August is one of the best months to visit Iceland. The days are still long, the weather is milder, and the country feels alive with festivals, road trips, and outdoor adventures. If you’re planning an August trip, especially to West Iceland, a bit of preparation will help you make the most of your time.
Here are some practical tips for visiting Iceland in August, with ideas on where to stay and what to see—especially around Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður.
August Weather in Iceland: What to Expect
August is late summer in Iceland. In the west and along the coast, you can usually expect:
– Temperatures around 10–15°C (50–59°F), sometimes warmer on sunny days
– Long daylight hours (though not the midnight sun anymore)
– A mix of sun, clouds, and light rain—often all in one day
Because the weather is so changeable, layers are essential. Pack a light down jacket, a waterproof shell, a warm sweater, and comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots. Even in August, evenings can feel chilly, especially by the sea or in the highlands.
What to Pack for an August Trip
To stay comfortable and ready for anything, consider bringing:
– Waterproof jacket and pants
– Warm layers (wool or fleece)
– Hat, gloves, and a buff or scarf (for wind)
– Sturdy shoes or boots with good grip
– Swimsuit and quick-dry towel (for hot springs and pools)
– Sleep mask if you’re sensitive to light (it still gets fairly bright late into the evening)
Most of Ourhotels.is properties, including Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, are used to summer travelers and can help with drying wet gear or giving local advice on what to wear for the day’s conditions.
Driving in Iceland in August
August is one of the easiest months for driving in Iceland. Roads are generally clear of snow, and many highland routes are open. Still, it’s important to:
– Check road conditions daily on road.is
– Keep an eye on the weather forecast at vedur.is
– Allow extra time between destinations—distances can be longer than they look on the map
– Never drive off-road (it’s illegal and damages fragile nature)
If you’re exploring West Iceland, a self-drive trip works especially well. You can base yourself at different Ourhotels.is locations as you move around the region, using each as a hub for day trips.
Exploring Borgarfjörður and Staying at Hvítá Inn
Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, is a beautiful area of waterfalls, hot springs, lava fields, and quiet countryside. In August, the valleys are green, rivers are full, and the days are perfect for exploring.
Hvítá Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is ideally located for discovering this region. From here, you can easily visit:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls – a must-see pair of falls where water flows out of the lava field into the turquoise river
– Deildartunguhver – one of Europe’s most powerful hot springs
– Reykholt – a historic site connected to the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson
– The surrounding countryside – ideal for short hikes, photography, and peaceful evening walks
After a day of exploring, returning to Hvítá Inn gives you a calm, rural base with easy access to the main roads leading north and west.
Discovering the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Stykkishólmur Inn
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: mountains, black sand beaches, cliffs, lava fields, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. August is a fantastic time to visit, with relatively stable weather and long days for sightseeing.
Stykkishólmur is one of the most charming towns in Iceland, with colorful houses, a pretty harbor, and great views over Breiðafjörður Bay. Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, makes an excellent base for:
– Boat tours among the islands of Breiðafjörður
– Day trips around the peninsula to Kirkjufell mountain, Djúpalónssandur beach, and Arnarstapi
– Exploring local museums, restaurants, and the town’s scenic viewpoints
Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn allows you to enjoy the quiet, coastal atmosphere in the evenings while still being close to the main sights of Snæfellsnes.
Heading to the Westfjords and Ísafjörður Inn
If you want to experience one of the most dramatic and less-crowded parts of Iceland, the Westfjords are ideal in August. The roads are more accessible than in other seasons, and the weather is often at its best.
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords and a natural base for exploring the region. Ísafjörður Inn, another Ourhotels.is property, puts you within reach of:
– Boat trips to remote fjords and islands
– Hiking routes with views over steep mountains and deep fjords
– Day trips to places like Dynjandi waterfall or the bird cliffs further west (depending on your route)
– Local cafés, restaurants, and cultural sites in Ísafjörður itself
In August, the Westfjords feel wild yet welcoming, with long evenings that are perfect for slow walks along the harbor or simply enjoying the quiet.
Booking Accommodation in August
August is high season in Iceland, so it’s wise to book your accommodation in advance, especially in popular areas like West Iceland, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords. Ourhotels.is offers a convenient way to plan a route through the west, staying at:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)
– Stykkishólmur Inn in Stykkishólmur
– Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords
By combining these three, you can create a natural loop through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, with comfortable, familiar-style stays along the way.
Enjoying Nature Responsibly
August is a wonderful time to be outdoors in Iceland, but the landscapes are fragile. To help protect them:
– Stay on marked paths and trails
– Follow local signs and guidance
– Take all your rubbish with you
– Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance
Staff at Ourhotels.is properties are usually locals or long-term residents and can point you toward less-crowded spots, good viewpoints, and safe walking routes that suit the day’s conditions.
Making the Most of Your August Trip
To get the best experience from an August visit:
– Start your days early to enjoy quieter sights
– Keep your plans flexible in case of changing weather
– Mix well-known attractions with smaller, local stops
– Take time to enjoy the evenings—sunsets can be beautiful, and the light lingers
Using Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as your bases, you can explore waterfalls, hot springs, coastal villages, fjords, and mountains at a relaxed pace, without rushing long distances each day.
If you’re planning a trip to West Iceland in August, consider building your route around these three Ourhotels.is locations. You’ll get a comfortable place to stay, local insight, and easy access to some of the most memorable landscapes in the country.
