Driving in Iceland in Summer: A Go-to Guide for Travelers

If you’re looking for the very best road trip conditions in Iceland, summer should be your go-to season. You’ll struggle to find reasons why you should not be driving in Iceland in summer. From the weather and road conditions to taking the “road less traveled” – summer offers endless opportunities.

So, if you’ve been wondering when to wander our way here in Iceland and take on that bucket list road trip of yours, read on. You’ll find that summer might just be the perfect fit!

Why Drive in Iceland in Summer?

Many factors make summer (June to August) the ideal road trip season. So if you intend to rent a campervan in Iceland during the warm season, know that the pros includes:

Plenty of Daylight Hours for a Jam-packed Trip Itinerary

Most days throughout summer will have 20+ hours of daylight each day, so you can really cram in a myriad of sights and activities. Just be careful of burnout. Many visitors get overly enthusiastic and find themselves completely exhausted after just a couple of days due to squeezing in too much.

Natural Phenomena

Speaking of plenty of daylight hours, mid-summer (between 20 and 22 June, to be exact) is when you can experience one of Iceland’s most magical natural phenomena, the Midnight Sun. This is almost exactly what it sounds like as the sun takes a quick dip behind the horizon, but darkness never quite falls, essentially giving you a 24-hour day and sunlight at midnight.

Amazing Weather

Summer is undoubtedly the season in Iceland with the best weather. You can expect warm temperatures averaging between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit), although the island can sometimes see highs of up to 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

This may not sound like a lot compared to where you come from, but remember that this is Iceland we’re talking about here. You also don’t need to worry about some of our harsher weather elements, such as blizzards or winds reaching up to 35+ kilometers an hour.

Perfect Road Conditions

Without our harsher weather conditions, there’s no need to worry about road conditions or sudden road closures. Without any snow and ice and with wind speeds at their lowest, road conditions are practically pristine for road-tripping.

All Roads are Open

Because of our extreme weather conditions during the colder months of the year, certain roads, such as the F-roads in Iceland, are kept closed. This means that some road trip routes will require detours or will essentially be impossible at periods – except for the summertime, that is, when all roads and routes are wiiiiiide open!

Is it Safe to Drive in Iceland in Summer?

Honestly, there is no safer time to drive in Iceland than during summertime. There are just a few things to keep in mind:

• Although you won’t be faced with our extreme weather conditions, the weather in Iceland is notoriously fickle. This means it can change at the drop of a hat. To always be prepared, we recommend keeping a close eye on Vedur and Umferdin, which will keep you updated on the weather forecast and road conditions.

• We’re not the only ones enjoying the great outdoors, and there might be a few times you need to give right of way to our wildlife crossing the road, especially if you’re traveling through our more remote areas. This wildlife traffic can range from sheep and reindeer to our cute clowns of the sea (aka Puffins).

• Please chat with your rental agent about your route to ensure you have sufficient rental insurance. It’s one thing to arrive alive, but it’s quite another to be sitting with a damage claim that might give you a heart attack anyway. This is especially important for driving those unpaved roads where tire insurance is a must and traveling along our coast is where Sand and Ash Insurance is a non-negotiable.

• Our extra long daylight hours come with a bit of a side-effect that will need to be managed with a good pair of sunglasses. The sun can sit at a low-lying angle for some time, and when you’re driving straight into it, the glare can be challenging to deal with.

• Always adhere to the rules of the road. This is not just for your safety but also for the safety of others and our environment. So, keep to the speed limits (which may differ from what you’re used to), wear your seatbelts, don’t park on the side of the road, and if you ever find yourself in trouble, keep our emergency hotline (112) saved. This number can be used for any type of emergency, whether a car breakdown, a medical emergency, or a fire.

Roads in Iceland in Summer: Road Conditions and Vehicle Choice

As we already mentioned, road conditions are pristine throughout summer, and all roads are open, which means that the entire country is your oyster when it comes to road-tripping. But this is where you’ll need to ensure that your rental vehicle fits your road trip route.

If you’re planning on exploring our more remote regions, such as the Highlands and the Westfjords, where unpaved roads and our infamous F-roads abound, it’s highly recommended to rent a 4x4 vehicle (in the case of the F-roads, it’s actually a legal requirement). Also, ensure that the vehicle clearance is enough for routes where you’ll need to cross rivers and streams.

And if you plan on renting a campervan in Iceland, don’t worry; there are plenty of hardy 4x4 campervans to match any challenging road trip.

FAQs About Driving in Iceland in Summer

Below, you will find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions regarding driving in Iceland in summer:

Do I Need a 4x4 in Iceland in Summer?

If you stay in the towns and cities or plan on traveling only on our paved and well-maintained main roads, such as the Ring Road, a 2-wheel drive will be more than sufficient. But the moment you want to explore our more remote regions or take on our F-roads, a 4x4 is the way to go.

Can You Drive the Highlands in Iceland in Summer?

Since all roads and routes are open, you’ll be able to drive the Highlands in Iceland (which has plenty of F-roads) all throughout summer.

Driving in Iceland in Summer: An Extraordinary Opportunity to Explore

With incredible weather, plenty of daylight hours, and all roads and routes open, there’s never been a better time to explore the island than during the summertime. Armed with a jam-packed trip itinerary and your rental campervan, you can expect many once-in-a-lifetime moments (especially when visiting throughout mid-summer), and the most convenient and cost-effective trip. So, what are you waiting for? Some of your most treasured travel memories are waiting!