Iceland in July at a glance
July has the warmest typical temperatures of the year, nearly 21 hours of daylight at the start of the month and more highland roads open than in earlier months. It also draws the second largest crowd of the year. In July 2025 about 302,000 foreign passengers left Keflavík.
This is the month for hiking, road trips with long driving days and the colored mountains of Landmannalaugar. It is a poor month for the northern lights, because nights are bright. Hotels were particularly full in July and August 2025, so book early.
July weather in Iceland
Typical averages for 1991 to 2020 at two stations, rounded. They describe a normal July, not a forecast.
| Station | Daily high | Daily low | Monthly mean | Rain per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | 15 °C (59 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 12 °C (53 °F) | about 50 mm |
| Akureyri | 15 °C (59 °F) | 9 °C (47 °F) | 11 °C (52 °F) | about 34 mm |
Real weather can differ a lot from these figures. In July 2026 the weather service measured about 103 mm of rain in Reykjavík, roughly double the typical value, and only about 8 mm in Akureyri. The same month, two very different experiences. If the capital is grey and wet, the north may be dry, and a flexible route lets you use that. See weather by month for the full table.
Our picks for July
A midnight sun whale cruise, a puffin boat trip and a highland hike at Landmannalaugar.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Landmannalaugar hike with a hot spring soak
A guided hike with a hot spring, with facility and park fees included. Food, drinks, swimwear, a towel, boots and rain gear are extra; check the option, because transport from Reykjavík is listed but the meeting point shown is in Landmannalaugar.
Check availability →
One-hour puffin boat trip from Reykjavík
A boat trip with a guide and binoculars, and the operator promises a puffin sighting. Transfers, food and drinks are extra, and weather cancellations are refunded.
Check availability →
Midnight sun whale watching from Reykjavík
Warm overalls, a guide, Wi-Fi and a live troubadour performance are included; refreshments are extra. The tour runs in the summer months.
Check availability →Tours that suit July in Iceland
Highland days, glacier lagoon boats, whale and puffin trips and classic day tours, with live prices and availability.
Daylight in July
The sun still sets late, but the nights already get a little darker toward the end of the month. Reykjavík, 2026.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 July | 03:05 | 23:56 | 20 h 50 min |
| 15 July | 03:41 | 23:24 | 19 h 43 min |
The bright nights of the midnight sun period last until about mid July. After that the evening twilight begins to deepen, though it stays far from dark. Read more on the midnight sun page.
Highland roads in July
These routes opened late in the records for 2021 to 2025. Past dates do not promise anything for the coming year.
| Road | Opened in 2025 | Earliest to latest, 2021 to 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| F26 Hrauneyjar to Nýidalur | 3 July | 21 June to 13 July |
| F210 Keldur to Hvanngil | 14 July | 23 June to 15 July |
| F208 Landmannalaugar to Eldgjá | 19 June | 16 June to 6 July |
Do not assume that a road is open because it is July. Check the current status of each route and use only a 4x4 that your rental company allows on that road. Stay on the marked track. The road conditions page explains how.
Landmannalaugar still requires an arrival reservation in 2026, between 09:00 and 16:00, until 13 September. A car with up to five seats paid 1,500 ISK. The seasonal bus covers the same route without a car, at 07:00 from Reykjavík BSÍ.
Jökulsárlón in July
The boats on the glacier lagoon run all summer. From June to September the tours go between 09:00 and 19:00. In 2026 the amphibian boat cost 7,100 ISK for ages 13 and up, 3,500 ISK for ages 6 to 12 and nothing for ages 0 to 5. The tour takes 30 to 40 minutes. The Zodiac costs 16,600 ISK for ages 13 and up, 8,300 ISK for ages 10 to 12, and takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
The lagoon works best as part of a multi-day trip along the south coast. The Ring Road bypass near Hornafjörður opened on 25 June 2026, and since 1 September 2026 it has a toll of 1,500 ISK per passage for vehicles under 3.5 t. More details are on our Jökulsárlón page.
What else July offers
Puffins
July is in the middle of the puffin window, May to mid August. Boat trips from Reykjavík run until 20 August.
Golden Circle and the south
Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and the waterfalls of the south coast work all year, and July gives you long days to see them. At Reynisfjara, follow the posted sneaker wave warnings and any closures. See the south coast guide.
Silfra
Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure runs all year. The water stays between 2 and 4 °C, so cold water gear is needed.
Costs
Cars up to 3.5 t pay a distance fee of 6.95 ISK per km since 1 January 2026. A hotel room carries a lodging tax of 800 ISK per night, a campsite pitch 400 ISK. No monthly price comparison is available, so book early rather than hoping for a drop. See cheapest time to visit.
Plan the months around July
Previous month: Iceland in June. Next month: Iceland in August. For the season, see Iceland in summer.
Iceland in July: frequently asked questions
Is July the best month to visit Iceland?
It is the best month for the highlands, hiking and long driving days. It is not the best for northern lights, low crowds or low prices.
How warm is Iceland in July?
Typical highs are about 15 °C (59 °F) and typical lows about 9 °C (47 to 48 °F). Single days can be colder, and wind and rain are normal.
Are the F-roads open in July?
Many open in late June or July, but dates change every year. Check each road before you drive and make sure your vehicle is approved for it.
Does it get dark in July?
Not properly. On 15 July the sun rises at 03:41 and sets at 23:24 in Reykjavík, and twilight fills the gap.
Do I need to book ahead in July?
Yes. Hotels were particularly full in July and August 2025. Book accommodation, cars and popular tours as early as you can.