June is when Iceland truly feels like summer. The snow melts from the lowlands, the fields turn green, and daylight stretches past midnight. It’s the perfect month for a self-drive adventure, with open roads, blooming nature, and lively local events.
The Icelandic National Day, coastal festivals, and long evenings under the midnight sun fill the country with energy. Wildlife also comes alive — puffins nest along cliffs, and whales feed close to shore.
Whether you’re exploring the Ring Road, relaxing in hot springs, or heading into the Highlands in a rental car, June offers endless daylight and total freedom to explore Iceland your way with Firefly Iceland.
🌤️What Is the Weather Like in Iceland in June?
June is one of Iceland’s warmest, brightest, and driest months of the year — though “warm” still means layers are needed! Expect fresh mornings, mild afternoons, and endless daylight.
| Region | Average High | Average Low | Rainfall | Daylight Hours |
| Reykjavík (Southwest) | 12–14 °C / 54–57 °F | 7 °C / 45 °F | ~40 mm | 21 hours |
| Akureyri (North) | 11–13 °C / 52–55 °F | 6 °C / 43 °F | ~35 mm | 22 hours |
| Egilsstaðir (East) | 13–15 °C / 55–59 °F | 5 °C / 41 °F | ~30 mm | 21 hours |
- Sunlight: The sun barely sets around the summer solstice (June 21), creating glowing “white nights.”
- Rain: Light rain is common, but downpours are rare.
- Wind: Milder than winter, though coastal areas can still be breezy.
- Snow: Gone from most regions except mountain peaks or glaciers.
💡 June is the month of the midnight sun — you can literally go sightseeing at midnight in full daylight!
🛣️Road Conditions in June
June marks the beginning of Iceland’s true summer driving season. Most routes are open, making it one of the easiest and safest months for self-drive trips.
- Ring Road (Route 1): Completely open and in great condition.
- F-roads (mountain roads): Begin to open mid-to-late June, depending on snow melt. Routes to areas like Landmannalaugar or Askja may still be limited early in the month.
- Gravel roads: Dry and easy to manage, though dusty in wind.
- Bridges and highland passes: Can still have soft or muddy sections, so a 4×4 SUV is recommended if you’re heading inland.
👉 Always check road.is for live road status and vedur.is for weather updates before setting off.
💡 June is the easiest month to drive the full Ring Road comfortably — and still early enough to avoid July’s peak-season traffic.
🚗 Driving in Iceland in June
Driving in June gives you maximum freedom — long daylight hours, fewer icy patches, and great visibility.
Here’s how to plan your drive:
- If you plan to explore the F-roads, rent a 4×4 from Firefly Iceland to handle rough terrain and river crossings once they are open.
- Drive early or late in the day to enjoy popular spots like Seljalandsfoss or Gullfoss with fewer crowds.
- Keep sunglasses handy — the midnight sun can be bright even at night.
🏞️Best Things to Do in Iceland in June
With nearly the entire country open, June offers limitless outdoor activities. Here are some highlights:
1. Experience the Midnight Sun
Between mid-June and early July, the sun barely dips below the horizon. Enjoy late-night hikes, photo session or even a midnight swim, it´s a surreal Icelandic experience.
2. Celebrate Iceland´s National Day
June 17 marks Iceland´s Independence Day, when locals celebrate the founding of the Republic (1944). Expect colorful parades, live music and family events across Reykjavík and every small town. Streets fill with flags, food trucks and joy.
3. Attend the Reykjavík Arts Festival
This two-week event usually runs in early to mid-June, featuring art exhibitions, concerts, dance performances and street shows all over the capital. It´s one of Iceland´s biggest annual festivals.
4. Visit Puffin Colonies
June is peak puffin season, with thousands of birds nesting on cliffs at Dyrhólaey, Borgarfjörður, Eystri and Látrabjarg in the Westfjords. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for the best view.
5. Go Whale Watching
Húsavík, Dalvík, Reykjavík and Akureyri offer daily Whale Watching tours in June, where you can often see humpback, whales, minke whales and dolphins playing near the coast.
6. Explore the Highlands (Mid-to-Late June)
Once the roads open, don´t miss the colorful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, geothermal valleys of Þórsmörk and dramatic volcanic landscapes of Kerlingarfjöll. These are accessible by 4×4 SUV only.
7. Discover Hidden Hot Springs
Soak under the midnight sun in a Hot spring at Reykjavík Hot River, Secret Lagoon or Hraunlaug. In, June, these pools feel especially peaceful at night when the light never fades.
🎉 Events & Local Life in June
Beyond the big festivals, June is filled with smaller community gatherings and summer celebrations:
- Seamen’s Day (Sjómannadagurinn): First Sunday of June is one of Iceland´s oldest annual traditions, honoring Iceland’s fishermen and seafaring heritage. The biggest celebrations take place in Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður and Ísafjörður where locals gather for parades, boat shows, live music and family-friendly games by the harbor.
- Summer Solstice (around June 21): Celebrated with music festivals, camping trips, and bonfires — especially in the north and east.
- Local Markets & Outdoor Concerts: Reykjavík and Akureyri host pop-up events and farmers’ markets, often with live music.
💡 Icelanders make the most of every ray of sunshine — expect locals camping, hiking, and grilling all month long.
🚙 Recommended Cars for June
By June, most routes are dry and stable, giving you more options for car types. All these models are available directly on Firefly.is:
2WD Economy Cars
Perfect for city trips, the Golden Circle, or South Coast drives.
- VW Up or similar
- VW Polo or similar (Manual or Automatic)
- VW Golf or Golf Wagon (Manual or Automatic)
4×4 SUVs
Recommended for longer drives or any Highland routes opening later in the month.
- Dacia Duster or similar – Manual 4×4
- Suzuki Vitara or similar – Manual 4×4
- VW Tiguan or Kia Sorento – Automatic 4×4
- Mitsubishi Pajero or similar – Automatic 4×4
Vans & Group Travel
- Ford Transit or similar – Manual 9-seater
All Firefly Iceland cars come with unlimited mileage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and seasonal tires, giving you complete freedom to explore.
🧳 Packing Tips for June
Even with warm sunshine, Icelandic weather can turn quickly. Pack light but smart, and be ready for wind, rain, or sudden temperature drops — all in the same day.
- Camera and tripod for midnight-sun photos
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm fleece or mid-layer
- Lightweight down jacket
- Hat and gloves (for highland nights)
- Hiking boots or waterproof shoes – Shoe guide
- Sneakers for city use
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Swimsuit and towel for hot springs
- Sleep mask (bright nights!)
- Backpack for day trips
- Power bank and car charger
- Reusable water bottle
👉 Check out our guide: Smart Packing Tips for Every Season
💸 Budget Tips for June Travel
June is busier and slightly pricier than spring, but there are still smart ways to save:
- Book early – prices rise quickly as summer approaches.
- Compare fuel prices and fill up in larger towns to save.
- Stay in guesthouses or farm stays instead of hotels.
- Cook when possible – groceries from Bónus or Krónan are much cheaper than eating out.
- Visit free attractions – waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints are all free to enjoy.
- Travel off-peak hours – some tours and pools are cheaper early morning or late evening.
👉 For more detailed ideas, see our full guide:
Is Iceland Expensive? Best Budget Tips for an Iceland Road Trip
FAQs About Visiting Iceland in June
- Can you experience the midnight sun in Iceland in June?
Yes! Around June 21, the sun barely sets, especially in North Iceland. You can sightsee or even hike late at night in full daylight.
- Are the Highlands open in June?
Most F-roads begin to open from mid- to late- June, depending on snowmelt. Always check road.is before heading inland.
- What should I pack for June in Iceland?
Bring layers, a light down jacket, waterproof outerwear, hiking shoes, sunglasses and a sleep mask for the bright nights.
- Is June a good time to drive around Iceland?
Definitely. Roads are clear, weather is mild and long daylight hours make June perfect for long self-drive days around the Ring Road.
- What events happen in Iceland in June?
Look out for the Icelandic National Day (June 17), Seamen´s Day and the Reykjavík Arts Festival locals love celebrating outdoors all month long.
🏕️ Camping in Iceland in June
June is the start of Iceland’s camping season, with nearly all campsites around the country open. It’s an affordable and adventurous way to explore, especially with a rental car.
Popular and scenic campsites include:
- Thingvellir National Park Campground – near the Golden Circle, ideal for first-time campers.
- Vík Campsite – close to Reynisfjara and the South Coast waterfalls.
- Egilsstaðir Campsite – perfect for Eastfjords travelers.
- Ásbyrgi Campsite – surrounded by cliffs and nature in North Iceland.
- Hellissandur Campsite – on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with glacier views.
Most campsites have showers, bathrooms, and electricity, and many accept credit cards. Always follow the “leave no trace” rule and camp only in designated areas — wild camping is not allowed.
💡 Pro tip: Use the app Tjalda.is or visit Camping.info to find updated opening dates and facilities for each site.
🌟 Why Visit Iceland in June?
June is Iceland at its brightest and most beautiful — endless daylight, blooming landscapes, and lively summer energy everywhere you go. It’s the month for freedom on the road, picnics by waterfalls, and unforgettable moments under the midnight sun.
With Firefly Iceland, you can rent a cheap and reliable car directly from Keflavík Airport and start exploring the moment you land. Whether you’re circling the Ring Road or heading deep into the Highlands, June is the perfect time to hit the road.
👉 Book your car at Firefly.is and make your June road trip one to remember.
