What Time Does the Sun Set in Iceland?

Iceland’s average sunrise and sunset hours in 2026 change each month, with the shortest average daylight in December and the longest in June, based on Reykjavík (UTC/GMT).

These times are based on Reykjavík and shown in Iceland time (UTC+0 / GMT). Sunset varies across the country, so locations in the north and east (e.g., Egilsstaðir) may differ from Reykjavík. Iceland stays on UTC+0 year-round and doesn’t observe daylight saving time.

December is the darkest month, so daylight is at its lowest point, and sunset comes early throughout the month.

January is one of Iceland’s darkest winter months, so sunrise, sunset, and total daylight shift noticeably between the start and end of the month.

February brings a steady return of daylight, with later sunsets and longer days by the end of the month.

March is a transition month toward spring, so daylight increases quickly and sunset moves later as the month goes on.

April is an early spring month, with long evenings and steadily later sunsets than in winter.

May brings very long days, with sunsets staying late as Iceland approaches the midnight sun season.

June includes Iceland’s longest days around the summer solstice, so nights stay short and twilight can linger for hours. Tip: Pack a sleep mask if you’re visiting during the midnight sun season—unless you’re happy sleeping in near-daylight.

July remains extremely bright, with late sunsets and only a brief, dim night even toward the end of the month.

August marks the gradual return of darker nights, so sunset starts shifting earlier as the month progresses.

September moves toward the autumn equinox, so daylight becomes more balanced, and sunsets arrive earlier than in summer.

October sees a fast drop in daylight, with noticeably earlier sunsets and shorter days by month’s end.

November is one of Iceland’s darkest stretches of the year, with short days and limited afternoon light.

No, sunset times in Iceland are not the same everywhere. They vary by location. Reykjavík, Akureyri, Ísafjörður, and other towns experience sunset at different hours due to differences in latitude.

The difference between sunset and darkness is that sunset happens when the sun drops below the horizon, but darkness doesn’t occur immediately. After sunset, Iceland goes through several twilight stages: 

• Civil twilight: Enough light for most outdoor activities. 

• Nautical twilight: The horizon is still visible, but it’s dim. 

• Astronomical twilight: Very faint light remains before the sky is fully dark. 

Twilight can last for hours, because of Iceland’s high latitude, so darkness often comes long after sunset, or in summer, may not come at all. 

The earliest sunset in Iceland is around December 18, at 3:28 PM (based on Reykjavík, 2026). The latest sunset happens around midnight in late June. Sunset times can vary by region and year, particularly between the southern and northern parts of Iceland.

Yes, the sun does not fully set in some regions of Iceland in summer. You can best experience this phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, on Grímsey Island, located directly on the Arctic Circle. Other places in northern Iceland, such as Akureyri, Húsavík, and the Westfjords, also see extended daylight hours. The sun dips just below the horizon but never fully sets.

You can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from September to April, when nights are dark enough. Sunset time affects tour timing because Northern Lights tours start after darkness sets in, not at sunset. In winter, darkness comes early, so tours often begin earlier than in autumn and spring.

The best places to watch the sunset near Reykjavík include:

• Reynisfjara beach on the South Coast 

• Kirkjufell mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

These locations provide excellent conditions for stunning sunset views, because of their wide horizons and minimal light pollution.

Daylight hours in Iceland change rapidly throughout the year. In winter, daylight is very short, while in summer, the sun barely sets, providing nearly 24 hours of daylight. The most significant changes occur around the equinoxes. During this time, daylight can increase or decrease by about 5 to 6 minutes per day.

It is not safe to hike or drive after sunset in winter in Iceland because of the challenging weather conditions and limited daylight. Roads can be icy, and the weather tends to change rapidly. In winter, plan for early sunsets, snow, and ice. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out.

The times are accurate for Reykjavík (UTC/GMT) and based on sunrise and sunset calculations for 2026. Keep in mind that sunrise and sunset times can vary across Iceland, particularly between the northern and southern regions. For precise times at specific locations, especially in remote areas, it's best to check them individually.