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All you need to know about August tours in Iceland
August is a wonderful time to visit Iceland. The summer weather is still in full swing, with long daylight hours, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. As the nights begin to darken toward mid-August, there’s even a chance to catch the northern lights in areas with minimal light pollution.
Whether you're planning a self-drive adventure, a guided multi-day tour, a vacation package, or just looking for things to do, Iceland in August offers something for every type of traveler.
Best Self-Drive Tours in August in Iceland
Self-driving in Iceland in August gives you the freedom to explore the country's stunning landscapes at your own pace. The roads are well-maintained, and driving conditions are usually good, making this an ideal time for a road trip.
- 10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes: Explore Iceland’s famous Ring Road while delving deep into the beautiful South Coast, including Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
- 8-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland's Ring Road with In-Depth South Coast Exploration: This extended self-drive tour covers the entire Ring Road, with additional time to explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula, famous for its volcanic landscapes and coastal beauty.
- 1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle: A perfect one-week trip combining Iceland’s Ring Road and Golden Circle highlights to experience the best of Iceland.
Best August Vacation Packages in Iceland
Vacation packages are great for travelers who prefer a hassle-free travel planning experience. They're customizable and include accommodation, transportation, and tours, allowing you to focus on simply enjoying your trip.
- 9-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with a Guided Ring Road Minibus Tour: This highly rated vacation package is available between August and March, bringing you around the whole Ring Road with a guide with a focus on unique experiences.
- 5-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Golden Circle: A shorter vacation package that covers the must-see sites in Iceland, including the Golden Circle and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
- One-Week Winter Package in Reykjavik & the Circle of Iceland: Explore the beauty of Iceland with a one-week package, combining the whole Ring Road with time to enjoy the city life in Reykjavik.
Best August Day Tours in Iceland
Guided day tours are an excellent way to go sightseeing and learn more about Iceland's culture, history, and natural wonders with ease.
- Small-Group Golden Circle Minibus Tour from Reykjavik with Bruarfoss Waterfall & Kerid Crater: Explore the famous Golden Circle route with a small group, visiting Bruarfoss waterfall and the colorful Kerid crater.
- The Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik: This top tour takes you to the beautiful Snaefellsnes peninsula, known for its diverse landscapes of lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, and charming coastal villages.
- 12-Hour Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Transfer from Reykjavik: Experience the main attraction of the Snaefellsnes peninsula with this highly rated tour.
Best August Activities in Iceland
August is a great time for outdoor activities, from hiking to wildlife watching. Here are the best things to do:
- The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour: Explore the stunning ice formations and views from the Skaftafell glacier on this best-rated glacier hike, perfect for nature lovers.
- The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour: Explore the stunning Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon by boat and witness the magnificent icebergs floating in the glacier waters.
- Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: Descend into a dormant volcano and explore the colorful walls of an ancient magma chamber.
- Zodiac Boat Tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Get an up-close view of the breathtaking icebergs and wildlife of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on this exciting zodiac boat tour.
- Northern Lights Tour With Free Photos & Refreshments: August is the earliest time in Iceland when you can spot the northern lights. While the peak season starts in September, this highly rated tour brings you to the best viewing spots from Reykjavik to increase your chances of seeing them. It includes free photos and refreshments.
- Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier: Take a guided walk on the Vatnajokull glacier, where you'll learn about the glacial landscape and experience its stunning beauty, perfect for beginners.
- Visit the Blue Lagoon: Bathing in the blue waters of the Blue Lagoon is an unmissable experience in Iceland, and it's easy to visit with this Blue Lagoon transfer from Reykjavik.
- The Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure from Reykjavik, where you might spot humpback whales, minke whales, and more.
- Silfra Snorkeling Tour Between Continents with Free Photos & Snacks: Snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure. It includes free photos and snacks.
- The Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik: Take an affordable bus tour from Reykjavik to chase the northern lights, with expert guides helping you find the best viewing locations to catch this natural phenomenon.
Visiting Iceland in August
Visiting Iceland in August means experiencing vibrant landscapes, cultural events, and accessible natural beauty. With open roads, you can easily visit stunning sights such as glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Popular destinations, including the Golden Circle and South Coast, are fully accessible, and there's plenty of opportunity for hiking, glacier tours, and wildlife spotting.
August in Iceland is a lively time packed with cultural events and festivals. The biggest celebration of the year is Thjodhatid, a three-day festival held during the first weekend in August. This legendary event takes place on the Westman Islands and is famous for its music performances, fireworks, and bonfires.
In Reykjavik, the city comes alive with Reykjavik Culture Night, a free event held in mid-August. Streets, museums, and galleries are filled with live music, art installations, and performances, creating an electric atmosphere that culminates in a stunning fireworks display.
Beyond these major events, there are plenty of smaller festivals and gatherings all around the country, celebrating local traditions, art, and nature. This makes August an exciting time to visit Iceland.
Driving in August in Iceland
August is one of the best times to rent a car and explore Iceland’s incredible landscapes with a self-drive tour. This month offers good driving conditions, making it easier to visit remote areas like the Westfjords or the Eastfjords. For those sticking to main roads, a small, affordable rental car is sufficient to travel along the Ring Road or visit popular destinations such as the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
The F-roads, which are mountain roads leading to the Highlands, are usually open in August, allowing access to stunning locations like Landmannalaugar and Askja. These roads require a 4x4 rental car due to rough terrain and river crossings, so it’s essential to rent the right car for your planned itinerary.
When driving in August, it’s important to stay prepared. The weather can still change quickly with strong winds, even in summer, so keep an eye on the Icelandic weather forecast and the road conditions throughout your visit.
Pack layers and rain gear in case of sudden rain while stopping for outdoor activities. Fuel stations are limited in more remote areas, so fill up your tank whenever possible, and make sure to respect Icelandic nature by staying on marked roads, as off-road driving is both illegal and harmful to the environment.
With proper planning and awareness, driving in Iceland in August can be a smooth and rewarding way to experience the country’s beauty and diversity. Check out the guide to driving in August to better prepare for your self-drive adventure.
Weather and Nature in August
August in Iceland offers mild temperatures, averaging between 50°F and 59°F (10°C and 15°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities. The weather is mostly stable, though it can be unpredictable, so packing layers and waterproof gear is recommended.
With extended daylight, you can fully enjoy Iceland’s lush green landscapes, glaciers, and waterfalls. As the month progresses, the nights grow longer, and there’s a chance to see the northern lights in dark, clear skies!
Make the Most of August in Iceland
August is a vibrant and dynamic time to visit Iceland, offering endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Whether you choose a self-drive tour, a guided vacation package, or exciting day tours, the combination of stunning landscapes, mild weather, and unique experiences ensures an unforgettable trip. Explore the selection of August tours and make the most of your time in the land of ice and fire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best August day tour in Iceland?
1. The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour: This three-hour glacier hike is one of the best ways to appreciate the outstanding beauty of the Vatnajokull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. It’s a great short tour for nature lovers and those seeking adventure.
2. Small-Group Golden Circle Minibus Tour from Reykjavik with Bruarfoss Waterfall & Kerid Crater: This tour takes you through the famous Golden Circle, with additional visits to the beautiful Kerid volcanic crater and Bruarfoss waterfall, known for its striking blue color.
3. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik: Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, from glaciers and lava fields to picturesque coastal villages. This tour offers a great way to see some of Iceland’s most diverse scenery.
What is the cheapest August tour in Iceland?
1. Laugarvatnshellar “Cave People of Iceland” Tour on the Golden Circle: Explore the unique Laugarvatnshellar cave houses near Thingvellir National Park. This short and budget-friendly tour is a great addition to your Golden Circle experience.
2. Entrance Ticket to Viking World Museum on the Reykjanes Peninsula: Visit the Viking World Museum in the town of Keflavik and get to know Iceland's earliest history. The entrance ticket gives you access to fascinating exhibits, including a life-size replica Viking ship.
3. The Vatnshellir Cave Tour: This guided lava tour takes you into an ancient lava cave on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, featuring beautiful rock formations.
What is the best August vacation package in Iceland?
1. 10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes: This flexible package includes your vehicle, accommodation, and a detailed itinerary, taking you through Iceland’s stunning Ring Road and the diverse Snaefellsnes peninsula.
2. Incredible 1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle: Perfect for a week-long adventure, this package combines the best of the Ring Road and Golden Circle routes, providing a seamless way to explore Iceland’s iconic attractions with accommodations and a car included.
3. Amazing 5-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Golden Circle: This shorter package focuses on Iceland’s South Coast, Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the Blue Lagoon, offering an immersive experience packed into five days with accommodations and transportation arranged.
What is the cheapest August vacation package in Iceland?
1. 2-Day West Coast Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Caving: This package takes you to the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you can explore lava caves, waterfalls, mountains, and dramatic coastal cliffs. It's an excellent short trip for nature enthusiasts.
2. Family-Friendly 2-Day Guided Summer Tour with South Coast and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Discover Iceland's picturesque South Coast on this two-day adventure. Highlights include black sand beaches, powerful waterfalls, and the breathtaking Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
3. Scenic 5-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland with Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: This scenic package gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. It covers some of Iceland’s top attractions, including the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, and the South Coast, with accommodation and a rental car included.
Is it worth it to visit Iceland in August?
August marks the end of the midnight sun. With a few hours of darkness each night, sleep comes more easily, so you can rest better after a big day out exploring.
Some of the best August activities to enjoy in Iceland include self-drive tours, camping, hiking, and water sports. From day tours to multi-day vacation packages, there are many August tours available in Iceland.
Check out the ultimate guide to Iceland in August to learn more about this beautiful month.
What clothes should I wear in Iceland in August?
Go for a layered approach with clothing so you have options to match the changing weather patterns. Items of clothing to pack for Iceland year-round include base layers, jumpers, thermal tops and leggings, trousers, socks, short and long-sleeved t-shirts, a jacket, and swimwear. Make sure you have all these items on your August packing list!
You will also want to include a few summer-essential accessories, including a hat or cap and sunglasses.
What does Iceland look like in August?
In Reykjavik, the average temperature in summer is 54 F (12 C). However, it can get up to 77 F (25 C).
The midnight sun comes to an end, with the number of hours of darkness increasing each night.
Although attractions are more crowded in August, the upside is that there is so much to do. It is a big month for festivals and events. Summer activities such as camping and hiking are still on offer, and roads that become inaccessible from autumn are still open. Therefore, August is an excellent month for self-drive tours.
What are the driving conditions like in Iceland in August?
However, there are chances of occasional strong winds and rain. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts when heading out to explore.
Are all roads, including F-roads, open in August?
Is August a busy month in Iceland?
Alternatively, consider exploring lesser-known sites to enjoy a quieter experience and escape the crowds.
Are puffins still in Iceland in August?
Can you see whales in Iceland in August?
Whale-watching tours offer an excellent opportunity for sightings of these incredible mammals, like this popular whale watching tour from Reykjavik.
Are the Icelandic Highlands accessible in August?
How long are the daylight hours in August?
Can you visit glaciers in Iceland in August?
How's the wildlife viewing in August, particularly for birds?
Are there any festivals or events in August?
Is it necessary to book tours and accommodations in advance for August?
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in August?
Some northern lights tours start operating in August, so you may be lucky enough to see them if conditions are good and activity is strong.
Can I experience the midnight sun in August?
Is camping popular in August?
Can I explore Iceland by campervan in August?
How accessible are geothermal pools and lagoons in August?
For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, there are plenty of lesser-known natural hot springs to discover as well, like with this Reykjadalur valley hot spring tour.
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