What to expect from Iceland June weather plus a handy free packing guide!
A visit to Iceland in June is certainly not your average summer vacation! In this post, I’ll prepare you for what to expect in terms of weather, cost, and crowds.
Iceland Weather in June
The average high in June is around 51°F (10°C) and the average low is around 43°F (6°C).
Iceland weather in June can be very unpredictable. The sun can be shining one minute and you could get blasted with rain and winds the next.
It’s a good idea to have the official Iceland weather app (Veður) on your phone before your visit. You can get it on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
You are almost guaranteed to get winds and rain at some point during your trip to Iceland in June, although June isn’t the rainiest month. Be prepared with my packing list below!
There can still be a lot of snow on the ground in Iceland in June. Because of this, mountain roads are often still closed at the beginning of June.
Mid-June is usually when mountain roads begin to open. If you plan on venturing on these roads (with an appropriate 4×4 vehicle, of course), you should check the current road conditions at www.road.is.
Because of the spring snowmelt, May and June are the best months to see waterfalls in Iceland. If you venture out of Reykjavik, you will be treated with MANY waterfall viewing opportunities.
As you can see, Iceland in June isn’t very warm compared to most places in the summer. Also note that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much from day to night.
Iceland in June: The Midnight Sun & Northern Lights
The midnight sun in June
Speaking of day and night, you’ll only experience about 3 hours of “night” in Iceland in June. The sun rises around 3 am and sets around midnight for most of the month. That means you can experience the famous midnight sun for many days in June!
During the few hours of darkness each night the sky doesn’t get completely dark. Because there is so much light in the sky, you won’t have a chance to see the northern lights (aurora borealis).
You will have to visit from roughly September to April for a chance to see the northern lights.
Iceland in June: Crowds
The Blue Lagoon
Tourism has become the #1 industry in Iceland in the past decade. The peak months for travel to Iceland are July and August.
That said, June can also be crowded. Though it is technically the “shoulder season”, expect lots of people at the major sites for tour groups, such as popular stops on a Golden Circle Tour.
A visit to the Blue Lagoon always requires reservations, and June is no exception. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular tourist experience in Iceland, but very few locals ever go there.
Instead, locals frequent the many excellent geothermal pools instead. If you want to avoid the crowds and hefty price tag at the Blue Lagoon, read up on visiting geothermal pools in Iceland here.
What To Do In Iceland In June
There are some special events and opportunities in Iceland in June that make it a great time to visit. Here are some things to consider when you are wondering what to do in Iceland in June.
Peak Whale Watching Season
June is one of the best times of year to go on a whale watching trip. You can go on a trip from Reykjavik, but the best tours leave from the northern town of Akureyri.
Reykjavik Arts Festival
Every other year the Reykjavik Arts Festival takes place in the capital city. The next festival is June 6-21, 2020.
Hafnarfjordur Viking Festival
This festival takes place on the second weekend in June every year and lasts for four days. The town of Hafnarfjordur is close to the capital so it might be worth a visit if you are a Viking fan and are already visiting Iceland in June!
Peak Puffin Season
June is a great time to see Puffins in Iceland. It is the peak of their nesting a breeding season. Get everything you need to know about puffins viewing in Iceland here.
National Day June 17th
June 17th is celebrated as Iceland’s independence day. There is a large festival in downtown Reykjavik with music, street performances, playgrounds for kids, food, and more. Get more details here.
Iceland in June: What To Pack
As I already mentioned, packing for Iceland is quite different from packing for a summer vacation in the states!
You will need warm clothing, layers, and rain gear. You’ll also want a swimsuit for a dip in some geothermal waters.
Here’s an Iceland packing list for the “warmer” months of the year!
Synthetic Socks
You’ll need warm and comfortable socks for getting out to see the sights. Avoid cotton socks as they can get wet and hold the moisture against your feet.
The best choice is a synthetic blend sock such as these Cuddl Dud Socks from Target.
Waterproof Hiking Shoes
If you want to view Iceland waterfalls or do any hiking, you should definitely invest in a pair of waterproof hiking shoes. Water “resistant” shoes won’t keep your feet dry – you want waterproof shoes.
But fear not – they don’t have to be expensive. These Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes from Mountain Warehouse are a budget-friendly choice.
Iceland Packing List: Quick Drying Towel
You might not think of bringing your own towel on a trip to Iceland, but trust me – you will want it!
You will have to pay to rent a towel at any geothermal pool or springs in Iceland unless you bring your own towel. And you won’t want to bring one from your hotel or rental home and risk losing or damaging it.
So put one of these inexpensive and quick-drying towels on your Iceland summer packing list!
Mid-Weight Fleece
You’ll want a warm mid-weight fleece for layering when you visit Iceland. I like this Women’s Benton Springs Columbia Fleece jacket from Macy’s.
It’s affordable and isn’t too heavy but will keep you cozy.
Thermos
You’ll thank me for suggesting that you bring along a Thermos full of hot coffee or tea when you venture out on your Golden Circle tour. Get this lovely rose gold thermos from Target here.
Thermal Leggings Base Layer
You’ll want a lightweight base layer in Iceland – even in the summer. It will wick moisture away from your skin and keep you comfortable.
I like these affordable thermal leggings from Mountain Warehouse.
Iceland Packing List: Swimsuit
I know it’s strange to mention long underwear in one breath and a swimsuit in the next, but such is the nature of a visit to Iceland!
You’ll want to be sure to bring a swimsuit for a visit to the Blue Lagoon or one of Iceland’s geothermal pools. I like the variety and prices of Target swimwear – check it out here.
Packable Raincoat
There is always a chance of wind and rain in Iceland. I own this packable Waterproof Rain Jacket from Moutain Warehouse and I love it.
It packs down small enough to through into your bag for the day.
You definitely want a waterproof coat as opposed to something that is “water-resistant”. You’ll enjoy the waterfalls much more if you aren’t getting wet yourself!
Lightweight Travel Pants
Lightweight travel pants will make your Iceland visit so much more enjoyable. They dry quickly, are comfortable, and are easy to layer on top of thermal leggings (see above).
I suggest a pair that is cotton-free, such as these Explore Women’s Pants from Mountain Warehouse.
Sleep Mask
Last but not least is a sleep mask. If you visit Iceland in the summer, you’ll get to experience up to 20 hours of daylight.
This makes sleeping without the aid of a mask (and blackout curtains) a challenge! Be sure to bring a mask along (like this soft and comfortable one from Target) for the plane ride and keep it handy for each night of your trip.
Other Things Not To Forget:
Here are some other items you’ll want to be sure and pack for your three-season travel to Iceland:
- Warm hat and gloves (synthetic fabric – no cotton)
- Sunglasses (especially important for protecting your eyes on snow)
- A thick coat for early spring and late fall travel
- Water-resistant shoes or boots for a city day
- Comfortable clothes for the long flights
I hope this Iceland packing list helped you plan for your trip!
Click here or on the image above to get a printable packing list for your Iceland June trip.
Any questions? Leave a comment below or send me a message on The Frugal South’s Facebook page.
I hope this post helped you prepare for a visit to Iceland in June!
To learn more about this amazing country, check out 25 interesting facts about Iceland in this post.
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or send me a message on The Frugal South’s Facebook page.