Last Updated on July 29, 2025
June to August are the high season in Iceland, because during these are Iceland’s warmest months. Of these months, June, particularly early June, tends to be slightly less busy with tourists than mid summer.
These reasons make June the best time of year to do an Iceland road trip. You’ll have the perfect balance of good weather, good road conditions, pleasant camping, and fewer crowds.
If you’re planning an Iceland road trip in June, there are several tips to keep in mind. It’s key to make your vehicle rental and accommodation bookings in advance, and you’ll want to plan to take advantage of Iceland’s long daylight hours, known as midnight sun.
Read on to learn details about Iceland’s weather in June, essential tips for road tripping Iceland in June, and what special events you can enjoy on this Nordic island in June.
- Iceland Weather in June
- 10 Tips for an Iceland Road Trip in June
- 1. Choose the Right Vehicle
- 2. Prepare For Driving in Iceland
- 3. Choose The Right Iceland Road Trip Route
- 4. Make Your Accommodation and Rental Bookings in Advance
- 5. Prepare for Camping in Iceland in June
- 6. Pack For Iceland’s June Weather
- 7. Download Essential Iceland Apps
- 8. Take Advantage of Midnight Sun
- 9. Watch For Lupine Fields
- 10. Go Atlantic Puffin Watching
- 11. Celebrate Icelandic Holidays in June
- Final Thoughts: Road Tripping Iceland in June
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Iceland Weather in June
June, July, and August are the official summer months of Iceland. The average high in June is around 10°C (51°F) and the average low is around 6°C (43°F). This makes it the third warmest month of the year after July and August.
During June, the days are long, the temperatures are becoming more comfortable, the flowers are starting to bloom, and there’s less wind and rain than during the rest of the year. It’s the perfect time of year for hiking!
All that said – you’re still in Iceland! Iceland has unique weather patterns thanks to its positioning in the Gulf Stream.
What’s most unique is how quickly the weather changes. Throughout a day in June, you can experience everything from sunshine, to hail and rain, and even snow (although snow is unlikely in the summer).
This changing weather is all part of the experience and nothing to be afraid of. We were told while in Iceland, “if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.” This is totally true! The key to a comfortable trip is to be prepared for it with the right clothing, which I’ll cover later in this guide.
What is midnight sun in Iceland?
In the summer months, Iceland experiences “midnight sun,” also known as “polar day.” It’s a natural phenomenon that occurs because of how close to the arctic Iceland is.
During midnight sun, the sun shines 24 hours a day, and never fully sets. This dramatically affects Iceland’s daylight hours throughout June, July and August, which makes for a surreal experience! Basically, it never gets dark out.
Is it easy to drive in Iceland in June?
Main routes like the Ring Road and Iceland Golden Circle are very easy to drive and navigate during June. This makes them the most popular option for an Iceland road trip in June.
While for the most part driving is easy, there is always a chance of high winds or gale storms. In the event of this, drive slowly, and when you park, park facing into the wind. This makes it safer to open your vehicle’s doors.
10 Tips for an Iceland Road Trip in June
Let’s dive into 10 essential tips for your Iceland road trip.
1. Choose the Right Vehicle
The first decision to make in planning your Iceland road trip in June, is what type of vehicle you’ll drive. There are three types of vehicles you can choose from to rent in Iceland.
Let’s break them down.
A regular 2WD car. A small car in Iceland will be the cheapest option. Just about every rental company in Iceland offers a range of 2WD cars. If you’re able to drive manual, I recommend renting a manual 2WD as they tend to be more affordable than automatics.
If you rent a 2WD, you have two options for accommodation. You can opt to do tent camping, or you can book hotels and guesthouses.
A 4×4 (4WD) vehicle. These vehicles tend to be larger than 2WDs. They are pricier, but they are the right option to choose if you plan on driving on f-roads.
What are f-roads in Iceland? These rural roads access the highlands of Iceland. The routes take you through incredible scenery, but the roads can be challenging and dangerous to drive. Most of them are made of loose gravel, have many potholes, and go through unbridged rivers.
A campervan. Campervans are popular in Iceland because they double as both transport and accommodation (though you still need to stay in designated campsites!). These vans can be quite pricey, especially if you want one that’s also 4WD. But, if you sleep in the van, you’ll save a lot on accommodation.
How do you know what vehicle is right for your Iceland road trip?
For most, a 2WD or campervan will be perfect for an Iceland road trip in June. You only need a 4WD vehicle in Iceland if you plan on visiting the Highlands, where you’ll drive f-roads. Otherwise, if you’re traveling on the main, paved roads, like the Ring Road, you’ll be fine with just a 2WD.
2. Prepare For Driving in Iceland
What not to do in Iceland? Don’t ignore driving laws. The laws in Iceland are likely pretty similar to driving laws in your home country. That said, there are some specifics that are important to know.
Never drive off-road in Iceland. It’s actually illegal to do so, because it’s dangerous both for you, and for Iceland’s fragile ecosystem. It might seem harmless to simply drive through an open field or onto an empty beach, but doing this can cause damage to Iceland’s landscapes as well as animal habitats that may go unnoticed to you. Going off-road can result in large fines, so don’t risk it.
Don’t ignore speed limits on Iceland’s roads. Speed limits in Iceland are taken very seriously. The limits will vary depending on what type of road you’re on, and if the weather is bad, it’s recommended that you drive below the limits. The speed limits are strictly enforced, mainly by cameras that will snap a picture of your license plate.
Don’t risk speeding in Iceland. It’s dangerous for you and other drivers, and you may get a hefty fine of several hundred USD.
Speed limits in Iceland:
- In towns and cities: 50kmh / 30mph
- Rural gravel roads: 80kmh / 49mph
- Rural paved roads: 90kmh / 55mph
Always keep an eye out for signage posting exact speed limits!
Drinking and driving is explicitly forbidden in Iceland by law. According to Icelandic Traffic Law, Act no. 77/2019, the maximum permitted level of alcohol in a driver’s blood is 0.02%, and a level of 0.05% or up is punishable.
If you are pulled over and the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is more than 0.049%, you will be fined at least 100,000 ISK (around 800 US dollars). There’s also the risk of other penalties, like a ban from driving, and jail time.
From what I’ve been told by locals and other travelers, the police won’t likely issue a ticket or other punishment unless a person registers a blood alcohol level above 0.05% – but this doesn’t mean anything above 0.02% isn’t illegal.
For most people, one drink will result in a blood alcohol level of 0.02%. Given this, it’s best to be extremely cautious. And, keep in mind that the legal drinking age in Iceland is 20.
Gravel roads are extremely common across Iceland. These roads can do a lot of damage to your vehicle, so it’s important to follow some simple rules for driving on gravel. First, drive slow. This will help reduce how many flyaway stones hit your vehicle, potentially causing damage.
You’ll also want to drive cautiously, examining the road ahead for large potholes. It’s really easy to lose traction on gravel roads, especially if the gravel is a bit loose.
If you start to skid, stay calm, press in the clutch, and gently turn your wheel in the direction you are skidding until you regain control.
3. Choose The Right Iceland Road Trip Route
There’s several route options to choose from for your Iceland road trip in June. The one you pick will depend on how much time you have, and what type of vehicle you rent.
The Ring Road is one of the most popular driving routes in the entire country. It’s a circular route that goes around the entirety of the island. Following this paved and well-maintained road is safe and takes you to many of Iceland’s top tourist spots and hikes. To drive the Ring Road, you’ll need a minimum of 1 week, but that would be rushed. Ideally, spend 10 days to 2 weeks driving the Ring Road. There’s lots of landmarks to visit right off of the Ring Road, as well as hiking options, like the hike to Bruarfoss.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a peninsula just west of Reykjavik. This region is often called ‘Miniature Iceland’ thanks to its diverse landscapes. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is perfect if you have just a few days, because it’s only about a 2 hour drive from Reykjavik, and you can do it with a 2WD vehicle. It’s also possible to add this region to your Ring Road driving route. There’s lots of landmarks to visit, as well as hiking options, like the hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar.
The Highlands are a popular pick in the summer because you can only visit them during the warmer months of the year. The Highlands are known for their dramatic landscapes and amazing hikes. Just note that you should have some off-roading experience and a 4WD vehicle if you plan to road trip The Highlands.
The Westfjords are a beautiful region in western Iceland. This is a less-traveled area of the country that takes some time to get to, so you’ll need at least 10 days if you plan to do the Westfjords. Although it’s possible to use a 2WD for this region, a 4WD is recommended because it will be much more comfortable.
4. Make Your Accommodation and Rental Bookings in Advance
Iceland is a small country with a small population, and tourism demand is high. This combo means that hotels, tours, and rental vehicles get reserved fast.
An Iceland road trip in June is not a trip that you can book at the last minute. The sooner you can book, the better, but aim for at least 3 months in advance. This way, you’ll have more options to choose from.
You’ll also find that many companies offer early bird discounts, so reserving early will help save some budget, too.
We have road tripped Iceland twice, and both times, we went with a Happy Campers van rental. Happy Campers is a family-run, Icelandic-owned business, founded in 2009 by husband and wife team Sverrir and Herdis. Their custom vans are designed to ensure you have a safe and comfortable road trip around Iceland.
We always pick Happy Campers for a few reasons. They are dedicated to making road tripping in their vans as green as possible. Their vans are outfitted with more environmentally friendly gel mat batteries, and solar panels, so that you can take a sustainable travel approach to your trip.
Happy Campers also provides custom-designed itineraries covering all regions of Iceland to help you plan your trip. Their vans come with unlimited WiFi so you can stay connected, a heating system so you stay warm, and they provide advance weather warnings (sent by email). You can look at Happy Camper vans and book your rental, right here.
Our 4×4 Happy Campers van on our most recent Iceland road trip through the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
5. Prepare for Camping in Iceland in June
In 2015, the Icelandic government made it illegal to camp in tents, trailers, caravans, campervans, etc, outside of designated campsites. The only exception is if you have written permission from the owner of the land that you’re camping on.
This change was made in response to growing overtourism in Iceland. The government recognized that mass numbers of wild campers could harm Iceland’s fragile ecosystem. Now, there are tons of public campgrounds that you can go to after a day of exploring.
No reservations are needed, and many campgrounds have great amenities like hot showers, kitchens, and more.
You should never start a campfire in Iceland, in fact, campfires are illegal on public land. This is because of how fragile the ecosystem in Iceland is. Fires have the potential to harm thousands of years of growth on Iceland’s landscapes.
6. Pack For Iceland’s June Weather
It’s important to pack the right clothes for Iceland’s weather in June. The key? Layer! Bring several layers that you can add and remove to adjust to the changing elements throughout the day.
Be sure to pack:
- Rainproof jacket and rain pants.
- Warm sweater or fleece.
- Many pairs of socks.
- Water resistant or waterproof shoes.
- Hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support.
- Any meds you may need.
That last point on packing meds is important. On an Iceland road trip, pharmacies are scarce. And, pharmacies in Iceland do not stock the same meds you’re used to commonly finding if you’re from the US, Canada, or Europe.
It’s best to be prepared for any illness that might come up, so pack a bit of everything! We brought antihistamines for allergies, ibuprofen for headaches, and some cold and flu medication with us.
For an Iceland road trip in June, you’ll want to bring some things to help you sleep during the midnight sun. Be sure to pack:
- Comfortable eye mask.
- Earplugs for added help falling asleep.
If you are planning to camp in Iceland, either in a tent or a camper van, there’s a couple must-bring items that will make your camping experience more comfortable.
- Microfibre towels because they are quick-dry.
- Flip flops to wear while showering.
I recommend downloading offline maps to your phone if you are road tripping Iceland. While my partner and I had an eSIM and pocket wifi in our van rental, we did find that in more remote regions service was spotty. Downloading offline maps through your map app will ensure you can navigate, even when you’re not online.
Esims are digital sim cards that provide data coverage abroad. They are an affordable and convenient way to stay online while you travel – I use them any time I go anywhere.
You can get online with an easily with a quick-to-install eSIM through Airalo. What I appreciate most about Airalo’s eSIM is its simplicity. You can quickly select and activate an Airalo eSIM for whichever country you are headed to. Selecting, downloading, and activating your eSIM takes less than 5 minutes, and it’s easy to top up your eSIM if you run out of data.
You can get started with an Airalo eSIM, right here.
7. Download Essential Iceland Apps
Ahead road tripping Iceland in October, you’ll want to download a couple important apps. These are Icelandic apps that are designed to keep you safe, and make things like parking a lot easier.
Safe Travel
The SafeTravel app is the most important app to have downloaded for your Iceland road trip. This Icelandic app provides resources to make your journey worry-free and memorable.
It provides real-time updates on weather and road conditions so you can adapt your travel plans accordingly. The app has the option for push notifications that will alert you about incoming storms, natural disasters, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, or other dangers that can occur.
What makes SafeTravel especially important for your October road trip is the “Check-In” feature. This feature allows you to input your travel itinerary and share it with the Icelandic Search and Rescue Service. If anything goes wrong, help is readily available. You can also submit a travel plan on the SafeTravel website.
Veður
Veður is the official weather app for Iceland. This app is the most reliable source for updates about weather throughout Iceland. You can get the free app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. This app also provides a daily Aurora forecast.
Parka
While road tripping Iceland, you’ll find that most tourist sites charge for parking. You will also need to pay for street parking in Reykjavik and any towns you stop in. Parka is Iceland’s parking app, which simplifies the process of paying.
8. Take Advantage of Midnight Sun
In summer, Iceland celebrates the longest days of the year, known as midnight sun. For a few weeks in June, the sun doesn’t set at all.
From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, the sun is up in the sky. In the middle of the night, the sun does fall lower, closer to the horizon. But it isn’t ever fully dark.
Not only is this Nordic phenomenon a fascinating experience – There’s a huge advantage to traveling Iceland during midnight sun. You’re able to go out exploring at literally any time of day.
For example, my partner and I went on a hike to Svartifoss, one of southern Iceland’s waterfalls, at 10:00pm! This meant we had the trail and the waterfall all to ourselves.
If you want to visit waterfalls and other sites around Iceland with as few crowds as possible, plan to stay up late. My partner and I got into the routine of staying up until midnight or 1:00am. We went to bed late, but slept in to make up for it.
The one drawback of midnight sun is that because there is no darkness in Iceland for the whole month of June – there is no chance to see the Northern Lights at this time.
9. Watch For Lupine Fields
As the weather in Iceland warms up, flowers start coming into bloom. On an Iceland road trip in June, you’re likely to spot lots of wildflowers – including lupines.
Lupines are blue and purple flowers. The Icelandic name for this species of flower is Lúpína. During June you’ll be able to spot large fields of this vibrant purple flower all throughout Iceland.
Though the lupine fields appear to be a natural part of the Icelandic landscape, they actually aren’t a native plant. Lupine flowers were originally introduced to help with soil erosion, and then they quickly spread to cover large parts of the country.
The lupines are out in full force at the start of summer, and so they are one of the top things to see in Iceland in June. On an Iceland road trip in June, you’re bound to see them.
We spotted lupine fields on the south coast of Iceland, on the Ring Road between Selfoss and Vatnajökull National Park.
10. Go Atlantic Puffin Watching
Atlantic puffins are adorable birds that are found across the northern Atlantic Ocean. They breed on islands and sea cliffs along the coasts of northwestern Europe, Iceland and northeastern North America.
In June, they are found in huge flocks on the shores of Iceland. There’s a few places you can spot them on your own. We spotted them at the Reynisfjara viewpoint at Dyrhólaey, in southern Iceland.
But if you want to be guaranteed to see puffins? Go on a puffin watching tour. This will give you the best chances of seeing these cute birds on your Iceland road trip in June.
This puffin watching tour is highly-rated, and departs out of Reykjavik. The 1 hour tour includes a fun ride on a speedboat from Reykjavik to nearby small islands that are home to thousands of puffins. Watch the adorable birds in their natural habitat, and look out for other bird life.
11. Celebrate Icelandic Holidays in June
There are a couple Icelandic holidays that are celebrated in June, and it’s worth planning around them if the timing is right.
If you’re in Iceland in mid-June, you might be able to celebrate Iceland’s Independence Day, which falls on June 17.
Iceland gained its independence from Denmark in 1944 and, to mark the occasion, Icelanders have a parade in downtown Reykjavik. The family-friendly event includes traditional Icelandic clothing, horses, flag wielders and more.
If you’re in Iceland for the Summer Solstice, plan to attend the Secret Solstice Festival. Held around the solstice date, it’s a music festival that takes place in Reykjavik at Laugardalur Park.
The Viking Festival usually occurs over a week in mid-June, ending on June 17. The best place to celebrate the Viking Festival is in Hafnarfjordur, a harbor town that’s 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Reykjavik.
During the festival you can check out a market that sells leather goods, fur, jewelry, swords, and other handcrafted items. There are also Viking reenactment battles, which are super fun.
Scenes from our most recent trip to Iceland, road tripping around the Westfjords
Final Thoughts: Road Tripping Iceland in June
June is a great month for road tripping Iceland. You’ll benefit from nice weather, easy driving conditions, and you’ll have the chance to experience a couple things that are unique to Iceland in June, like fields of lupins and holidays like Independence Day.
If you’re planning to visit Iceland, here are some helpful resources for visiting responsibly:
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