Driving in Iceland in Summer

Reasons to take an Icelandic road trip in summer

There are plenty of good reasons to plan a self-drive itinerary in the summer months. Though there are significantly more visitors – which translates to more traffic – it’s still possible to find your own piece of paradise as renting a car gives you total flexibility. 

You’ll have the best chance of fine weather

One of the biggest advantages to road-tripping in summer is that you maximize your chance of encountering fine weather. Iceland’s winters can be harsh and for those who aren’t used to driving in snowy or icy conditions, taking to the road at that time of year can feel daunting.

However in summer, though Iceland is rarely hot, there’s much less chance of inclement weather. You’re unlikely to face the challenge of driving in strong winds. Instead, you have significantly higher odds that conditions will be fine and dry - at least some of the time. With the sun enhancing the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, it’s the ideal time to explore.

The long hours of daylight maximize sightseeing time

Iceland’s northerly latitude means that there is a big difference in the amount of daylight between summer and winter. In December, you might expect around four or five hours of daylight, but with the long daylight hours, driving around Iceland in June offers a unique chance to explore the country's remote areas at your own pace.

For road trippers, that extra time is a massive bonus. There’s no need to rush from site to site in order to see popular landmarks before the light fades. Instead, you have choices: cover more ground and see more of what the country has to offer, or take a deep dive and spend more time at your favorite places. 

In summer, with that extra time to play with, you’re much more able to get off the beaten track which means you’ll be able to explore some of Iceland’s remoter rural areas if you wish. Watch out for livestock if you’re driving close to farm buildings or pastures; typically, sheep don’t have a lot of road sense so give yourself room to stop if necessary.

You can also stay in Reykjavik and make day trips

Road-tripping doesn’t have to mean lots of packing and unpacking. Summer’s long days are ideal for ambitious excursions, so you can pick one convenient base in Reykjavik and use it as a hub. This means for the days you aren’t on the road, you can take advantage of the Icelandic capital’s many museums, visitor attractions, and summer festivals as well as its myriad restaurants, cafes, and bars. It really gives you the best of both worlds.

If you plan to take this approach, you might want to seek out accommodation outside the center of the city, and this is more likely to have its own free parking. This will save you from having to drive around in search of a parking space each time you return to the capital or shell out for a paid spot.

Calmer seas make ferry crossings a tempting option

Some of Iceland’s most interesting locales lie just off its mainland coast. But to see such places doesn’t mean you have to fly. Car ferries operate year-round, so you can drive your rental car on board and look forward to a change of scenery when the boat docks. In summer, typically, better weather translates to fewer disruptions to your journey and a smoother crossing. 

One of the most enticing options – not to mention one of the easiest – is the ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey in the Westman Islands. The port is a short and easy drive from the ring road. With a crossing time of just thirty minutes, it’s hard to resist the chance to visit the island’s volcanic landscapes and wildlife-rich coastline. 

Another stellar choice is the ferry that connects Stykkishólmur in the Snæfellsnes peninsula with the southern part of the stunning Westfjords region. Though it’s possible to drive all the way, putting the car on the ferry cuts down the journey time – ideal for those for whom time is at a premium. Take a break from the driving and have a coffee; before you know it you’ll have arrived in one of Iceland’s most overlooked regions ready to explore.

The country’s F-roads are open

If you’re a fan of adventure travel or simply yearn to get off the beaten track, then Iceland’s mountainous interior is sure not to disappoint. The Highlands are one of Europe’s great wildernesses, with vast areas of unspoiled and uninhabited landscapes that promise jaw-dropping views at every turn. A popular destination, if you want to dip a toe in, might be colorful Landmannalaugar, while the drive to jaw-droppingly beautiful Þórsmörk is a little more challenging. 

Remember, this part of Iceland is open only seasonally to motorists. Outside summer, you’ll need to book a tour in a specially modified super jeep in order to drive on the region’s F-roads. From around June to August – and sometimes a few weeks either side – you can access them in a regular, high-clearance 4x4.

Such driving isn’t for everyone. F-roads tend to be rough and potholed, with gravel surfaces and sometimes steep gradients making for challenging driving. Some also require drivers to navigate river crossings, which require their own set of skills. Take a look at our guide to driving the country’s F-roads if you’re keen to learn more, but don’t rule out the possibility of venturing into this incredible part of Iceland.

You can get away without having to rent a 4x4 – unless you want to

Of course, many of Iceland’s roads are far easier to drive, and for these, in summer, you can get away without having to hire a 4x4. If you’re traveling on a tight budget or don’t need the extra space, this is a real advantage, as small compact cars tend to be a lot cheaper per day than larger SUVs.

For instance, in a regular 2WD car, you’re all set for some of Iceland’s most extraordinary drives. You can loop the country’s ring road, explore much of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, or follow scenic loops such as the Golden Circle, Silver Circle, or Diamond Circle. None of these require a 4x4 in summer, though in winter, you might be glad of the extra traction if surfaces are slippery.

Even if you are keen to experience some of Iceland’s gravel roads, you’ll be suitably equipped for most of them in a regular car. The speed limit is a little lower than on tarmac surfaces to compensate for the extra stopping time on this looser surface, but unless you’ve chosen one with an unusually steep gradient, there’s no need to upgrade to a 4x4 unless you want to.

Whichever you choose, we have a vehicle that’s just right for your summer road trip in Iceland. Why not finalise your plans early as it’s peak season?