Iceland is a rich and diverse country that you can visit at any time of the year. You are not limited to a specific time of the year to visit this remarkable country. There are so many things that you can explore while in the country and depending on the time you are sure to find something. If you choose to travel to Iceland in August, then there are few aspects that you must consider. It is one of the most fun-filled times of the ears during August because the people are still in their summer spirits and the daylight hours are longer hence a perfect time for adventure and exploration.

In August, there are numerous festivals one after the other, and you are sure that you cannot miss a fun activity you can do while in the region. In between your partying mood you can get a chance to explore what this beautiful country has to offer. Besides, the weather during this period of the year is quite favorable, and you are sure that you will have the time of your life while visiting the region.

August is the hottest month of the year in the country, and it is not only the ambient temperatures that are cool, but the people make it lively during this time of the year. The end of summer brings up the midnight sun, which is an exceptional phenomenon. It marks the time when the Icelandic people can see darkness again after this day. Iceland is rich in culture and diversity, and you are sure that you have something that you can enjoy during your visit to the country.

What Is The Best Time To Visit?

The summer months of July and August are the perfect times when you can visit Iceland because the temperatures are pretty high. It is usually warm during this period, and you will experience 24-hour daylight during the peak of the summer period. The island has a very inconsistent climatic pattern, and you can experience some rain and winds during the summer period. However, most of the time, the place offers a unique experience to explore the different places you will enjoy here.

Further reading: Is the Icelandic language the hardest to learn?

Although the summer period can attract huge populations, you must plan your trip earlier to have more time to explore different places. The roads are open, and you can explore more places during august than any other part of the year. Since the temperatures are usually low, it tends to snow a lot in Iceland, and some roads may be closed because of ice. However, during the summer period, you can explore different places with ease as the roads are open and the skies are clear.

Top Things to Do in Iceland in August

There are numerous fun activities that you can do in Iceland during August. The summer period is filled with different activities. You will find many people having fun; hence, you cannot be left behind without exploring what this wonderful country offers. Here are the top things to do.

Iceland road trip

Explore the northern lights

There are three main aspects: seeing the aurora borealis, an increase in solar activity, clear conditions, and darkness. The best time that you can see the northern lights is from October through March.

However, in late August, when darkness has started coming back, there is a high chance when there is darkness that you can see some of this phenomenon. You must explore what this beautiful country has to offer.

Enjoy river rafting

The summer period brings fun activities and one of the most unique activities that you can enjoy in Iceland. The waters in this country present you with a better way of exploring nature.

There are white rafting sports on the southern coast, among other places in the country.

Join the music festivals

The Icelandic music festivals peak in august, and you should not be left behind. Enjoy the most unique activities in the country and embrace the diversity that this country brings. The party celebrations in the country usually last for three days, and you can plan other activities in between the party mode.

The camaraderie that can be seen during this period is one of the best. You will find thousands of people singing, drinking, and dancing. It is generally a fantastic time to be alive in this country. You should make a point of visiting the islands and see what people are doing in these regions. Tickets for these events usually begin selling in March, and you are sure that you will not be left behind during your visit.

Music festivals

Enjoy jet boat rides

There are new activities that are captivating the hearts of the Icelandic people, and this is the jet boat rides. You can explore the Hvítá river canyon on a jet boat and enjoy what this fantastic location has to offer.

The roaring waters in the river bring you unique experiences as you get to see the deltas, breathtaking torrents, and waterfalls in this location.

Drive along the arctic coast

This is a road tour that was opened in June 2019, and ever since it opened, it has received significant traffic, and you should not be left behind. It is one of the best drives that you can ever explore in the country.

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This road covers over 560 miles along the coastline in northern Iceland, and you will see amazing tourist attraction features along the way. Some of the features that you will get along the way include national parks, fishing villages, and peninsulas. Ensure that you check out this amazing road and the features that come with it during your trip.

Iceland coast

Go Camping

One of the most fun activities you can do on your visit to Iceland is camping. August is the best time for camping because the weather is conducive and you do not have to worry about different aspects such as rains, among others. While there is enough daylight time of about sixteen hours, you can still enjoy your camping activities and other fun experiments as well as your camp.

The wilderness in the country presents some of the best views and places that you can enjoy your activities. Plan carefully where you will pitch your tent, and you are sure that you will enjoy your trip. Iceland is very serious when it comes to natural habitat protection; hence you should follow the local guidelines when setting up your tent.

Go hiking

One of the most fun activities that you can do during the summer period is to go hiking. Hiking is one of the most fun activities that you can enjoy during this period because the weather is conducive and there are natural places that you must visit and explore.

Since the day has more daylight hours, you will not worry about getting dark when you have not finished your hike. The trails can be navigated easily hence the need to explore what this environment offers to you. Most of the hiking trails in Iceland are well marked, so you do not have to worry that you will get lost along the way.

Explore the hot tubs and hot pots

During the summer and August, people go out and explore the natural environment as they check out the hot tubs in the area. The summertime brings new phenomena such as heated pools. This time is perfect for your hiking activities because you can explore the region well and dip in the hot tub to relax and unwind.

Further reading: Christmas traditions in Iceland

You can soak up in the long daylight hours and steam in the hotpot as you enjoy your drink and laughing with your friends. there are different pools with varying temperatures; hence you are not stuck without options when you visit this awesome country. You can explore the natural pools or the manmade ones and gaze at the imposing mountains as well as exquisite waterfalls.

Hot pool

Glacier hikes

Since the weather is pleasant in August, you can delve into the natural environment and interact with other people who enjoy hiking. Iceland is blessed with so many waterfalls and glaciers, and it is a perfect time to explore these areas with ease.

Even during the warm months of august, you are sure that you have some of the best ice formations that you can explore in the country.

Whale watching

During the summertime, the whales usually come up to soak up some sun and enjoy the warm water on top of the sea. August allows you to check out the whales as they migrate from the arctic and Atlantic.

There are over twenty whale species that you can see while you visit this region.

Go fishing

The summertime is one of the best times that you can go fishing in Iceland. Iceland brings a new way of exploring different aspects of the country. Icelanders are very good at fishing, and you can enjoy these activities by visiting the popular locations for fishing. 


In summary, Iceland in August is a perfect time to explore and learn more about this country and enjoy some of the fun summertime activities.

Aurimas Bio

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect.