There’s a sigh in the air as the crowds subside, the seasons change and the beauty of the northern lights take over the night sky. Let me tell you, Iceland in October is seriously underrated!
But all the epic experiences happen in summer, right?
Nuh-uh! Iceland’s charm doesn’t take seasonal breaks.
It’s time to put on your layers and waterproof gear and come with me as I show you what Iceland in October has in store for you.
Let’s get into it!
Is October a Good Time to Visit Iceland?
Yes, it certainly is!
But you’re probably wondering “What is Iceland like in October?” Well, despite the cooler weather, you still have A LOT of great things to look forward to.
Let’s check out why this is a great time to visit Iceland.
Pros
- Fewer crowds: Most of the summer visitors have left and the scenic landscapes are all yours to enjoy. Now you can finally get that Instagram-worthy shot without the crazy crowds!
- Budget-friendly: If you plan your trip to Iceland in October, you may find awesome discounts on flights, accommodations, rentals, and tours. High season coming to an end = better deals at your fingertips!
- Accessibility: Luckily for you, most roads and hot spots are still accessible in October, with the exception of the F-roads (highland roads) that close in mid-September.
- Aurora season: If you’ve been waiting for a chance to witness the magical phenomena of the northern lights, October is an INCREDIBLE time to plan a trip to Iceland. Trust me, catching the aurora will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip!
Cons
- Weather: The weather is a little all over the place, so you can expect rain, cold, and in true Iceland fashion… wind!
- No access to the Highlands: As I mentioned above, the Highlands are closed. If you want to experience it, you need to take a tour.
Despite some of the drawbacks, on the whole, this autumn month is a total show-stopper! 🙌
October Weather in Iceland
In some places, autumn is ushered in with a whisper – a slow and steady transition of weather conditions.
But, in Iceland, autumn in October starts with a bang!
You’ll likely experience all four seasons in a day…and may even witness snow.
October is the rainiest month – with an extra serving of strong wind for good measure.
Seriously though, I’ve experienced such strong winds that it felt like I was in the middle of a hurricane!
I suppose you can’t really expect a place known as the land of fire and ice to be subtle, and the weather in Iceland in October is no exception.
Iceland Temperatures In October
The average temperature in Iceland in October can range from 32-50° Fahrenheit or 0-10° Celsius.
Fall in Iceland can get pretty chilly!
This is a great post to check out if you’re wondering what temperatures to expect in Iceland and how the weather actually feels. Yes, there’s definitely a difference! 👇
➡️ READ: How Cold Is Iceland? What the Temperature Says vs What It Actually Feels Like
Does It Snow in Iceland in October?
Yep, it definitely can.
The North of Iceland and the west sphere are colder, therefore these areas get snow first.
While it’s not an everyday show like the winter months from November to March, October sometimes likes to get the party started early and send the first flurries down!
Daylight in Iceland in October
The most important thing you need to know when planning your trip is the number of daylight hours there will be when you visit.
Hours of daylight in Iceland in October: At the start of the month, you can enjoy up to 12 hours of daylight. It usually tapers down to about 8 hours by the end of the month as the weather gets colder.
Sunrise typically happens at 7:30 A.M and sets close to 6:00 P.M.
Pro tip: Get the most out of your experiences with plenty of time to explore by planning your sightseeing hours based on how much daylight you have.
To make planning for this season easier, I’ve written a whole blog post about Iceland in the Fall. 👇
➡️ READ: Fall in Iceland: Why This Underrated Season Might Be the Best Time to Visit
Sightseeing Availability
Most areas of Iceland are still accessible like Reykjavík, Golden Circle, and the Ring Road.
Westfjörds: It’s also highly likely that you’d be able to head into the Westfjörds, especially if you plan to visit Iceland in early October.
Highlands: When it comes to the Highlands of Iceland, it could be trickier. This region usually gets snow early in the season, so the highland roads usually shut down by mid-to-late September. So I wouldn’t recommend including it in your October itinerary.
But, you can always check to see if trips are possible once you’re here, just in case!
As Iceland’s temperatures dip in October, the landscapes start feeling different. There’s a lot less animal activity as they migrate to warmer places.
As a result, you won’t see puffins in Iceland in October. They usually come here to breed in the summer months and typically leave by late August or early September. If you were hoping to get a glimpse of them, it’s best to plan your trip from early April to early August.
*Important note: There are few things as beautiful as the leaves in their autumn colors. But, the wind in October is so strong that there’s usually a very short window to view this transition. The timing isn’t easy to predict, but when you happen to catch the fall colors, let me tell you – they’re absolutely gorgeous!
Driving in Iceland in October
Driving in Iceland is still relatively easy in October – if you take the main routes.
At the end of September and the beginning of October, some of the Highland roads start closing because of strong winds and sometimes even snowfall. Therefore, make sure you’re checking Road.is every day before heading out.
(Oh, and make sure you understand the road signs in Iceland as well!).
I also recommend renting a 4WD in October. You never really know what the weather’s going to throw at you this time of year. Look, I know a 4WD costs more, but it’s always best to be safe and prepared.
If you’re looking to save on your rental while still booking with a reputable company, I highly recommend Blue Car Rental.
Their vehicles are geared for Icelandic terrain, and they have a great selection to choose from.
Insurance is also included in the rental price and I love that they offer 24/7 roadside assistance.
That extra peace of mind can make a huge difference, especially if you’re not super confident driving in Iceland in October!
Book with Blue Car Rental using this 👉 VIP link and get 5% off your rental price automatically applied at checkout.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland in October?
Yes, you certainly can – and let me tell you, witnessing them is worth ALL the hype.
October is a fantastic month to see the Aurora flares. Fewer daylight hours means the sky is finally getting dark enough for the lights to be visible.
Another reason why it’s such a great month to see them is that there are generally fewer snowstorms in October compared to months like January or February. Clearer skies = better visibility!
Fun fact: Did you know that Reykjavík is the only capital city on the planet where you can see the Northern lights? There are, however, factors that affect visibility like cloud cover, full moon, etc!
Find all the best places to spot them here. 👇
➡️ READ: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland: Best Viewing Spots, When To Go And MORE
Best Things To Do In Iceland In October
October is such a fun month and 🎵these are a few of my favorite things! 🎵
The Golden Circle
As one of Iceland’s most popular routes, the Golden Circle is packed with scenic drives and stunning landmarks. If you’re traveling to Iceland, you can’t miss it!
Visit Friðheimar for a farm-to-table experience your tastebuds will never forget, or explore Thingvellir National Park with its scenic hikes and Gullfoss waterfall nearby.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out what’s worth seeing, my 👉 Iceland Travel Map & Guide makes planning so much easier. The guide has detailed regional breakdowns to help you plan faster, while the digital map shows you exactly where to go.
Learn more here. 👇
Northern Lights Viewing
If you’re visiting Iceland in October, it’s LITERALLY one of the best months to view this spectacular natural light show.
So, let’s check this off your bucket list, shall we?!
While you can totally chase the Northern Lights on your own, going with a guide on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland that knows exactly where the best viewing spots are can increase your chances of seeing them.
Book your Northern Lights tour in Iceland in October here. 👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Northern Lights Bus Tour From Reykjavík
Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
The fall beauty of Jökulsárlón is hard to beat! This is easily one of my favorite places in Iceland. It’s incredible to see huge chunks of ice floating in the lagoon.
Just across from the glacier lagoon is Diamond Beach. Some of those chunks of ice wash up on the black sand beach and literally look like diamonds sparkling in the sun.
Want to find out more? Don’t miss this one. 👇
➡️ READ: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Explore this Breathtaking Gem in South Iceland
Relax in Geothermal Hot Springs & Pools
Soaking in a geothermal hot spring is one of the best things to do in colder weather. The contrast between the steaming hot water and the crisp outdoor air makes the experience even better!
A few of my favorites are Sky Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana, and Hvammsvík Hot Springs.
(Check out my experience at Hvammsvík Hot Springs in West Iceland here. 👇)
And don’t overlook Iceland’s local swimming pools either. They’re quite different to what you might expect back in the U.S. and are a fun way to experience local culture. These are a few 👉 Reykjavik pools to check out.
More Iceland Tours in October
Adding a couple of tours to your itinerary can be a great way to experience some of the things Iceland is best known for, without having to plan every detail yourself.
Whale Watching Tours
The best chances you have to see them is between June and August, however, you’re still able to do some whale watching in Iceland in October – tour companies tend to offer tours until October, sometimes November.
💥 If you’re in Húsavík I highly recommend going with Gentle Giants. Use my CODE: WHALESWITHAVIEW for 10% off your tour GG! Whale Watching tour!
Glacier Hiking
Popular destinations for glacier hikes include Sólheimajökull, Svínafellsjökull, and Vatnajökull.
These hikes are an incredible way to see ice caves and ice formations and you can choose the difficulty level that’s best for you.
If you’re interested in hiking in Iceland in October, this is one of the best adventures to add to your itinerary!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Private Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier
Things to Do in Reykjavík in October
As the temperatures drop, some of Reykjavík’s indoor activities feel even more inviting. However, the city has incredible sites worth exploring, no matter the season you’re visiting!
Enjoy Reykjavík’s Bars & Cafés
Reykjavík has a vibrant weekend nightlife, but if you’re anything like me and prefer to keep it low-key, then the local cafés are the best places to relax with a delicious latte or hot cocoa!
➡️ READ: Coffee Shops in Reykjavík You Can’t Miss: 11 Must-Visit Spots for Coffee Lovers
Visit the Museums
Reykjavík has some pretty cool museums. Some of my favorites include Perlan, the Árbær Open Air Museum, and the Whales of Iceland Museum.
If you want more of my top recommendations across the country, make sure you read this. 👇
➡️ READ: The 16 Best Museums in Iceland You Need to Experience on Your Trip!
Reykjavík Botanical Gardens
The gardens are open year-round and they have over 3000 plant species. There’s also a little café where you can pop in for a quick cup of coffee and snack. All in all, it’s a relaxing way to spend the afternoon!
Learn more about what to see and do in Reykjavík below. 👇
➡️ READ: How to Experience the Best of Reykjavík: Food, Sights, Nightlife & More!
October Festivals + Events
If you’re keen on checking out the fun events and festivals taking place in October, here’s the rundown:
Reykjavík International Film Festival
The festival runs from the end of September through the first week of October with showings happening all around Reykjavík.
It’s a must-see for all movie buffs! 🎥
Halloween in Iceland
Interestingly, Halloween isn’t such a big deal in Iceland, but it is becoming more popular.
It’s mostly seen as a commercial event, so in October, you’ll notice that the stores start stocking a lot more pumpkins and seasonal treats.
Coffee shops and cafes will sometimes serve up pumpkin-flavored drinks and eats during this time.
Iceland does have a tradition that’s kind of similar called Öskudagur, where the children dress up, sing and ask for sweets. This is usually in March on Ash Wednesday.
Imagine Peace Tower
This memorial to John Lennon from Yoko Ono is located on Videy Island near Reykjavík. The cool thing is that it’s visible from all parts of the city. The tower of light is illuminated into the air starting on October 9th, Lennon’s birthday, and continues until December 8th, the date he was shot.
What To Bring to Iceland in October
Weather changes can be intense, but don’t let that dampen your plans.
Pack wisely and make sure that you’re well-prepared for the elements and all the activities you want to do.
Here are a few things to add to your Iceland fall packing list:
- Outerwear: Think waterproof everything! Trust me, you wouldn’t wanna be caught in a downpour rocking denim. It’s a soggy situation you wanna avoid at all costs!
- Layers: Start with warm thermals that you can add to or remove depending on the weather that day.
- Footwear: You’re probably going to be walking A LOT. Now is not the time to bust out those Jimmy Choos! Invest in some good hiking boots, it’s worth the investment.
- Travel must-haves: Don’t forget to bring your camera and chargers (you’ll be taking lots of pictures, so be prepared). Also, pack a refillable water bottle and backpack rain cover – you’re definitely going to need them!
If you’re not too sure of what else to wear or what to pack for Iceland in October, I’ve put together a FREE ICELAND PACKING GUIDE for you.
I’ll walk you through how to layer properly so you stay warm and dry, and I’ve included packing checklists with everything you need. There are even seasonal shopping lists for the whole family, plus a whole lot more.
Download the PDF below. It’s FREE!
FAQs
Still have questions about visiting Iceland in October? Let’s clear them up.
Can You See Puffins in Iceland in October?
No, you won’t see puffins in October. They usually leave by late August. If you’ve got your heart set on seeing these adorable creatures, this is what you need to know. 👇
➡️ READ: Puffins in Iceland: Top 6 Locations and Exciting Tours
Is Iceland Cheaper in October?
Yes it’s possible to score deals on accommodation, rentals and flights in October because October is considered an off-peak season.
Is Iceland Cold in October?
Yes, it’s cold in October. You can expect temperatures from 32-50° Fahrenheit or 0-10° Celsius. Keep in mind that it’s very windy this month, and wind chill is a very real thing here!
Iceland Travel Map & Guide
As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Iceland in October.
Between the fall colors, fewer crowds, and chance of seeing the northern lights, it’s hard not to fall in love with this season. 🧡
If you found this helpful, make sure to check out my 👉 Iceland Travel Map & Guide.
It’s one complete planning system with a goldmine of insider tips, hidden gems, regional highlights, and practical info that only the locals know.
I’ve also included VIP discounts throughout so you can save on your trip!
And guess what? All of my digital maps come with over 1500 pinned locations – from landmarks to rest areas, gas stations, grocery stores, and health clinics.
It’s super user friendly, color-coded, and layered by category for easy toggling.
Have I convinced you of the awesomeness that is Iceland in autumn?
Well then, let’s make some memories!
Happy Planning!
