Iceland in June | Everything you need to know

Midnight Sun in June in Iceland

June is also the perfect time to experience the midnight sun because the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, falls on June 21.

The sun technically does set in Iceland during the summer solstice, but the light lingers in a sort of twilight due to the island's northern latitude. It gives you more time to enjoy the sights in the day, and it's also a beautiful and unique phenomenon to witness.

There are many midnight sun tours in Iceland: you can go on a kayaking trip, hiking, or even camp to witness the sun that never sets. There’s also the Secret Solstice Festival held over the summer solstice period. It’s a music festival featuring international and local hit musicians sharing their talents with fans at Laugardalur Park in Reykjavik.

Weather in Iceland in June

June offers some of the best weather of the year in Iceland with average temperatures consistently above 10 C (50 F), long daylight hours, low winds, and sometimes scattered rain. June is a wonderful time to come to Iceland and is one of the most popular months to visit. And it's not difficult to understand why. The weather in June gives you enough time to cram in everything you want to see.

• See also: Iceland Weather, Climate, & Temperature Year-Round

Is June rainy in Iceland?

The average number of rainy days in Iceland in June is about 11. But the weather in Iceland is consistently inconsistent, and it can change rapidly within the cycle of a day. You're extremely unlikely to experience ice or snow in the lowlands, but you'll have a mix of rainy days, sunshine, and clear blue skies.

What’s the weather like in Reykjavik in June?

For those only visiting Iceland’s capital city, the Reykjavik weather in June tends to be warmer than the rest of the country. The average temperature in Reykjavik in June is 10 C (50 F). But you should still pack some rain gear, to be on the safe side. 

How long is the daylight in Iceland in June?

The midnight sun's amber glow creates perfect opportunities for photography enthusiasts since sunset and sunrise last far longer than just one golden hour. That is not to say that June is guaranteed sunshine.

But with 20-24 hours of daylight, which peaks around the summer solstice on June 21, you’re sure to have plenty of sunlight.

Iceland’s temperature in June

In June, the average low temperature is 48 F (9 C), and the average high temperature is 59 F (15 C). 

If you are planning outdoor activities, especially if you're planning to camp, it’s best to dress in layers because they will keep you warm in cold conditions and give you the option to take off layers when the sun comes out.

Whatever the weather, the number of activities and places to go in June are endless, so visit Iceland in June and leave with unforgettable memories and stories to share.

What to pack and wear when visiting Iceland in June

The weather in Iceland can be pretty unpredictable at any time of year. If you’re visiting in June, you may not experience the extremes of Iceland’s winters, but it’s likely that there will still be some rain and colder periods.

To be best prepared for what you could encounter, here is our list of the best items to pack for your trip.

• Layers: Multiple layers will allow you to bulk up or pare down what you’re wearing according to how the weather changes throughout the day.
• Waterproofs: Getting caught out by an impromptu shower can put a real dampener on your adventures. Be sure to have a suitable set of waterproofs, including gloves, just in case you need them.
• Hiking boots: You may not need to keep your feet quite so warm in June, but much of Iceland still requires rugged footwear to tackle the terrain.
• Swimwear: Icelanders love getting wet! If you want to experience any of the country’s swimming pools or hot springs, don’t forget your swimwear.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: It might not be tropical heat, but the sun can be bright and strong in Iceland in June. Be sure you’re well protected.

• Discover all you need to know about Iceland in May and Iceland in July 

The best things to do in Iceland in June

Are you wondering what to do in Iceland in June? As the first month of summer, June is an ideal month to visit Iceland because there are so many activities and places accessible for you to enjoy. It’ll take too long to list all the possibilities, but the following list of the most popular summer activities is a good start.

Camping in June in Iceland

Photo by Ryan Shultiz

One of the top things to do in Iceland in June is camping, and there are many beautiful campsites all over the country. They will have showers and toilets close by or near local swimming pools where you can make use of the facilities.

It's highly recommended to find a legitimate campsite to ensure you have the best amenities available, especially toilet facilities. Tjalda and Camping Card are fantastic websites for locating the closest campsite and finding its available facilities.

The weather is unpredictable, so layers are always recommended, as are consistent weather forecast checks. Remember that even when the sun sets, you'll be in twilight—so it won’t hurt to bring an eye mask!

Hiking in Iceland in June

The weather in June in Iceland is excellent for hiking, with many trails opening up. There's no better way to see the untouched natural beauty of the Icelandic countryside than exploring it by foot.

Better weather conditions open up remote routes that are usually inaccessible, and the possibility of camping makes longer trails possible.

The roads to the Highlands open in June, as does the Laugavegur trail, which connects the Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork nature reserve. You can find both guided and unguided hiking tours to these regions.

• See also: The Highlands of Iceland | The Ultimate Guide 

Another remote region great to hike is the Westfjords. It’s the oldest region of Iceland, and they tell their many stories with dramatically deep fjords and tumbling waterfalls. Across the misty mountain tops, there are some impressive trails for hikers of all levels. In some cases, you can still follow ancient cairns down the well-beaten paths.

Glacier hiking and snowmobiling in Iceland in June

To add some extra adventure and awe to your excursion, why not try going on a hike or even taking a snowmobiling tour across one of Iceland’s glaciers? Despite the slightly warmer temperatures and prolonged daylight, the glaciers of Iceland are still accessible in June. These huge natural wonders look fantastic in the June sunshine, and offer up a whole new perspective of Iceland’s incredible landscapes.

Venturing onto glaciers is a dangerous endeavor, though. Be sure to look at guided glacier hiking tours and snowmobile trips, rather than going it alone and putting yourself at risk.

When you book a guided tour you’ll be provided with all the equipment you need and be accompanied by a skilled, experienced guide who can keep you safe.

Hot springs and swimming pools in Iceland in June

Photo from Reykjavik City Card | 24 Hours

June is a great time to visit hot springs in Iceland, as the weather will be warmer and opening hours are longer than in winter. Icelanders love to be in the water, and there's no city or town in Iceland without a pool nearby. You can also often find hot springs and geothermal pools in the most surprising and remote places!

The geothermal energy in Iceland is intertwined with the Icelandic people's history and culture, and meeting in the water is a common pastime to catch up.

• See also: The Best Swimming Pools in Iceland and Getting Naked in Iceland

Although these spots are nearly always outside, they're frequented year-round. Iceland’s warmer June weather is an excellent time of year for those who wish to discover Icelandic pool culture.

Photo from Hot Spring Hike of Reykjadalur Valley

Natural hot springs are less likely to have changing rooms, let alone heated ones, so the June weather in Iceland opens up the possibility of enjoying a dip. Beware that some hot springs may be on private property, and you need to get the landowner's permission. Due to these restrictions, it may be easier to take a hot spring tour.

The almost endless sunlight hours of June give you all day and night to enjoy these natural wonders. There’s nothing like experiencing the long shadows and colorful sunset glow from a hot spring in the middle of nowhere.

Most towns and villages will have a swimming pool, and Reykjavik has many. No matter the location, there's always one rule to follow: you must wash thoroughly without your swimsuit before entering the pool. It's one way that the pools are kept clean and only require light chlorination.

In Reykjavik, the swimming pools are large and often come with extra comforts such as saunas and steam rooms. Laugardalslaug, the largest in Reykjavik, even offers massages and spa treatments.

Sundhollin swimming pool in downtown Reykjavik has recently reopened after renovations and is a favorite among locals and visitors for its central location and social atmosphere. 

Horse riding in June in Iceland

June offers excellent weather for horseback riding and a chance to experience the beauty of the countryside from a different perspective. The Icelandic horse has been bred in isolation in Iceland for over 1,000 years. It’s famous for its intelligence and calm nature. It has faithfully served as a transport and agricultural companion in the past but is now primarily used for leisure and competitive riding.

Furthermore, the longer hours of sunlight give you more flexibility on what time of day and how long you can take your trip.

• See also: The Icelandic Horse | A Comprehensive Guide

The Icelandic horse is famous for its short, stocky build (they're closer in size to ponies than horses) and friendly in temperament. These qualities make the horses ideal for both children and beginners, so going on a horse riding tour to explore Iceland is also a fantastic family activity.

Whale and puffin watching in June in Iceland

Photo from Whale Watching Tour off Reykjavik's Faxafloi Bay

The shores off of Iceland’s coasts are rich in krill and fish, attracting whales and birds to its dramatic coastline. Whale watching and puffin spotting tours are often combined as a boat trip.

The Atlantic puffin only nests on the Icelandic coastline between May and August, so June is a prime month to spot the adorable bird. It’s regarded by many as the unofficial bird of Iceland, and you won’t want to miss your chance to spot these colorfully beaked fellows.

Both whale and puffin spotting make for excellent family adventures. Even though whale watching tours are available all year round, setting sail in the summer months makes for a much more pleasant experience at sea, with lower winds and kinder temperatures. 

Whales are not the only mammals you can hope to see. Although humpback and minke whales are common, you may also see harbor porpoises and short-beaked dolphins. Less common species are fin whales and orcas (killer whales). You can also look forward to spotting Iceland's birdlife: gulls, fulmars, gannets, and guillemots. And, of course, puffins!

Once onboard, you'll be taken to the prime spotting locations. Your expert guide will tell you and show you any wildlife in the area and provide informative and fun facts about all curious creatures.

Kayaking in Iceland in June

With the warmer weather in Iceland comes the opportunity to get out on the water in a kayak. Whether it’s along the coast or on one of Iceland’s lakes and fjords, there are kayaking tours available for all sorts of durations and differing levels of skill. Ranging from easy two hour trips for beginners to full-on six day epic quests, there are plenty of options to suit any and all visitors to Iceland.

Lupine fields in Iceland in June

With the Iceland weather in June becoming warm, the country is enveloped in purple flowers called lupines.

Lupine was initially introduced to help with soil erosion but they've quickly spread to cover large parts of the countryside. In some places, they're considered invasive species that threaten indigenous plants, such as revered and ancient moss species. Lupines are therefore quite controversial in Iceland, but many consider the quilt of purple flowers stunning and don't mind their spread across the Icelandic countryside.

• See also: The Dynamic Plant Lupine

The lupines are out in full force at the start of summer and this rare opportunity makes them one of the top things to see in Iceland in June.

If you drive around Iceland, you'll get a taste of its contrasts; even over a short distance the landscapes change so swiftly. Within a few miles, you'll see purple lupine fields, mossy green lava fields, and lush pastures dotted with yellow buttercups and dandelions.

Lava caving in June in Iceland

Photo from Leidarendi Lava Cave Exploration

June is a perfect month to discover Iceland’s lava caves and tubes. Many lava caves are inaccessible in the winter due to ice, but as it thaws these underground labyrinths are ready to be explored again. Get beneath the surface to experience first-hand the powerful volcanism that created and continues to shape Iceland.

It’s never advisable to enter a cave in Iceland without an expert, and there are many guided lava cave tours near and far to Reykjavik.

The flexibility of the summer months means you can mix and match to get the most out of your time. For example, you can visit the Leidarendilava cave and horseback riding past beautiful hillsides and peaceful lakes.

Fishing in June in Iceland

Photo from Kayak Fishing Adventure by Mount Kirkjufell

June is a great time for fishing in Iceland, with lakes and rivers full of fish. Iceland has a deep relationship with fishing, with much of Icelandic history revolving around it. Fishing in lakes and rivers is a popular leisure activity. You’ll need a permit to fish in any river or lake in Iceland, as well as permission from the landowner. You can also buy the fishing card, which gives you access to 36 lakes across the country.

This can be tricky, and the permits are expensive. The easiest approach for experienced anglers and beginners alike is to book a guided fishing tour. If you particularly want to go it alone and plan your own trip, we recommend you read more about fishing in Iceland to make sure you’re following all the rules.

Sea-angling is more straightforward, and some tours combine it with whale-watching expeditions. In some cases, the tours will even help you gut your fish for cooking.

The cheapest route to catching a fish in Iceland is harbor fishing. Some companies offer rod rental so you can cast your line, relax, and let your feet dangle over the pier.

Ice caving in Iceland in June 

You can also not visit a natural ice cave, as they will be full of melting glacier rivers in June. But the man-made glacier tunnel in Langjökull will still be accessible.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland in June?

Unfortunately, you can not see the Northern Lights in Iceland in June, as to see the Northern Lights you need dark nights, while the June in Iceland is bright and the sun almost never sets.
 

What's going on in June in Iceland?

Photo from Katrín Ásta Sigurjónsdóttir 

What to see in Iceland in June? Although Iceland is just a tiny country with fewer than 350,000 residents, there are many wonderful national holidays and music and arts festivals. And June is no exception.

If you are traveling to Iceland in June, here are the cultural events that you can take advantage of.

Fisherman's Day

Photo from Scenic 3 Hour Catch & Cook Fishing in the Westfjords with Transfer from Bildudalur

Fisherman's Day is a public holiday on the first Sunday of June. Iceland’s history, culture, and survival have long been intertwined with fishing and fishermen. It’s a weekend-long celebration, especially in the countryside.

It was established in 1938 to celebrate all those who risked their lives at sea past and present, and as a remembrance of those who have tragically died.

The weekend is enthusiastically celebrated in coastal towns, so if you find yourself in a little village by the sea, make sure you get down to the harbor to see the local festivities. There are always activities, especially for kids, making Fisherman's Day a perfect family outing.

• See also: How Iceland Ruined History 

Lobster Festival in Hofn

Photo by Lois Hansel

Hofn is one of the best places to visit in Iceland in June. They host an annual lobster festival at the end of June to celebrate its birthday. Hofn is famous for its lobster and langoustine. The festival is a weekend celebration with live music concerts and, of course, lots and lots of lobster.

Things to do in Reykjavik in June

The Reykjavik weather in June brings people out and about on the streets. You’ll see more crowded streets, and even groups having picnics in Austurvollur Park. Some of the public holidays are more spectacular in the capital. If you’re wondering what to do in Reykjavik in June, you can’t go wrong with the Icelandic national holidays and some of the year’s biggest festivals.

Iceland's Independence Day (June 17)

Photo by Simon Schmitt

June 17 marks Iceland's independence and the famous independence fighter Jon Sigurdsson's birthday. Flags fly at full mast, and everyone has the day off if they want it.

There's a parade through the downtown area in Reykjavik featuring people in traditional Icelandic dress, people on horseback, and flag-wielding scouts. People head to the central area to watch the show and hear a speech from the annually appointed Fjallkonan — the ‘woman of the mountain,’ — who represents the Icelandic nation's fierce character and spirit.

People celebrate in central Reykjavik no matter the weather, and there are fireworks in the evening. Similar celebrations happen all over the country, varying in scale, so be sure to join in wherever you are.
 

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Downtown Reykjavík

In recent years, the title of Fjallkonan was awarded to a trans woman and a drag queen, another one of the many ways Iceland is showing its support to the LGBTQ communities.

People celebrate in central Reykjavik no matter the weather, and there are fireworks in the evening. Similar celebrations happen all over the country, varying in scale, so be sure to join in wherever you are.

Fisherman’s Day in Reykjavik

If you’re in Reykjavik for this holiday, you can visit the old fish-packing district, now the cosmopolitan Grandi, about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the downtown area.

Some restaurants will offer free seafood soup, and there may be outdoor vendors tempting you with seafood treats. You can even watch the fisherman put the fish (and alien-like creatures of the deep) on ice!

Viking Festival in Hafnarfjordur

Hafnarfjordur is a small town 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Iceland and home to Iceland’s longest running Viking Festival. In 2022 the Viking Festival will take place between the 15th and 19th of June in Vidistadatun Park and the Viking Village. Entry is free for everyone.

The Viking Festival lasts for four days with a medieval market that sells leather goods, fur, silver jewelry, and swords. There are also Viking reenactment battles which are great to watch even for non-history buffs.

Reykjavik Arts Festival

This year the Reykjavik Arts Festival will take place 1.-19. June. The Reykjavik Arts Festival has been an annual event around May and June since the 1970s. Each year hundreds of artists from across the globe are invited to perform and exhibit their work, creating a massive network for artists to spread cultural diversity in Iceland. 

Through its two week schedule you’ll find cultural venues and unconventional spaces hosting interesting works around the city. 

Flights to Iceland in June

June is a great time to find cheap flights to Iceland with most airlines having started their scheduled flights to Keflavik international airport. You can get cheap tickets from local airlines like Icelandair and PlayAir. 

If you are flying from North America you can also choose United Airlines or Air Canada. The average price for flights from New York to Iceland cost around 400 USD.

If you are flying from Europe you can choose the low-cost airlines Wizz Air, EasyJet, or Ryanair. The average flight tickets from London to Reykjavik in June cost around 150 Euros. 

You can also find good flights with SAS, British airways, Vueling and Transavia France. The average flight tickets from Copenhagen to Reykjavik costs around 200 Euros and flights from Paris to Reykjavik cost about 300 Euros.

Please tell us if you liked this article in the comments below, or post any questions that you still have about traveling to Iceland in June. We would also love to hear about your experience if you have already been to Iceland in June. Next, check out this article about Iceland in July.