Visiting Iceland in September is an experience that combines the tail end of summer’s allure with the onset of autumn’s charm. Here’s what you can expect:
Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland
Weather and Average Temperature
- Climate: September in Iceland marks the transition from summer to autumn but the temperature is still relatively mild.
- Temperature: Average temperatures range from about 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The days are generally cool and the nights chillier because we have dark nights now that summer is over.
- Precipitation: There’s a fair chance of rain, so waterproof clothing is advised. However, it varies from year to year as to what the weather will be.
Daylight Hours in Iceland
Length of Day: In September, the days start to get noticeably shorter. You can expect around 11 to 14 hours of daylight.
September 1st – The sun rises at 6:09 AM and sets at 8:44 PM, which is 14 hours and 35 minutes of day light
On September 15th – The sun rises at 6:49 AM and sets at 7:54 PM, for a total of 13 hours and 5 minutes of day light.
September 30th – The sun rises at 7:32 AM and sets at 7:01 PM, which means we have a total of 11 hours and 28 minutes of daylight.
Northern Lights: The diminishing daylight hours increase the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, especially towards the end of the month.
What to Wear in Iceland in September
- Layered Clothing: The key is to dress in layers. Bring thermal wear, sweaters, and a good quality waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are essential for exploring the outdoors.
- Accessories: Don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves, especially if you plan to stay out at night.
My Ultimate Packing Checklist will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the summer list. Just know that it can be a little chilly during the evening in July, especially in the north, so you will need some thicker layers.
Road Conditions & Driving in Iceland during September
- Roads: Most main roads are still easily navigable. You can easily drive the ring road and many highland roads are still open, especially during the beginning of the month. Watch out still for sheep that are on the sides of the road. They might cross at any time, so be ready to stop.
- Weather Impact: Sudden weather changes can affect driving conditions. Be prepared for rain or early snow in higher altitudes. In the north, West fjords, the highlands and parts of the East fjords, it is normal to see some snow on the mountains during this time. It’s winter showing us that it is not far away.
- Driving Tips: Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. Sites like safetravel.is, road.is, yr.no, vedur.is are all great for checking if there are closed roads due to storms or other bad weather conditions.
Expert Trip Planning Tip for September
If you are looking to avoid the crowds of summer, September is a lovely time to visit. There are still long daylight hours and, as I mentioned above, most, if not all, highland roads are open. Plus, you can potentially see the northern lights!
Even though this is a shoulder season month, I still highly recommend booking accommodations far in advance. More people have been finding out that September is a great time to visit, so there is spillover of people from the peak summer months. This means accommodations you want might be a little hard to snag.
Renting a Car in September in Iceland
If you plan to explore Iceland on your own when you visit, I highly recommend using Go Car Rental Iceland. They are a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.
I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.
Renting a Camper Van in September in Iceland
If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that.
Why You Should Visit in September
- Fewer Tourists: September sees fewer tourists, so you’ll enjoy less crowded attractions.
- Vibrant Autumn Colors: The landscape begins to turn stunning shades of yellow, red, and orange.
- Aurora Borealis: With longer nights, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase.
- Highland Access: Some, if not all, highland roads are open at the beginning of the month.
Top Activities to Do
- Northern Lights Hunting: Venture out in the night to catch the spectacular Aurora Borealis.
- Hiking and Trekking: Explore the natural beauty with trails less crowded.
- Hot Springs: Relax in naturally heated geothermal pools.
- Whale Watching: September still offers good opportunities for whale watching.
- Glacier Hiking: Always fun to do this in Iceland regardless of the season.
September in Iceland Events and Holidays
- Reykjavík International Film Festival: A great event for film enthusiasts. It normally takes place from September 26th – October 6th.
- Day of Icelandic Nature (Sept 16th): A day dedicated to appreciating Iceland’s unique nature. While this is not a widespread holiday, it is a nice to have a day dedicated to the nature here. Some institutions have programs, and others go out to pick litter. It is up to you if you want to take part in going out to appreciate nature in some way on this day.
- Réttir sheep roundup: Icelandic sheep are allowed to have what I call the “ultimate summer vacation” in Iceland because they roam and graze freely in many parts of the country. During September and beginning of October, there is a sheep round-up that dates back centuries. Farmers that own the sheep invite their friends and family to help them find the sheep in Iceland’s nature and bring them back to the farms. It sounds fun to those unaccustomed to it, but it is very hard work and long hours. Some farms allow for tourists to join in on the round-up and others are ok with you coming to the sorting day. During the sorting, all the sheep that have been round-up are put into bins for their corresponding owners. You can tell which farm they belong to by the tag on the sheep. After the sorting is finished, the sheep are transported to their respective farms.
Iceland Trip Planning Resources
Before hopping into the random fact of the episode, I want to share some Iceland trip planning resources. I’ve received many amazing emails from listeners of the podcast and followers on social media asking me for my advice on what to do in Iceland.
Due to the high demand for this information, I created some resources. All of the ones I will talk about are available through the tab at the top of this page called “Trip Planning Help”. Click on that and you will find links to everything I am about to share.
Video Trip Planning Consultation with Me
One of the resources is that if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link. After you fill out a survey and pick a time that is available for both of us, we do a one-hour video chat via Google Meet.
During this time, we chat about your interest, parts of the country you want to visit, how to get the most out of your time, helpful information to know about Iceland before coming, and any questions that you have. I always feel delighted when I hear at the end of the call that people feel even more excited about their upcoming trip because of the consultation.
My Iceland Map
Another great resource is to grab full access to my Iceland map. This map was created for those who want to pick out places and hidden gems around Iceland to make up their own itinerary or add to one that they already created.
With full access, you get over 250 places that I recommend in Iceland, along with four itineraries to use for planning your trip. Those itineraries include a 10-day Ring Road trip, a 3-day South Iceland trip, The Famous Golden Circle and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day Trip.
A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access, which includes any updates I make to the map.
Here is a link to my Iceland map: rexby.com/jewells/Iceland.
Random Fact of the Episode
A few years ago, I headed to Landmannalaugar in mid-September. I had a blast going toward the end of the season because, so few people were there. The one thing that reminded me that weather in the highlands is volatile is that the skies were clear, blue and lovely while we were in the natural hot spring there. In less than 10 minutes, the sky turned gray, cloudy and ominous.
The wind picked up and snow started to fall from the sky. There was no indication in the forecast I had checked that this would happen. It only lasted about 5 minutes or so but it stuck with me. We were in a safe location but there have been others who have underestimated Icelandic weather, which then put them in potentially dangerous, if not fatal positions. I don’t say this to scare anyone but rather to share an experience that is possible anywhere in the country, but especially in the highlands.
Icelandic Word of Episode
September – Yes, spelled the same as September in English but it is said differently in Icelandic.
Visiting Iceland in September offers a unique blend of late summer and early autumn experiences. With its dramatic landscapes transforming colors, fewer crowds, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s a perfect time for those seeking a mix of adventure and tranquility. Always be prepared for variable weather conditions and enjoy the diverse range of activities that Iceland has to offer during this beautiful month.
Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega
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