Europe
Iceland in August
Summer holds; by the last week the first aurora sightings of the season become possible as darkness returns.
The straight answer
August is one of the best months of the year to visit Iceland. Summer holds; by the last week the first aurora sightings of the season become possible as darkness returns.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 56F (13C), nights returning late month
- Crowds
- 4 of 5
- Prices
- 5 of 5
What August is like in Iceland
August holds summer, with highs near 56F (13C), but nights start to return late in the month. The highlands are still open, puffins are around through much of the month, and crowds are slightly below July. Prices stay at their summer peak, so book cars and beds early.
It suits families and anyone who wants summer access with a small chance of seeing the aurora at the very end of the month. Budget travelers should look at September instead. If you want the northern lights as a main goal, September or later is much better.
Make the most of August
What is especially good about Iceland this month.
Reykjavik Culture Night
On a Saturday in August, the capital throws its biggest party, with concerts, open houses, and fireworks.
First aurora of the season
By the last week, darkness returns and early aurora sightings become possible.
Last weeks for puffins
Puffins usually leave by late August, so this is your last chance to see them.
What to pack for August
- A waterproof jacket
- Warm layers for cool evenings
- Hiking boots
- A swimsuit
Our timing tip
Come in the second half of August for a shot at the season's first aurora, while the highland roads are still open.
Book Iceland for August.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for August
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in IcelandOpens a hotel search for Iceland in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in IcelandWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in IcelandTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Iceland for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in August
F-road and highland season
Roughly June through September, opening dates vary with snowmelt
The interior mountain roads open for the summer only, and only to proper 4x4s. Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork live inside this window.
Reykjavik Culture Night
A Saturday in August
The capital's biggest annual party: concerts, open houses, and fireworks to close the summer.
Things to do in Iceland
The Golden Circle
Thingvellir's rift valley, Geysir's eruptions, and Gullfoss in one easy loop from Reykjavik. Go before 9am or after 5pm in summer to skip the tour-bus pulse.
The south coast to Vik
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, then Reynisfjara's black sand and basalt columns. Respect the sneaker-wave warnings at the beach; they are not theoretical.
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach
Icebergs drifting to sea and stranding on black sand. Worth the long drive east; summer zodiac tours get you among the bergs.
A northern lights hunt
September through mid April, on clear dark nights away from town lights. Give it multiple nights and check the cloud and activity forecasts rather than pinning hopes on one evening.
A glacier walk or ice cave
Crampons-on glacier hikes run year-round with guides; the natural blue ice caves are a winter-only show, roughly November through March.
Geothermal soaking
Book the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon ahead, then balance them with local town pools at a tenth of the price. The hot river hike at Reykjadalur is the free classic.
Beat the crowds
- Use the midnight sun: in summer, do the Golden Circle and south-coast headliners before 9am or after 6pm and you will share them with a fraction of the midday tour-bus wave.
- Drive the Ring Road counterclockwise in peak season; most tours and rentals flow clockwise from Reykjavik, so you meet the crowd pulses offset by a day.
- Book summer rental cars and popular guesthouses three to six months out; the country's bed supply is small and the south coast sells out first.
- Go beyond the south: the Westfjords and the east fjords see a small slice of Iceland's visitors with scenery that concedes nothing.
Know before you go
- The highland F-roads close from roughly October until June or later, gated by snowmelt: Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, and the interior are summer-only, and rental insurance requires a 4x4 on them even then.
- The Ring Road and main sights operate year-round, but winter storms can close sections for hours or a day at a time; road and weather alert sites are a daily winter ritual, not a suggestion.
- Natural glacier ice caves open only in the cold months, roughly November through March; summer visitors can still do guided glacier walks and man-made tunnels.
- The northern lights are seasonally gated by daylight, not luck alone: from May through early August the sky never gets dark enough. Aurora trips belong to September through mid April.
Iceland in August, quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Iceland?
August is one of the best months of the year to visit Iceland. Summer holds; by the last week the first aurora sightings of the season become possible as darkness returns.
What is the weather like in Iceland in August?
Mild, highs near 56F (13C), nights returning late month.
Is Iceland crowded in August?
Iceland is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.
What is happening in Iceland in August?
F-road and highland season (roughly june through september, opening dates vary with snowmelt); Reykjavik Culture Night (a saturday in august).
Keep planning Iceland.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in August
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