Iceland is a stunning country made up of dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery. With endless outdoor space and remote natural surroundings, this makes the island an outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking mighty mountains, impressive glaciers, exceptional wildlife and much more, there is something for everyone in Iceland.
For those travelling to Iceland in June, you’re likely in need of a little more information. Luckily enough, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about all that this country has to offer during this time, alongside the best things to do and festivals throughout the month. Here you will find a jam-packed Iceland travel guide to ensure you have all the information you need before your trip.
Is June a Good Time to Visit Iceland?
June is known for being the best time of year to visit Iceland. The warmer climate and blue skies make for the perfect setting to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. There is a ton to see and do during this time, making it ideal for visitors looking to make the most out of their trip.
With exceptional sightings of the midnight sun, plenty of nature activities and an exciting road trip, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when visiting Iceland in June. Plus, the change in temperature means that you can enjoy longer days and more exploring during this time.
Weather in Iceland in June
The next thing to consider when planning a trip to Iceland in June is the weather. This can impact activities and planning, so it’s important to know what to expect. Luckily enough, the climate during this time is comfortable and pleasant. With less rainfall and plenty of sunlight, visitors can explore more of the island than they would in the winter months.
June is the first official month of summer in Iceland, meaning the temperatures begin to rise during this time. With hiking, horseback riding, snorkelling and more all available in June, guests can make the most of the stunning natural surroundings when choosing to visit Iceland in summer.
Average Temperature in Iceland in June
June, July and August are considered the summer months in Iceland, however, this doesn’t mean that the temperatures are warm enough to sunbathe in a bathing suit! The climate is still relatively cooler during this time with average temperatures of around 9°C.
With sunny days, more daylight and an increase in temperature this provides a much warmer environment in contrast to winter in Iceland. Meaning June is excellent for those looking to get out and active, without the oppressive heat slowing you down!
Best Things to Do in Iceland in June
There are so many amazing things to do in Iceland throughout the year, and June is no exception! Check out our recommendations below if you’re looking for what to do in the country during your visit.
Marvel over the Midnight Sun
One of the biggest draws of Iceland in June is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Midnight Sun. This provides the perfect time to make the most of the extended daylight hours and is ideal for those hoping for more time to explore here.
The Midnight Sun takes place towards the end of June and is the longest day in Iceland. It usually occurs around the 20th and 22nd of the month and is a great time to make the most of the outdoor attractions on the island. Visitors can extend their hiking trip, or simply squeeze more sightseeing into one day during this time.
A trip to Iceland to experience the Midnight Sun is also perfect for anyone who has planned a shorter trip. With more daylight available, you can plan your visit around this to ensure you see all the top sights during your stay.
Go Horseback Riding
The Icelandic Horse has roamed the island for over 1,000 years, making this beautiful animal a prominent part of the country’s history and heritage. They can be spotted grazing along the roadside in Iceland, providing a perfect sight against the stunning landscapes.
For those looking for things to do in Iceland, you can take a horseback riding tour on the island. This is a great way to see more of what this wonderful country has to offer, without putting in the leg work! It is also an excellent way to see more of the island quickly, as these hardy horses can trek for much longer than we can.
With tours and trails all over Iceland, you just need to find the perfect one for you!
Enjoy a Picnic at Austurvöllur Park
If you find yourself exploring Reykjavik in June, a trip to Austurvöllur is the perfect way to spend a sunny day here. The area is often full of tourists and locals alike, sunbathing or relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.
Austurvöllur provides an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic with family and friends, as the vibrant atmosphere and lovely setting allow for a relaxing afternoon in Iceland. Grab some snacks and head to the park to soak up more of the country’s warmer temperatures in June.
Spot the Puffins
For wildlife enthusiasts, June is a perfect time to visit Iceland. This is when you can spot many of the island’s wild beauties as they roam in their natural habitats. Catch a glimpse of lovely puffins as they relax by the shore and gather in large flocks.
Some excellent puffin-watching tours will take you to the best spots to see these adorable birds. Watch as they dive in and out of the ocean in pursuit of something to eat, or simply marvel over their beauty as they perch peacefully on the land.
Remember to take your camera when going on a puffin tour, as you don’t want to miss some great photo opportunities during your trip! You can also find these tours when visiting Reykjavik, here you can get more information on times and locations.
Experience Whale Watching
Much like the puffin tours, whale-watching excursions are also an excellent way to spend your time in Iceland in June. These can also be found departing from Reykjavik, providing a great way to explore the city and the wildlife in one trip.
Throughout the months of June and July, visitors are able to spot up to 20 species of whales in Iceland’s surrounding water. This provides the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of orcas, humpbacks, blue whales, minke whales and more.
Whale-watching is an ideal way to spend your time in Iceland with the whole family, as these tours provide an exciting adventure for all. June is often a busy time for tourists in Iceland, so it’s important to book your tours ahead of time, this will help prevent missing out during your visit.
Try a Hiking Adventure
Hiking is a popular activity throughout the year in Iceland and with so many wonderful places to explore, it comes as no surprise why! With this in mind, for those visiting the island in June, the opportunities to hike are endless. The warmer temperatures and longer days allow for an ideal setting to get out and active across the country.
You will find several amazing hiking trails throughout Iceland, meaning there is plenty to choose from for a range of ages and abilities. However, some of the more popular treks are places like the Laugavegur trail, a multi-day hiking excursion across 20 of the best places in the world.
Hiking in Landmannalaugar is also a favoured choice for many. This hike is situated near Hekla volcano, providing an excellent opportunity to visit an active lava field and impressive hot springs. Many visitors also choose to partake in hiking tours to some of Iceland’s outstanding waterfalls. Trips to Glymur, Dettifoss, Skogafoss, plus many more are great for those hoping to marvel over these stunning cascades.
With so many trails to choose from in Iceland, you will find yourself needing more time on the island just to experience them all!
Visit the Natural Hot Springs
The hot springs are another popular excursion in Iceland. These natural formations are pools of warm water situated in stunning surroundings. This provides the perfect way to see more of the country’s landscapes, all whilst taking some time to truly relax and unwind.
A trip to the Secret Lagoon is a great option for those hoping to check out Iceland’s hot springs. Here you will find moss-covered terrain, alongside the oldest man-made pool on the island. Be sure to take your bathing suit with you, as there will also be the opportunity to take a dip in the warm water after strolling through the beautiful grounds.
Another favoured hot spring in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. Here you will find a pool of warm water situated in an 800-year-old lava field. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit on the island as the turquoise water and magnificent landscapes provide an ideal place to relax in utter serenity.
There are many more hot springs littered across Iceland, some of which are quieter than others. No matter where you choose to go, you will find a unique experience, complete with breathtaking scenery when visiting the country’s geothermal zones.
Festivals and Events in Iceland in June
If you’re still looking for what to do in Iceland in June, there are also plenty of great festivals and events worth checking out during this time. Below are some of the most popular festivities, so that you can visit here and experience all that this outstanding country has to offer.
National Icelandic Day
Every year in June, the whole of the country celebrates National Icelandic Day. This festivity usually takes place on the 17th of June and is certainly worth checking out whilst visiting. The event is to mark the time when Iceland became independent from Denmark on the 17th of June 1944.
During National Icelandic Day, street parades make their way through Reykjavik filling the streets with a lively atmosphere. The city comes to life with music, colours, balloons and flags as locals and tourists alike come together to celebrate.
This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Iceland’s culture, all whilst enjoying a vibrant event during your stay.
Secret Solstice
Another prevalent festival in Reykjavik is the Secret Solstice, which also takes place in June. During this time, there are 4 days of jam-packed events and fun within the city. Famous musicians head to Iceland to play for large crowds and with over 150 acts performing, there is plenty to see throughout this time.
The festival is also split into three parts, making it even more special for attendees. These are known as The Lava Tunnel, the Geothermal Pool Party and Into the Glacier. This provides a unique experience for all, with different themes running throughout the 4-day festivity.
Marvel over the ancient lava tunnel, all whilst a concert plays in the background, or head to the Geothermal Pool party to dance in a warm spring pool of water whilst DJs play. For visitors seeking an icy adventure, go Into the Glacier where you can enjoy a vibrant concert inside an untamed glacier in Iceland. This unique event is one not to miss, combining the country’s beautiful natural formations with vibrant music and dancing throughout!
What to Pack for Iceland in June
When planning a trip to Iceland in June, it is also important to know what to pack. This will help with activities and ensure you feel comfortable during your stay. Below are some recommendations for what to bring with you during this time.
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- A bathing suit
- Plenty of layers
- Fleece and sweatshirts
- Comfortable trousers
- Hiking boots
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm socks
- Gloves and a hat
- Sun Cream and toiletries
- Medication
Although June is considered to be the start of summer in Iceland, the weather can still be unpredictable during this time, so it’s better to overpack than under pack! You’ll likely add more to this list to personalise your packing. However, this should help get you started for your trip to this wonderful country in June!
Summary
We hope that after reading this article you can now visit Iceland in June with all this information in mind. The country boasts fascinating landscapes, mighty mountains, impressive volcanoes, intriguing wildlife and much more, meaning you’re sure to be impressed no matter when you decide to visit. This wonderful island has something for all types of travellers, so you’re bound to enjoy a trip for everyone when visiting this outstanding island!
If you plan to explore Iceland in June, there is no better way to see the country’s top attractions than on a road trip adventure. With this in mind, Fara Car Rental offers an excellent range of vehicles to suit a variety of holiday itineraries. This allows visitors to explore the island with ease, all whilst taking the stress out of planning for your journey!