At Your Friend in Reykjavik, we firmly believe that it’s always a good time of year to visit Iceland!
And while you may hear a lot about catching the spectacular Northern Lights, there’s another phenomenon that is also well worth witnessing — the Midnight Sun!
As a leader in Iceland tours and day trips, we have experienced all the magic that the Land of Fire and Ice has to offer during the summer.
Let us share a little bit about this beautiful time of year and inspire you to start planning your next holiday in Reykjavik.
If you have any questions for our team about Iceland in summer, or any other season, please feel free to get in touch.
What is the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun officially occurs above the Arctic Circle. It’s when the sun is still visible at midnight.
This phenomenon has to do with the seasons, the Earth’s tilt, and plenty more fascinating science.
So, what about the midnight sun in Iceland?
Although technically the midnight sun happens above the Arctic Circle, we’re close enough to experience those endless summer days!
The sun barely gets below the horizon before it starts heading back up for sunrise! This means it simply doesn’t get dark.
The peak time for the Midnight Sun is during the summer solstice, around June 20th every year.
However, you can still enjoy the effects throughout most of the summer.
Learn more about visiting us in different seasons by reading our guide Summer vs. Winter: When’s the Best Time to Visit Iceland?
Why Visit Iceland for the Midnight Sun?
Midnight sun in Mývatn, North Iceland – Hafsteinn Robertsson from Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Well, the main benefit is all that sunlight! With almost 24 hours of daylight, you can spend more time exploring our incredible country.
Of course, you will still need to watch the time as we all need to get some sleep!
But you will definitely want to stay up late at least one night to enjoy that quick turnaround from sunset to sunrise!
This is especially true if you plan to visit Iceland in June for the summer solstice.
And with all that extra sunlight, even as far north as we are, the weather is at its warmest.
With temperatures around 7°C (45°F), you may still need to dress warm, but not like you would during the colder months.
This also means more comfortable weather for the great outdoors or enjoying a walking tour in Reykjavik.
When is the Best Time to Enjoy the Midnight Sun in Iceland?
The summer solstice in June is the best time to visit Iceland for the Midnight Sun.
You may not get a full 24-hour day as you would in the Arctic Circle, but you will get pretty close.
The sun sets close to midnight and rises at around 3 am. However, it does not get dark at all, and you will have plenty of Icelandic fun!
The time the sun rises and sets in June in Reykjavik. There is no registered time for darkness in that month.
Even if you come in early summer (around mid-May) or the beginning of our fall (mid-August) you can still experience some extremely long days.
But do beware, if you’re not used to sleeping while it’s light outside, you might want to bring a sleep mask or other sleeping aids to make sure you get enough rest.
Enjoy the Midnight Sun with Your Friend in Reykjavik!
If you visit Iceland in the summer and stop in our capital city, don’t forget to visit Your Friend in Reykjavik!
Our walking tours in Reykjavik are an excellent introduction to our city and island.
And if you want to take full advantage of all that sunlight, check out our private tours, which give you greater flexibility as you plan your Iceland itinerary.
Do you want some more information about the midnight sun in Iceland or any of our day trips and tours? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions you may have.
