A Local Guide to Visiting Iceland in August 2026

Weather in Iceland in August

Locals enjoying warm weather in Austurvöllur park, central Reykjavik.

Alongside July, August is the warmest month of the year in Iceland. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F) on average in August. But temperatures can exceed 20°C. In 2025, temperatures reached a record breaking 29°C on August 16th, recorded at Egilsstaðir Airport in east Iceland.

Wind and rain make the “real feel” temperature feel as low as 5°C, so you’ll still need to "dress for Iceland" and wear layers on cooler days.

August is the last month of summer, so it tends to get more rain and wind than June and July. Reykjavík receives an average of 83mm of rain in August across roughly 12 days.

It might feel cold to you, but to Icelanders, August is a chance to soak up the last of the summer sun. Don’t be surprised to see locals across the country kitted out in shorts and t-shirts!

Daylight in Iceland in August

Late night sunset at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, South Coast of Iceland

The start of August is at the tail-end of the “midnight sun,” when the sun never truly sets in Iceland. August 1st is six weeks after the longest day of the year, with true nighttime returning to the Land of Fire and Ice. Iceland averages around 16 hours of daylight in August.

There’s a big difference in daylight between the start and end of the month, with daylight fading by nearly 3 hours and 30 minutes in Reykjavík by August 31st. So, visit closer to the start of the month if you’re looking for the longest possible days for exploring.

Here’s what daylight in Reykjavík in August looks like:

August 1st 2026:

• Sunrise: 04:34
• Sunset: 22:31
• Total daylight: 17 hours 56 minutes
  

August 31st 2026:

• Sunrise: 06:07
• Sunset: 20:47
• Total daylight: 14 hours 39 minutes

Can You See the Northern Lights in August?

​Kirkjufell mountain during night with Northern Lights. Snæfellsnes peninsula, N/W Iceland.

Yes, August is the only summer month when it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. But it’s a little complicated. Due to long daylight hours, it’s almost impossible to see the Northern Lights at the start of the month, with the aurora only becoming visible in mid to late-August.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is from mid-August to mid-April. We start our popular Small Group Northern Lights Tour from August 17th.

The start of August is therefore a better time of year to plan road trips, hiking expeditions, and wildlife excursions (it’s the last chance to spot puffins) than a Northern Lights evening. However, if you are lucky, late August might be the perfect sweet-spot to see everything at once.

What to Pack for Iceland in August

Couple admiring Öxarárfoss waterfall at Þingvellir National Park

As the weather cools and the summer begins to fade, wearing layers becomes more important when you’re out exploring Reykjavik and beyond. While you might see locals dressed in shorts and t-shirts like it’s sweltering out, you’ll probably feel the need to wear something a little warmer.

Luckily, it’s not super cold in August, so you won’t need to pack any heavy jackets. The key to staying warm in Iceland is layers. Bring three layers (thermals, insulation, waterproofs), and then if you get too warm, you can always take a layer off. Bring a small bag on your travels to make adding and removing layers less awkward.

Here’s a packing list for Iceland in August:

• Thermals - Your base layer, with moisture-wicking properties to remove water and sweat from your skin to keep you warm and comfy. Avoid cotton clothing, as it holds moisture and won’t dry properly. Packs small and is your ultimate insurance policy if days get cold.
• Fleeces, hoodies, Icelandic wool jumper - Your insulating layer, keeping you protected from Arctic winds while out in the countryside. Consider picking up a traditional Icelandic jumper (lopapeysa) as a practical souvenir.
• Packable waterproof jacket - Your outer shell layer to keep you dry, as rain is likely in August. A light, foldable jacket is a good idea.
• Hiking boots - Whether you’re sightseeing in Reykjavik or hiking in the Highlands, hiking boots are the best day-to-day footwear for an Iceland holiday.
• Quick-drying socks - If your feet get wet while touring Iceland’s chilly coastline or rivers, you’ll be thankful you brought some quick-drying socks.
• Sunglasses - With a low-hanging sun and over 16 hours of sunlight most of the month, sunglasses are a must, especially if you’re driving across the country.
• T-shirts and shorts - If there happens to be a heatwave, you’ll want to make the most of the Icelandic sunshine.
• Swimsuit - No trip to Iceland is complete without soaking in one of our world-famous pools and lagoons, so don’t forget your swimsuit!
• Party / smart clothes - There are plenty of opportunities to dress up in August, from Reykjavík’s vibrant nightlife to some of the biggest annual festivals.
• ISO-certified eclipse glasses - Don’t get caught without the right eyewear for the total eclipse. If you don’t have a pair already, getting eclipse glasses will be easy in Iceland before the big event.
• A solar-filtered camera - An eclipse can damage a camera’s sensor without the proper filter, so pick a solar filter to snap the perfect eclipse pics without harming your hardware!

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Best Things to Do in Iceland in August 2026

Summer is on its way out, so make the most of the spectacular Icelandic countryside during your August visit. From thrilling outdoor adventures to wildlife watching boat rides, we’ve rounded up a handful of the best things to do in Iceland this August.

Trek across the Highlands

Landmannalaugar, Icelandic highlands

Iceland’s Highlands are reachable in August thanks to no snow on the F-roads, making some of the country’s wildest and most beautiful hiking areas accessible to visitors.

August is also the best time of year to camp (alongside July) in case you want to spend a night under the clear Icelandic sky. It’s worth noting that camping is permitted only in designated areas in Iceland, with popular Highland campgrounds including the Þórsmörk Volcano Huts and the Skógar Campground.

While F-roads are accessible in August, many remain difficult to drive on due to river crossings and rugged conditions. Make sure to rent a 4x4 if you plan to explore this mountainous region!

Some of the best hiking areas in the Icelandic Highlands include:

• Landmannalaugar - Part of Fjallabak Nature Reserve in southern Iceland, Landmannalaugar is home to stunning rhyolite mountains laced with red, yellow, green, and blue ribbons created by mineral and metal deposits. Here, you’ll find trails for hikers of all abilities, from challenging multi-day treks to simple strolls across the Laugahraun Lava Field. Bláhnúkur is a popular yet demanding day hike in Landmannalaugar.
• Þórsmörk - The Valley of Thor, Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk), is a dramatic valley sandwiched between glaciers through which three rivers meander. It’s arguably Iceland’s most popular hiking destination, and with good reason. The 55-km (34-mi) Laugavegur hiking trail connects Þórsmörk to Landmannalaugar and is Iceland’s premier multi-day hike. The Valahnukur hike is a short - and much easier - day-hike in Þórsmörk.
• Hveradalir (Kerlingarfjoll) - One of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal areas, Hveradalir is similar to Landmannalaugar with its painted rhyolite mountains. Along your hike, you’ll spot bubbling mud pools, steaming slopes, and sweeping valleys. You can reach Hveradalir from the Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll. Popular day-hikes include the Hveradalir Loop and the Highland Base Hike.

Are you itching for an Icelandic adventure but don’t want to plan a multi-day road trip? Let us take the wheel! Sign up for our 7-day Small Group Ring Road Tour or our 3-day Westfjords Tour, and we’ll take care of all the finer details for you! From hotel bookings to lunch spots to itinerary, you won’t have to lift a finger - letting you sit back, relax, and soak up some of the finest sights Iceland has to offer.

Road trip around the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle should be near the top of your Icelandic bucket list, providing a day-long road trip that passes some of Iceland’s most famous natural and historic sights. Jump in your car and take a tour of this 140-mi (230-km) driving route, which can be comfortably completed in 8 hours, making it ideal for a long Icelandic summer’s day.

The Golden Circle revolves around 3 main attractions:

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park - One of Iceland’s most important historical sites, Þingvellir was the site of the Alþing, Iceland’s first parliament, for over 860 years. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some incredible natural features, like the exposed Mid-Atlantic Ridge. If you have time, go snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, home to some of the world’s clearest freshwater.
• Geysir geothermal area - See geothermal power in action at the Geysir, Iceland’s most famous geyser, which fires boiling hot water over 60 m (200 ft) in the air. You should also check out Stokkur just to the south, which erupts more regularly than Geysir.
• Gullfoss - There are over 10,000 waterfalls across Iceland, but few are finer than the famed Gullfoss. The “Golden Falls” is a huge two-tiered 32 m (105 ft) high waterfall on the Hvítá River and the perfect way to round off your Golden Circle road trip.

Book a spot on our Classic Golden Circle Tour to road-trip in style! Along the way, you’ll enjoy lunch at an Icelandic tomato farm and hike up to the rim of a volcanic crater lake!

Or, combine your Golden Circle tour with a soak at one of Iceland’s iconic geothermal lagoons:

• Golden Circle + Laugarás-lagoon (new for 2026)
• Golden Circle + Sky Lagoon
• Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon

Marvel at Iceland’s native wildlife

Puffins in their natural habitat. Spotted in the Classic Puffin tour from central Reykjavik.

August is awesome for wildlife for a couple of reasons: it's peak whale-watching season, and it's the end of puffin season, meaning it’s nearly time to wave goodbye to our favorite goofy seabirds until next spring.

An almost surefire way to see some of Iceland’s most famous wildlife is on a boat cruise from Reykjavík, Húsavík, or Akureyri. Conveniently, you can board a boat from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and see these aquatic critters - perfect if you have a few hours to spare while in the city.

Book a spot on our Classic Whale Watching Tour and get an hour-long guided trip around the Old Harbor to spot several species of marine mammals, including minke whales, humpback whales, and harbor porpoises. You’ll get free tickets to try again if you don’t spot any whales!

Or, climb aboard for our Classic Puffin Tour from Reykjavík and see some of the over 8 million puffins that come to nest in the summer. You’ll also get a chance to see other seafaring bird species, like Arctic terns, razorbills, and guillemots.

Want to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature? Join our 3-day Remote Westfjords Wildlife Adventure! We’ll visit the Látrabjarg Cliffs, Europe’s largest birding cliffs, home to puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and more. You’ll also come face to face with Iceland’s only native land mammal, the elusive Arctic fox!

Eat your way around Reykjavik

Chef Snorri serving a fresh pan of Arctic Char in the Reykjavik Food Walk.

Reykjavik's food scene has come a long way in recent years, and August is a great time to explore it. The city punches well above its weight for a capital of just over 150,000 people, with everything creative Nordic tasting menus, world-class seafood and freshly baked pastries you'll be dreaming about on the flight home.

You'll find most of the action along Laugavegur and the surrounding streets in the city center. Whether you're after a quick bite, free roaming Icelandic lamb, or something a little more adventurous (hello fermented shark), you won't have to walk far.

A few of our go-to spots: Skál! or Lóla for a special occasion, Fiskmarkaðurinn for some of the freshest sushi you'll ever eat, Messinn for pan-fried fish that's hard to beat, and 280 Bakery - a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Want to skip the guesswork and taste the best of Reykjavik in one afternoon? Join us on the Reykjavik Food Walk - a guided tour through the city center where you'll sample 8 hand-picked dishes, from local favorites to a few things you probably won't find on your own. It's a great way to get your bearings in the city, especially early in your trip.

Best Tours to Take in Iceland in August 2026

With a once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse incoming and the northern lights on the horizon, August in Iceland is shaping up to be a busy - and exciting - month for travelers. Tours are the perfect way to experience Iceland’s greatest wonders without having the hassle of planning everything yourself. But which tours rule the roost?

Our expert local guides highly recommend these tours in Iceland for August 2026.

2026 Solar Eclipse Snæfellsnes Tour

Iceland is expected to be packed for the solar eclipse, which means finding the perfect place to watch the big event could cause a few headaches. Book a place on our 2026 Solar Eclipse Snæfellsnes Tour, where you’ll get an exclusive view of the eclipse from Lýsuhóll, a private horse farm on the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll be welcomed with a drink before an early dinner, with a party atmosphere in the lead up to the biggest event of the year!

Concerned about weather conditions for the eclipse? Our expert local guides will constantly monitor and adapt the tour to ensure you have the best possible experience. You’ll also have the chance to tour Snæfellsnes, known as “mini-Iceland” for its incredible landscape, which includes the postcard-perfect Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. We expect the eclipse to be a deeply moving and unforgettable experience, and we can't wait to share it with you!

Highlights of the 2026 Solar Eclipse Snæfellsnes Tour:

• 12-hour tour setting off from Reykjavík
• Private viewing party at a Snæfellsnes horse farm
• Sightseeing on Snæfellsnes, including Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi cliffs, and Ingjaldshólskirkja church
• Welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and dinner included
• Eclipse glasses provided

Book your spot on the 2026 Solar Eclipse Snæfellsnes Tour here.

The Reykjavik Food Walk

A fun Reykjavik Food Walk group stops at the famous Icelandic Hot Dog stand, (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur) for a hot dog with everything.

Is there any better way to immerse yourself in local culture than with food? The Reykjavik Food Walk is the ultimate Icelandic food tour, welcoming over 150,000 guests and earning 19,000+ five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Icelandic adventure - you’ll get shown around Reykjavík by one of our expert foodie guides, sampling traditional fare including traditional lamb soup (kjötsúpa), locally-caught Arctic char, and even some acquired tastes like fermented shark.

On the tour, we’ll stop off at 5 eateries and try 6 to 8 different dishes, so bring an appetite (and maybe plan for an evening food coma). The summer is perfect for this food tour as you’ll get to enjoy Reykjavík in the sunshine, and our friendly guide will let you in on a few local secrets, tips, and tricks to consider for the rest of your trip.

Book your place on the Reykjavik Food Walk here.

Glacier Snowmobiling & Secret Lagoon Tour

Exploring Langjökull glacier on a snowmobile is an unforgettable experience.

Explore Iceland’s immense glaciers in style on our Glacier Snowmobiling Tour. If you think snowmobiling is just for winter, guess again - we think August is the best time to explore glaciers!

We’ll scoop you up in our specialized Super-Jeep before making our way to Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull. We’ll establish base camp and get you kitted out with snowmobile gear before spending around an hour touring this magnificent glacier. Speeding across a glacier, with nothing but ice and snow all around, is an unforgettable, exhilarating experience.

Afterward, warm up in the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest bathing lagoon, which stays at a relaxing 39°C (102 °F).

Book your place on the Glacier Snowmobiling Tour here.

Private Northern Lights Tour

Amazing Northern Lights show on a private Wake Up Reykjavik tour.

Be among the first tourists to see the Northern Lights in 2026 on our Private Northern Lights Tour! August 17th kicks off aurora season again, with our guided tour providing you with the best possible chance to see this celestial light display.

Our guides use their intimate knowledge of Iceland to hunt down the best spots to see the Northern Lights. We’ll even provide you with hot cocoa and delicious Icelandic pastries for a cozy viewing experience. But what if you don’t see the aurora? You can reschedule free of charge for another chance to witness this elusive wonder!

Book your spot on our Private Northern Lights Tour here.

2-Day South Coast Tour

The South Coast is one of Iceland’s most widely visited areas for a reason - just two hours from Reykjavík, you’ll find volcanic black sand beaches, thunderous waterfalls, and surreal glacial lagoons. Join us on your two-day adventure on the South Coast, where we show you our favorite features, including some hidden gems often overlooked by other travelers.

Our incredible 2-day South Coast Tour includes:

• Everything planned and all logistics handled for you: Travel to and from Reykjavík in our well-equipped minibus, which includes Wi-Fi and USB chargers
• Three of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, including the 60 m (196 ft) high Skogafoss and Gljufrabui, which is tucked away in a cave.
• Two stunning black sand beaches, including the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, home to the imposing Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks.
• An overnight stay at a carefully chosen traditional Icelandic guesthouse, with a breakfast buffet included.
• Stops at the amazing Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a 100 m (328 ft) deep gorge that snakes across the countryside and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll watch countless monumental blue icebergs float by.
• A glacial hike across Sólheimajökull, with vistas of the Katla subglacial volcano.
• Our final stop is the charming seaside village of Vík, which offers panoramic views of the Dyrhólaey sea arch and the Reynisdrangar stacks.

Book a spot on our 2-day South Coast Tour here.

7-day Small Group Ring Road Tour

Want to discover all that Iceland has to offer? The 7-day Small Group Ring Road Tour is the quintessential Icelandic road trip: a week-long journey circling the entire country, stopping off at world-famous landmarks, charming fishing towns, and geothermal lagoons. The best part? You won’t have to plan a thing - just sit back, relax, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Discover Icelandic culture away from Reykjavík as we explore Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, and Egilsstadir, East Iceland’s main hub. In between 6 nights at cozy guesthouses and hotels dotted across Iceland, you’ll visit Vidgelmir, Iceland’s largest ice cave, Snaefellsnes, nicknamed “mini Iceland” for its diverse features, and the otherworldly Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. You’ll also have the opportunity to soak in three geothermal lagoons, including the renowned Blue Lagoon.

Whether it’s your first time in the Land of Fire and Ice or you’re a seasoned traveler to Iceland, our 7-day Small Group Ring Road Tour is perfect for unearthing the best sights in Iceland without lifting a finger.

Book your place on the 7-Day Complete Ring Road Tour of Iceland here.

Searching for more tours?

Iceland has over a thousand tours to choose from, from sightseeing strolls around Reykjavik to wild adventures in remote East Iceland. August 2026 will be busy thanks to the eclipse, with many of the top tours selling out months in advance, so get booking if you don’t want to miss out!

See our full list of tours here.

Events & Festivals in Iceland in August 2026

August is peak festival season in Iceland, and this year is extra special with the Iceland Eclipse Festival set to be the year’s biggest event. Keep scrolling for a look at the best events and festivals across Iceland in August 2026.

Iceland Eclipse Festival

Dates: August 11-15

The Iceland Eclipse Festival is an out-of-this-world gathering of DJs, scientists, and artists celebrating this once-in-a-century total eclipse. Party all night to some of the best electronic and dance musicians around, catch speeches from astronauts and visionaries, and participate in large-scale transcendental yoga sessions to connect with fellow festival-goers.

Notable musicians you can catch at the Iceland Eclipse Festival include Grammy-nominated trio Meduza, house maestro duo Booka Shade, and visionary artist and songwriter Imogen Heap. The setting of this festival is pretty special, with opportunities to spend five days camping on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Pro tip: Looking for an alternative to the Iceland Eclipse Festival? Icelandic icon Björk recently announced she’ll be DJing an Echolalia rave on August 12th, coinciding with her exhibition at the Icelandic National Gallery of the same name.

Reykjavík Pride

Pride festival in Reykjavik.

Date: August 4-9

Every year, Reykjavík hosts a mammoth five-day pride festival to celebrate and show support for the queer community in Iceland and beyond. Tens of thousands of people descend on Reykjavík to take part in workshops, listen to speeches, and march in the pride parade through the center of Reykjavík. The festival culminates in a massive outdoor event featuring performances by drag queens, local musicians, and world-famous artists.

Iceland is hugely proud of its LGBTQ+ community, and we look forward to welcoming you to the city to boost queer visibility, show solidarity, and celebrate our country’s diversity.

Þjóðhátíð Festival

Most locals agree that the most legendary festival in Iceland is Þjóðhátíð in the Westman Islands.

Date: July 31 - August 3

The Þjóðhátíð Festival (National Festival) is the biggest festival of the year, with over 15,000 attendees flocking to the Westman Islands off the South Coast of Iceland for a long weekend of pyrotechnics and performances. We think it’s the best music event of the year, with something for everyone from rock bands to modern Icelandic artists to chill acoustic sets.

One of the highlights of the festival is the bonfire at Fjóskakletti. A century-old tradition, the bonfire is huge, consisting of a 10 m (32 ft) high structure made of over 3,000 pallets set ablaze. It ranks among the most impressive bonfires in the world and is a century-old tradition.

The best way to get there is by the Herjólfur ferry. If you’re thinking about attending the festival, book ferry tickets well in advance - they sell out fast! Accommodation is usually sold out so camping is your best bet.

Is August a Good Time to Visit Iceland?

Local legend & Reykjavik foodie guide at the best hot dog stand in down town Reykjavik.

You’ll love Iceland in August 2026 if you want to:

• See a once-in-a-century total solar eclipse
• Attend some of the best festivals of the year
• Road-trip around the Ring Road
• Hike in the Highland region
• Spot local wildlife, including puffins and whales

August isn’t the best time to visit if you want to:

• Experience Iceland in the snow
• Dodge high charges for rentals and accommodation
• Avoid large crowds

Iceland’s solar eclipse in 2026: Everything you need to know

Iceland’s eclipse is a massive deal - travelers from all corners of the globe will be visiting Iceland to catch a glimpse of this incredible solar spectacle. To help you prepare for the big event, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below.

Where in Iceland will the eclipse be visible?

Iceland’s total eclipse won’t be visible across the whole of Iceland. The 2026 solar eclipse’s path of totality is over the western half of Iceland, including the Reykjanes Peninsula, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords. So, you’ll be able to see the solar eclipse from downtown Reykjavík or the picturesque viewpoints like the Látrabjarg cliffs.

What date and time is Iceland’s total eclipse?

Iceland’s total solar eclipse will take place on August 12th. The partial eclipse will begin around 4:42pm, with totality between 7:45pm and 17:47pm, before returning to normal by 18:46pm. The total eclipse will last for 1 to 2 minutes depending on where the viewer is located.

Will the eclipse be visible in all weather?

No, the solar eclipse won’t be perfectly visible in all weather. Thick cloud and heavy rain can completely block the solar eclipse. We all hope for the best weather!

Tips to prepare for Iceland’s eclipse

Here are a few insider secrets and tips to help you have the best solar eclipse possible:

• You can maximize your chances of seeing the eclipse by staying mobile, moving to a different part of the country if it’s cloudy earlier in the day. Check local weather forecasts to stay up to date on the best viewing locations.
• Book rentals, eclipse tours, and accommodation well in advance (like, yesterday!) as everything will be in high demand. Consider booking accommodation farther west of Reykjavík to save money.
• If you’re planning to watch the eclipse in the Westfjords, be aware that certain roads may be partially closed or only open to one-way traffic. You can find out more info on road closures here.
• There’s a high chance of large crowds in rural areas with little to no infrastructure, including water and toilets. Book an eclipse tour for the most comfortable viewing experience.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Iceland in August

August waves goodbye to our favorite seabirds, puffins, and says halló to the returning Northern Lights. It’s one of the busiest times of year to visit Iceland, and the solar eclipse means it’ll no doubt be a bustling period, especially mid-month, with most accommodation across Reykjavík already fully booked. If you’re visiting, be sure to visit the Highland region, catch a glimpse of our native wildlife, and, of course, try out some of our unique local cuisine.

We hope you have an awesome time in Iceland this August, and fingers crossed 🤞 for clear skies during the eclipse! Get in contact below if you have any questions about our tours!

Written by Egill Fannar - Co-Founder of Wake Up Reykjavik

Proudly born in Akureyri but now a local in downtown Reykjavik, Egill has spent over a decade helping travelers experience Iceland like locals - from cozy cafés & restaurants to hot pools and hidden adventures across the highlands.