Iceland is an incredible destination for a road trip any time of year. But traveling there in June offers some unique advantages. The midnight sun provides nearly 24 hours of daylight to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes. Temperatures are milder than other months, with highs around 12°C (54°F). And opportunities abound for sightseeing without the crowds of peak summer.
If a June road trip in Iceland is on your bucket list, use these 10 essential tips to make the most of your journey.
Plan Your Iceland Road Trip Route
With limited time, planning your Iceland route is crucial. Focus on what interests you most. South Iceland boasts glaciers, waterfalls and black sand beaches. Head north for whale watching and puffin colonies. Choose west Iceland for snaefellsjokull glacier and quiet fishing villages. And drive east for the mossy Hôfðabrekka pass and untouched forests.
I recommend the Ring Road as the best route for a week-long June road trip. It circles the island, hitting major attractions. You can add detours like the Golden Circle or Snæfellsnes peninsula for standout highlights.
Plot out must-see stops and leave room for flexibility too. Being spontaneous allows you to explore hidden gems.
Rent a Campervan or Car in Iceland
A campervan or car rental provides flexibility for spontaneous detours. Campervans let you sleep at campsites or public parking areas, further reducing costs.
Book early, as rental vehicles are limited. Consider 4×4 vehicles for the F-roads (dirt mountain roads) or a campervan with higher clearance. Automatic transmission is ideal for a stress-free driving experience.
Pack layers and rain gear – Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. A cozy sleeping bag and pillow transform your campervan into a comfortable bedroom under the midnight sun.
Pack for Iceland’s Cool June Weather
June ushers in summer, with average highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). But warmer and cooler spells do happen. Packing layers allows you to adjust for Iceland’s variable weather.
Must-haves include:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Fleece or wool sweaters
- Long sleeve shirts
- Warm socks
- Beanie hat and gloves
- Hiking boots and sandals
Pack sunscreen too – you’ll have up to 21 hours of daylight for sightseeing!
See the Midnight Sun During Summer Solstice
One of the best times for an Iceland road trip is during summer solstice in late June. Known as Midsummer Night, it brings nearly 24 hours of daylight in Iceland. You can experience the magic of the midnight sun firsthand.
On June 21, sunset is around midnight and sunrise is at 2:30 am. The period around the summer solstice offers the most hours of daylight to explore Iceland’s natural wonders. Schedule summer solstice at a scenic spot like Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon or Vestrahorn mountain for an unforgettable experience.
Visit Popular Attractions Before 8 am
Beat the tour bus crowds by starting sightseeing early, ideally before 8 am. This strategy provides a peaceful, people-free experience at some of Iceland’s most popular attractions like Skógafoss waterfall, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the Golden Circle route.
Early mornings also provide advantages for photography. You’ll capture epic sunrise colors lighting up mountains and glaciers before the day trippers arrive.
Take advantage of all those daylight hours for scenic detours later in the day after the crowds have dispersed.
See Puffins and Whales
June is a fantastic time for wildlife watching. Head north to spots like the Westfjords, Vatnsnes peninsula, and Akureyri for prime puffin colony viewing.
From Reykjavik, join a whale watching tour for your best chance of spotting minke, humpback, orca and other whales feeding in Iceland’s frigid coastal waters.
When driving, watch for reindeer, Arctic fox, seals, and seabirds like the coastal nesting puffins. Pull over for photo ops but keep a safe distance from all wildlife in Iceland.
Hike Iceland’s Stunning Trails
Lace up your hiking boots to experience Iceland’s awe-inspiring vistas on foot. Some top day hikes include Skaftafell glacier, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and the trails of Þórsmörk valley. For multi-day treks, head to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve or Landmannalaugar’s colorful rhyolite mountains.
Hiking conditions are ideal in June, with nearly 20 hours of daylight. Mild temperatures make long distance trekking enjoyable. Just prepare for unpredictable weather by packing layers and waterproof gear.
Try Icelandic Food Specialties
Fuel up on delicious Icelandic food during your June road trip. Traditional dishes like salty hangikjöt (smoked lamb), skyr yogurt, and kleina doughnuts pair perfectly with Iceland’s breathtaking scenery.
In Reykjavik, sample inventive New Nordic cuisine. Or grab fish and chips or a hot dog from a street food stand. At bakeries, try rúgbrauð (dark rye bread), pönnukökur (Icelandic pancakes), and rándýrður (raspberry-filled shortbread).
Grocery shopping for road trip snacks and picnic supplies saves money. But splurge on lobster soup or fresh seafood when you can.
Budget for Costs
While cheaper than peak summer, visiting Iceland in June is not inexpensive. Costs for rental cars, lodging, and attractions add up quickly.
Some ways to lower expenses:
- Camp or sleep in your campervan rather than hotels
- Grocery shop versus eating at restaurants
- Buy alcohol at duty-free stores
- Hike free trails versus paid attractions
- Avoid souvenirs and stick to photos for memories
Also take advantage of free things like thermal pools, beaches, waterfalls, and public restrooms. Budgeting ahead helps avoid sticker shock in expensive Iceland.
Pack a Summer Road Trip Playlist
Curate an epic Icelandic road trip playlist to enhance those long drives between adventures. Mix in your favorite tunes plus Icelandic artists like Of Monsters and Men, Kaleo, and Ásgeir.
Sing along as you cruise past glaciers, down mountain passes, and around cliffside roads framed by the sea. Music makes time behind the wheel more enjoyable.
Leave No Trace in Iceland
Help preserve Iceland’s pristine wilderness by following Leave No Trace principles. Stay on marked trails, camp at designated sites, and dispose of waste properly.
Leave each natural area just as you found it. That way everyone gets to experience Iceland’s marvels in their unspoiled state.
Follow these tips to make the most of your June Iceland road trip. You’ll return home with memories of magical midnight sun, roaming puffins and whales, and some of earth’s most stunning landscapes. Just be sure to respect Iceland’s fragile environment so future travelers can enjoy the same unspoiled natural beauty.
