When to visit Iceland

Iceland in August

Peak visitor season with typical access to the highlands.

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At a glance

Temperature

High 14.1 °C, low 8.6 °C, mean 11.0 °C

Precipitation

64.5 mm across 11.6 rainy days

Sunshine

164.8 sunshine hours

Mid-month daylight

16h 27m, sunrise 05:19, sunset 21:46

These figures are Reykjavík normals for 1991-2020, sourced from Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands). North, East and highland areas run colder than Reykjavík. Iceland remains on GMT and UTC throughout the year without daylight saving.

What it is like

August remains within peak visitor season. Highland roads are typically open, while puffins are usually present only into early August.

  • Highland and F-road access is typically available.
  • Puffins are typically present into early August.
  • Whale watching is typically at its best.
  • North and East Iceland are within their preferred touring period.

What to do

These tour hubs match activities and regions that operate or are typically accessible during August.

Planning notes

Pack warm layers and a waterproof, windproof shell; Icelandic conditions change quickly in any season. Use the Iceland packing list for a structured checklist.

Check other dates and locations with the Iceland daylight tool.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Iceland in August?
Reykjavík has a normal high of 14.1 °C, a mean of 11.0 °C and a normal low of 8.6 °C. Normal precipitation is 64.5 mm.
How much daylight does Iceland have in August?
Around the middle of August, Reykjavík has 16h 27m of daylight. Sunrise is 05:19 and sunset is 21:46.
Can northern lights be seen in Iceland in August?
August falls outside the typical September to April northern lights range. Northern lights require darkness.