🌤️ When to go?
Best time to visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland for backpacking is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F). The long daylight hours provide ample time for exploring the stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and natural attractions that Iceland has to offer. Additionally, many campsites and facilities are open during this period, making it easier for backpackers to find accommodation and amenities.
Why visit Iceland in June?
In June, Iceland experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun sets for only a few hours, creating long days of sunlight. This allows for extended hours of exploration and outdoor activities, providing ample time to take in the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. The extended daylight also means more opportunities to witness the stunning colors of the midnight sun, casting a warm and golden glow over the landscape.June is an ideal time to visit Iceland for outdoor enthusiasts, as the weather is generally milder and more conducive to activities such as hiking, camping, and bird-watching. The wildflowers are in full bloom, adding vibrant pops of color to the already stunning scenery. Additionally, June marks the beginning of the whale-watching season in Iceland, offering the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
On the other hand, June is a popular tourist season in Iceland, which means that popular attractions and accommodations may be more crowded and expensive. Additionally, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, with the potential for sudden changes and the occasional rainy day. It’s important to be prepared for varying weather conditions and to plan activities accordingly.
Why visit Iceland in July?
July is the perfect time to visit Iceland for those looking to experience the stunning natural beauty of the country. The long days and midnight sun provide ample opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to dramatic volcanic terrain.The weather in July is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F). This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the country’s many national parks and nature reserves.
July is also prime time for spotting wildlife, including puffins, seals, and whales. The coastal areas come alive with activity, offering visitors the chance to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
For those interested in cultural experiences, July is when Iceland hosts a variety of music and arts festivals, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and traditions.
Overall, July offers the perfect combination of favorable weather, extended daylight hours, and a wide range of outdoor and cultural activities, making it an ideal time to visit Iceland.
Why visit Iceland in August?
August is a popular time to visit Iceland due to its mild weather and long daylight hours. The average temperature ranges from 10-15°C, making it comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the stunning landscapes. The extended daylight hours also provide ample time to visit attractions such as the Golden Circle, waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs.One of the main draws of visiting Iceland in August is the chance to witness the natural phenomenon of the midnight sun. During this time, the sun barely sets, creating a unique and surreal experience that is unlike anything else in the world. This allows for extended sightseeing and outdoor adventures, as there is virtually no darkness.
On the downside, August is also one of the peak tourist seasons in Iceland, meaning that popular attractions can be crowded and accommodations may be more expensive. Additionally, while the weather is generally mild, it can still be unpredictable, with occasional rain and wind. It’s important to come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for outdoor activities.
Overall, visiting Iceland in August offers the opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty in a comfortable climate and with extended daylight hours, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential for crowds and variable weather conditions.
🌤️ Climate in Iceland
Iceland has a subarctic climate, cold, windy and cloudy most of the year. Of course, it's a cold country because of the high latitude, and it can receive cold winds from the North Pole, but it's also tempered by the ocean, as well as by the mild Gulf Stream that flows in it.The result is a perpetually unstable climate, with sudden changes in weather and temperature, but with a limited temperature range, both between day and night and between winter and summer. Calm and sunny periods are rare. The northern coastal area is colder than the southern one because it is not reached by the Gulf Stream.
Precipitation (rain or snow) is more abundant on the southern side, where it exceeds 1,300 millimeters (50 inches) per year, and reaches up to 2,500 millimeters (98 in) in the most exposed areas (see Vík í Mýrdal), while it's much more scarce on the north coast and on the north side of the inner plateau, so much so that it descends below 500 mm (20 in) per year, although it is well distributed throughout the year.
Along the west coast, the amount of precipitation is at an intermediate level; for instance, Reykjavik, receives about 850 mm (34 in) of rain or snow each year. On the southern slopes of the highest mountains, precipitation, which almost always takes the form of snow, can exceed 4,000 mm (155 in) per year.
The amount of sunshine in Iceland is not good, but it is generally passable in late spring and summer, also because of the very long days, while it is decidedly low in November in January, when the sun hardly ever shows up (also because the days are very short). Reykjavik gets just 1,300 hours of sunshine a year, and in Akureyri only 1,000 (a figure that makes it one of the least sunny cities in the world).
source: climatestotravel.com
Explore Iceland
Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.