Iceland in July: Best Things to Do and See for an Unforgettable Trip

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, July is one of the best months to visit. Known for its long daylight hours, mild weather, and the famous midnight sun, Iceland in July offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler. Whether you're exploring the stunning landscapes, enjoying the Icelandic summer, or discovering Reykjavik's vibrant culture, you'll find no shortage of exciting activities and breathtaking views.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Iceland in July, from hiking glaciers to soaking in natural hot springs.

Why Visit Iceland in July?

July is the peak summer season in Iceland, offering the best weather conditions for outdoor activities. Average temperatures hover between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F), making it one of the warmest months of the year.

July also boasts some of the longest daylight hours, with the sun barely setting due to the midnight sun phenomenon. This means more time to explore and experience the beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders, whether you’re embarking on glacier hikes or scenic drives around the Ring Road.

Another reason to visit Iceland in July is the chance to witness the country’s wildlife at its most active. Whale watching is at its peak during this month, with blue whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales frequently spotted in the Icelandic waters.

Must-Do Activities and Attractions for Your Iceland Trip in July

1. Discover Reykjavik in July

Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik, is a must-see during your July trip. Reykjavik offers a mix of urban charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal base for travelers.

Things to Do in Reykjavik in July:

• Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church: This iconic church offers some of the best panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding areas. Climbing to the top is especially rewarding on clear days in July.
• Harpa Concert Hall: This cultural center is an architectural marvel and often hosts concerts, including performances as part of the Reykjavik Chamber Music Festival in July.
• Whale Watching Tours: From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, you can embark on whale watching tours where blue whales and humpback whales are commonly seen in the summer.
• Walk Around the Sun Voyager Sculpture: Take a stroll along the waterfront and admire this beautiful sculpture, which looks especially stunning against the backdrop of July’s clear skies.

With mild weather and nearly 24 hours of daylight, Reykjavik in July is lively, offering outdoor cafes, street performers, and various cultural events.

2. Marvel at the Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is one of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural phenomena. From mid-June to late July, the sun never fully sets, meaning Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. This constant daylight allows travelers to extend their exploration time well into the evening or even into the early morning.

How to Make the Most of the Midnight Sun:

• Late-night hiking in Þórsmörk: One of Iceland’s most beautiful hiking regions, Þórsmörk is particularly magical under the Midnight Sun.
• Photograph iconic landscapes: The soft light during the extended sunset creates perfect conditions for photography at spots like Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or the Golden Circle.
• Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the evening, when the crowds have thinned but the daylight remains, creating a surreal landscape with floating icebergs illuminated by the midnight light.

The Midnight Sun not only enhances your experience by providing longer exploration hours, but it also allows for unforgettable experiences, such as late-night walks and scenic drives with the sun still high in the sky.

3. Whale Watching in Icelandic Waters

July is the peak season for whale watching in Iceland, particularly along the country’s northern coast and around Reykjavik. During this time, Icelandic waters host various whale species, making it one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in the country.

Best Places for Whale Watching:

• Reykjavik’s Old Harbor: Whale watching tours depart multiple times a day, and July’s calm seas make for comfortable boat trips. Expect to see blue whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and even orcas.
• Húsavík: Often referred to as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík offers a high success rate for spotting different whale species, particularly in July. The town also has a Whale Museum where you can learn about these magnificent creatures.
• Eyjafjörður: Another excellent spot in North Iceland, where whale sightings are frequent in summer months.

With more than 20 species of whales inhabiting Icelandic waters, a whale-watching trip in July is not to be missed. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Iceland in July and will likely be a highlight of your trip.

4. Explore Iceland’s Black Sand Beaches

Iceland is known for its striking black sand beaches, formed by volcanic activity over centuries. July’s mild weather makes it the perfect time to visit these beaches, where you can marvel at the unique landscapes created by dark sand contrasted against the sky and sea.

Best Black Sand Beaches to Visit:

• Reynisfjara Beach: This world-famous beach near Vík is known for its jet-black sands and basalt columns. It’s also home to puffin colonies in July, so bring binoculars!
• Diamond Beach: Located near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach is famous for the ice chunks that wash ashore, sparkling like diamonds against the black sand.
• Dyrhólaey Peninsula: Just a short drive from Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey offers panoramic views of the coastline, including black sand beaches and sea cliffs.

These beaches are among Iceland’s most iconic natural features, and visiting them during July allows you to experience their beauty in comfortable weather conditions.

5. Hiking in Iceland in July

Iceland’s diverse landscapes make it a hiker’s paradise, and July offers the best conditions for trekking. Many trails that are inaccessible in the winter open up in July, allowing hikers to explore colorful mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Top Hiking Trails in July:

• Laugavegur Trail: This famous multi-day trek takes you through some of Iceland’s most varied landscapes, from rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar to glacial rivers in Þórsmörk. The trail is open from late June to September, with July offering ideal conditions.
• Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park: For a shorter but no less spectacular hike, Skaftafell offers trails with views of waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand plains.
• Fimmvörðuháls Trail: Starting near Skógafoss Waterfall, this trail takes you over volcanic craters and past glaciers before reaching Þórsmörk.

With long daylight hours and mild weather, hiking in Iceland during July offers unparalleled access to some of the country’s most stunning and remote areas.

6. Road Trip Around Iceland’s Ring Road

If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure in Iceland, consider taking a road trip around the Ring Road (Route 1). Spanning over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles), the Ring Road circles the island and takes you past some of Iceland’s most famous attractions.

Must-Visit Stops Along the Ring Road:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach: These two attractions are side by side and offer views of floating icebergs and black sand beaches.
• Dettifoss Waterfall: Located in North Iceland, Dettifoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe and a sight to behold.
• Vík: This southern village is famous for its black sand beaches and proximity to glaciers.

Taking a self-drive tour around the Ring Road is an excellent way to explore at your own pace, with endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

7. Soak in Iceland’s Natural Hot Springs

July in Iceland is an excellent time to experience one of the country’s most famous attractions: its natural hot springs. Even though July is a summer month, the geothermal pools offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in any season.

Best Hot Springs to Visit:

• Blue Lagoon: The most famous of Iceland’s hot springs, located near Reykjavik, offering luxury spa treatments in addition to its signature milky-blue waters.
• Secret Lagoon: A quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, located in the Golden Circle region.
• Landmannalaugar: Known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, Landmannalaugar also boasts natural hot springs where hikers can relax after a day on the trails.

8. Explore Iceland’s National Parks

Iceland is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world, and July’s mild weather makes this the perfect time to explore them.

Top National Parks to Visit in July:

• Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is not only geologically significant but also historically important, as it was the site of Iceland’s first parliament. It is part of the Golden Circle route.
• Vatnajökull National Park: The largest national park in Europe, Vatnajökull is home to glaciers, ice caves, and volcanic landscapes. You can go on guided glacier hikes in this park.
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve: Located within Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is known for its easy-to-moderate hiking trails and stunning scenery.

9. Attend Iceland’s Summer Festivals

Summer in Iceland means festival season, and July is packed with events celebrating everything from music to local traditions.

Festivals to Attend:

• Reykjavik Chamber Music Festival: Held every July, this festival brings together international and local musicians for world-class performances in Reykjavik.
• Eistnaflug: A unique metal music festival held in East Iceland, offering a different kind of cultural experience for those interested in the alternative music scene.
• LungA Art Festival: Held in the East Fjords, this festival celebrates contemporary art through workshops, exhibitions, and performances.

These festivals offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture, especially during the vibrant summer months.

10. Glacier Hiking and Ice Cave Tours

While many people associate glacier tours with winter, glacier hiking in Iceland is just as popular in July. Thanks to the mild weather, you can hike across glaciers and even explore ice caves that remain accessible during the summer months.

Best Glacier Tours in July:

• Vatnajökull Glacier: As the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull is a prime spot for guided glacier hikes and ice cave tours.
• Skaftafell Glacier: Located within Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell offers tours that cater to both beginners and experienced hikers.

Glacier tours in July offer a unique opportunity to experience Iceland’s icy landscapes during the warmest month of the year.

11. Experience the South Coast’s Natural Wonders

Iceland’s South Coast is famous for its waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches, and it’s one of the best places to visit during your July trip.

Must-See Attractions on the South Coast:

• Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls: These two iconic waterfalls are located close to each other and are accessible via the Ring Road.
• Sólheimajökull Glacier: If you’re interested in glacier hiking, Sólheimajökull offers tours that take you up close to the glacier’s dramatic ice formations.

The South Coast’s natural beauty makes it a must-see region during any Iceland trip, particularly in July when the weather is at its best.

12. Wildlife Watching in Iceland

July is an excellent time to watch wildlife in Iceland. Puffins, whales, and other species are at their most active during this month.

Wildlife Experiences in July:

• Whale Watching in Húsavík: Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík offers excellent chances to see multiple whale species.
• Puffin Watching at Dyrhólaey: July is the peak of puffin season, and Dyrhólaey is one of the best places to see these charming birds.

13. Take a Private Tour or Self-Drive Tour

For a more personalized experience, consider booking a private tour or a self-drive tour. These options allow you to explore Iceland’s wonders at your own pace.

Recommended Private Tours:

• Golden Circle Private Tour: A customized tour that covers key attractions such as Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area.
• South Coast Private Tour: Explore the stunning South Coast with a private guide, taking in glaciers, black sand beaches, and waterfalls.

Wrapping Up Your Icelandic Adventure in July

July in Iceland provides unparalleled opportunities for discovery and adventure. The combination of accessible hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and endless daylight allows travelers to explore the country’s varied landscapes to the fullest.

From Reykjavik’s vibrant culture to the untouched wilderness of the South Coast and the beauty of Iceland’s glaciers, every moment of your journey can be memorable. Embrace the unique experiences this summer month offers and craft an itinerary that captures the essence of Iceland.