How cold is Iceland in August?

If you’re coming to Iceland in August and you’re wondering how cold it gets, then you’re in the right place! 

In this article, I’ll tell you; 

• How cold is August in Iceland 

• What to wear 

• Give you some tips 

So let’s get to it! 

How Cold is Iceland in August, Really? 

August is one of the warmest months of the year! 

But that doesn’t say a lot. 

If you think it’s going to be T-shirts and shorts, then think again! 

August climate is mild and fresh, with a strong possibility of wind, drizzle, and sudden changes in conditions.  

But that’s part of the charm isn’t it…..isn’t it? 

So no matter what, you need to know what you’re getting into and what to wear. 

On paper, August temperatures in Iceland look pretty friendly: 

• Average highs: around 13°C (55°F) 

• Average lows: around 8°C (46°F) 

But that does no factor in the wind chill and how fast the weather can change.  

And the wind is always present. 

You can expect around 3 mps – 8 mps every day. 

The “real feel” temperature, especially along the coast or in the Highlands, can drop quickly.  

And that doubles up if you’re out on a boat tour. 

Sadly, August is the last month of the midnight sun. 

We’ll have 14–16 hours of daylight, depending on when in the month you visit.  

It’s not over just yet, so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore. It just means that Icelanders might be a bit sad.  

Weather warnings

I want to mention our weather warnings since that will drastically change how you travel and experience Iceland.

They can happen whenever, but they are more frequent in the winter.

We’ve got 3 types of warnings

Yellow – Be mindful, but don’t cancel anything. It’s just extra windy. Maybe some roads will be closed, and some tours will be cancelled.

Orange – Be careful and don’t drive if you don’t need to. Roads will be closed and tours cancelled.

Red – Just stay inside and in town for the day. Don’t drive. Roads are closed and everything is cancelled.

You can have a weather warning in one part of the island and a normal day in a different part.

And if the south has a yellow warning, it might be an orange warning up north.

I’ve linked to the articles we’ve written about these warnings, so if you want some more info, check them out!

Why Dressing for the Weather Matters 

Even though August isn’t as cold as Iceland’s winter months, being underdressed can ruin your trip.  

People get caught in bad weather all the time and have to be rescued.  

The wind and rain will zap away the warmth fast.  

So don’t let these ‘mild temperatures’ fool you. 

I was hiking a small mountain near Lake Mývatn, and the forecast said that it would rain in 3 hours. 

I, foolishly, believed it.  

And set off wearing just a fleece and shorts. 

30 minutes into the walk, and it was raining.  

We stayed up on top for no more than a minute and a half. Then we ran down. 

So don’t make that mistake! 

That’s why smart travelers layer up! 

1. Base layer: I love merino wool thermal underwear 

2. Mid layer: Breathable, warm, but not too thick 

3. Outer layer: Needs to handle a lot of water and be windproof.  

If you layer up with warm and breathable layers, and wear good outdoor clothes, you can do anything you want! 

What to Wear in Iceland in August 

Here’s a breakdown of recommended clothes for Iceland in August: 

• Waterproof jacket: Your best friend against rain and wind. 

• Warm mid-layer: Fleece or lightweight down jacket or a wool sweater. 

• Base layers: Even in summer, merino wool thermals keep you comfortable on cooler days. 

• Pants: Quick-dry hiking pants or leggings; bring outdoor pants that can handle the rain and wind.  

• Footwear: Gore-tex or similar hiking boots with good grip; sneakers won’t cut it for outdoor adventures. I like leather boots. 

• Accessories: Hat, gloves, and sunglasses for bright conditions. 

We also wrote a blog that goes into a bit more detail. 

Check out what you need to wear in Iceland in August

Clothes for Iceland Without Overpacking 

We at IcelandCover can make your trip easier.  

Packing for Iceland can be tricky; bulky outerwear, waterproof boots, and accessories take up a lot of suitcase space.  

And if you’re only visiting for a week, investing in high-end gear you might never use again doesn’t always make sense. 

We offer outdoor clothing and equipment rentals right here in Reykjavik.  

You can pick up everything from warm jackets to sturdy boots, crampons, and waterproof pants. This way: 

• You travel lighter (no lugging heavy coats on the plane) 

• You save money on buying gear you don’t need long-term 

• You’re guaranteed Iceland-appropriate clothing designed for local weather conditions 

It’s a budget-friendly option, especially if you’ve already booked your trip and are now researching what to wear in Iceland for specific activities. 

Activities That Influence What You Should Wear 

• Whale Watching: Dress warmer than you think, the wind at sea can be icy, even in August. 

• Hiking: Waterproof boots and layered clothing are essential. 

• Highland Tours: The interior of the country can be several degrees colder than the coast. 

• City Days: You can get away with lighter layers, but still bring your jacket, rain can appear out of nowhere. 

• Hot Springs: Keep your swimsuit and quick-dry towel handy for spontaneous dips. 

Pro Tips for Staying Comfortable in August 

1. Check the weather daily: It changes fast, and local forecasts are your best friend. 

1. Vedur.is is a good option 

2. Pack for the wind: Iceland’s wind can make even mild days feel cold. 

3. Bring a dry bag: Protect your electronics when visiting waterfalls. 

4. Rent when you can: Save space and money by renting instead of buying gear you won’t use again. 

Final Thoughts 

I hope this blog has helped you get a better understanding of how cold August is in Iceland.  

It won’t be freezing but if you’re unprepared, then you might get caught out in bad weather. 

Check out our selection right here!  

We’ll keep you warm and dry so you can enjoy your adventure in Iceland!