Natural wonders

The midnight sun: Iceland’s 24-hour daylight

Date

20. Jan 202620. Jan 26

Reading time

5 min

What is the midnight sun?

Iceland’s midnight sun is a natural phenomenon. It describes a time in the year when the sun doesn’t set, sitting above (or just near) the horizon for nearly 24 hours a day. The natural spectacle is experienced in the far north of the globe (above the Arctic Circle) and the far south (Antarctica), where areas can have continuous daylight for many months.

With Iceland’s northern position on the globe and proximity to the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun occurs for most of the summer.

When can I see the midnight sun in Iceland?

If you’re unsure of when in summer to make the trip to Iceland, you can find all the information you need about daylight hours below. The amount of daylight can vary by a few hours between the start of a month and the end of a month, so make sure you choose the right time of year to do and see what you want in Iceland.

The summer solstice, when the sun peaks and produces the longest day of the year, usually occurs on June 20 or 21.

On June 21 in 2026, sunrise in Reykjavík is at 2:55am; sunset occurs over 21 hours later at 12:03am. For 3 hours of twilight, the sun sits just below the horizon and delivers lingering natural light.

(Fun fact, for contrast: December’s winter solstice offers a mere 4 hours and 7 minutes of daylight in the Icelandic capital.)

The further north you travel in Iceland, of course, the more prolonged the summer light. Akureyri boasts 23.5 hours of light on June 21; Ísafjörður has 24-hour brightness, and the small northern island of Grímsey (the only part of Iceland within the Arctic Circle) also has perpetual light.

In the table below, you get an idea of how the daylight hours change in Reykjavík throughout the summer months. You’ll find more useful details on the website timeanddate.com.

Reykjavík’s midnight sun times

The times listed in this table are for 2026. In other years, the times may vary slightly (by a matter of one or two minutes, at most).

Garðar BA 64 is a shipwreck on the Patreksfjörður shoreline in the Westfjords.

Things to do during Iceland’s longest days

For six weeks either side of the June 21 summer solstice in Iceland, you’ll experience bright nights. The sun lingers long and low on the horizon like a welcome dinner guest. Even after its sunset departure a rosy afterglow remains. Here’s how you can make the most out of visiting the marvelous midnight sun in Iceland with our top tips.

Vestrahorn glowing in the late-evening sun.

Experience nature

Hot tubs and springs, or geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, offer delicious warmth and may help to edge insomniacs closer to sleep.

Waterfalls make great backdrops for the sunlight. Cascades such as Seljalandsfoss or Skógafoss are idyllic spots to marvel at the wonders of nature and capture great photos.

Take a late-night walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

The midnight sun adds a glow to the Stokksnes area.

Events in Iceland during the midnight sun

Midsummer festivals make prime use of the longest days.

Midnight Sun Run

In Reykjavík, you can compete in the Midnight Sun Run. This is your chance to run through the night whilst still enjoying full daylight. Choose from a 5km, 10km, or half-marathon distance and get ready for the start line!

Arctic Open golf tournament

If you’re in the North, you can tee off at the annual Arctic Open golf tournament in Akureyri – a photogenic, 36‑hole event held over two days.

Summer Solstice Festival

Visit Grímsey island (get there via a short flight from Akureyri, or by ferry) to experience the Summer Solstice Festival within the Arctic Circle. Join in the family-friendly fun with live music, a seafood buffet, and an annual ball.

Golf in Akureyri under the midnight sun. Photo from Visit North Iceland.

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The midnight sun: Iceland’s 24-hour daylight

In this article

What is the midnight sun?

When can I see the midnight sun in Iceland?

Reykjavík’s midnight sun times