August, along with the month of July, is the warmest time of the year in Iceland. It marks the peak of summer, and for Icelanders, it is the most suitable time to host important events and central festivals, which take place almost every weekend. It’s the time for locals to step out of their homes and enjoy the comfortable and pleasant weather that Iceland is blessed with during this period.
Weather and daylight hours in Iceland in August:
The summer months of August and July are the warmest in the Icelandic calendar. In August, the average temperature ranges between 13-8 degrees Celsius. In Icelandic terms, this is considered summer in every sense, and you can expect relatively stable weather with minimal chances of rain and wind. The weather is ideal for nature excursions. In August, the darkness of the night finally reappears, and in terms of daylight hours, there is a significant difference between the beginning and the end of the month. On August 1st, the sun rises at 4:30 AM and sets again at 22:30, while at the end of August, on the 31st, the sun rises at 06:05 and sets at 20:50. This still leaves between 14-17 hours of daylight, providing ample time for a full and diverse day of exploration.
Self-driving tour in August:
Although most activities in Iceland are available year-round, such as whale watching, visiting geothermal springs like the Blue Lagoon, or embarking on the famous Golden Circle route, there are some activities and sites that open only during the summer.
In August, most roads, especially those in the mountainous areas, are open. Therefore, it is the best time to embark on a self-driving tour across the country in the form of a road trip. You have the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit the most beautiful places on the island.
The weather is better in August, making driving easy and straightforward without the complications of winter, such as snow and storms.
This is an ideal period to explore Iceland’s mountainous regions. The mountain roads in central Iceland open from late June to mid-September, making August the perfect time for jeep tours in Iceland.
Check these two itineraries - Suitable for August!
Highland Adventure – 12 Days Itinerary
Summary
12 Days / 11 Nights
Vehicle – 4WD (High)
Season – July – Aug
Main areas of this itinerary:
Golden Circle, Iceberg Lagoons, East Fjords, Laki, Landmannalauger, Jökulsárgljúfur, Askja, F35. … Read More
Around Iceland & The Westfjords – 14 Days Itinerary
Summary
14 Days / 13 Nights
Vehicle – All types are suitable
Season – May – Sep
Main areas of this itinerary:
Ring Road, Golden Circle, Iceberg Lagoons, East Fjords, Dettifoss, Myvatn, West Fjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula. … Read More
Events and festivals in August
Beach Football (Mýrarboltinn):
One of the main events during the first weekend of August is the annual European Beach Football Championship held in the western fjords in the town of Isafjordur. This unique event, imported from Finland in 2004, has gained tremendous popularity among Icelanders.
Teams or players interested in participating can register in advance. Each team receives a different-colored jersey, but very quickly, everything becomes covered in sand, making it the messiest event of the year. During the event, there are also music performances and parties in Isafjordur and neighboring villages, making it one of the main entertainment attractions for Icelanders during this time.
Þjóðhátíð – Westman Islands Festival:
The Þjóðhátíð festival on the Westman Islands is the most popular summer festival in Iceland.
It is an annual festival held in the captivating volcanic landscape of the Westman Islands, located off the southern coast of Iceland. Initially a collection of sports events, over the years, it has evolved into a music festival under the open sky.
Many Icelandic musicians from various genres come to perform on the island. During the festival, the small and quiet fishing town comes to life as many Icelanders flock to the island to enjoy a music experience in nature, with camping, open-air concerts, fireworks, and a breathtaking landscape visible from every angle.
In recent years, the event has transformed from a local music festival for Icelanders into a significant cultural celebration, attracting many tourists who come to experience genuine Icelandic culture.
The festival always takes place on the last weekend before the first Monday of August.
Fireworks Show at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon:
Every year, a spectacular fireworks show takes place at the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Lights and sparks illuminating the icebergs create a colorful fireworks display against the backdrop of one of the most stunning natural landscapes. It is an unforgettable experience. The entrance fee is 1000 Icelandic Krona (around 5 euros), and children under 12 enter for free.
Culture Night in Reykjavik (Menningarnótt):
Since 1996, on the first Saturday after August 18th, Reykjavik hosts Culture Night. The event is created by the city’s residents for the city’s residents.
All events, including music performances, concerts, and various exhibitions, are free. Culture Night is a time when the community spirit of Reykjavik returns, and the locals express the solidarity that has always existed among the residents of this northern part of the world.
The festival marks the beginning of the cultural year in the city, with museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions launching their annual event programs. The celebrations peak with a large fireworks display near the old harbor, adjacent to the city center.
Reykjavik Pride:
The second week of August is dedicated to Iceland’s LGBTQ+ community.
The Reykjavik Pride festival, held since 1999, has consistently grown every year and is now one of the largest festivals in Iceland. A third of the Icelandic population participates in the parade to support the participants.
The celebration lasts for six days and attracts people from around the world. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, as a third of Iceland’s population appears to demonstrate support for the LGBTQ+ community, equality, and human rights. In 2016, Iceland set a new global standard when the President of Iceland participated in the parade, becoming the first sitting president in history to do so.
