Driving in Iceland in July: What to Expect From Your Summer Road Trip

The Land of Fire and Ice, with its extraordinary and contrasting terrain and natural wonders, is on the bucket list of many travelers. The best way of exploring Iceland is by making a road trip out of it. And when it comes to driving in Iceland, driving in Iceland in July promises unforgettable experiences, unparalleled freedom, and pristine road and weather conditions.

So, if you’ve always wanted to go road-tripping around the island and would like to know why July is such a go-to for many visitors, read on. We’ll give you all the information and advice you’ll need to properly plan and prepare for your trip.

Why Drive in Iceland in July?

After seeing all the pros July has, the question should really be, “Why not?” Here’s what you can expect when driving in Iceland in July:

Plenty of Daylight

July is right after Iceland comes down from its Midnight Sun phase when one can literally experience 24-hour days. So, throughout July, you’ll have at least 20 hours of daylight every day to play around with when it comes to driving distances and the attractions and activities on your road trip itinerary.

Optimal Weather Conditions

It’s summertime here in Iceland, so our weather is on its best behavior. No extreme weather elements and warm temperatures ranging between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit). If you’re lucky, you may experience some of our even warmer days when temperatures rise to 25+ degrees Celcius (77+ degrees Fahrenheit).

Pristine Road Conditions

With great weather comes pristine road conditions. You don’t need to worry about any ice and snow and even our legendary winds are behaving themselves. So, if you consider yourself a bit of a nervous driver, driving in Iceland in July will be a piece of cake.

Nature in Abundance

Summer feels like someone whipped out a magic wand and turned our already spectacular scenery into even more breathtaking views. The landscape is bright green, waterfalls, lakes and the ocean sparkles like diamonds, and even our wildlife is out and about.

We also have numerous migratory birds, such as the Puffins, and migratory whales calling the island their home throughout the month of July. And what better way to see and experience all of this than via a road trip?

Open Roads

In Iceland, the harsh weather conditions during the colder months of the year can cause sudden road closures, and some of our roads (like the F-roads) are actually kept closed, except for – you guessed it – the summer season! This means that all roads and routes will be open for you to have an epic road trip in the month of July. 

Is It Safe to Drive in Iceland in July?

After reading everything about the pristine weather conditions and excellent road conditions, you can rest assured that driving in Iceland in July is extremely safe. However, if this will be your first road trip here in Iceland, there are a few things you’ll need to know:

• Our local saying goes: “You can expect all four seasons in a day in Iceland.” So, even though you may not be subject to our extreme cold and harsh weather conditions when driving in Iceland in July, you still don’t want to be caught by surprise and have your road trip plans changed last minute. To stay one step ahead of the weather and road conditions, we suggest keeping an eye on platforms such as Vedur and Umferdin.

• Ensure that you adhere to our road rules, especially since they may differ from what you’re used to back home. Keep an eye out for our speed limit signs along the road, have all passengers wear their seatbelts, and save the national emergency hotline number (112) on your phone so it’s nearby if there’s ever any trouble (this truly goes for any emergency).

• We already mentioned that our wildlife is out and about during this time, so be aware that they can cross the road at any time. Keep a responsible speed and pay attention, not just to the road, but also to what’s happening alongside it.

• Please chat with your rental agent about insurance. Some mandatory rental insurance coverage will more than likely be included in your agreement, but your specific road trip route might require additional coverage. For example, we’d definitely recommend getting Tire Insurance if you’re planning on driving on any unpaved roads, and Sand and Ash Protection is a must for anyone traveling along the coast.

Roads in Iceland in July: Road Conditions and Vehicle Choice

We often get asked whether we’d recommend a 2-wheel drive or a 4x4 for driving in Iceland in July. This greatly depends on the road conditions and your specific road trip routes. We’d suggest using the following as quick guidelines:

2-Wheel Drive

• When only driving in the cities and towns.

• Driving shorter distances on paved and well-maintained roads.

4-Wheel Drive

• Driving longer road trips that include unpaved roads.

• Driving in our remote regions of the Highlands and the Westfjords.

• Driving on any F-roads (this is a legal requirement).

***If you plan on renting a campervan in Iceland, you’ll still be able to choose between a 2-wheel drive or a 4x4.

FAQs About Driving in Iceland in July

We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about driving in Iceland in July below:

Do I Need a 4x4 in Iceland in July?

You don’t need a 4x4 in Iceland in July unless you’re planning on driving longer road trip routes that include unpaved roads and the F-roads (where it’s a legal requirement).

Can You Drive the Highlands in Iceland in July?

July is one of the best times to drive the Highlands in Iceland since all roads are open and weather and road conditions are ideal.

Driving in Iceland in July: Time to Embrace a Remarkable Journey

There is no other way to describe a road trip adventure in Iceland in July. With only the best weather and road conditions and more daylight hours than you’ll really know what to do with, there’s never been a better time to hit the road and discover all the exciting things there is to see and do here on the island.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your bag, and hit the road, embracing one of the most remarkable journeys of your life!