Fall in Iceland brings a lot of good memories.
It was also the season of many firsts:
The first… trip to Iceland.
The first… adventure as a married couple (on our honeymoon).
The first… time we completely and utterly fell in love with this country, and decided to call it home.
Now, a decade later, the golden hues of autumn and crisp air still whisper stories of beginnings, of love, and of a life we dreamt about building beneath the Northern Lights.
(Okay, I’m getting sentimental here. 😅)
But while it’s a dreamy time to visit – it’s also one that requires a little strategy if you want to catch the magic without the mayhem.
Because here’s the thing:
Fall in Iceland is short.
Like, blink-and-it’s-gone, Cinderella-at-midnight, short.
Which means if you’re thinking of visiting during this shoulder season, you’ve got to be smart about it.
From what to pack to where to go, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this underrated season.
And who knows, maybe you’ll look back someday and reminisce about the first time you fell in love with Iceland. 💚
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- When Are the Fall Months in Iceland?
- Is Visiting Iceland in the Fall Worth It?
- Fall in Iceland: Daylight Hours
- What is the Weather Like in September/October?
- What to Wear in Iceland in Fall
- Driving in Iceland in Autumn
- Fall Festivals + Events
- Things to Do in Fall in Iceland
- More Iceland Fall Tours
- Make the Most of Your Fall in Iceland
When Are the Fall Months in Iceland?
Fall in Iceland is short and sweet, just September and October.
That’s it!
So if you’re planning a fall trip, you’ll want to make every moment count!
Is Visiting Iceland in the Fall Worth it?
You may be wondering, is September and October a good time to visit Iceland?
Absolutely!
I’d say this is probably one of the best seasons in Iceland. Here’s why:
- The beautiful fall color palette starts to appear and it’s not too cold yet.
- A lot of the roads are still open, especially if you’re traveling at the start of the season.
- A bonus is that we’re officially out of peak season, so everything is cheaper. You might get good deals on accommodation and flights.
- Those pretty lights at the top of your bucket list come out to play – hello Northern Lights!
If you’d like to see the pros and cons of visiting Iceland in each season, you can learn more about it here.👇
➡️ READ: Best Time to Visit Iceland – Pros and Cons of Each Season
Fall in Iceland: Daylight Hours
Knowing how many daylight hours you have to work with is so 👏 important! 👏 when you’re planning your daily itinerary in Iceland.
Daylight hours here fluctuate A LOT depending on what time of year you visit.
It can literally range from only 3 hours to nearly 24 hours a day!
So, where do we stand with daylight in autumn?
In September, you’ll have about 13 hours. Daylight hours in Iceland in October taper down to about 9 hours.
You still have plenty of daylight to explore without rushing, and just enough darkness to catch the Northern Lights.
What is the Weather like in Iceland in September/October?
While September whispers that winter is coming, October shouts it from the rooftops! 😀
The crescendo happens quickly, so you might experience wildly different weather, depending on whether you arrive, let’s say, early in September or mid-October.
In general, though, fall in Iceland is WINDY!
And I’m not talking about your general little gust of wind.
Oh no, these hurricane-like wind storms, with speeds of 20 m/s (45 mph), are so loud it seems like the building might fall over!
So if you want to see Iceland’s fall colors, just know it can be a bit of a gamble. The leaves change quickly, and depending on the winds, can disappear just as fast!
Now, I know that rain can be expected at any given time in Iceland, but October is the rainiest month of the year. There’s even the possibility of snow!
The weather is incredibly unpredictable this time of year; therefore, it’s more important than ever to pack smart!
With my 👉 Iceland Packing Guide, I’ve included packing lists for all seasons as well as suggested items I recommend.
You’ll also find packing tips and a layering cheat sheet to make sure you’re always prepared for Iceland’s ever-changing weather!
Download your FREE PDF below.👇
Temperatures in Iceland in the Fall
As I’ve mentioned before, the weather this time of year is really fickle.
On average, temperatures in the fall can range from 35-50° F (2-10° C), but can definitely feel colder with the wind and damp air!
What to Wear in Iceland in Fall
No matter what time of year you’re visiting Iceland, you need to think in terms of LAYERS! (But this is especially true in autumn).
Start with thermal base layers and add a warm sweater. (A traditional Icelandic Lopapeysa is perfect!)
Don’t forget practical accessories like gloves, a hat or headband, and a buff or gaiter to keep your neck warm.
And since fall in Iceland is the rainiest season, make sure you’re fully geared up for that too.
You’ll definitely want a waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood and sturdy hiking boots.
The weather doesn’t mean it needs to dampen your plans. As long as you’ve got waterproof gear, you’ll be right as rain! 😉
Not sure what you need to keep you (and your equipment) dry?
I have a few suggestions for the 👉 best rain gear for Iceland.
If you want details on what to pack and what to wear in Iceland in September and October, I go into WAY more detail in the blog post below. I highly suggest you check it out!👇
➡️ READ: Essential Iceland Fall Packing List: How to Pack for a September + October Adventure
Driving in Iceland in Autumn
I get a lot of questions around whether or not you need a 2WD or 4WD in Iceland – and in autumn, it can be a bit tricky.
This shoulder season can swing either way depending on the weather, so here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
- Planning to drive in the remote regions of Iceland? You always need a 4WD. No exceptions.
- Sticking to the main paved roads in September or early October? A 2WD will usually do just fine.
- Traveling at the end of October or into November? Go with a 4WD. Snow and ice can show up fast.
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, and an early winter can change things fast.
That’s why I recommend renting from a local company that knows the terrain.
👉 I personally use Blue Car Rental . They include insurance, offer easy online check-in, and have 24/7 roadside assistance — trust me, that peace of mind is worth it!
Book using my VIP link and get 5% off your rental price automatically. No code needed!
Sightseeing + Accessibility in Iceland in Autumn
September and October are great months for sightseeing across Iceland. You can visit Reykjavík and the Golden Circle to the Ring Road, and even the Westfjords.
Most of these regions remain accessible throughout fall, though you’ll want to keep an eye on road conditions as you get deeper into October.
I wouldn’t recommend including the Highlands on your to do list if you’re visiting in the fall.
But here’s something you must-do before you head out each day: check the weather and road conditions.
My two go-to sites are vedur.is and road.is – they’re total lifesavers!
Oh, and if you want to travel like a pro, don’t miss my post on the best apps for Iceland. Trust me, they’ll make your trip way smoother!
Fall Festivals + Events
The fun doesn’t stop just because summer’s over.
In fact, fall in Iceland brings with it cultural traditions, cozy community gatherings, and events that give you a deeper look into Icelandic life.
Réttir and Réttarball
Each September, Icelandic farmers round up their sheep from the open countryside and bring them back to the farm.
This annual event is called Réttir.
It’s a celebrated tradition, and once the work is done, locals often gather for food, music, and dancing at the festive Réttarball.
Reykjavík International Film Festival
If you’re in Reykjavík in late September, don’t miss the Reykjavík International Film Festival, Iceland’s biggest movie event.
You can expect to see feature films and short films from all over the world. Sometimes shown in unique venues all over the city, such as swimming pools and even lava tunnels!
Imagine Peace Tower
This memorial is a tower of light that shines into the sky from Viðey Island, just off the coast of Reykjavík.
The cool part? You can see it from all over the city.
It’s a tribute from Yoko Ono to John Lennon, lit every year from his birthday on October 9th and can be seen until December 8th.
Things to Do in Fall in Iceland
If you’re wondering what to do in Iceland in September and October, there’s plenty to explore!
Watch Iceland’s Northern Lights in Fall
Fall is by far the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland!
(This is another reason why it’s my favorite season.)
The nights are long enough, and if the skies are clear, the aurora activity is impressive with intense colors.
They’re every bit as magical as you’d expect!
If you want to increase your chances of spotting them, don’t skip this blog post!👇
➡️ READ MORE: How To See The Northern Lights in Iceland: Your Ultimate Guide
Hiking and Waterfalls in Iceland
Iceland is well-known for its impressive waterfalls and hiking trails. Here are a couple of hikes you can enjoy in the fall.
Goðafoss Waterfall: Accessible year-round, the waterfall of the gods is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. I’d definitely include Goðafoss in my Iceland fall itinerary.
Glymur waterfall: The hike to Glymur waterfall is one I never get tired of! The best time of year to visit is from June to September.
These are my absolute favorite hikes in the country!👇
➡️ READ: What Are the Best Hikes in Iceland? 13 Trails You Need to Explore!
Visit the Westfjörds
This is widely recognized as one of the best regions to visit.
The Westfjords are still accessible in September, but definitely off the beaten path. That said, just because it’s remote doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do!
You’ve got waterfalls, hot springs, museums, hiking trails, whale watching…. I could go on.
But there’s something you need to know about the Westfjords…
It isn’t exactly your “spontaneous road trip” kind of place.
Basic things like gas stations and other essentials can be few and far between, so you’ll need to plan ahead!
Thankfully, with my 👉 Westfjords Iceland Self-Drive Map, I’ve got everything pinned on a handy digital map – from scenic routes to the best places for a good night’s sleep.
Þórsmörk
Located in the south, between three glaciers, this is an incredibly beautiful and popular hiking area in Iceland.
The famous Fimmvörðuháls hike can be found here.
It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you attempt it, it should be done between June and September.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Thórsmörk Private Excursion
Explore Reykjavík
Don’t even let me get started on all the things you can do in Reykjavík!
It’s packed with museums, incredible eateries, and laid-back coffee shops. You can visit art galleries, enjoy impressive architecture, take a walking tour, and even experience beautiful nature without ever leaving the city!
Check out the best of Reykjavík here.👇
➡️ READ: How to Experience the Best of Reykjavík: Food, Sights, Nightlife + More!
More Iceland Fall Tours
If you’re interested in some fall tours in Iceland, here are a few fun ones!
Whale Watching Tours
Tours to see these incredible animals run from April to October, so if you’re visiting in fall, you’re still within that window!
Keep your eyes peeled for minke whales, humpbacks, and even dolphins. Bundle up and don’t forget your camera!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Fall in Iceland is a great time to experience the incredible Jökulsárlón!
Watch massive chunks of ice break off from the Vatnajökull glacier and float through the lagoon.
You can even paddle among the ice formations on this tour and get the best views.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Kayaking at The Glacier Lagoon
Make the Most of Your Fall in Iceland
If you thought this guide was helpful, wait until you see what else I have for you!
It’s not every day you get to go to Iceland – this is bucket list stuff!
And of course, you want to make the most of every moment.
But planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what to expect.
How much should you fit into a day?
What if you miss something important?
And with all the info floating around online… Where do you even start?
So I made you a guide.
Well, many region-specific guides, in fact. 😊
My 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks include planning worksheets, must-see sights, hidden gems, and suggested daily schedules so you know what’s realistic to see each day.
You’ll even get exclusive discounts to help you save on your trip!
Every major stop, plus practical essentials like gas stations, grocery stores, and clinics, are pinned on a super easy-to-use digital map.
These guides have over 200 five-star reviews from happy travelers, like Kevin, who said:
“We just returned from 14 magical days in Iceland, and Jeannie’s guide and the Google Map were invaluable in planning an incredible trip we’ll never forget.
We used both to plot our Ring Road tour and used the map to find handy gas and food stops along the way.
Thanks for pulling this all together, Jeannie!”
Reading messages like this is exactly why I do what I do.
Check out Iceland Maps + Guidebooks and get ready to feel way more confident (and excited!) about your trip!
Happy Planning!
