Iceland weather
in August
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 16 rainy days across the month, on average.
In august, Iceland settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 9°C (48°F), cooling to 4°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 16 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Iceland in August
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Iceland in August
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Iceland
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Iceland across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Other places with a similar climate right now
Iceland in August — FAQ
Q01Is August a good time to visit Iceland?
Is August a good time to visit Iceland?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In August, Iceland averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F), with 91mm of rainfall across roughly 16 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Iceland in August?
What is the average temperature in Iceland in August?
The average high temperature in Iceland during August is 9°C (48°F), with an average low of 4°C (39°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Iceland have in August?
How many rainy days does Iceland have in August?
Iceland averages approximately 16 rainy days in August, with a total monthly rainfall of about 91mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Iceland in August?
What should I pack for Iceland in August?
For Iceland in August, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Iceland in August?
How crowded is Iceland in August?
Tourist crowds in Iceland during August are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.