Iceland in July

[dorsetlad]

We are on Arcadia going to Iceland in late July. My question is, do we need to take cold weather gear, like we had to on the Northern Lights cruise? I know it's Iceland, but is it really cold in July?

[Eglesbrech]

No. It can actually be very nice indeed in the summer. The last time we were there it was shorts and T shirt weather, (even my mother only had one layer on and she used to wear a simmit until the end of May here is Scotland!)

 

Pack light layers in case you are not quite so lucky eg a fleece and a wind proof jacket but you don’t need a heavy winter one. Have a check of the forecast before you go as well.

 

We really enjoyed Iceland and were lucky enough to spot whales on the journey North to Akureyri.

[pete14]

Some years ago, we had gale force winds, hail and snow all at the same time in Iceland. This was in August. Other days were much more pleasant. As Eglesbrech suggests, I would cater for both extremes, just in case.

[jh1809]

Typically afternoon temperatures are around 10-15C in July.

[terrierjohn]

2 minutes ago, jh1809 said:

Typically afternoon temperatures are around 10-15C in July.

But just like here at present, if the sun is shining it will feel far higher, so just hope for a sunny visit.

[davecttr]

Anti midge armour might be useful in some areas of the country

[leehal]

I would take layers, we were there in August last year and literally had 4 seasons in one day.

[majortom10]

You will not get Mediterranean weather but certainly will not get weather as same as Northern Light cruise in winter. We did Iceland on Arcadia for 175 year Grand Event and had pleasant weather in all 3 ports we stopped at without the need for waterproofs or coat just a light jacket at worse. Perhaps we were lucky but it will certainly not be cold temperature wise in July as Northern Lights cruise.

[dronnygirl]

We sailed to Iceland  last July. The rest of Europe including Norway were having record high temperatures while Iceland experienced record low temperatures. It was 4 degrees in Reykjavik but it was dry, we were well prepared for the weather. The next day in Isafjord it was a little warmer and the next day was Akureyri where it was 18 degrees and sunny. We crossed the Arctic circle late at night and we all had hats and gloves, even the band!   A really fabulous cruise.

 

[galeforce9]

We had some days with low 20C in Iceland last late July/early August.  We had a seabourn cruise with 5 ports in Iceland. Locals were out of their houses in siglufjordur taking photos on the “best day of the year”.  On these days we happily sat outside cafes along with everyone else wearing t shirts.  We also had days where it rained heavily all day.  On previous trips we’ve had 5c in July.  So, layers and don’t forget sun block, waterproofs and midge spray! 

Edited April 12, 2019 by galeforce9

[zoe sproodle]

We were in Iceland in late June last year on Aurora and during one tour the guide pointed out a fresh fall of snow on the hills. Still a fantastic experience though.

[happy v]

Could be anything.

The only thing certain is it's a fantastic country with lots to see.

[dorsetlad]

Thanks everybody for your comments. We now know to expect anything, so will go prepared, but may leave the thermals at home. Just like Majortom, we were on the Grand Event cruise, but we went to the Fjords on Oceana. Despite the horrendous weather for that special sailaway, we also enjoyed excellent weather once away from the UK.