July in Iceland: What You Need to Know

Is July a good time to visit Iceland?

July is an excellent time to visit Iceland. Summer has fully settled in and if we’re lucky, the sun is shining. The fields are finally green again and Icelanders of all ages have a special summertime spring in their step. Keep reading to learn more about the best adventures in Iceland in July.

What time is sunset and sunrise in Iceland in July?

On July 1st, sunrise is at 3:06 and sunset is at 23:55. By July 31st, sunrise is at 4:32 and sunset is at 22:32. This puts us at 18 to 20 hours of daylight in the month of July.

What is the weather like in Iceland in July?

July in Iceland brings us some of the best weather we experience all year! The average temperature in July is 55 °F (13 °C), but it can get as high as 68 °F (20°C). These are the highest temperatures that Iceland sees all year – don’t be surprised if you see the locals wearing short sleeves when you might be reaching for a sweater!

What should I wear in Iceland in July?

July in Iceland is prime sweater weather – warm and mild if it is sunny but still chilly in the shade. However, on a sunny day you might even get away with bare arms! Though July in Iceland is one of our warmest months, there is still a good chance of some rain. You should bring a proper raincoat and rain pants are always a good idea. If you plan on heading up to the Icelandic highlands or going on a glacier tour, you will need a warm hat, gloves, cozy socks and maybe even a thicker coat. Remember, it is always a good plan to pack lots of layers.

What are the road conditions in Iceland in July?

Road conditions are almost always excellent in Iceland in July. Because this is Iceland, you should know that wind, rain and storms can occur. However, they are quite uncommon compared to other months of the year. In general, there are almost no road closures in July. Hooray!

Should I rent a car in Iceland in July?

July is an excellent month to rent a car in Iceland. The roads are almost always clear and weather conditions are usually very good. What’s more, the midnight sun shines bright for up to 20 hours per day. This gives you the chance to explore at all hours of the day and night. For our night owls, this is a great opportunity to explore some of Iceland’s top tourist locations after hours. Avoid the crowds while you take in sights like Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir.

Can I see the midnight sun in Iceland in July?

July is one of the best months to experience Iceland’s beautiful midnight sun. With anywhere from 18 to 20 hours of daylight per day, you will be sure to have plenty of time to explore at all hours of day and night.

There is something both mysterious and romantic about the pinkish orange dusk that settles over Iceland’s countryside on a midsummer night. The sun is gone but just barely – light still covers the land, and its hazy hues are gorgeous. If you enjoy taking photographs, you will love shooting underneath the midnight sun. Imagine a permanent golden hour – that special time of day just before sunset. During this time, the light is softer – which gives photos a stunning, warm quality.

What are the best outdoor activities in Iceland in July?

Did you know that you can visit a snowy glacier in Iceland in July? It’s true! Though the fields surrounding Hotel Rangá are lush and green, you only need to head up to the glacier Eyjafjallajökull on a super jeep tour to get a taste of winter. The top of this mighty glacier-volcano is chilly year-round, providing an excellent expanse of snow and ice perfect for a fun super jeep adventure. 

July in Iceland is also an excellent time to go hiking. We always recommend that our guests take a leisurely stroll along the Rangá River, located just behind Hotel Rangá. In July, you just might spot a fisherman trying to land a catch – the river is actually one of the best salmon rivers in all of Iceland. You will also see plenty of beautiful bird life, including the lovely golden plover (loá in Icelandic).

If you are looking for a more challenging trek, you can hike the beginning of the epic Fimmvörðuháls trail. This sensational hike begins at the waterfall Skógafoss only to twist and turn all the way to Þórsmörk. If you want to complete the entire trek, be aware that it will likely take you 8 to 12 hours and requires proper preparation. We recommend booking a private guide to have the best experience hiking Fimmvörðuháls.

July in Iceland is the perfect month to go on a buggy tour. Buggies are open-air vehicles that make it easy to get up close to Icelandic nature. Your expert guide will take you on rarely traveled tracks to see beautiful waterfalls, black sand beaches and moss-covered fields.

What are the best indoor activities in Iceland in July?

After a long day of outdoor adventures, return back to Hotel Rangá to relax and indulge. Our expert bartenders can create your perfect craft cocktail or pour you a delicious glass of handpicked wine. Head upstairs to read a good book and enjoy views of the midnight sun from our cozy lounge. Or if you are feeling like a bit of fun, go play a round of pool in the Hotel Rangá game room.

Can I visit geothermal hot springs and swimming pools in Iceland in July?

July is a great month to visit geothermal hot springs and swimming pools in Iceland. It is always fun to visit the famous Seljavallalaug Pool at the foot of the Eyjafjöll Mountains. This pool was built all the way back in 1923 by the local youth club. Filled with geothermal waters, the pool is still in use today by locals and tourists alike. Do be aware that this is a rustic site with no proper changing rooms.

If a luxury soak is more your style, why not sip a glass of champagne in one of Hotel Rangá’s geothermal hot tubs. These cozy hot pots are located just outside our hotel with lovely views of the Rangá River.

Can I go stargazing in Iceland in July?

We are unable to go stargazing in July due to Iceland’s midnight sun. The sky simply doesn’t get dark enough to see far off stars and planets. If you want to go stargazing in Iceland, we recommend booking a stay at Hotel Rangá between late August and early April. Check out our special offers page to see our stargazing deals.

Can I go sungazing in Iceland in July?

In July, we are able to go sungazing in the Rangá Observatory. In order to see the sun safely, we attach a white light solar filter in front of our telescopes. The filters allow us to see sunspots on the visible surface of the sun.

We also have a specialized solar telescope. It allows us to see the Sun through one particular wavelength emitted by hydrogen. As a result, the Sun looks red; however, that red light gives us a glimpse of beautiful prominences and filaments rising from the Sun.

Can I see the northern lights in Iceland in July?

Because the midnight sun shines almost all night, we are unable to see the northern lights in July. If you want to see the northern lights, we recommend that you book a stay at Hotel Rangá from September through March. Check out our Age of Aurora offer to save big on a four night stay and enhance your chance of seeing the northern lights.

Are there any special traditions in Iceland in July?

Many Icelanders take a long summer holiday in July. It is common to travel around the country, go camping and enjoy the warmer temperatures. The biggest holiday weekend of the year is held in the beginning of August (Verslunarmannahelgi or Merchant’s Weekend) but celebrations often begin towards the end of July. A huge music festival takes place on the Westman Islands that are located near Hotel Rangá. Read more about Iceland’s end of summer festivals in this blog post.

Traveling to Iceland during the summer?

• Blog Post: June in Iceland: What You Need to Know
• Blog Post: Summer in Iceland: Top 12 Things to Do
• Blog Post: August in Iceland: What You Need to Know