Summer Driving in Iceland Under the Midnight Sun

 

For a few key reasons, summer is one of the best times for an Iceland road trip. Iceland’s midnight sun shines bright in mid-summer, giving you lots of extra daylight to drive around and explore. Plus, driving in Iceland in summer is much easier and much more convenient than driving in Iceland in the winter or any other time.

So how do you go about planning a midnight sun Iceland road trip? And what do you need to know about driving in Iceland in the summer before you arrive? We’re covering all this and more.

 

Why Summer is the Best Time for an Iceland Road Trip

Summer is prime time for Iceland travel and summer is also, hands down, the best time for an Iceland road trip. Why? Well, here are just a few of the benefits you can expect.

 

• Lots of freedom and flexibility

Because driving in Iceland in summer is so easy, you can confidently and conveniently go about renting a car in Iceland for your road trip. When you rent a car, rather than relying on tour providers or Iceland’s very limited public transportation, you can go wherever you want around the country, whenever you want, even to parts of the island that tours never visit.

Plus, in the summer, the entire island is open for visitation, including the Highlands, which are closed off in the winter.

Additionally, renting a campervan is an option during the summer. With a campervan in Iceland, you can drive around without worrying about making it to a hotel for the evening. You can simply stop at one of the country’s many camping grounds for the night. You always have your bed and a little kitchenette with you, for cooking your own meals. You’ll also enjoy cost savings, as you’ll be bundling the costs of your accommodations and your rental vehicle into one fee.

Because of all this, you’ll enjoy a much greater level of freedom and flexibility than you might if you were to visit Iceland in the winter.

 

• Milder weather

If you get nervous driving in the snow and ice, you may not care for driving in Iceland in winter. However, that’s never a worry in the summer months. Iceland enjoys a very mild summer, with temperatures from late May through August hovering around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, or 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The great summer weather in Iceland makes May through August an excellent time for a road trip.

 

• More open roads

As alluded above, not all regions of Iceland are open to vehicle traffic, all year round. If you have your heart set on seeing the dramatic scenery of the Icelandic Highlands, you’ll need to come to Iceland when the F-roads are open — so in late June, July or August, which just so happens to be when you can also see the midnight sun.

 

•  Better road conditions overall

In addition to more roads being open, the roadways will also be in better condition if you visit during the summer. This is, in large part, thanks to the better weather.

 

• More time to explore

Lastly, summer in Iceland comes with the midnight sun, aka, very long daylight hours, with the sun staying up nearly a full 24 hours at its peak. As such, in the summer, you’ll get plenty of time to explore outdoors, before you need to head inside, no matter where in Iceland you might be, such as on a remote hiking trail or camping in the wilderness.

This extended daylight also makes for greater safety, so you don’t need to worry about navigating your way through Iceland’s rugged, rural roads in the dark.

 

What is the Midnight Sun in Iceland? Endless Daylight for Exploration

 

What is the Midnight Sun in Iceland? 

The midnight sun can be credited to Iceland’s location on the Arctic Circle. In this part of the world, we’re so far north that, during certain parts of the year, the Earth is positioned so that the sun never appears to truly set. The sun shines just about all day long, even up to midnight.

The days start lengthening in Iceland in mid-May, and you’ll noticeably see the sun staying up far later than it might in other parts of the world. This phenomenon peaks in late June, around June 21, or the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. On June 21, Iceland may experience an entire 24 hours of sunlight, depending on where you’re at. Then, the amount of sunlight we get slowly begins to wane again, through late July, until the amount of sunshine we get each day may be closer to what you’re experiencing at home.

As such, if you want to see this phenomenon, it’s best to visit as close to June 21 as possible. It’s also best to travel as far north into Iceland as possible, where the sunlight is brightest.

However, even if you visit in late May or into late July, you’ll still see this phenomenon to some effect. The night sky can remain in a twilight-like state well into the late night, for many weeks through the summer.

 

Benefits of Driving Under the Midnight Sun in Iceland

Beyond just seeing this natural phenomenon for yourself, there are other reasons why you might want to specifically visit Iceland for a road trip when the midnight sun is visible.

 

• More time to explore

If you’re a night owl, you may want to sightsee throughout Iceland well into the late evening hours. When the midnight sun is visible, you can safely and easily do this. Whether you want to go hiking, visit a beach or stop by some waterfalls or volcanoes, you can do all this and more, as late as 10 or 11 p.m. if you’re visiting around the midnight sun’s peak in June.

 

• Avoid the crowds

One benefit of doing all this sightseeing in the late evening hours? The crowds will be gone. Tours, for example, don’t operate this late, even during the mid-summer, so if you have your own car rental for your Iceland road trip, you’ll be able to visit top spots without the crowds.

 

• Unique photography opportunities

If you’re familiar with the golden hour, then you know how much photographers love this very brief moment in the day when the outdoor, natural lighting is particularly good for photography. Unfortunately, in many instances, the golden hour is just that — an hour or less of good sunlight. Thanks to the midnight sun, however, this unique lighting can stick around for multiple hours at a time, allowing photographers to snap away to their hearts’ content.

 

Driving Conditions in Iceland During Summer

So if you decide to visit Iceland during the summer for a midnight sun road trip, what can you expect in terms of driving conditions?

 

Road Quality and Accessibility

You’ll find little trouble with the roads throughout Iceland during the summer. All of the main highways, such as the Ring Road, are paved and easy to drive. If you get into more rural areas, you could come across gravel roads, but those are likewise easily drivable if you have the right car rental for Iceland.

Do note that if you want to drive on the unpaved F-roads in the Highlands, you will need a 4x4 vehicle, as Icelandic law requires it. These roadways are particularly rugged and driving them with anything less than a 4x4 vehicle can be dangerous to both yourself and other drivers.

 

Weather Considerations for Safe Driving

While you won’t find any snow or ice on the roads when driving around Iceland during the mid-summer, you will find a few other forms of harsh weather that are worth keeping an eye out for.

• Strong winds can damage car doors if you’re not careful.
• Rain showers can pop up unexpectedly, requiring you to drive slowly and carefully.
• Fog and mist likewise can cause visibility issues and require you to go a little slower than normal.
• ·Particularly around the midnight sun’s height, you’ll need to drive with a pair of sunglasses, to avoid being blinded by the glare, even at night.
  

When driving around Iceland, road.is and vedur.is are invaluable for getting up-to-the-minute weather and road condition updates.

 

Wildlife and Nature on the Roads

Lastly, during the summer months, it’s important to keep an eye out for wildlife on the roadways. Sheep are a particular concern in rural areas. Keep an eye out for sheep that may be lingering around the sides of the roads and watch out for any sudden movements.

Whatever driving conditions you come across, though, be sure to stay on the roadways and respect Iceland’s nature by never off-roading, as this is illegal in all areas.

 

Must-Visit Places for a Summer Road Trip in Iceland

Convinced an Iceland summer road trip is exactly what you need? To help you begin planning your itinerary, here are a few must-visit places and road trip options.

 

Golden Circle: The Classic Route

Distance: ~230 km, or 140 miles, round-trip from Reykjavík

Time: 6 to 8 hours with leisurely stops

As one of Iceland’s most famous road trip itineraries, the Golden Circle can easily be traversed in a day, but we recommend taking a little bit longer if you can. Just a convenient drive from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle will take you to three important sites, which are also some of the most recognisable sites in all of Iceland.

The Golden Circle’s three points of interest include:

• Þingvellir National Park: A historic site known for the world’s oldest parliament and as the home to two tectonic plates
• Geysir Geothermal Area: Where you’ll see the Strokkur geyser erupt every five to 10 minutes or so
• Gullfoss Waterfall: A two-tiered waterfall that makes good use of those extended midnight sun golden hours, for excellent photography opportunities

If you decide to drive the Golden Circle during the mid-summer midnight sun, you can wait until the afternoon to leave Reykjavik and then enjoy seeing all three of these sites after the major crowds have left in the evening.

 

Ring Road Adventure: Explore the Whole Country

Distance: ~1,332 km or 828 miles for the full circle

Time: 8 to 10 days recommended for a more leisurely pace

If you want to see all of Iceland, you can do so by driving around the Ring Road. This road goes around the entire country in a big circle, so you can see a vast array of regions all in one road trip. Plus, thanks to the midnight sun, you’ll have more time to drive and more time to explore, well into the night.

For advice on what to see and do during a Ring Road driving trip, check out our 8-day Ring Road itinerary and our 10-day Ring Road itinerary. 

 

Westfjords & Highlands: Remote Beauty

Distance: Varies greatly, depending on the route taken; a Westfjords loop is ~1000+ kilometres, but Highlands routes can be shorter or longer, depending on your exact itinerary

Time: 4 or more days for the Westfjords, 2-3 more days for a Highland side trip; only attempt these itineraries in the summer months and only with a 4x4 car rental

For something more remote and adventurous, and that can only be done in the summer months, consider a road trip through the Westfjords and Highlands.

• Westfjords: In the Westfjords, you can explore northwestern Iceland’s waterfalls, bird cliffs, natural hot springs and dramatic coastlines.
• Highlands: In the Highlands, you’ll see lava fields, glaciers and volcanic deserts, as you traverse the rugged F-roads with a suitable 4x4. Spots to add to your itinerary include Landmannalaugar, Kjölur and Þórsmörk Valley.

If you do take a Highlands road trip, make sure that you do not attempt any river crossings, especially in a rental car. Choose easier, non-river-crossing routes and enjoy the scenery well into the night thanks to the midnight sun.

 

Best Activities Under the Midnight Sun in Iceland

Wherever you travel in Iceland during the midnight sun season, here are some of our favourite activities to enjoy, late at night.

• Midnight Sun Whale Watching: If you’re in Reykjavik or Husavik, book a whale-watching tour and go out onto the water to see these magnificent creatures in the golden light of the midnight sun. ​
• Hiking: Love to hike but hate to camp? The extended daylight allows you to take on long hikes like the Laugavegur Trek without overnighting.  ​
• Hot Springs: Visit natural hot springs and take a nighttime dip beneath the midnight sun. 
• Photography: Pack your camera and practice your photography skills. The midnight sun’s extended golden hours will make your job of capturing perfect photos easy.
• Sightseeing in General: No matter what you do during your midnight sun road trip, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds if you plan your activities for either the early morning or late evening.

 

Essential Tips for Driving in Iceland During Summer

 

Renting the Right Car for Your Trip

Make sure that you rent the right car for your road trip, to ensure that you and your passengers are both safe and legal. For most Iceland summer road trips, especially if you’re keeping to main roads like the Ring Road, a 2WD economy vehicle is enough. However, remember that if you go to the Highlands and F-roads, a 4x4 vehicle is required by law. Additionally, if you go anywhere that’s a little more rugged, like the Westfjords, a 4x4 vehicle can provide extra stability and safety.

See our full lineup of vehicles to check out your options.

 

Fuel and Charging Stations

While gas stations and charging stations can easily be found around the major cities in Iceland and along the Ring Road, there are some long stretches of highway in certain parts of the country, like in the Highlands, that may not have as easy access to fuel. As such, be sure you fill up your tank whenever you can.

Using fuel and charging stations in Iceland is simple. Most are self-service and accept credit or debit cards, or prepaid fuel cards.

Renting with Lava Car Rental? You’ll receive a discount card for use at certain gas stations, like N1 and OB, during your rental period.

 

Safety and Regulations for Summer Driving

Lastly, as you drive around Iceland during the summer months, keep in mind a few basic Iceland driving laws.

• Headlights must be on 24/7, regardless of the weather or time of day.
• Driving off the road is illegal everywhere in Iceland.
• Speed limits and speed cameras are in effect throughout the country; speed limits are typically 90 kilometres or 55 miles per hour on paved rural roads, 80 kilometres or 50 miles per hour on gravel roads and 30–50 kilometres or 18–30 miles per hour in town.

You can read up on Iceland driving laws in our guide to driving in Iceland, our guide to the Iceland road system and our guide to road signs in Iceland.

 

Practical Tips for an Unforgettable Midnight Sun Road Trip

Beyond driving tips, there are also some practical considerations you’ll want to remember for your trip.

 

• Plan for sleep despite the light

Some travellers can find that the midnight sun makes sleeping difficult and that their body’s internal clock becomes confused. Try to keep up a regular sleep schedule during your trip and use a sleep mask to help you get to sleep in accommodations that aren’t totally dark due to the excess sunlight.

• Dress in layers

Iceland’s summer weather isn’t exactly hot, and wind and rain can pop up in an instant. Prepare for all conditions by bringing layers to add or remove as needed.

For example, consider bringing a lightweight base layer that you can wear when it’s balmy and sunny. Then, also bring a fleece and sweater for when it’s chilly, and a waterproof and windproof jacket for use when the weather turns. Don’t forget the hat and gloves, too, and walking or hiking shoes for hiking, as well as a swimsuit and towel for swimming in the hot springs.

• Plan your accommodations and stops

As mentioned, summer is Iceland’s busiest travel season, so you’ll want to make all arrangements for your trip as early as you can, both so you can get bookings before travel providers are fully booked, and so you can get the best prices. If you find that hotels and guesthouses are filled up during the summer, consider renting a campervan for overnighting at designated campsites.

• Enjoy the journey rather than rushing

Lastly, be sure to fully enjoy the experience by going at a slower pace than you might normally while travelling. The midnight sun’s extra daylight gives you a bit of wiggle room in your itinerary, allowing you to travel later and more leisurely.

 

Experience the Midnight Sun in Iceland with Lava Car Rental

Driving in Iceland in summer is an unforgettable experience — made all the more memorable when you time your trip to align with the midnight sun’s peak in June!

Planning your summer trip to Iceland starts by booking the right rental car to ferry you around the island in comfort. Check out the lineup of vehicles available from Lava Car Rental, including campervan rentals.

 

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