August is summer's final act in Iceland. The days are still long (16–19 hours of light), the highlands are fully open, and the landscape is at peak green. But there's a subtle shift: nights are returning, the first northern lights of the season become possible in late August, and the blueberries are ripe. It's a month of abundance.
Weather & Conditions
Daylight
Highlights
- Highland roads still open
- Puffins still present (departing late August)
- Berry picking season — wild blueberries everywhere
- First northern lights possible late August
- Crowds slightly thinning after mid-August
Warnings
Weather becoming less stable
Puffins departing coastal colonies by late August
Some highland roads may close early if snow arrives
Still peak pricing for most of the month
What You Can See
- Northern lights: Possible in late August — the first faint displays of the season on clear, dark nights.
- Midnight sun: No — nights are noticeably darker than June/July.
- Puffins: Present but departing. By late August, many colonies start thinning out.
- Whales: Still excellent. Season continues strong.
- Wildlife: Reindeer in the east. Berry-picking attracts birds. Seals active.
- Landscape: Peak green shifting to early autumn tones. Highlands still spectacular.
What's Open & Closed
Recommended Routes
What to Pack
Similar to July but add a warmer layer for evenings. Late August nights can be cool. If chasing late-August northern lights, bring a tripod.
8 Days in Iceland in August
- Day 1
Arrive → Reykjavík.
- Day 2
Golden Circle.
- Day 3
South Coast → Reynisfjara → Dyrhólaey (last puffins).
- Day 4
Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach.
- Day 5
Highland detour — Landmannalaugar.
- Day 6
East fjords and coastal drive.
- Day 7
Mývatn → Dettifoss → Akureyri.
- Day 8
Fly from Akureyri or drive back to Reykjavík.
Budget Snapshot
Crowds & Pricing
Still peak season through mid-August, then prices start softening. Late August is a sweet spot — summer conditions with slightly lower demand.
August is the month that gives you everything with a hint of nostalgia. The summer is winding down — you can feel it in the cooler evenings and the slightly earlier sunsets — but Iceland is still very much in its prime. The highlands are open, the waterfalls are flowing, and the landscape is that deep saturated green that only weeks of midnight sun can produce.
The berries are the unexpected August bonus. Wild blueberries (bláber) ripen across the countryside, and Icelanders head out to pick them on weekends. Pull over on almost any road in the south or east, walk a few meters into the scrubby heath, and you'll find bushes heavy with fruit. It's one of those small pleasures that makes Iceland feel less like a destination and more like a place.
Late August is when the sky starts reclaiming its darkness, and with it comes the first whisper of northern lights season. The displays in late August are faint and brief, but they're a thrilling preview of what's to come. If you happen to be in Iceland during the last week of August on a clear night, look north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see northern lights in August?
Possibly in very late August. As nights darken, faint northern lights become possible around August 25–31 on clear, dark nights. They're not reliable, but they're a bonus if you're lucky.