traveling to iceland in the summertraveling to iceland in the summer

It will dip towards the horizon close to midnight but doesn't actually get dark and you could still easily drive your car without headlights at 1 a.m. in peak summer. 8. You can see the full month by month breakdown for Iceland travel here. Before our Icelandic horseback riding tour, we stayed in one charming guesthouse near Varmahlid called Hestasport Cottages. What to Pack for Iceland in the Summer - A Couple Days Travel --- Important news: travel restrictions lifted from February 25, 2022 From Friday, February 25, there are no longer any COVID-related border restrictions for travel to Iceland *. Dressing in layers is the most important thing. The weather in Iceland is a bit all over the place, making it particularly difficult to pack. Meaning you dont have to search for any hotels or deal with costly restaurants in Iceland. Some things that are a must-do are going to an Iceland swimming pool, soaking in a natural hot spring, standing under a waterfall, and seeing the Northern Lights. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Both of our Iceland experts are in agreement that a waterproof jacket is essential for visiting the country. So yes its completely doable to have an affordable Iceland vacation. It is certainly good fun and a uniquely Icelandic experience. So, when is the best time to go to Iceland? Temperatures in Iceland in summer can reach a low of 41 and a high of 77. Get yourself a refillable travel water bottle and save your money and plastic waste. For example, tourist buses and stuff like that, if it's very windy, are not allowed to drive because they can get toppled over., Price at time of publish: $149 (women) or $149 (men). Consider bringing an eye mask to avoid the bright sun from trickling in and disrupting your sleep. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. A campervan is the best way to get around Iceland on a budget. Gloves: Same thing for gloves, I have only used them a couple of times this summer, but no one wants cold fingers. What to Pack for a Trip to Iceland: A Complete Packing List - Travel I love my universal adapter because I can take it with me around the world and it has to handy USB ports for extra charging. If you like active tourism and hiking, I recommend you to do the Laugavegur route, one of the best in the world according to National Geographic, of about 55kmlong, or 77 if you add the extra section of Fimmvruhls to it. The truth is, there's so much to see! 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. If visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach take the waves seriously, as several tourists have drowned after being swept away. Some opt to join the travel association tivist for a Midsummer walk over Fimmvruhls, a 15-mile stretch between the glaciers Eyjafjallajkull and Mrdalsjkull in southern Iceland. Temperatures will be around 12C/55F on average, and up to 15-18C/60-65F a few days out of the year. The contrast with the mountains, lakes and waterfalls is impressive. However, did you know the Blue Lagoon isnt natural? My name is Jeannie and I am your tour guide for all things Iceland planning. Therefore, the best thing is to get rid of laziness and get up early. On average, Iceland's weather in summer is between 50-59 F (10 to 15 C). Whenever you travel to another country, its important to double-check which kind of outlet youll find in your hotel room. If you Google How many waterfalls are in Iceland? The number 10,000+ comes up. Iceland is one of the most expensive countries to visit, and these costs will hit your wallet hard if you go out to eat. Waterfalls galore, black sand beaches, glacier hikes and rainbows in every direction. However, if you get caught in the rain, you want your gear to stay dry. Except for the number of layers that you're wearing, and maybe the thickness of some of them, winter is not that different from summer or autumn and spring, he says. Iceland in Summer: 12 Things to Do & See : Nordic Visitor Price at time of publish: $50 (women) or $60 (men). Watch the Northern Lights. It's pushing the limits for a long weekend away but for a week-long trip, it's easy. The good news is that nature is free, and youll be able to see Icelands beauty without paying for it. You can find many of these off-the-beaten-path guesthouses on Airbnb. Breathtaking natural scenery Iceland has some of the most spectacular natural scenery you will see anywhere in the world. The melting ice and snow from the higher center of the country run down towards the coast and into the ocean. Related: From Sri Lanka to the Arctic: 35 amazing Mr & Mrs Smith hotels to book through IHG Rewards. I never thought I would see real icebergs in person it was incredibly relaxing to sit and watch them float by. chances are its not going to feel like the summer you are used to. You need a sturdy vehicle for heavy winds that Iceland is famous for, occasional off-roading, or in general, to deal with other unknown weather conditions. Beloved by tourists and locals . If you dont want to make the full route, you can doa shorter oneand only make the 'short' route of Fimmvruhls, that's22 kilometres from rsmrk to Skgafoss. Unfortunately, there isno magic formula that will give you 100% chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Ic, Iceland stopovers arebecoming a popular addition to any Europe trip these days. Whether youre hiking on a glacier, walking behind a waterfall, or strolling through the city center, dry feet will make your experience much more enjoyable. So considering the opportunities in Iceland in summer vs. winter is crucial. If you visit Iceland between April and September, it will light out when you are trying to sleep at 11 p.m. For me, it was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are spectacular black sand beaches to enjoy you can walk along these without seeing another person as they are wide, windswept and largely deserted. However, in summer the roads are in better conditions, and you can get where you want to enjoy your trip to the fullest. The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes (for men or for women) are ideal walking shoes for Iceland with their waterproof uppers and sturdy Vibram rubber sole. Travelers to Iceland may now cross the border through the same process in place before the pandemic. 6,500 wild reindeer all of which descended from the original 35 . Its also when you will experience the most amount of daylight and get the most out your of your trip. If youre planning to spend a week or longer in Iceland, a checked bag might be the only way to fit all of your warm layers and accessories. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. 5 Things You Must Do During Your Iceland Stopover, Discover one of the best hiking trails in the world, Have fun as a local in the celebrations of the Summer Solstice. I didnt wear mine on a hike thinking it wouldnt rain and guess what? In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about this season in-depth such as the weather, what to pack, what to do, and some of the best places to visit in Iceland during the summer. In my opinion, Reykjavik deserves at least one day of exploration, unless youre there during one of its epic festivals then definitely stay longer! My favorite isSmartWool Outdoor Light socks. The Advantages of Traveling in Iceland in Summer The Icelandic Highlands are open. The personal highlight of my time in Iceland was the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Price at time of publish: $34 (women) or $40 (men). Sightseeing Under the Midnight Sun Read our top 10 Iceland travel tips. It's not exactly summer-y but it still is pleasant for all of the outdoor activities you'll most likely be doing. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Price at time of publish: $100 (women) or $100 (men). If you do want to try your luck and witnessing this phenomenon, you'll need to visit from late August to mid-April, though note the days will be much shorter, meaning less time to witness the natural scenery each day. This set of two converters has outlet prongs for over 150 countries including those in Iceland, Australia, and Japan. Planning a trip to Iceland. If you need tips for travel banking, we have a post. The Icelandic people take their hygiene seriously and dont want anyones dirty bodies infecting their pools. Love me the Justin. Price at time of publish: $60 (women) or $60 (men). Waterproof means that the clothing is designed to repel water no matter how much rain or water is getting on the outerwear. Self Catering - Cook Your Food 7. I swear by this sleep mask its super soft and comfortable, and completely blocks out the light.Swimsuit: Icelanders LOVE pools, there is a pool in every town! If youre on a budget, consider going to one of Icelands local pools for a swim and a chat with the locals or visiting a natural pool. This was a really unique and cool feature I hadn't experienced anywhere else before. And one country that's now open to vaccinated Americans, along with travelers who have recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection, is Iceland. Always, he adds. While the country itself has seen an, Iceland. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Here Are 10 Things You Must KnowContinue. Summer in Iceland is typically during June and July and maaaybe into mid-August. Unfortunately, we werent there in winters heart to participate in their heliskiing. It's very conveniently located close to the main Keflavk International Airport (KEF), so very handy if you have some time to kill before or after your flight. In fact, one beach on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is notable because it has golden sand, rather than black. Discover the thermal lakes of Mvatn, and reach the charming village of Akureyri. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. I prefer the soft and comfy Sutera silk eye mask which also works to eliminate bright city lights at home and on red-eye flights. Dont let the bugs ruin your trip, these are cheap and lightweight. Australia, and New Zealand can travel to Iceland for up to 90 days visa-free. I invested in this rain cover for my backpack and I love it. I road-tripped around Iceland in October and, although I thought I was prepared for the weather, I should have been a bit more thorough in my packing list. Its shaped like an arrowhead. Price at time of publish: $22 (women) or $22 (men). Fortunately, our travel experts are on hand to help you decide when to take your vacation. Book a summer tour or package vacation and explore Iceland's magic during the midnight sun without having to consider the organization of your tripall accommodation, transfers, and tours will be planned and booked on your behalf. Read more about my mission. The . Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. Its certainly possible to do Iceland on a budget of less than $100 if you are camping, cooking all your own basic meals, and traveling by public transport or score a good deal on a rental. Price at time of publish: $200 for women's size 7.5 in black. Traveling carry-on-only is a no-brainer for Iceland, especially if you're taking advantage of Icelandair's famous stopover routes and want to get out of the airport and into a hot spring fast.. Not checking a bag will save you up to $50 per flight and means you'll have less to lug across the island's incredible countryside. What is the best time to visit Iceland? For example, Iceland can have up to 24 hours of sunlight in the summer and, while your accommodations might have black-out curtains, consider bringing an eye mask to ensure the bright rays won't . You can quickly take them on and off depending on the activity. I would recommend picking up and dropping off at the airport. Car chargers: For when your camera and/or phone goes dead when youre on the road. After two years of COVID-19-related safety measures, the Icelandic Ministry of Health removed all restrictions on February 25th, 2022. The Snfellsnes Peninsula has been dubbed Little Iceland because it displays a wide variety of beauty found throughout Iceland on a compact peninsula. Connolly recommends wearing a pair of long underwear made of a synthetic material that has moisture-wicking abilities like this men's set of polyester thermal underwear from Amazon (which also comes in women's). The first time I visited Iceland, I went out with a few Icelanders to a Thai restaurant expecting to get something reasonable it was Thai food. There are natural hot springs scattered around Iceland, ideal for you to bathe in The sun doesn't completely set during the summer months in Iceland, giving you time during the night and day to explore! Its a honeymoon for the active couple who hate tourist traps and sitting still. However, do not think you are 100% safe with the low crime rates because Mother Nature is a bitch. Hiking pants: I have a lightweight pair of hiking pants that I love as a barrier for wind and rain. The route took us about 12 days (including time in Reykjavik), but if you are short on time, you can do it in 5-7 days. 9 reasons you should visit Iceland this summer - The Points Guy The Blue Lagoon is a tourist trap at its finest, and all locals will tell you that. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. So, that's why it's important to be properly clothed when you go there, Svajnzger stresses. Price at time of publish: $328 (women) or $328 (men). *See my complete camera essentials + packing list HERE! If youre into skiing and snowboarding,Iceland has some fun ski resorts nearReykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik. First, have lots of layers and most of them should be waterproof no question about that, Svajnzger stresses. If you only have a short amount of time to travel in Iceland but want to get out of Reykjavik (and you should), consider renting a car to drive the Golden Circle. Summers in Iceland allow for the rare opportunity to walk through a field of flowers, SCUBA dive between two tectonic plates, hike over frozen glaciers, bath in geothermal baths, gaze in awe at exploding volcanoes, and take in the urban charm of one of Europe's most vibrant cities, all in just a few short days. The Smartwool Merino Base Layer T-shirts (for men and for women) are the perfect base layer for regulating temperature on cold days and for wicking away moisture from hiking or other high-intensity activities where you might sweat a lot. Again, inexpensive, versatile, and lightweight. Honestly, theres no shame in using these, no matter what age you are! If you want to integrate yourself and learn more about Icelandic culture, head to the local swimming pools and local pubs and travel during the off-season when there are fewer tourists. The EltaMD SPF 50 sunscreen is designed for outdoor activities and it comes in a compact 3-ounce bottle so its TSA-approved and easy to travel with. Visit Iceland - Official Tourist Info for Iceland Ive left the basics out of this packing list, you can decide how many pairs of socks and underwear you want to bring! Plus, your own feed of TPG content. It's a great destination for social distancing, as you'll be spending plenty of time in your own car or tour bus driving from attraction to attraction. Although you'll miss the Northern Lights in summer, it's still a great time to visit. If you want to travel with a Happy Campers van as we did (and you should they are the BEST! Waterfalls, cathedral churches, a glacier, and numerous mountains can be found on the peninsula. Get Off the Beaten Track 5. Its true that at this time of year you wont be able to see the northern lights, but the sunsets are magical. These lace-up La Sportiva hiking boots (for men and for women) have a leather upper lined with the brands Gore-Tex, Nano-cell mesh membrane for superior waterproofness along with that durable stability. Now that you know what to do in Iceland in summer, do you dare to visit this gorgeous country? You follow a custom-made itinerary that guides you through Iceland's landscapes and your vehicle, activities and accommodation are reserved for you. If you plan to rent a car in Iceland, note that gas is costly. My go-to is a chambray, long sleeve tee or light sweaters. Unfortunately, I dont have that time, so Im showing you the ultimate Iceland bucket list here. I use this one to ski in the winter and it always keeps my neck warm and toasty. This is different from a rain jacket I would say I mainly use this during these months. The average temperature is about 11 degrees Celsius, much warmer than in the winter days. Travel Guide: Iceland Vacation + Trip Ideas - Leisure In the height of summer, it never really gets dark, so you can still be out hiking late in the day or take a midnight drive to get some photographs while the beautiful scenic locations are free from visitors. The mountains of the North are amazingly gorgeous. No matter what time of year youre visiting, its important to be equipped with all the small accessories that make a big difference during your stay. I have a lightweight buff neck warmer that I always pack on adventures just in case I need it. Taking palace between July 3rd - 9th, the ' Landsmt ' is Iceland's largest sporting event where every aspect of the unique Icelandic horse -- such as the . Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. I highly suggest a good quality pair of hiking boots to navigate the rugged terrain. Even with the blackout curtains, they don't really block the sun out, Connolly explains. All visitors are welcome, regardless of vaccination status, with no requirement to pre-register before visiting. Of course, it never hurts to have some money on you, but I wouldnt convert much of it to Icelandic Kroner. Related: Travelling to Iceland when vaccinated my experience and what to expect. Then, there will be plenty of time spent outdoors at these vast wonders. Whatever you do, do not forget a tripod for Iceland especially if you plan on photographing the Northern Lights as youll need one for the long exposures. The Best Time to Visit Iceland - Travel + Leisure Visiting Iceland in Summer: What To Do And How To Plan Your Trip When you're in Iceland, it can feel like you're on another planet. Remember its not uncommon to experience multiple forms of weather in one day! I've visited twice pre-pandemic and it was easily one of the most memorable and visually stunning destinations I've ever been to. Whether youre walking through Rekjaviks city center or driving Ring Road, a pair of versatile Blundstone boots are a must-pack. Im an American living in Iceland who helps visitors to have the trip of their dreams. Despite the global warming that strongly affects the island, the Icelandic summer allows . And there's no good changing rooms so if you find one that's just outdoors, then a nice pair of flip flops will probably keep your feet from soaking wet and freezing immediately., Price at time of publish: $25 for size 9 (Women's)/7 (Men's). Many of Iceland's natural landscapes are inaccessible during the winter months due to harsh weather conditions. Generally, November and March are the months to avoid as theyre in between seasons (cold rain). Even though we lived in New York City, were not city people anymore. Because the majority of activities in Iceland are outdoor in nature, Svajnzger says its crucial to have a pair of sturdy shoes like hiking boots. Do you need a four-wheel drive in Iceland? Public transport from the airport is lacking, and the Reykjavik Express, one of the only buses from the capital to Keflavik airport, is 2400 Icelandic Kroner one way. Related: Fagradalsfjall volcano erupts near Icelands capital heres what you need to know. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula that will give you 100% chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Ic. And of course there is plenty of sunlight. Camera: Duh! Nine Ways People Celebrate the Summer Solstice Around the World There are many things to do in Iceland in the summer, but its also the time when many Europeans have vacations, so you will find many tourists ateach attraction, lakes, waterfalls or natural landscape. During most of the year, Icelandic roads are frozen and some of them are filled with snow and blocked. No matter how youre planning to travel to Iceland, these Iceland travel tips will make your trip better! Check out our post on tips for getting the perfect place on Airbnb. Iceland With Kids: How To Plan The Ultimate Family Vacation In Iceland My hands got really cold during a windy volcano hike when it started raining and thats when I wished I had a pair of gloves like The North Face Apex+ gloves (for women or for men) in my day pack. Hot springs in Iceland are a right of passage; even locals regularly use, Renting a camper van in Iceland is a nature lovers dream vacation. Bringing a pair of thick, wool socks are the best way to prevent your toes from getting cold, and these Smartwool hiking socks (for men and for women) are a solid option for hiking or sightseeing. At the end of June, the sun sets at around 11.30pm and rises around 2.00am. Youve probably heard of the Blue Lagoon in your Iceland travel research in that same train of logic. While a camper is slightly more expensive than a car, you can sleep and cook in it! If it's shining directly on you, you're going to be driving directly toward the sun for hours. You cant go wrong with a pair of classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses with UV-protective coating and a sharp crystal lens. Sunscreen: Even though the temperatures arent very high, the sun is still blasting down at you for almost 24 hours/day that is! Iceland is an amazing country that I definitely recommend you to visit, either in summer or winter; but if you don't like the polar climate or wearing winter clothes, one of the best times to travel to Iceland is during the months of June, July and August. Keep reading to find our comprehensive guide to packing for a trip to Iceland, as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of your visit to the island. After all, one does not go to Iceland to spend all their time in a hotel room, but, Iceland is a North Atlantic island known mainly for its abundance of otherworldly scenery and geographical wonders. My recommendation is that you go on a summer self drive tour. While outer layers are certainly important to stay warm, you cant forget about a basic tee to wear under your outerwear. Summer in Iceland is typically during June and July and maaaybe into mid-August. These are awesome and come in a bunch of fun colors. While summer is a beautifultime to visit Iceland, (well, I think ALL seasonsare great to visit!) For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. You can also loop in theKerivolcanic crater and the town ofHverageri, the hot springs capital of Iceland. Its an outdoor lovers paradise, which means you need to be prepared for everything Arctic Mother Nature throws at you. Reykjavk becomes a festive city, where musical and gastronomic events fill the streets. Iceland Travel Restrictions Have Changed: What You Need to Know - AFAR June-August is high season, but it is also summer in Iceland and when you will find the most pleasant temperatures. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Best (And Worst) Time To Visit Iceland (Month By Month!) However, you'll see plenty of waterfalls without even stepping out of your car as you'll drive past them along the Ring Road regularly. Why go to Iceland in summer? Here are a few of our favorites. Bathe in a Natural Hot Spring 1. Iceland is cold, dark and icy over the long winter months. One of my top Iceland travel tips for the summer is to bring an eye mask. Related: Youll soon be able to see the northern lights in a hot air balloon. The Tentree Daily Parka (for women and for men) is made with water-resistant, 100 percent-recycled polyester and it has cozy insulation to protect you from the wind chill in Iceland. Take advantage of the colours at this time of year, because in winter, the country is covered in whites, ochers and grays. Trust me, just one cold day with high wind, and you will thank me. Top things to do and see in Iceland in Summer - Travel To Iceland SLEEP MASK: You know it never gets dark in the summer, right?! . Find the right card for you. As I mentioned in the previous point, in summer the country is crowded, especially now that Iceland has become a famous destination. You can actually experience all four seasons in one day you're gonna get a snowstorm on the same day; you're gonna see the aurora borealis. If you want to rent a camper van like us, Happy Campers is an excellent company to go with. I became rather obsessed with spotting these curious little creatures waddling around with their bright orange nose and feet.