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Is August a good time to visit Iceland?
August is one of the best times to visit Iceland. Summer is ending, but autumn’s beauty is starting to emerge. It is also a great time for outdoor adventures like traveling into the highlands and berry-picking. What’s more, August is the start of one of the best times of the year – the northern lights season!
What time is sunset and sunrise in Iceland in August?
On August 1st, sunrise is at 4:36 and sunset is at 22:29. By August 31st, sunrise is at 6:08 and sunset is at 20:45. This means that we are back to about 10 hours of darkness by the end of the month. As a result, the stars and northern lights will finally be visible again!
What is the weather like in Iceland in August?
Icelanders have a much-cherished saying about the weather: “If you don’t like it, just wait five minutes.” Nothing is certain when it comes to the Icelandic climate. It’s an adventure of its own so we recommend dressing in light layers during the month of August. Average temperatures hover around 10.5°C or 51°F.
What should I wear in Iceland in August?
A warm sweater, good walking shoes plus a raincoat are a must. What’s more, you might even want to buy a pair of socks made of Icelandic wool. They will warm your feet on cozy nights in and keep water away on excursions in the countryside.
What are the road conditions in Iceland in August?
On the whole, road conditions are very good in August. During this month, we usually experience some of the mildest weather – few storms and less wind. It is not very common to see any road closures in Iceland in August.
Should I rent a car in Iceland in August?
It is a great idea to rent a car in Iceland in August. The weather is generally quite good and road closures are limited. What’s more, renting a car gives you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Drive the Golden Circle route and experience Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. Or adventure down the south coast and visit black sand beaches, majestic waterfalls and even the Sólheimasandur DC3 plane wreck.
What are the best outdoor activities in Iceland in August?
August is an excellent month to take a guided super jeep tour of the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve. Wake up at Hotel Rangá and enjoy our delicious breakfast buffet. Then, an expert guide will come pick you up in a massive super jeep. Super jeeps are modified vehicles on huge tires that make it easy to explore bumpy terrain. These mighty jeeps can easily drive across the most gnarly gravel roads and even cross rivers!
On the way to Þórsmörk, your guide will stop for short hikes and opportunities to explore Icelandic nature up close. Þórsmörk is a lovely valley that is filled with black sands, green moss and glacial rivers. The area is a hikers paradise and filled with epic trails offering dramatic views of the beautiful valley.
What are the best indoor activities in Iceland in August?
If the weather isn’t cooperating, why not visit a unique local shop? Check out Una Local Product in Hvolsvöllur for handcrafts and artwork made by local artisans. Or visit Litla Lopasjoppan in Hella to find your perfect handmade woolen lopapeysa sweater. To learn even more about the process of harvesting and processing wool, visit Uppspunni Mini Mill and Yarn Shop.
After a long day of adventures, you can relax and unwind at Hotel Rangá. Enjoy a delicious cocktail at the Rangá Bar before you dine on local, gourmet fare at the Rangá Restaurant. After dinner, play a round of pool in our cozy game room or read a good book in our upstairs lounge.
Can I visit geothermal hot springs and swimming pools in Iceland in August?
August in Iceland is the perfect time to go for a hike or a geothermal soak in the hot springs at Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar is located in the heart of the southern highlands, and the roads to this untouched paradise close in mid-September. The dramatic shades of red, green and golden yellow are truly mesmerizing and the hot springs may just be one of nature’s most profound luxuries.
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Can I see the northern lights in Iceland in August?
Late August in Iceland marks the start of the northern lights season! Now that the days are getting shorter, the aurora will start showing up in the night sky. In fact, you can even ask our receptionists to alert you if the lights come out while you sleep.
Keep your eyes peeled for Hotel Rangá’s resident astronomer. He visits the hotel on starry nights and takes guests out to our Rangá Observatory for stargazing with state of the art equipment.
Can I go stargazing in Iceland in August?
August is not only the start of northern lights season – it is also the beginning of stargazing season! Because the days are getting shorter, the dark night sky is finally visible – and with it, the majesty of far-off stars and planets. Towards the end of August, we will again have our resident astronomer on-site to open the Rangá Observatory and lead tours of the solar system. Our Rangá Observatory houses two high-tech telescopes that make it possible to see incredible detail in the starry night sky.
Are there any special traditions in Iceland in August?
In August, city dwellers and locals alike take to the hills for the quintessential Icelandic experience of “berjamó”. The word refers to foraging for wild berries, particularly crowberries or bilberries, the latter of which are closely related to North American blueberries.
The pulp of the bilberry, known as “aðalbláber” in Icelandic, comes in shades of red or purple that will stain anything it touches: clothes, fingers, lips and tongues in a condition known as being “berjablár” or “berry-blue”.
Feel free to pick a mouthful or collect berries in a small bag or jar in the wilderness. In fact, bilberries are often made into jams or baked into pies and crumbles but they are also delicious when simply served with cream and sugar.
What festivals take place in Iceland in August?
August is a month filled with celebrations. In fact, summer festivals can be found in almost every town across Iceland. Icelanders know that winter is just around the corner, so it is best to enjoy as much summertime fun as possible.
At the Töðugjöld and Kjötsúpuhátíðin festivals in the towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, you can experience these Icelandic celebrations up close. Both of these festivals feature homemade food, though Kjötsúpuhátíðin specifically celebrates Icelandic meat soup.
Another popular party weekend takes place during the first weekend of August and is known as Verslunarmannahelgin or Tradesmen’s Weekend. Parties take place around the country, but the biggest festival is held on the nearby Westman Islands. This festival is called Þjóðhátíð and features live music, bonfires and fireworks.
Check out our blog post on Summer Festivals in Iceland to learn more about these epic celebrations.
