All you need to know about visiting Iceland in August
With 16 to 17 hours of daylight, August is officially the end of summer in Iceland. It is the warmest month of the year when the nation looks enchanting and people spend time outdoors. Iceland in August is all about happening events, entertainment shows, musical concerts and what not. So it's perfect for planning Iceland tours from India when the weather in India is not that great. Also, this is the time when Iceland flaunts clear skies and dark nights, a great time to immerse in the magnificence of the Northern Lights tour packages.
Take my word for it, a trip to Iceland is one the best vacations in August. So read on to discover the best things to do in Iceland in August specially if you are planning on getting on one of the Iceland tours for women.
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Keep an eye out for the Atlantic Puffins
Iceland hosts around 6 million of the world’s puffin population. These birds are exclusively found in this region and watching the adorable creatures is one of the incredible things to do in Iceland in August. The birds usually float in the open sea but in the summer months, they come on land to lay their eggs. Thus, August is a good time to treat your eyes to the sight of these Atlantic Puffins. There are several places where you can spot them close. Puffins are often seen in vast numbers along the rugged coastline where you can either drive or engage in a boat tour. Latrabjarg is one of the wonderful places filled with pretty sights. It comes alive in the summer with myriad species of birds along with puffins. A few other puffin colonies include Dyrhólaey Rock Arch, The Tjornes Peninsula and Ingolfshofdi.
Watch the Northern Lights
If you are on a quest to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, August is a perfect time. It offers unmatched Aurora Borealis watching opportunities. The clear and dark sky adds to the charm of this natural phenomenon and looks straight out of the postcard. These fascinating lights usually green lights up the night sky and disappears after a few minutes. For better chance of catching these try booking Northern Light Tour Packages.
Take part in cultural events
Iceland in August treats visitors with a myriad of festivals and events. The biggest festivals include Merchants’ Bank Holiday Weekend, Reykjavik Pride and Reykjavik Jazz Festival. Merchants’ Bank Holiday Weekend commonly called Verslunarmannahelgi takes place on the first weekend of the month. Several events are organized and Icelanders usually flock to the happening party destinations in the countryside. Another prestigious occasion is the Reykjavik Pride that encourages people to come together and support the LGBTQ community. No wonder, Reykjavik Pride is a very popular event and taking part in it is one of the best things to do in Iceland in August. If you are a lover of Jazz music, you shouldn't miss the Reykjavik Jazz Festival. It features different musical styles and international talents from different parts of the globe. Some of the other amazing events are Innipúkinn, Fireworks at Jökulsárlón and the Great Fish Day.
Traverse through Golden Circle route
The lively month of August offers tourists an opportunity to soak up the charm of the Golden Circle route at its utmost glory. It is a great time to stay outdoors and explore the attractions. Golden Circle is the home to some of Iceland’s natural spectacles and traversing this route is one of the memorable things to do in Iceland in August. It covers three of the most enchanting attractions namely Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Area and Thingvellir National Park. Think thundering waterfalls, Icelandic landscapes and geothermal fields, it has something to offer everyone.
Take the Ring Road Tour
The famed Ring Road is Iceland’s pride and glory. It is an 1332 kilometres stretch of road that encircles the island. This circular route is filled with impressive sights and iconic attractions which are accessible throughout the year. However, August being the last official summer month is pleasant and soothing. Indeed, driving the Ring Road is one of the best experiences for your August vacation. It covers most of the crowning jewels including the Blue Lagoon, South Coast and a part of Golden Circle. A minimum of 6 days is recommended for exploring the highlights. But if you have more time, the better it is.
Witness the Midnight Sun
Often reputed as the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’, Iceland experiences this incredible natural phenomenon in summer between June and August. During this time, the country receives over 16 hours of daylight and the sundown takes place at midnight. For serious photographers, it is a great time to capture enchanting shots of the Icelandic landscape. The mountain of Kirkjufell tucked in Northern Iceland offers an idyllic setting to watch the Midnight Sun phenomenon. Another famed location is the Diamond Beach in Southeast Iceland. The beach looks heavenly with the warm hues of the sun illuminating the ice chunks scattered here and there. No wonder, Iceland tops the list when it comes to the best August vacations. If you are planning Iceland tours from India in August, don't wait just go ahead and book your flights.
Enjoy the Blue Lagoon and the hot springs
The month of August boasts of the ideal weather to enjoy a refreshing dip in the blue lagoon and other hot springs around the island. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s one of many highlights. This geothermal spa brimming with milky water can give you the best vacation vibe in August. Visit the space early morning when there is no crowd and you can have it all by yourself- isn't this nice when you are on Iceland tours for women. The warm water rich in minerals has therapeutic properties that can cure rheumatoid and joint pains. While getting in the Blue Lagoon or any other pool, you must follow the rules. Take off your shoes and keep your belongings in the locker. The metal key will be tied to your wrist using an elastic band. Shower well and wear your swimsuit before entering the pool. Cameras and outside food are not allowed. However, they do provide lockers and changing areas to store your essentials safely.
Experience whale watching
August is the peak time to engage in whale watching in Iceland. Over 20 species of whales can be seen in the Icelandic water during this time of the year. Several operators conduct whale watching tours both in the Northern and Southern regions. The most common species that can be found here are the Minke Whales weighing around 10 tons. Humpback whales can be usually seen in Husavik that weighs between 25 and 40 tons. If you are looking for one of the best vacations in August, you must add a whale watching tour in your itinerary.
Go waterfall-hopping
Majestic waterfalls define Icelandic nature. Not only are they countless but they are diverse. The summer months are meant for admiring the beauty of these gushing waterfalls. The trickling cascades plunging from the cliff depicts magnificence and offer immense photography opportunities. The famed Seljalandsfoss is one of the most fascinating waterfalls in Iceland. The best part is, you can walk behind the waterfall in the summer and soothe your eyes at the sight of a vibrant rainbow. Gullfoss is another mighty waterfall that drops down with force from two different stages. There are so many other alluring waterfalls in the region and witnessing these beauties can offer you one of the best Icelandic vacations in August.
Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula
When it comes to the best vacations in August, you definitely cannot miss the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This region is known for its dramatic landscape accompanied by a glacier. August is the perfect time to admire the splendid coastline, serene hamlets and lava fields. Due to the varied features, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often reputed as ‘Iceland in Miniature’. You can drive through the gorgeous road and soak up the scenic vistas on the way. Some of the main highlights include Snaefellsjokull National Park, Kirkjufell Mountain, Djupalonssandur Black Beach and Raudfeldsgja Ravine. 2 to 3 days is recommended for exploring all the attractions in this region.
Iceland's weather in August
August is the second warmest month in Iceland after July when the temperature ranges between 10 degrees and 15 degrees Celsius. The weather is perfect for spending time outdoors basking in the sun. Also, the country experiences 16 hours of sunshine and a few hours of darkness, so that you can witness the tourist attractions as well as the Northern Lights. Kindly note, the weather of Iceland is often unpredictable; expect little rain coupled with the Arctic wind.
Useful travel tips for Iceland
- Pack sturdy shoes, sweaters, hats and gloves
- Carry thermal garments and windproof jacket for that extra warmth
- End of August is a great time to witness the Northern Lights
- Experience the insane nightlife in Iceland. The Irish Pub and the Pablo Disco Bar in Reykjavik is highly recommended
- If you are pressed for time, try exploring attractions located close to Reykjavik, country’s capital
- If you want to avoid the crowd, head to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- We recommend atleast 6 days in Iceland to relish the charm of this extraordinary country
- The month of August is crowded. Hence, it is recommended to plan in advance
Have a memorable and safe Icelandic vacation! WOW is your friend and you can always reach out to us for planning Iceland tours for women or family specially if you are planning on joining one of the Iceland trips from India.
Also read:
A Traveller's Perfect Guide to Iceland
Planning a solo trip to Iceland?
What is Iceland like in the month of September?
