Sumarið

Sumarið is the Icelandic term for the season of summer, the warmest part of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized in Iceland by long daylight hours and a milder climate than in winter. The word is formed from sumr, the Old Norse root for summer, with the definite article -ið. In everyday Icelandic, sumarið refers to the season as a whole or to a particular summer moment, and it figures prominently in calendars, literature and song.

In Icelandic usage, Sumarið denotes the period with extended daylight, especially in the north and east, where daylight can extend well past midnight near the solstice. The season is also notable for relatively cool average temperatures, typically around 10 to 15°C, though heat waves can raise temperatures above 20°C. The maritime climate, ocean currents, and frequent wind contribute to variable weather.

Culturally, Sumarið links to public life and celebrations, such as Sumardagurinn fyrsti, the First Day of Summer, a public holiday with family gatherings, parades and festivals. The season supports tourism, agriculture, and fishing, and is a peak time for outdoor activities, farm open days, and visits to farms and rural areas.

The concept of Sumarið also appears in Icelandic literature and media as a symbol of renewal and light, reflecting the country’s high-latitude seasonality.