Iceland in August: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for August
Average temperature across Iceland in August.
City Weather in August
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | 13° | 8° | 80 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Kópavogur | 13° | 8° | 79 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Hafnarfjörður | 13° | 8° | 79 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Reykjanesbaer | 13° | 8° | 77 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Akureyri | 14° | 7° | 46 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Keflavík | 13° | 8° | 76 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Mosfellsbaer | 13° | 8° | 83 mm | moderate | Cool |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Southwest & Reykjavík (Golden Circle)
August stays mild-daytime can touch mid-teens Celsius-and is the busiest month for tourists, so book accommodation early if you plan Golden Circle trips. Whale-watching departures from Reykjavík and Akureyri run full schedules, while the city’s lively summer nightlife and outdoor concerts draw crowds. Expect variable weather: bright sunny spells interspersed with sharp, windy showers; layers and a waterproof outer layer are sensible.
South Coast & Vatnajökull (Vík, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón)
August stays comfortably cool and is often the busiest month for visitors chasing glaciers and black-sand beaches; daytime around 10-14°C feels pleasant for outdoor activity. This is a great month for multi-day hikes and for sampling local seafood in Höfn, though expect full campgrounds and busy parking lots at Skaftafell. Late-August evenings start to cool, and you’ll want a warm mid-layer for any shoreline photography at Jökulsárlón.
East Fjords & Southeast (Egilsstaðir, Höfn)
August keeps pleasant summer weather and slightly shorter days; highs remain in the low teens and the sea is still relatively calm for boat-based whale or bird-watching excursions. This is a busy month for visitors traveling the scenic coastal route; accommodations can fill, so book ahead. Mornings and evenings can be cool-carry a warm sweater for late-evening photography near the fjords.
North Iceland (Akureyri, Mývatn, Húsavík)
August remains pleasant and is a reliable month for outdoor activities-the sea is calm enough for frequent whale excursions, and the Mývatn area is excellent for hiking without snow. Tourist numbers are high but sites are less crowded than southern hotspots; festival rhythms continue in towns. Pack a fleece for evenings and a waterproof shell for sudden wind-driven showers.
Westfjords & Northwest (Ísafjörður, Dynjandi, Hornstrandir)
August remains mild and is great for longer treks and boat-based wildlife tours; late-summer light is excellent for photography and for spotting seals in sheltered coves. Tourist numbers are high by local standards but still modest compared with the south. Be prepared for sudden rain and fog on mornings and pack layered clothing and a waterproof kit for multi-day excursions.
Central Highlands & Interior (Landmannalaugar, Kjölur, Kerlingarfjöll)
August stays good for highland travel though nights begin to cool and the first snow can fall on highest ridges late in the month. Trails are busy but still manageable, and late-blooming alpine flowers provide color against vivid volcanic rock. If you plan independent crossing, be prepared for sudden river width and current changes from upstream weather; guided options remain sensible for complex routes.