The cool side of summer

While other destinations swelter through peak season, Reykjavík's mild summer means there's no need to retreat indoors during the hottest hours. Why? Because there aren't any.

Somewhere in summer, you are standing on scorching pavement, ducking from one air-conditioned building to the next, waiting for the sun to lose its edge before you can actually go outside. It's becoming the default summer experience in more and more parts of the world – but there's another way to spend a summer holiday. It starts with landing in a city where 15°C is the height of summer, so you can stay outdoors and plan a full day of activities without worrying about the heat. For travellers who've grown tired of planning holidays around heatwaves, that alone is reason enough to look north.

Welcome to Reykjavík.

Lower temperatures - all summer

Icelandic summer temperatures hover comfortably between 10 and 15°C (50–59°F), rarely climbing higher. There's no oppressive humidity, no midday shutdown, no need to structure your day around avoiding the sun. You simply go outside and stay there. The cool climate means you can explore the city at any hour of the day. Hike across volcanic terrain, catch a rainbow in a waterfall's spray, bike or walk the wooded trails in Mosfellsbær, Heiðmörk or near Perlan, or go on a coastal walk or whale-watching tour without the exhaustion that comes from doing the same activities under a blazing sun.

If you crave adventure without venturing far from Reykjavík, explore our guide to outdoor activities minutes from the city centre, or discover the top hiking trails near Reykjavík, ranging from short, family-friendly walks to more demanding treks through volcanic terrain, all without committing to a long drive. 

Endless daylight

Reykjavík summers bring something few other destinations can offer: nearly 24 hours of daylight. The mix of cool temperatures and constant light means there's no waiting out the worst of the heat. The day simply doesn't run out. Enjoy a long breakfast, go shopping or for a hike, take a sea swim in the afternoon, grab a delicious dinner at 9pm, then walk along the waterfront at midnight, when everyone else is asleep – all in daylight.

Cool water, warm water - your choice

One of the most distinctly Icelandic pleasures is the contrast between the crisp air and the geothermally heated water found across the city and the Capital Area. Reykjavík's outdoor pools stay warm no matter the weather, giving you the rare experience of relaxing in steaming water while the cool air keeps things refreshing rather than sweltering. You never feel overheated, only relaxed and comfortable after a leisurely soak.

And what if I want to go further? 

• Walk, bike, or hike beyond the centre. A couple of hours spent among green valleys and quiet trails is enough to feel the difference cool air makes. Use the free resource Út um allt to map a walking, running or cycling route through more than 60 trails across the Reykjavík Capital Area, including the woodlands, waterfalls and walking trails of Elliðaárdalur Valley.
• Mix up activities. Head out on the water on a whale-watching tour, or explore the city's parks and green spaces for a quieter kind of outdoor time. Either way, you'll fill your lungs with cool ocean air. As a bonus, our walkable city means you can fit a lot into one day. 
• Use the Reykjavík City Card. It gives you access to the city's eight geothermal pools, as well as unlimited use of city busses, in addition to museum admission and other perks. According to The New York Times, even if you visit one museum and a public swimming pool, "the card just about pays for itself."