Driving in Iceland in June: When You Can Literally Road Trip Through the Night!

Welcome to the longest day of your life (but in a good way)! Driving in Iceland in June is not only characterized by some pretty amazing weather but also by its seemingly endless daylight hours, especially if you plan on visiting mid-summer.

So, if you’ve been wondering about when to take on that Icelandic road trip - read on. You’ll find that June might be a match when it comes to everything you’d like to see, do and experience.

Why Drive in Iceland in June?

Many factors make June a joy when it comes to driving around Iceland. These include:

The Best Weather

You can literally not ask for better weather in Iceland than you’ll get in June. Weather conditions are nice and mild (no winds trying to rip car doors off their hinges, no blizzards, etc.), and you can expect some of the warmest temperatures you’ll ever experience here in Iceland, ranging between 10 and15 degrees Celsius (50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit).

If you’re lucky, however, you might catch us on a record-breaking year when we can experience temperatures of 25+ degrees Celsius (77+ degrees Fahrenheit). It’s happened before, and we’re all waiting with bated breath for it to happen again (although it actually starts feeling a little too warm for us locals).

The Best Road Conditions

Needless to say, without our harsher weather conditions, road conditions are absolutely ideal. You don’t need to worry about trudging through snow, skidding across ice, driving through blizzards with almost no visibility, or even struggling to get the engine started in the cold. Just get up every morning and hit the road for the road-tripping adventure of a lifetime.

All Roads are Accessible

Without these extreme weather conditions that can cause sudden road closures and all the roads (such as the F-roads in Iceland) that are usually kept closed throughout the colder months being open, you can explore the island to your heart’s content. You won’t find any travel plans suddenly derailed, and all road trip routes are yours for the taking.

A Myriad of Daylight Hours

You will never have a day that doesn’t have at least 20 hours of daylight each day, all throughout June. This means you can cram in as many attractions, activities, and kilometers of driving as you possibly can. Just try to keep some form of moderation, since many get a little overly ambitious and end up burnt out after just a couple of days on the island.

Experiencing a 24-Hour Day

Iceland is known for two incredible natural phenomena, and if you’re planning on road-tripping around Iceland in June, you may get the chance to experience one of them. It’s called the Midnight Sun, and when you’ll get 24 hours of daylight despite the sun (technically) taking a short dip behind the horizon. This phenomenon occurs between 20 and 22 June, and you’ll not only find plenty of people missioning about during this time, but you’ll also find plenty of celebrations to attend.

Is it Safe to Drive in Iceland in June?

With June offering the best weather and road conditions you can experience all year round, it’s probably the safest month to drive around in Iceland. That being said, the following will ensure that you have a safe road trip:

• We’re an island, which means our weather is pretty fickle. There’s a good reason why a local saying goes: “You can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland.” So, it’s always a good idea to stay up-to-date and prepared by keeping an eye on the weather and road conditions via trusted platforms such as Vedur and Umferdin.

• Watch out for any animals crossing the road. In June, this could be reindeer, sheep, and even our adorable Puffins, depending on where you’ll be traveling on the island.

• Insurance should be a priority if you’re driving with a rental. While certain mandatory insurance is usually included in your rental agreement, there are others that may be essential to your specific road trip route. For example, Sand and Ash Protection is crucial when driving along our coastline, and Tire Insurance is an additional must when taking on those unpaved roads. If you’re unsure of whether you have sufficient insurance coverage, you can always chat with your rental agent about your planned route.

• The only downside to having so many daylight hours is that the sun stays at an awkward low-lying angle for a long time, especially during those Midnight Sun days. This means sunglasses are a must since the glare while driving in Iceland in June can be a killer.

• This goes without saying, but you should always follow the rules of the road. Never exceed the speed limits, and always wear seatbelts (everyone in a moving vehicle!). Please remember that it’s illegal to park next to the road or any other place in Iceland that’s not a designated parking area (this is not only for your safety but also to protect our ecosystem). Save our emergency number, 112, on your phone. You can dial this number for any emergency, whether you’re experiencing mechanical issues, a medical emergency, or a fire.

Roads in Iceland in June: Road Conditions and Vehicle Choice

Road conditions may be pristine, but you’ll still need a vehicle to match your specific road trip route. We’d recommend the following:

• 2-wheel drive if you plan on mostly sticking to the borders of cities and towns and taking short drives on paved and well-maintained roads.

• 4-wheel drive if you plan on taking long and extensive road trips, which includes unpaved roads and our more remote regions such as the Highlands and the Westfjords.

• 4-wheel drive vehicles are a legal requirement if you’re driving on the F-roads in Iceland.

***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 June

Below are some of the answers to our most frequently asked questions about driving in Iceland in June:

Do I Need a 4x4 in Iceland in June?

You only need a 4x4 in Iceland in June if you plan on taking longer road trips that include unpaved roads and our F-roads.

Can You Drive the Highlands in Iceland in June?

You can drive the Highlands in Iceland in June because all roads and routes are open during this time.

Driving in Iceland in June: Endless Daylight for Endless Adventure

Excellent road conditions, great weather, natural wonders, open roads, and endless daylight – when driving in Iceland in June, you’re in for the ultimate adventure. Whether it’s your first visit to the island or just the first time you’ll be road-tripping certain areas, June is the perfect time to experience all Iceland has to offer.