Are you considering a trip to Iceland in June? If so, you’re in luck! I’ve put together an extensive guide to help you plan the perfect trip.
In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about traveling to Iceland in June, including the best things to do, weather conditions, and events and festivals.
I’ll also cover accessibility and what areas are open during this month.
So, whether you’re looking to experience Iceland’s incredible natural wonders or immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, keep reading to learn all about planning a June trip to Iceland.
Let’s get into it!
Is June a Good Month to Visit Iceland?
Yes, June is an excellent month to visit Iceland! Here’s why:
Pros
During June, the world (or Iceland I should say!) is your oyster – you have the freedom to do what you want or to go almost anywhere you choose.
Warmer weather: The weather is warming up, the daylight hours seem endless and almost everything is available for sightseeing. This makes it a perfect time for taking an Icelandic road trip or even camping around the country.
Accessibility & Driving: Roads that were previously closed off or inaccessible are open to the public, and you’ll have far fewer worries about dangerous driving conditions.
One of the biggest highlights is that access to the Highlands starts around mid-June when the F-roads begin to open.
This means you can start visiting Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, and other areas that were previously inaccessible!
And of course, all of Iceland’s main attractions are easy to get to, such as the Ring Road, Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes, Westfjords, and more.
Landscapes& wildlife: If you haven’t seen the Lupine fields in Iceland, these beautiful purple flowers bloom across the landscape in summer. You’ll spot them at various points while driving through South Iceland in particular. The wildlife is out, and the landscapes are absolutely spectacular this time of year!
Cons
Despite June being an excellent time for your trip, there are a few things to consider:
More crowds: June is a very popular time to visit Iceland. You can expect more crowds, especially at popular attractions along the Golden Circle, South Iceland waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, to name a few. This also means that you’ll need to book things like accommodation and tours well in advance.
Peak season prices: Expect to pay more for flights and accommodation.
Northern Lights: With all the daylight hours, you won’t be able to spot the aurora borealis in June.
Nonetheless, there are a TON of options for exploring Iceland this month!
June Weather in Iceland
You can’t talk about a trip to Iceland without covering the weather!
Knowing what to expect weather-wise is one of the most important planning considerations, so let’s get into what to prepare for when traveling in June.
Average June Temperatures
You can expect Iceland June temperatures to range from 37 to 62 °F (3 to 16°C), with an average temperature of 48°F (9°C).
Yes, just 48 degrees!
So while yes – Iceland warms up a lot compared to freezing months like January and February…you probably won’t be busting out your bikini most days!
Unless, of course, you’re visiting an Icelandic hot spring.
June brings a mix of it all when it comes to weather – sun, cloudy days, wind, and some rain, so pack accordingly.
Want to know *exactly* what to pack for Iceland travel in June? Check out my Iceland Summer Packing List blog post for more details!
Daylight Hours in Iceland in June
One of the most important things to consider when planning your trip to Iceland is the number of daylight hours.
June has the longest daylight hours of the year.
I’m talking 21 hours of sunlight a day!
You’ll experience the peak of the midnight sun, a crazy natural phenomenon where the sun never sets.
Sunrise in June usually happens around 03:30 A.M., and sunset at around 11:30 P.M.
June 20th, also known as the summer solstice, marks the longest day of the year, with the weeks before and after featuring the brightest and longest days.
My #1 pro tip to survive Iceland’s June daylight hours?
Bring a sleep mask to cover your eyes, so you can get some shut-eye!
Chances Of Seeing the Northern Lights In Iceland in June
While June in Iceland is known for its 24-hour daylight, it’s unfortunately not the best time to see the Northern Lights.
Because the sky never gets dark enough, they’re just not visible.
If you’re determined to see the Aurora Borealis during your trip to Iceland, your best bet would be to plan your visit in the fall, winter, or early spring months.
Check out the post below to learn about what to expect in the different seasons in Iceland, as well as the pros and cons of each. 👇
➡️ READ: Best Time to Visit Iceland: How to Pick the Perfect Month & Season for Your Trip
Driving in Iceland in Summer
Driving in June is easy, which makes taking a road trip this time of year a lot less intimidating!
One of the things you’ll need to decide for your trip is whether to rent a 2WD or 4WD in Iceland.
Renting a 2WD is cheaper, and one of the biggest perks of driving in Iceland in June is that road conditions are much easier compared to winter. For most summer travelers, a 2WD is perfectly fine.
However, keep in mind you *will* need a 4WD if you plan on driving into the Highlands or tackling any F-Roads.
No matter which vehicle you choose, make sure you’re renting from a reliable company. Bonus points if they’re local!
Blue Car Rental really understands what travelers need for driving in Iceland, and their vehicles are fully rigged with everything you need for an epic road trip!
I know when I’m traveling, I want to start my vacation as quickly as possible. And with their online check-in and key box pick up they make the whole process incredibly fast and easy.
Get 5% off your Blue Car Rental when you use my 👉 VIP Link.
What to Pack for Iceland in June
If you’re planning a June trip to Iceland, the weather can change on a dime. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you pack correctly.
While it’s technically summer, temperatures can still be chilly – and rain is always a possibility.
When choosing what to wear, think practical, comfortable, and weatherproof because temperatures can still feel surprisingly cold at times.
Here are some ideas:
- A jacket that’s weatherproof.
- A waterproof rain jacket and pants are essential. Especially if you’re visiting the waterfalls.
- A packable down jacket or vest.
- Hiking pants.
- Thermal base layers (Yes, even in summer!).
- You’ll also want to pack a hat, gloves, and a buff for additional warmth.
- For footwear, bring hiking boots and walking shoes, as well as flip flops for the hot springs.
Other items to consider include a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, sunscreen, sleep mask, water bottle, camera, and electrical adapters.
If you’re visiting North Iceland, the Mývatn area is notorious for the pesky midges, so a head net is a must. Trust me on this one!
Want the ultimate packing guide cheat sheet for your trip to Iceland?
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below. 👇
The Best Things to Do in Iceland in June
June is a fantastic time to visit Iceland because there are SO many activities and attractions to enjoy.
It feels like an all-you-can-eat buffet of experiences, so this list is by no means everything there is to do!
From hiking through stunning landscapes and visiting natural wonders to attending lively festivals and cultural events. There’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy in Iceland this time of year.
Visit the Westfjörds
The beautiful, remote peninsula of Northwestern Iceland is one my top three favorite places in the whole country.
While the Westfjörds are technically accessible year-round, it might be harder to get to in the winter because of road closures. That makes mid-June the perfect opportunity to explore this region.
Some highlights here include Dynjandi waterfall, Hellalaug hot springs, and Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Find out all about it here. 👇
➡️ READ: The Breathtaking Westfjords: Discover One of the Best Areas in Iceland
Travel to the Highlands of Iceland
Don’t let the remoteness of this area fool you… there are A LOT of adventures to be had in the Highlands of Iceland, and now’s the perfect time to take advantage of it!
The Highland roads finally open in June, and even if you’re traveling during peak season, the Highlands are still far less crowded, giving you a chance to experience a quieter, wilder side of Iceland.
Some of the major highlights in this region include Þórsmörk (one of the most beautiful areas in the country), Kerlingarfjöll with its striking orange and yellow mountains, and the volcanic crater lake at Víti.
Take a look. 👇
Hiking in Iceland in June
Iceland has an incredible amount of hiking opportunities. Whether it’s multi-day trails or shorter hikes to a waterfall or hotspring, the landscapes are unmatched.
If you’re a hiking enthusiast like me, you will NOT be disappointed!
Hike to a hot spring: Did you know you don’t actually need to pay to visit hot springs in Iceland? Sure, there’s the famous Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, but there’s actually a ton of free hot springs in Iceland in more remote areas.
Many of these areas are not open during the winter months and only open from June to September (for example, the hot springs in The Westfjords, or the one in Landmannalaugar).
One of my favorite hot spring hikes is the one to Reykjadalur. We did this hike carrying a 40 pound baby on our backs, and let me tell you, there was nothing better than soaking in an Icelandic hot spring afterward!
If you’re not sure where to find them, my digital 👉 Iceland Travel Map has all these incredible spots pinned on it, so you don’t have to spend hours researching or wondering if you’re missing something nearby.
There’s everything from hidden gems to major highlights across Iceland, plus restaurants, viewpoints, hikes, parking spots, and more.
Hike to a waterfall: Some of the best waterfalls in Iceland like Glymur and Dynjandi are only safe to access in the warmer months, making June one of the best times to visit them.
If you want a list of the best hikes in all the land, check out this blog post. 👇
➡️ READ: What Are the Best Hikes in Iceland? 13 Trails You Need to Explore!
See the Puffins
The puffins come out to play in mid-April and stay until mid-August, so by June they’re super easy to spot.
A great place to see them is the Westman Islands, home to the world’s largest puffin colony.
June is a great time to explore these gorgeous remote Islands, as the weather’s warmed up and you have nearly endless daylight.
Did you know that you can even take your camper van on the ferry to the Westman Islands? We did that and stayed three nights. It was such a cool experience!
Learn more about the puffins in Iceland here. 👇
➡️ READ: Puffins in Iceland: Top 6 Locations and Exciting Tours
Take a Horseback Riding Tour
The Icelandic horse is one of the most lovely, gentle creatures I’ve ever seen, and there’s nothing like exploring wild, rugged landscapes by horse.
Many of the trails in regions like North Iceland are closed during the winter, so summer is the best time to see these beauties!
There are A LOT of Iceland tours in June. So even if you’re planning a road trip, you can easily mix a few guided tours into your itinerary.
Whale Watching in Iceland in June
Whale watching season in Iceland is from June to August, so your chances of seeing them are really good. Especially when you know where to look.
One of the best places in the country to see them is Húsavík, a.k.a the whale watching capital of the country.
Make sure that you add this to your itinerary, especially if you’re in North Iceland in June.
💥 You can also get a 10% discount when you book with Gentle Giants using CODE: WHALESWITHAVIEW on their GG1 and GG2 tours.
Here’s everything you need to know about whale watching in Iceland. 👇
➡️ READ: Epic Whale Watching in Iceland: Your Top 10 Tips, Tours, and More!
Go Camping in Iceland in June
The days are ridiculously long and the scenery is unreal. A perfect combo for camping. Not to mention, the weather is a lot more comfortable!
Some campsites close in the winter, so if you plan on camping in Iceland in June, you’re in luck! Most campsites will be open, giving you way more freedom with where you can stay.
That said, summer is busier so always check for availability in advance.
If you’ve never tried traveling with a camper van, I highly recommend it! It makes the whole camping experience a lot more comfortable, and it’s so nice knowing that you can prepare meals on the go while having your accommodation sorted at the same time.
If you rent with Happy Campers using my discount code 👉 IWAV10, you’ll get 10% off your camper van rental.
If you’re like me and want to check things out before you commit, here’s a guided tour:
Festivals & Events
Let’s get into the wealth of festivals and exciting events taking place in June.
Brace yourself, because there’s an extensive lineup of activities happening this month. If you’re looking for things to do in Reykjavík in June, here are a few options.
Reykjavík Arts Festival
Reykjavík in June is buzzing with activities.
Happening in early June is the Reykjavík Arts Festival.
During this festival, artists from all over the world come to perform contemporary and classical works in unconventional places throughout Reykjavík.
This is such a fun time for art and music lovers!
Festival of the Sea (Sjómannadagurinn)
You might have noticed that Icelanders are fiercely proud of their roots.
Seafaring is an incredibly important part of that. This festival is also called Fisherman’s Day and usually takes place on the first Sunday of June. Again, expect celebrations, like music and parades around Reykjavík on this day.
Whitsunday (Or Hvítasunnu)
Whitsunday, referred to as Hvítasunnu in Iceland, takes place on the seventh Sunday after Easter.
People have the Sunday and Monday off work, and Icelanders take any Easter-related holiday pretty seriously. So if you’re traveling to Iceland in June, you can expect limited hours during this national holiday.
Pro tip: Hvítasunnu changes every year, so be sure to look up when it takes place before your June trip to Iceland.
Viking Festival in Hafnarfjörður
This is a fun festival that the whole family can enjoy!
You can expect storytelling, music, dancing, Viking markets, and traditional combat demonstrations, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time!
Held in Hafnarfjörður, the festival is packed with food stalls, handcrafted goods, live entertainment, and cultural experiences.
All in all, it’s an incredible celebration of Iceland’s Viking heritage.
Iceland Independence Day
June 17th is an incredibly significant day in Iceland, as it marks the country’s independence day.
On this day, Iceland gained its freedom from Denmark, and it is celebrated in a big way throughout the nation.
You can compare it to the American 4th of July. Think fireworks, celebration, and national pride all around.
Consider yourself lucky if your trip coincides with Iceland Independence Day.
FAQs
Here are some of the answers to the questions you had about visiting Iceland in June:
Is Iceland Crowded in June?
June is summer in Iceland and peak travel season, so yes, you can expect things to be busier. Expect crowds at major attractions and popular stops along the Ring Road.
Is Iceland Expensive For Tourists in June?
Yes. Again, it’s peak travel season, so you can expect to pay more for flights, accommodation and rentals.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland in June?
Unfortunately, June is not the best month to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Conditions need to be clear and dark, and with the amount of daylight there is in June, it’s just not dark enough for them to be visible.
The Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide For Your Trip
If you’re thinking about visiting Iceland in June, you’re in for a treat!
There’s plenty to see and do during this time of year, from enjoying the never-ending daylight hours to attending festivals and exploring natural wonders.
Even though the weather can be unpredictable, June is a great time to visit because more areas start opening up.
You can go hiking, horseback riding, or even visit a remote hot spring. Just be sure to pack appropriately and plan ahead to make the most of your Iceland adventure in June!
Want to know *exactly* what you need to bring for a successful summer trip to Iceland?
I’ve put together a 👉 FREE Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
Inside, you’ll find monthly weather averages, seasonal packing lists, a layering cheat sheet, and checklists of everything else you’ll need to bring, like electronics and accessories.
You’ll also get insider tips from someone who’s lived here for over 10 years!
Download your Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide and make sure you have everything you need to experience the best of this magical country!
Happy planning!
