Iceland Weather in July: What to Expect in 2025

Overview of the Weather in Iceland in July

July is peak summer in Iceland, bringing the warmest temperatures, tons of daylight, and the best conditions for exploring. Just remember that Iceland's weather can turn on a dime—you might get sunshine, rain, and wind all in the same day.

Unlike many European summer destinations where you might be melting in the heat, Iceland stays refreshingly cool. This makes July perfect for hiking and sightseeing without sweating through your clothes.

The big bonus is that all roads are open, including the highland F-roads that stay closed most of the year. This means you can visit amazing places like Landmannalaugar or Thorsmork that you simply can't reach in winter.

Temperature

In July, temperatures typically hang around 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the day. Nights stay pretty mild too, with lows between 6-9°C (43-48°F), which makes camping totally doable for summer travelers.

On sunny days, it can get warmer, sometimes reaching 20°C (68°F) across much of the country. Eastern Iceland often gets the warmest weather, with temperatures sometimes reaching 20-25°C (68-77°F) on clear days. The highest temperature recently recorded was 27.5°C (81.5°F) at Egilsstaðir airport in July 2024.

Just keep in mind that Iceland's weather can flip quickly. You might start with a sunny morning that turns into a chilly afternoon when clouds move in or the wind picks up. The wind makes temperatures feel much cooler than what your weather app shows.

Rainfall

While July is one of Iceland's drier months, you should still plan for some rain. The country gets around 52mm of precipitation in July, usually spread over 10-12 days. This often comes as light drizzle rather than heavy downpours, though you might get the occasional shower.

The amount of rain depends on where you are. Western and southern Iceland, including Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, usually get more rain (50-63mm). Northern areas around Akureyri stay drier, with about 34mm for the month.

In 2024, western Iceland had some unusual weather with record rainfall in July, while the north and east stayed drier and sunnier. That shows how much Iceland's weather can change from year to year.

Snow

You won't see snow in Iceland during July—it's full-on summer. Mountain passes and highland roads that are buried in snow most of the year are completely clear and easy to drive. Even the higher areas are generally snow-free, though you might spot a bit of leftover snow on the highest peaks or in permanent ice caves.

This snow-free period makes July ideal for reaching remote areas and hiking trails that you can't access in other seasons.

Daylight Hours

One of the coolest things about July in Iceland is the crazy amount of daylight. Early in the month, Iceland gets over 20 hours of daylight, with the sun setting for just a short time before coming back up. On July 1, the sun rises around 3:05 AM and sets around 11:56 PM in Reykjavík, giving you nearly 21 hours of daylight.

As the month goes on, daylight hours gradually decrease, but they're still long. By mid-July, Reykjavík gets about 19 hours and 45 minutes of daylight, and by the end of the month, roughly 18 hours.

In northern Iceland, it's even more extreme. Places like Akureyri and the Westfjords experience the Midnight Sun, where the sun barely goes below the horizon, creating a continuous twilight all night. This means you can easily explore or take photos at "night" without needing a flashlight.

These super-long days give you a huge advantage as a traveler, allowing you to do more sightseeing and giving you flexibility for activities without worrying about darkness. Just keep in mind that the constant light can mess with your sleep, so bringing an eye mask is a good idea if you're sensitive to light while sleeping.

Weather by Region

Iceland's weather changes quite a bit depending on where you are. Here's what to expect in different parts of the island during July:

South (Reykjavík, Vik, Golden Circle)

The southern region, including Reykjavík, typically has temperatures around 11.6°C (52.9°F) in July. You'll probably see moderate rainfall, about 50mm during the month. The weather here changes often but is generally more stable than in other parts of the country. This region has most of Iceland's famous tourist spots and offers fairly predictable summer weather, making it easier to plan your activities.

North (Akureyri, Lake Mývatn)

Northern Iceland, around Akureyri and Lake Mývatn, averages about 11.2°C (52.2°F) during July. This area gets less rain than the south, with about 34mm for the month. The north often enjoys more sunshine and clearer days than other parts of Iceland. Despite being much closer to the Arctic Polar Circle, it’s not as cold you would expect.

East (Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður)

Eastern Iceland has average temperatures of about 10.0°C (50.0°F), but can reach 20-25°C (68-77°F) on sunny days. This region often records the warmest temperatures in Iceland during summer. The east often surprises visitors with its nice weather and has historically had some of Iceland's highest summer temperatures, making it especially good for hiking and outdoor activities in July.

West (Snæfellsnes, Westfjords)

The western region, including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Westfjords, has temperatures around 9.4°C (48.9°F). This area typically gets more rain than other regions, with the Westfjords seeing up to 63mm in July. The west is usually windier because it's exposed to the Atlantic, which can make it feel cooler. This region has more rain and changeable weather, so it's good to keep your plans flexible here.

Highlands (Landmannalaugar, Sprengisandur)

Iceland's highlands interior usually has temperatures between 5-10°C (41-50°F) in July. It's noticeably cooler than coastal areas, with stronger winds and more variable weather. At night, temperatures in the highlands can occasionally drop close to freezing, even in July. Despite the cooler temperatures, July is one of the only months when you can access the highlands, giving you a chance to see some of Iceland's most remote and spectacular landscapes.

Each region has its own advantages—the north for better chances of sunshine, the east for warmer temperatures, and the south for easy access and better infrastructure. The west offers dramatic scenery but might have more rain, while the highlands give you a wilderness experience with cooler weather.

July 2024 Overview

Looking back at July 2024, Iceland had some pretty interesting weather that might give us hints about what to expect in 2025.

Northern Iceland was surprisingly warm, with Akureyri recording an average of 12.7°C, which was 1.5°C warmer than usual. Meanwhile, the south around Reykjavík was a bit cooler than normal, running about 0.7°C below average.

The biggest weather story was definitely in western Iceland, which got absolutely drenched with record-breaking rainfall. Some weather stations recorded their highest July rainfall ever. On the flip side, northern and eastern Iceland stayed much drier and enjoyed more sunshine.

It was also windier than usual across the country, making the weather feel less summer-like, especially in those rainy western areas. The temperature extremes were also quite extreme – East Iceland reached a toasty 27.5°C at one point (at Egilsstaðir airport), while in the highlands, temperatures briefly dropped below freezing at night.

This all goes to show that Iceland's summer weather can vary a ton depending on where you are on the island and can change dramatically from year to year. Something to keep in mind when planning your 2025 trip!

What to Pack

Packing for Iceland in July means being ready for changing conditions. Here's what you'll need:

Essential Items:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket (crucial no matter what the forecast says)
• Waterproof pants (for hiking or rainy days)
• Hiking boots with good grip and water resistance
• Thermal base layers (lightweight for summer)
• Mid-layers (fleece or wool sweaters)
• Quick-drying pants (avoid cotton)
• Warm socks (preferably wool)
• Hat and gloves (yes, even in July)
• Sunglasses (for those long daylight hours)
• Swimsuit (for hot springs and pools)
• Eye mask for sleeping (midnight sun makes rooms bright)

Other Recommended Items:

• Camera with extra batteries (cold can drain them faster)
• Reusable water bottle (Iceland's tap water is excellent)
• Sunscreen (despite cool temperatures, UV exposure is high)
• Lip balm with SPF (wind makes lips chap quickly)
• Backpack with rain cover
• Power bank for charging devices
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting

The key to staying comfortable in Iceland is layering. You might start the day in a t-shirt and end it wearing a thermal layer, mid-layer, and waterproof jacket as conditions change.

Things to Do

July's good weather opens up tons of possibilities for exploring Iceland. Here are some of the best activities:

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking in highland areas like Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk
• Whale watching (peak season with high success rates)
• Puffin viewing (July is prime time before they leave in August)
• Snorkeling or diving at Silfra Fissure
• Exploring ice caves in Katla volcano (one of the few accessible in summer)
• Kayaking in fjords or glacial lagoons
• Horseback riding through lava fields

Road Trips:

• Complete Ring Road journey (ideal conditions with all roads open)
• Exploring the Westfjords (many roads are only accessible in summer)
• Driving highland F-roads to see remote interior landscapes
• Visiting Dettifoss and other northern attractions

Cultural Activities:

• Attending summer festivals like Landsmót (horse festival) or town celebrations
• Visiting outdoor swimming pools and hot springs
• Taking midnight sun photography tours
• Berry picking (late July)
• Enjoying outdoor cafés in towns and cities

The long daylight hours mean you can pack more into each day, sometimes doing activities that would normally take separate days in other seasons.

Conclusion

July gives you the perfect mix of accessibility, milder temperatures, and maximum daylight for exploring Iceland. While temperatures stay moderate compared to other European destinations, the combination of long days and open roads makes it an ideal time to visit.

Just remember that "good weather" in Iceland might not match what you're used to at home. A successful trip means embracing the changing conditions as part of the adventure. Pack wisely, keep your plans flexible, and be ready to adjust your schedule based on day-to-day forecasts.