Iceland in Summer: The Complete Iceland Summer Self-Drive Guide

Summer in Iceland is when the country feels wide open. Roads that sit under snow for most of the year finally become accessible, the Highlands wake up, whale activity peaks, puffins nest, and the midnight sun stretches every travel day into what feels like two. For self-drive travelers, this is the season when Iceland is at its very best.

Driving yourself allows you to cover more ground, reach quieter corners of the country, and build an itinerary that doesn’t depend on tour schedules or crowded time slots. With long daylight hours and the best road conditions of the year, summer is when a rental car gives you maximum freedom and flexibility to explore Iceland at your own pace.

This guide brings together everything you need to know about traveling Iceland in summer, from weather expectations and packing advice to the areas only accessible this time of year, the best summer activities, and how to choose the right rental car for your route.

Quick Facts About Iceland in Summer

Summer in Iceland runs from June through August, although late May and early September often feel like extensions of the season. Expect long daylight hours, mild temperatures, accessible mountain roads, and the most complete version of Iceland’s landscape. You see green hillsides, bright lupine fields, exposed highland trails, powerful waterfalls, and vibrant coastal wildlife.

This is also peak visitor season. You’ll benefit from beautiful weather and open roads, but you’ll also want to book your accommodation, rental car, and popular activities well in advance.

Table of Contents

• When is Summer in Iceland?
• Weather in Iceland During Summer
• Pros and Cons of Summer
• Driving in Iceland in Summer
• Best Rental Car in Summer
• Summer Packing List
• Where You Can Go
• Best Driving Routes
• Best Things to Do
• Reykjavík in Summer
• Summer Road Trip Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions

When is Summer in Iceland?

• June: the height of the midnight sun, when it barely gets dark.
• July: warmest month of the year and prime outdoor-adventure season.
• August: slightly cooler, still bright, with cultural events and the first hints of darker nights toward the end of the month.

Even though temperatures stay mild, Iceland’s weather changes quickly. You may wake up to sunshine, drive through a rain shower that afternoon, and finish the day under a pastel midnight-sun sky. It’s all part of the experience.

Weather in Iceland During Summer

Summer temperatures typically range from 10 to 15°C (50–59°F), with occasional warm days reaching the low 20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit). The wind is gentler, storms are fewer, and road conditions are at their safest.

A few regional differences to keep in mind:

• South Coast: warmest and sunniest stretches
• West Iceland + Snæfellsnes: mild and breezy
• North Iceland: stable weather, excellent for road trips
• Highlands: noticeably colder, even in July and August
• Glaciers: always chilly and layers are essential

The midnight sun is the defining feature of Icelandic summer. From mid-June through early July, the sky never fully darkens, creating long, glowing evenings perfect for photography, hiking, or visiting popular sights without crowds. But with constant daylight comes one tradeoff: the northern lights are not visible in summer, because the sky never gets dark enough.

For month-specific weather details, travelers often look into:
May in Iceland • June in Iceland • July in Iceland • August in Iceland • September in Iceland

Is Summer a Good Time to Visit Iceland?

The short answer is that yes, summer is the best time to visit Iceland if you want to drive, explore widely, and experience the country’s full range of natural attractions.

Pros	Cons
• Mild temperatures and pleasant weather • Long daylight hours • Best driving conditions of the year • Access to the Highlands and remote regions • Abundant wildlife (puffins, whales, seals) • More hiking, outdoor activities, and open trails	• Highest prices for accommodation and rental cars • Popular attractions get busy • Requires advance booking • No northern lights

Driving in Iceland in Summer: What You Need to Know

Summer opens nearly every part of Iceland to drivers. Whether you’re following the Ring Road or venturing onto F-roads into the Highlands, this is the season when renting a car pays off the most.

Road Conditions Are Excellent (Mostly)

• The Ring Road is fully open and in good condition.
• Coastal routes are easy to navigate.
• Gravel roads remain common in the Westfjords and some inland areas, so drive slowly and keep a firm grip.
• Potholes appear after the winter thaw, so stay alert.

F-Roads Open for the Season

These mountain roads lead into Iceland’s interior and only open once the snow has melted, which is typically mid-June through September. You cannot access Iceland F-roads with a 2WD vehicle; a 4×4 with high clearance is mandatory, not optional.

Top F-road destinations in Iceland include Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, Thórsmörk (requires river-crossing experience) and Askja region.

Summer Crowds Mean Smarter Driving Pays Off

The midnight sun gives you a secret weapon: the ability to visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the evening and skip nearly all the crowds. Drivers have the unique ability to time visits around peak hours.

Fuel Planning Still Matters

In remote regions like the Westfjords, Eastfjords, and Highlands, gas stations in Iceland can be spaced far apart. Top up your tank often, even if you think you don’t need to.

Safety Tips for Summer Driving

• Watch for sheep. They roam freely and change direction unpredictably.
• Slow down on gravel. Loose stones can damage tires or crack windshields.
• Never stop on the road for photos. Pull into a designated lay-by.
• Follow road-closure updates, especially for Highlands travel.
• Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined.

How to Choose the Best Rental Car for an Iceland Summer Trip

Selecting the right vehicle depends on your route and group size. Because Iceland’s landscapes vary dramatically, matching your car to your itinerary is essential.

• For Ring Road Trips (June–August): A compact or mid-size 2WD car works well for most travelers. Roads are paved, distances are long but manageable, and driving is straightforward.
• For the Westfjords or Remote Peninsulas: A 4×4 makes the journey more comfortable on gravel and steep inclines. The region’s dramatic fjords reward slower, more confident driving.
• For the Highlands and F-Roads: Only rent a 4×4 with high clearance. Some routes also require experience with river crossings, so be sure to check road conditions before setting out.
• For Families or Groups: Passenger vans and SUVs offer space for luggage, hiking gear, and long travel days.
• For Eco-Conscious Travelers: Electric vehicles are increasingly available, but charging networks are still denser in urban regions than remote ones. Plan routes carefully.

Booking early is crucial in summer. Availability drops quickly, and rates rise as the season approaches.

What to Pack for Your Iceland Summer Road Trip

Layers make all the difference. Iceland’s summer weather shifts quickly, and the right clothing makes your trip far more comfortable. Here are some essential items to bring with you:

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• A waterproof and windproof jacket
• Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (the light is intense)
• A swimsuit for hot springs and pools
• Lightweight layers for warm days

You don’t need heavy winter gear, but you do need clothing that handles rain, wind, and temperature swings. Check out our full Iceland packing list for a more detailed breakdown of what to bring with you on your Iceland adventure. 

Where You Can Go in Iceland in Summer

Summer is when Iceland opens all its doors. Some regions are simply off-limits the rest of the year.

The Icelandic Highlands

An otherworldly landscape of rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys, black-sand deserts, and remote hiking trails. Accessible only via F-roads, the Highlands are a summer-only experience. Highlights include Landmannalaugar, Thórsmörk, Kerlingarfjöll and Askja.

The Westfjords

Home to dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and quiet fishing villages. The region is sparsely populated and incredibly scenic, but roads close in winter. Summer brings puffins at Látrabjarg, Dynjandi waterfall, Rauðasandur red sand beach and endless coastal viewpoints.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this region is accessible year-round but shines in summer, especially for wildlife, photography, and hiking.

The South Coast

A classic route with black-sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and easy access from Reykjavík. Summer means greener fields, vibrant cliffs, calmer seas, and excellent road conditions.

Best Driving Routes for an Iceland Summer Self-Drive Trip

Iceland offers breathtaking driving routes that showcase its natural wonders. And as the road conditions in the summer are the best of the year, there are fewer limitations to the areas you can access with a rental car. Here are some of the best routes to explore during your summer self-drive adventure:

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the most popular and easiest route to explore by rental car, especially for first-time visitors. This well-maintained loop starts and ends in Reykjavík and includes Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. It can be completed in a single day, but summer’s long daylight hours make it easy to slow the pace, add short hikes, or visit quieter spots early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.

The Ring Road

For travelers who want a deeper look at the country, driving Iceland’s Ring Road in summer is the most comprehensive way to experience its diverse landscapes. Route 1 circles the entire island and connects waterfalls, glaciers, coastal villages, volcanic plains, and dramatic fjords. Summer is the best season to drive the Ring Road because road conditions are stable and side routes are fully accessible. While it is technically possible to complete the loop in about a week, most travelers benefit from allowing ten to fourteen days, which leaves room for scenic detours and unplanned stops.

The South Coast

The South Coast is another favorite summer route and works well for shorter self-drive itineraries. Stretching east from Reykjavík toward the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, this region features iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier tongues, and expansive views of Iceland’s southern ice caps. Summer makes the South Coast especially enjoyable, with greener landscapes, calmer weather, and easier access to viewpoints and hiking trails.

The Westfjords

For travelers seeking something quieter and more remote, the Westfjords offer one of the most rewarding summer road trips in Iceland. This region is characterized by steep fjords, winding coastal roads, towering sea cliffs, and small fishing villages. Many of its roads are impassable in winter, which makes summer the only practical time to explore the area by car. Driving in the Westfjords requires extra time and attention, but the lack of crowds and dramatic scenery make it well worth the effort.

The Highlands

The Icelandic Highlands represent the most adventurous self-drive option in summer. These interior regions are accessible only via mountain F-roads, which typically open between late June and early July, depending on snowmelt. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required, and drivers should be comfortable navigating gravel roads and, in some cases, unbridged river crossings. In return, the Highlands offer surreal volcanic landscapes, geothermal valleys, and hiking areas like Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll that cannot be reached at any other time of year.

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Another excellent summer driving route is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, located in western Iceland. Often described as “Iceland in miniature,” this compact region combines lava fields, beaches, fishing villages, cliffs, waterfalls, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano. It is easily accessible from Reykjavík and works well as a one- or two-day self-drive trip, making it a popular addition to longer summer itineraries.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in Summer

While there are seemingly endless things to do in Iceland in the summer, here are our tops things to do in Iceland summer that you don’t want to miss:

1. Whale and Bird Watching

Iceland’s coastal waters are home to tons of marine life, including Iceland whales and various bird species. Take a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of some of the many species that inhabit the area, including humpback, minke, and fin whales, or embark on a bird-watching excursion to observe Iceland puffins and other seabirds nesting in their natural habitats.

Have a look at our partners’ whale watching and bird-watching tours.

2. Explore Inside a Volcano

Descend into the depths of a dormant volcano and explore its magma chamber on the Inside the Volcano tour. The Thrihnukagigur volcano near Reykjavik offers a unique opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcano, with guided tours taking you deep inside its caverns. 

• You must join the Inside the volcano tour to get into the volcano

3. Go Hiking in Iceland

Iceland is a hiker’s paradise, with Iceland hiking trails catering to all skill levels. And in the summer months, it’s the perfect temperature and weather conditions for a comfortable and enjoyable hike. You have many options to choose from, whether you’d like to hike on a mountain on your own or book a tour to venture out onto one of the Iceland glaciers.

• Find the best Iceland glacier tours here.

4. Witness the Midnight Sun

Experience the magical phenomenon of the midnight sun in various Icelandic attractions. Visit the famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara and witness the sun setting and rising in the same sky. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Iceland Blue Lagoon are also amazing places to experience the Iceland midnight sun.

5. Other Outdoor Activities

Beyond what we’ve already mentioned, there are many other outdoor activities to try during Iceland’s summer. Book a tour to snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra, an underwater fissure that separates the North American and Eurasian continents. Or join a guide to explore the mesmerizing blue ice caves that reform each year within the country’s glaciers. Take a guided horseback riding tour to experience the unique gait of Icelandic horses, or embark on a thrilling snowmobile excursion across Iceland’s rugged terrains.

Reykjavík in Summer: Culture, Food, and Festivals

The capital takes on a completely different personality during summer. Locals spend more time outside, cafés spill onto sidewalks, and festivals fill the calendar.

Summer highlights include:

• Reykjavík Arts Festival (May–June)
• Independence Day (June 17)
• Secret Solstice Festival (late June)
• Reykjavík Pride (August)
• Culture Night (August)

Walking Reykjavík’s neighborhoods under late-evening sunlight is one of the quiet joys of visiting Iceland in summer.

Tips for Planning Your Iceland Summer Road Trip

Planning is key to a successful summer road trip in Iceland. Here are some essential tips to consider:

• Book everything 3-4 months in advance. Due to Iceland’s popularity as a summer destination, we recommend booking accommodations, rental cars, and popular activities well in advance to secure availability and get the best rates.

• Consider renting a camper van. Renting an Iceland camper van or motorhome is a popular and cost-effective option that combines both transportation and accommodation in one. This provides flexibility and the opportunity to explore remote areas at your own pace.
  
• It’s important to note that wild camping is not allowed in Iceland, nor is pulling off to the side of the road. When camping in Iceland, you’ll need to camp in designated campgrounds, which can be found dotted around the country on most main routes. 

• Start planning your route in advance. Research and plan your route in advance, taking into account the attractions you want to visit and the time needed to explore each location. Include factors such as driving distances, road conditions, and potential stops in your plans, and always allow for buffer time. 

• Familiarize yourself with local Iceland traffic laws and regulations. Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with Iceland’s traffic laws, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, and parking regulations. It’s also important to be aware of specific road conditions, such as gravel roads and F-roads, which require added caution and appropriate vehicle selection.

• Be mindful of the environment and respect Iceland’s pristine nature by following “Leave No Trace” principles. Dispose of waste responsibly, stay on designated trails, and be cautious of fragile ecosystems. It’s also important to be mindful of wildlife and maintain a safe distance when observing animals.

FAQs About Iceland in Summer

• • Is Iceland worth visiting in summer?
    Absolutely. Summer offers the widest accessibility, safest driving conditions, and the most things to see and do.

 

• • Is it cold in Iceland in summer?
    Not particularly, though it stays cool. Expect 10–15°C with occasional warmer days.

 

• • Can I see the northern lights in summer?
    No. The sky never gets dark enough.

 

• • Do I need a 4×4 in summer?
    Only if you plan to drive F-roads or explore the Highlands. The Ring Road and major routes are fine in a 2WD.

 

• • Can I drive the Ring Road in a week?
    Yes, but 10–12 days is more comfortable in summer when you have more to see.

 

• • Are the Highlands open in summer?
    Yes, usually mid-June to September, depending on snow melt.

 

• • How busy is Iceland in July?
    Very. It’s peak season, so book early and use off-peak hours to your advantage.

 

Start Your Iceland Summer Adventure

A rental car gives you the freedom to take full advantage of Iceland’s best season. With long days, open roads, and landscapes that stretch in every direction, summer is when Iceland feels most alive, and when self-drive travel is at its most rewarding.

Plan ahead, choose the right car, and let Iceland unfold at your own pace. Start your summer journey today by booking your rental car with Hertz Iceland.

Rent a Car in Iceland Today with Hertz!