Is Iceland a good idea in September and October? Absolutely! Not only will your trip be a lot cheaper, it’s also much less crowded in Iceland. The summer months are popular for visiting Iceland, but autumn offers countless opportunities for an unforgettable trip too. You do, however, need to keep in mind that the weather is more unpredictable. When I travelled through Iceland myself, we had a serious amount of snow in the north. That made some roads impassable. Still, that’s also part of Iceland. Let me tell you more about road tripping Iceland in September or October!
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What about crowds, prices and temperatures in September and October?
Travelling off-season always has the advantage that you pay less than you would in peak season. And simply fewer people are on holiday, which is great for both the crowds and the prices of flights and accommodation. Don’t expect mass tourism in Iceland like you might know from Southern Europe. People come for the incredible nature!
Weather conditions in September and October
In September and October, autumn really starts to settle in Iceland. Temperatures are a bit lower than in the summer months, but still pleasant for hikes and sightseeing. On average, temperatures hover around 10°C, with occasional rain and wind. Snow is possible in the mountains, but in the lowlands the snow cover is usually limited. We did run into snow ourselves in early October. Experiences vary.
Driving around Iceland in September and October
The Ring Road is a popular route for a road trip through Iceland. The road is about 1,332 kilometres long and runs along the island’s coastline. The route offers stunning views of Iceland’s untouched nature, including mountains, glaciers, waterfalls and volcanoes. So from the Ring Road, you’ll pass pretty much all of Iceland’s popular destinations.
Still, you should have a back-up plan. We also had to deal with snow, which meant we couldn’t do a few activities. Especially if you need to leave the Ring Road, this can cause issues.
Check every day whether your road is passable. Iceland is full of cameras you can watch via Route.is or check whether your route is passable via Umferdin.is. Most hotels are happy to think along with you. They’re used to this kind of thing!
Example from Umferdin, 2023.
Spotting the Northern Lights in September or October
From September onward, the best season for seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland begins, because the nights start getting longer again. My personal experience, though, is that in the evening you often don’t have the energy to stay up all night waiting for the aurora. Luckily, many hotels offer a wake-up service. Definitely something to look for when you still need to book your hotels!
| Season | Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? |
|---|---|
| Spring (March – May) | Yes, but the chance is small due to longer days and more daylight. |
| Summer (June – August) | Yes, it is possible to see the Northern Lights, but the chance is very small due to the long days and constant light. |
| Autumn (September – November) | Yes, this is the best time to see the Northern Lights thanks to darker nights and a higher chance of clear skies. |
| Winter (December – February) | Yes, this is the best time to see the Northern Lights due to long, dark nights and clearer weather. The period around the winter solstice (21 December) offers the highest chance of seeing the aurora. |
Iceland’s most beautiful sights – perfect to see in September & October!
If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful places in Iceland, there are plenty of options to choose from. Below you’ll find a few must-see highlights you shouldn’t miss during your Iceland road trip. Practically every hike along the Ring Road can still be done. Only the Highlands, reached via the F-roads, become difficult to access in autumn.
Golden Circle
Anyone interested in Iceland as a travel destination eventually comes across the “Golden Circle”. The reason is simple: the Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland. In one day, you can visit three of the country’s most impressive sights: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Geysir.
You can read all about it in the blog I wrote on the topic!
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Iceland and a must-see on your road trip. The park is home to some of the country’s most impressive geological features, including the Almannagjá gorge and Lake Thingvallavatn.
You can read all about it in the blog I wrote on the topic!
Hot springs in Iceland
Temperatures dropping? That’s exactly when a geothermal soak feels even better! From the Blue Lagoon to a local hot spring… you can read all about it in my blog on the best hot springs in Iceland.
Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls
A waterfall is always a special natural phenomenon. And you’ll absolutely find the most beautiful ones in Iceland. Most waterfalls are located along the Ring Road, so they’re very easy to reach, even in September and October! Think of the stunning Skogafoss waterfall (pictured above), but waterfalls like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss are also easy to visit. Want something a bit more adventurous? Hike to Svartifoss or Brúarfoss!
These are the top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Example 13-day Iceland road trip in September/October
Want even more inspiration for an Iceland road trip? I travelled during late September to early October myself. In 13 days, you can see a lot. You’ll find all my activities, hotels and the route in the blog below. Have an amazing trip!
