Best August Tours in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour: Explore the stunning Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon by boat and witness the magnificent icebergs floating in the glacier waters.
3. Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: Descend into a dormant volcano and explore the colorful walls of an ancient magma chamber.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.