While many picture Iceland as a land of snowy landscapes and northern lights, summer is arguably the best time to explore this extraordinary country. With average temperatures around 10–15°C, all you need is a light jacket. Add to that the surreal experience of nearly 24-hour daylight during the Midnight Sun, and you’ll feel like you’re wandering through a dream world where time stands still.
Why Summer is the Best Time to Visit Iceland
In contrast to harsh winter weather, summer offers smooth driving conditions and open access to all major attractions. You can circle the entire island with ease, and everywhere you turn is a photo-worthy scene—rainbow-lit waterfalls, glittering glacial lagoons, puffins nesting by the coast, and even whales leaping from the sea.
Must-Visit Natural Wonders in Iceland’s Summer
Geysir Geothermal Area
Catch Iceland’s natural hot water show at the Geysir geothermal field. The famous Strokkur geyser erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 20 meters into the air. Sulfur-scented steam and bubbling mud pots complete this Martian-like landscape. 
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls”, is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. In summer, sunlight dances on the cascading water, creating rainbows and golden sparkles. The thunderous roar and powerful mist offer a humbling experience.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
This unique waterfall lets you walk behind its curtain of water. Safe and accessible in summer, the sun often breaks through the mist, making you feel like you’re standing inside a magical portal.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Featured in Thor: The Dark World, Skógafoss plunges 60 meters in a dramatic free fall. With summer sun and heavy flow, double rainbows often appear—an ethereal, cinematic sight.
Goðafoss Waterfall
Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods”, is shaped symmetrically as if split by divine hands. Its turquoise waters and basalt canyon glow beautifully in the sun.
Iceland’s Otherworldly Landscapes
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
On a stretch of black volcanic sand lies the rusted shell of a U.S. Navy plane that crashed in 1973. Under the pale summer daylight, it looks like a scene straight out of Interstellar.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
At Reynisfjara, you’ll find basalt columns, roaring waves, and jet-black sand. The powerful contrast of light and dark makes for stunning photos—but stay alert, the waves here are deadly.
Vík í Mýrdal
This charming southern village is a summer paradise—lush meadows, colorful flowers, and postcard-perfect houses. The red-roof church on the hill overlooks both the beach and sea.
Glacial Adventures
Vatnajökull Glacier
Even in summer, you can hike on the Vatnajökull Glacier—Europe’s largest. Strap on crampons and follow a guide through ice crevasses and meltwater rivers.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A dreamlike lagoon filled with floating glacial ice. In summer, the ice glitters under the sun, and lucky visitors might spot curious seals swimming among the icebergs.
Diamond Beach
Next to the glacier lagoon is Diamond Beach, where crystal-clear ice chunks rest on black sand like scattered diamonds. It’s a surreal and photogenic wonder.
Iconic Iceland
Kirkjufell Mountain
Often called the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell shines in summer with green pastures and waterfalls surrounding its cone-shaped peak. A must-see on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Midnight Sun and Magical Moments
During summer, especially in July, the sun barely sets in Iceland. You can enjoy waterfalls at midnight or catch both sunrise and sunset in one moment. The sky glows gold and pink, adding to the fantasy-like atmosphere.
Wildlife and Whale Watching
Iceland’s summer seas come alive with up to 15 species of whales, including humpbacks, blue whales, and sperm whales. Whale-watching tours depart from towns like Húsavík, Reykjavík, and Akureyri.
You may also spot adorable Atlantic puffins, which nest along the coast and hop fearlessly on the sea’s edge—perfect for wildlife photography.
Soaking in the Blue Lagoon
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is iconic—and soaking in its milky geothermal waters on a summer evening is pure bliss. Book in advance for sunset hours, and enjoy the pastel glow of Iceland’s endless twilight.
If you’re planning your next great adventure, let Iceland’s summer magic sweep you off your feet. It’s wild, beautiful, and unforgettable—just like the best stories.
