I am potentially traveling solo to Iceland for two weeks at the end of July and renting a campervan. I have read and watched videos featuring people experiencing perfect weather and others dealing with wind, rain, and snow. I experience fairly high anxiety when dealing with bad weather while hiking, camping, and driving. Being in a good campervan vs a tent will help alleviate some of that anxiety, as I have a dry place to go. However, I am worried that I will experience more anxiety on a solo trip, versus enjoying the beauty and magic of Iceland. I know to expect some storms throughout my trip, and of course, every year will be different regarding the weather. I would love to hear about the good and bad aspects of your experience dealing with the weather on your trip. Again, I will be going the last 2 weeks of July.
I am an experienced hiker and backpacker who has encountered wind, rain, and hail on my trips, and I know at what point my enjoyment turns into anxiety and nervousness. I hope that by hearing both positive and negative experiences, I will gain a better understanding of what to expect and be able to analyze whether a solo Iceland trip is right for me. I kindly ask that you please be respectful. I know Iceland is cold, I know they have frequent storms and bad weather. This post is to help me hear all stories to better prepare and assess if it is right for me.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3520 posts
Mid to late July you will be good, didn't worry. Yes, Iceland has some really strong storms/bad weather, but it is very rare in July/early August. We have been many times and the only time we had any issue at all that time of year was when we were in a camper van when the winds got strong, so all we had to do was head into a campground.
Personally, I would not give this another thought. Depending on where you live, you may think Iceland is not cold at all, or you may be freezing. We are in the PNW and the only time we have encountered what we consider cold weather, was from late October through February. Otherwise our summer trips have been very moderate for weather.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for your insight. I am from Utah, so the temperatures will not be too cold and may even be nice compared to the 100° temperatures I will be leaving in July. I appreciate your information.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3520 posts
Yes, you will very much appreciate the weather:)
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8510 posts
Your experience will vary with WHERE you drive. Our cruise excursion bus encountered snow in July on the way to Dynjandi. Read the sticker on the car door that says "Open With BOTH Hands." Be ready for Waze to put you on an unpaved but perfectly safe road to cut the corner off a turn. Roads under repair can be gravel, so take all six or seven insurances, including Gravel and Windblown Sand.
Driving is not hard, but distances are very large. Don't use American speeds. Expect some unpaved waterfall lots, with a pay station.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
926 posts
One element of driving in Iceland you will most certainly discover - almost every other motorist you will encounter will, like you, be driving a rental vehicle and also, like you, a tourist. From my experience, the most dangerous aspect of driving in Iceland is the behavior of other motorists, some of whom have very little driving experience.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3520 posts
Tim--Yes, a dusting of snow happens in the summer, but not enough to affect driving at all the majority of the time.