Around the summer solstice, about 21 June, Iceland has close to 24 hours of daylight, and the sun barely sets. This period of near-constant daylight is called the midnight sun.
When it happens
In the weeks around midsummer it stays light through the night, and the sun sits low near the horizon rather than fully setting. The long days build through late spring and fade again toward the end of summer.
Light instead of darkness
The midnight sun is the opposite of the dark winter months, when Iceland has long nights and the northern lights can be seen. The dark winter months are covered in best time for northern lights in Iceland.
Making the most of the midnight sun and tours
The long daylight allows late-evening sightseeing, hiking, and driving in summer. For sleeping, blackout curtains or an eye mask help during the bright nights. Compare Northern Lights tours.
Plan around daylight
Use the Daylight Hours Calculator to see how much usable light you can expect while planning Midnight Sun in Iceland: When It Happens.
