Reykjavik in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Reykjavik

13°C (55°F) High Temp

7°C (44°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak lupine season transforms the landscape - purple flowers blanket roadsides and countryside from early to mid-June, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops impossible to find any other time
Near-endless daylight with 19+ hours of sunlight daily allows maximum exploration time - sunrise at 3:30am, sunset after 11:30pm means you can pack in activities without feeling rushed
Perfect hiking weather with mild temperatures (7-13°C/44-55°F) and firm trail conditions before summer heat arrives - ideal for multi-hour treks to waterfalls and geothermal areas
White Nights festival season brings outdoor concerts, art installations, and cultural events that take advantage of the midnight sun - locals embrace the energy with street parties lasting until dawn

Considerations

Cruise ship peak season means popular attractions like Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa are crowded between 9am-4pm when multiple ships dock simultaneously - expect 30-45 minute waits
Accommodation prices reach annual highs with basic guesthouses starting at 25,000 ISK ($180) per night and hotels often booked solid - reserve 2-3 months ahead or face limited options
Unpredictable weather shifts from sunshine to rain within hours - you might experience all four seasons in a single day, requiring constant clothing adjustments

Best Activities in June

Golden Circle Day Tours

June offers the best Golden Circle conditions with lupine flowers framing Geysir and Gullfoss, plus extended daylight allowing leisurely exploration without time pressure. Morning tours (8am-2pm) avoid afternoon cruise ship crowds. The 7-13°C (44-55°F) temperature range is perfect for walking around geothermal areas without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as June fills quickly. Small group tours (8-12 people) cost 12,000-18,000 ISK ($85-130) while large bus tours run 8,000-12,000 ISK ($55-85). Choose morning departures to beat crowds and capture better photos.

South Coast Glacier and Waterfall Tours

Perfect weather for Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss with firm walking conditions and dramatic skies. June lupine blooms create impressive foregrounds for waterfall photography. The cool, humid air (70% humidity) keeps mist refreshing rather than uncomfortable during behind-waterfall walks.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically run 15,000-22,000 ISK ($105-155). Book tours that include Reynisfjara black beach - June weather is ideal for beach walks that would be brutal in winter. See current options in booking section below.

Reykjanes Peninsula Geothermal Walks

June's mild temperatures make this the ideal time for self-guided exploration of Krísuvík geothermal area and Gunnuhver hot springs. The 43mm (1.7 inches) of monthly rainfall keeps dust down while firm ground makes hiking accessible. this destination area offers multiple geothermal experiences beyond the crowded main pool.

Booking Tip: Rental car day trips cost 8,000-12,000 ISK ($55-85) plus fuel. Guided geological tours run 18,000-25,000 ISK ($125-175). Book early morning slots at this destination (before 9am) to avoid cruise crowds.

Highland Interior F-Road Adventures

June marks the opening of highland roads like Landmannalaugar after winter closures. This is the earliest you can access the colorful rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs. Weather is still crisp enough (7-13°C/44-55°F) to enjoy hot spring soaking without summer heat making it unbearable.

Booking Tip: Super jeep tours to Landmannalaugar cost 28,000-35,000 ISK ($195-245). Book through operators with proper F-road vehicles and emergency equipment. Highland hiking tours typically include hot spring access and run 8-10 hours.

Westfjords Remote Peninsula Tours

June is when Westfjords become accessible after winter isolation. Látrabjarg puffin cliffs are at peak activity with thousands of birds nesting. The extended daylight (19+ hours) allows epic drives through dramatic fjords without darkness concerns. Cool weather keeps car interiors comfortable during long driving days.

Booking Tip: Multi-day Westfjords tours run 45,000-65,000 ISK ($315-455) per person. Domestic flights from Reykjavik to Ísafjörður cost 15,000-22,000 ISK ($105-155) each way. Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead as options are extremely limited.

Midnight Sun Photography Tours

June offers the most dramatic midnight sun experiences with nearly 24-hour daylight. The low-angle 'golden hour' lighting lasts from 10pm-4am, perfect for landscape photography. Variable cloud conditions create dynamic skies ideal for dramatic shots of mountains and coastlines.

Booking Tip: Specialized photography tours cost 25,000-40,000 ISK ($175-280) and run midnight-6am. Self-guided options work well with rental cars - head to Perlan or Grótta lighthouse for classic midnight sun shots. Check weather forecasts for clear evening conditions.

June Events & Festivals

Mid to late June

Reykjavik Arts Festival

Iceland's premier cultural event features international and local artists across theater, music, and visual arts. Performances take advantage of extended daylight with outdoor installations and concerts. The festival transforms the city into an open-air cultural hub with events in unusual venues.

Summer solstice weekend (around June 21)

Secret Solstice Festival

This music festival occurs during the midnight sun, featuring 72 hours of continuous music under never-setting sun. International and Icelandic artists perform across multiple stages. The unique 24-hour daylight creates an otherworldly party atmosphere impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails stay muddy from snowmelt and 10 rainy days monthly, plus you'll walk on wet rocks near waterfalls

Merino wool base layers - temperature swings from 7-13°C (44-55°F) require easy layering, and wool stays warm when wet

High-quality rain jacket with hood - not just water-resistant, but fully waterproof for walking behind waterfalls and sudden downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and the midnight sun means potential exposure for 19+ hours daily

Polarized sunglasses - essential for glacier visits and bright midnight sun, plus reduces glare from wet surfaces

Insulated water bottle - geothermal areas have safe drinking water for refills, saves money and reduces plastic waste

Microfiber towel - quick-dry essential for geothermal pool visits and unpredictable weather changes

Power bank (20,000+ mAh) - extended daylight means extended photography opportunities, and you'll drain batteries quickly in cool weather

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during waterfall visits and boat tours with ocean spray

Cash in small bills - many rural attractions, gas stations, and parking meters still require Icelandic krónur despite card prevalence

Insider Knowledge

Avoid Gullfoss and Geysir between 11am-3pm when cruise ship tours converge - visit early morning or late afternoon for one-tenth the crowds and better photos

Download the 112 Iceland app before venturing anywhere remote - it works offline and can save your life if weather turns dangerous, which happens quickly in June

Fill your rental car tank in Reykjavik before heading to rural areas - gas stations can be 100+ km (62+ miles) apart and some close unexpectedly

Book restaurant reservations 1-2 weeks ahead even for casual places - June tourism boom overwhelms dining capacity and walk-ins often wait 2+ hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - tourists pack for either cold or warm weather, not both, then suffer when conditions change hourly throughout the day

Scheduling too much in one day - the extended daylight tricks people into over-planning, leading to exhaustion despite feeling like you have 'endless time'

Assuming 'summer' means warm - many visitors pack shorts and t-shirts only, then freeze in 7°C (44°F) morning temperatures and constant wind