortable. Elsewhere in Iceland, they’re much less of a problem.

 

• • Does it rain a lot in Iceland in June?
    Rain is possible, but June is one of Iceland’s drier months compared to autumn and winter. Expect a mix of sunny spells, overcast skies, and occasional showers. Conditions vary across the country, so always pack a waterproof jacket.

 

• • Is Iceland crowded in June?
    Yes, June is peak tourist season. The combination of mild weather, open highland roads, and the midnight sun draws many visitors. Popular attractions like the Golden Circle and South Coast will be busy, so plan ahead, book accommodation and rental cars early, and consider visiting less-traveled regions like the Eastfjords or Westfjords for more solitude.

 

Ready to Explore Iceland in June?

June is one of the best months of the year to experience Iceland. With open roads, long daylight hours, accessible highlands, and a calendar full of festivals, it’s the ultimate time for a self-drive trip.To make the most of your adventure, book your rental car online and in advance with Hertz Iceland. Whether you need a compact car, SUV, or campervan, you’ll find the perfect vehicle for exploring Iceland in June.

Rent a Car in Iceland Today!