Rent a Car in Iceland in June – All You Need to Know

Magical Iceland is more magical in June, when the Midnight Sun lights up the sky, summer vibes take over, and nature puts on a spectacular show. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, this is the season of non-stop road trips, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives you’ll never forget.

At Zero Car Rental, June is one of our favorite months to hit the road. With fully inclusive car rentals, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a seamless pickup experience right at KEF Airport, there’s nothing stopping you from exploring Iceland your way.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in June—from weather tips to road trip ideas and what to pack. And we have 5 top reasons here for why you should come in summer.

What’s the weather like in Iceland in June?

June kicks off Iceland’s summer season, bringing mild temperatures, long days, and a welcome break from winter winds and snow. That said, Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so you’ll still want to dress smart and prepare for anything—sunshine, drizzle, or gusty wind.

Expect average high temperatures between 48°F and 59°F (9°C to 15°C), with inland areas typically a bit warmer than the coast. Nights can get cooler, dropping to 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C). On lucky days, temperatures may even hit 68°F (20°C).

Rain showers do happen, but they’re usually brief and scattered. June is one of the drier months, especially in Reykjavik, which sees about 1.6 to 2 inches (40–50 mm) of rain spread across 10 to 15 days.

Summer winds are generally more gentle than the strong winter gales, but if you’re driving in exposed or coastal areas, it’s still wise to be cautious.

How long is the daylight in June?

If you're visiting in June, you're in for a treat—daylight lasts up to 21 hours or more, depending on when in the month you arrive. Around the Summer Solstice (June 21st), Iceland experiences the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. The sun barely dips below the horizon, creating a glowing twilight that lasts all night.

In early June, you can expect roughly 21 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 3:20 AM and sunset around 11:40 PM. Mid-June brings the brightest skies of the year, with near-constant daylight. Although the sun officially sets, it only dips slightly below the horizon, so the sky never goes completely dark. By late June, daylight is still strong, with the sun rising at around 3:30 AM and setting close to 11:30 PM.

These long hours make it possible to extend your days of exploration, whether you're taking photos in the golden hour at 2 AM or soaking in a hot spring under a bright twilight sky.

What to do in Iceland in June

With almost every region of Iceland accessible and weather conditions on your side, June is one of the best times to explore the country by car.

June is road trip heaven. With the Highland roads open by this time of year, you can drive to remote geothermal areas, volcanic deserts, and hidden oases. If you're short on time, the classic Golden Circle offers waterfalls, geysers, and national parks within a few hours of Reykjavik. If you have a full week or more, the Ring Road opens the door to coastal fjords, glacier lagoons, and vast lava fields.

Zero Car Rental makes the journey even easier. Every booking includes full insurance with zero excess, so you can drive with peace of mind. There’s no deposit required, and you can skip the rental counter with our airport keybox pickup. Plus, all rentals come with 24/7 roadside assistance, included at no extra cost.

June is also the best time for wildlife watching. Whale activity peaks during summer, and you're likely to see humpbacks, minkes, or even orcas in the bays around North Iceland or from Reykjavik’s harbor. If birdwatching is more your style, puffins are nesting on sea cliffs throughout the country. Popular spots include Dyrhólaey on the South Coast or Látrabjarg in the Westfjords.

Thanks to mild weather and long days, Iceland’s landscapes are wide open for adventure. You can hike volcanic craters, waterfalls, and colorful rhyolite mountains. You can snorkel or scuba dive in glacial water between tectonic plates at Silfra. You can ride horses across lava fields or find a natural hot spring all to yourself in the Highlands. With so much daylight, you can fit multiple activities into each day—or night.

What to pack for Iceland in June

Even in summer, Icelandic weather can shift quickly, so you’ll want to pack for variety. Waterproof outer layers are essential—both jacket and pants—along with a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or wool sweater. Bring base layers to help regulate your temperature, and sturdy shoes or lightweight hiking boots for uneven terrain.

Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and sunglasses. While it might seem odd to bring winter accessories in June, it can still feel chilly, especially in the wind or during early mornings. A swimsuit and quick-dry towel are useful for hot spring visits, and a sleep mask will help block out the bright nights if you’re a light sleeper.

For more details, stay tuned for our summer packing guide coming soon to the Zero blog. We have all the tips on how to make your Iceland experience not only a good one, but an epic one!

Make June your month to explore Iceland

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, June is a magical time to explore Iceland—with long days, lush landscapes, and nearly every corner of the country ready for adventure.

At Zero Car Rental, we make getting on the road seamless. You can book online in just a few minutes. Upon arrival, your keys will be waiting for you in our secure airport keybox—no lines, no paperwork, no stress. Every rental includes full insurance with zero excess, no deposit, and 24/7 support included as standard.

Start planning your Icelandic summer road trip now. With Zero, it’s as easy as land, grab, drive.

Visit our booking page to reserve your all-inclusive rental, or check out our FAQs if you have any questions before your trip.