Prices and seasons from the operators' pages in November 2026; confirm the departure times for your date when you book.

What "midnight sun" means in practice

Near the solstice the south of Iceland has close to 24 hours of daylight, with the sun dipping below the horizon for about three hours. The north and the Westfjords have shorter nights than the south but still a short dip, and on Grímsey the sun does not set. The result is soft golden light for hours in the evening, which is why photographers flock to places like Kirkjufell. It also means the northern lights are not visible in June, because the sky never gets dark enough; see northern lights tours if the aurora is your goal, and plan for winter instead. For the month in detail, read Iceland in June and Iceland in July.

Tours that use the late light

The clearest midnight sun product is the Special Tours departure from Reykjavik that combines whales and puffins in 2 to 2.5 hours. Puffins are on the Reykjavik islands from 20 April to 20 August (Elding's Classic tour), and whale-watching tours run from the Old Harbour; the whale-watching page compares Reykjavik, Akureyri and Húsavík, and the puffin tour page has seasons and prices. For a late departure, ask the operator for the evening schedule: not every date has one. Húsavík is the other base: its Gentle Giants tour runs from 1 April to 30 November.

Doing it yourself

The midnight sun is also a reason to drive in the evening. Long daylight lets you add a stop to a day, for example a late visit to Seljalandsfoss after the South Coast, or an evening walk in Þingvellir. Tour times are only a guide, so check the weather: Iceland's weather can change within about 45 minutes.

What to pack and book

  • Eye mask: a high-quality eye mask helps you sleep when the sky never gets dark.
  • Layers and waterproofs: June highs run 10 to 13°C, up to 15°C when sunny.
  • Book early: June is peak season, so book accommodation, cars and tours well ahead; see where to stay in Reykjavik.
  • F-roads: highland roads typically start opening in mid-to-late June and need a 4x4; see Iceland F-roads.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Expecting the northern lights in June or July.
  • Booking a puffin tour after 20 August on the Reykjavik boats.
  • Assuming a late tour exists on every date: confirm the departure.
  • Driving an F-road at the start of the month: they typically start opening in mid-to-late June, depending on snowmelt.

FAQ

Is there a midnight sun tour in Iceland?

Yes. Special Tours lists a Whales and Puffins Midnight Sun tour of 2 to 2.5 hours at ISK 12,490.

Where does the sun not set?

On Grímsey Island, inside the Arctic Circle; in the south the sun dips for about three hours.

Can I see the northern lights during the midnight sun?

No. The sky never gets dark enough in June.

When is the best time for puffins?

On the Reykjavik boats, from 20 April to 20 August.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.