Reykjavik in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Reykjavik

14°C (58°F) High Temp

9°C (48°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak lupine season - purple wildflowers bloom across the countryside from mid-July through August, creating Instagram-worthy landscapes along Route 1
Midnight sun provides 19+ hours of daylight (sunrise 3:30am, sunset 11:30pm), maximizing sightseeing time and eliminating concerns about dark weather
Warmest ocean temperatures of the year at 11°C (52°F) make hot spring bathing more comfortable and geothermal pools like this destination feel luxurious
Puffin nesting season at Westman Islands and Látrabjarg cliffs - best wildlife viewing window before they migrate in August

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months and popular attractions like Geysir have tour bus crowds
Highland roads (F-roads) to interior attractions like Landmannalaugar are muddy and challenging from snowmelt and frequent rain
Weather remains unpredictable with temperature swings of 10°C (18°F) in a single day requiring constant layering adjustments

Best Activities in July

Westfjords Peninsula Multi-Day Tours

July offers the only reliable access to Iceland's most remote region with 20+ hours of daylight for dramatic cliff photography at Látrabjarg and Dynjandi waterfall. Highland roads are passable and lupine blooms create purple carpets across valleys. This is peak puffin season at Europe's largest bird cliff.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead as operators run limited departures. Multi-day tours typically range ISK 180,000-280,000 ($1,300-2,000). Look for operators with highland-capable vehicles and accommodation included. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Highland Interior Camping Tours

Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk become accessible in July when snow melts expose rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs. Extended daylight allows for late-evening hikes without headlamps. Rivers are at manageable crossing levels before August melt peaks.

Booking Tip: Super jeep tours range ISK 85,000-120,000 ($620-880) for day trips. Camping tours cost ISK 140,000-200,000 ($1,000-1,450) for 2-3 days. Book through operators with glacier-capable vehicles. Current highland access tours available in booking widget below.

Midnight Sun Photography Tours

July's 19+ hour daylight creates unique golden hour lighting from 10pm-2am. Lupine fields, black sand beaches, and waterfalls glow in perpetual sunset conditions. No need for artificial lighting or rushed compositions.

Booking Tip: Evening photography tours run ISK 25,000-45,000 ($180-330) for 6-8 hour sessions. Look for small groups (max 8 people) and professional photographers as guides. Private tours range ISK 120,000-180,000 ($880-1,300). Check current midnight sun tours in the booking section below.

Puffin and Whale Watching Combinations

July combines peak puffin nesting at Westman Islands with optimal whale migration patterns. Minke and humpback whales feed in warmer surface waters while 60,000+ puffin pairs nest on cliff faces. Calm seas and extended daylight improve wildlife spotting success rates to 85-90%.

Booking Tip: Combined tours cost ISK 35,000-55,000 ($250-400) for full-day excursions. Westman Islands flights add ISK 25,000 ($180). Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. Choose operators with marine biologist guides and whale-spotting guarantees. See current wildlife tours in booking widget below.

Geothermal Pool Circuit Tours

July's cool air temperatures make hot spring soaking ideal - natural pools at 38-42°C (100-108°F) feel perfect against 14°C (58°F) air. Secret Lagoon, Seljavallalaug, and Reykjadalur require hiking but offer crowd-free experiences compared to this destination.

Booking Tip: Self-drive hot spring circuits work well with rental cars ISK 8,000-15,000/day ($60-110). Guided tours range ISK 18,000-35,000 ($130-250). Bring quick-dry towels and water shoes for rocky pool entries. Current geothermal tours available in booking section below.

South Coast Aurora Photography Prep Tours

While aurora season doesn't start until September, July tours teach photography techniques and scout optimal viewing locations during midnight sun conditions. Professional guides share camera settings, composition skills, and location scouting for future visits.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops cost ISK 45,000-75,000 ($330-550) for full-day intensive training. Include transport to Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, and Seljalandsfoss for technique practice. Book with professional landscape photographers who offer post-processing tutorials. See current photography tours in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Early to Mid July (even years only - not in 2025)

Reykjavik Arts Festival (Listahátíð)

Biennial contemporary arts festival featuring international installations, performances, and exhibitions across the city. Transforms galleries, museums, and public spaces into avant-garde art venues with late-night events taking advantage of midnight sun.

First weekend in August (often begins late July)

Westman Islands Þjóðhátíð Festival

Iceland's largest outdoor music festival held in a natural amphitheater formed by a volcanic crater. Three days of Icelandic and international artists with camping on-site. Combines music with puffin watching and dramatic island scenery.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 500m+ (1,640ft+) elevation - highland trails have sharp volcanic rock and river crossings

Merino wool base layers (avoid cotton) - temperature swings from 9-14°C (48-58°F) require moisture-wicking materials

Packable down jacket - essential for evening activities even in summer when temperatures drop to single digits

Waterproof rain pants (not just jacket) - Icelandic rain is horizontal and soaks through regular pants in minutes

Buff or neck gaiter - highland winds are constant and neck protection prevents heat loss

Sunglasses rated UV400+ - glacier glare and extended daylight exposure cause snow blindness even in cloudy conditions

Quick-dry towel for hot springs - regular towels stay damp in 70% humidity and highland camping

Portable phone charger (20,000mAh+) - extended daylight encourages 15+ hour days of photography and GPS use

Gaiters for hiking - lupine fields and highland vegetation soak pant legs during morning dew

Thermal socks (wool/synthetic blend) - wet feet in 9°C (48°F) weather leads to hypothermia risk during long hikes

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid this destination in July and visit Mývatn Nature Baths or Secret Lagoon instead - same geothermal experience at 1/3 the cost and zero tour buses

Shop for groceries at Bónus (pink pig logo) early morning or after 8pm - tourist crowds clear out and prices are 40-50% lower than convenience stores

Book accommodations in Selfoss or Hveragerði instead of Reykjavik - save ISK 15,000-25,000 ($110-180) per night and access south coast attractions 1 hour faster

Download the Vedur.is weather app and check highland road conditions on Road.is daily - F-road closures happen suddenly after storms and GPS doesn't update in real-time

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating driving times on Ring Road - tourist traffic in July adds 30-40% to normal travel times and single-lane bridges create bottlenecks

Packing for warm weather based on 'summer' expectations - July highs only reach 14°C (58°F) and hypothermia risk exists during highland activities

Booking this destination day-of or assuming walk-ins are possible - July requires 4-6 week advance booking and same-day tickets don't exist during peak season