Iceland in July – Weather, Fun Things to Do & What to Expect

If you plan to visit Iceland in July, this information will help you to know what to expect when traveling during this month. That includes road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during this month. July Weather & Average Temperature in Iceland July is one of the warmest months in Iceland, though "warm" by Icelandic standards might be considered mild in many other places. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). However, in particularly sunny conditions, it can reach up to 20°C (68°F). Nighttime temperatures rarely go below 8°C (46°F). It's also one of the drier months, but always be prepared for rain or drizzle. Daylight Hours during July in Iceland One of the most enchanting features of Iceland in July is the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. This is when the sun barely sets or doesn’t set at all. In Reykjavik, the sun can set around midnight and rise again around 3 AM, but it never gets truly dark. The further north you go, the more pronounced this effect is.July 1st - Sunrise is at 03:05 AM and sunset is at 11:56 PM. 20 hours and 51 minutes of daylight can be expected.On July 15th, you can expect the sun to rise at 3:40 AM and sunset is at 11:24 PM. You will have 19 hours and 45 minutes of daylight at this time.The last day of the month, July 31st, has slightly less day light but not much! You can expect the sun to come up at 4:30 AM and set at 10:35 PM. That amounts to 18 hours and 5 minutes of daylight. What to Wear/Pack for Iceland in July * Layer Up: The weather can be unpredictable. Start with a base layer, add an insulating layer like a fleece or wool sweater, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.* Waterproofs: Always carry a waterproof jacket and possibly trousers. Showers can come and go suddenly.* Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are ideal, especially if you plan on exploring the countryside.* Sun Protection: Due to the angle of the sun, sunburn can sneak up on you. Pack sunglasses, sunblock, and maybe a hat.* Swimwear: Don't forget your swimsuit for those geothermal pools and the Blue Lagoon.For the full list of essentials of what to pack and wear in Iceland, grab my free Ultimate Packing Checklist. Road Conditions & Driving July is one of the best months for driving in Iceland. Most of the highland roads (F-roads) that are closed during the winter due to snow and muddy conditions start to open up in late June to early July, providing access to Iceland's rugged interior. Nonetheless, always check road conditions before traveling, especially if heading to the highlands. Car rental companies will provide necessary information, and you can also use the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. Expert Trip Planning Tip for July Due to the long day light hours, great road conditions, access to the highlands, and warmer weather, July is the most popular month for people to visit Iceland. I highly recommend booking accommodations far in advance. Before the end of 2022, more than 70% of accommodations in the country were booked for the 2023 year.If you know you want to visit Iceland during the summer, whether it is in 2024 or beyond, I strongly suggest booking your flights, accommodations, and car or camper van rental as soon as possible. Up to six months in advance for accommodations, car rentals and camper vans is not unheard of so that you can choose among the best options available during that time.