The Complete Guide to Iceland in October

Iceland was surprisingly not on the top of my bucket list for a long time.

It was always one of those “hope to visit someday” places for me. It seemed too remote, too cold, and too inaccessible. Only when I started researching the country, did I realize it’s a very practical and reachable travel destination. I also learned that October is an especially good time to visit Iceland.

IS OCTOBER A GOOD TIME TO VISIT ICELAND?

Yes! Iceland in October offers some of the best experiences in the country. The weather is mild and comfortable, there are fewer tourists around, and the landscapes are ablaze with autumn colors.

Iceland in October is an excellent time to see the country’s many highlights, from the snow-capped peaks of the interior to the thundering waterfalls and glaciers near Reykjavik.

Here are some reasons why October is the best time to go to Iceland:

• Because October is a transition month, it hits the seasonal sweet spot. The weather isn’t too cold like in the harsh Icelandic winters with sub-zero temperatures, hazardously icy surfaces, formidable winds and perpetual snowfall in February-March.
• You can still catch the Northern lights, get sufficient daylight hours, enjoy most of the activities and guided tours in Iceland available in the summer.
• You can witness the vagaries that Icelandic weather is famous for.
• Iceland in October is shoulder season so there are way fewer crowds as compared to the summer.

CAN YOU SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND IN OCTOBER?

Although the natural phenomenon called Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is happening all the time, day and night, it needs two preconditions to be visible to the human eye: one, darkness, and two, clear skies. This is why the Northern Lights are only visible in Iceland from September to April. They can’t be seen in the summer, during which Iceland experiences 24-hour daylight.

However, October is generally considered to be the onset of prime Northern Lights season. This is because the nights are getting darker and the weather is still relatively mild, so you have a higher chance of clear skies.

Fun fact: We visited Iceland in October and caught the Northern Lights in action THRICE! You could argue that we got lucky but it’s also solid proof that you can definitely see the Northern Lights in Iceland in October.

ICELAND IN OCTOBER WEATHER

The weather in Iceland in October changes every single day, even multiple times a day.

Since October is the official start of winter in Iceland, you’ll notice that the days get progressively shorter, and the temperature drops dramatically within the last 15 days in October.

Iceland October Weather Snapshot

• The average temperature in Reykjavik in October is about 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature rangeS from a high of about 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit) to a low of about 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit).
• The average precipitation in Reykjavik in October is about 61 millimeters (2.4 inches). This is higher than the average rainfall in Iceland.

One thing worth noting is that October weather in Iceland is erratic. It can be really sunny and warm with temperatures in Reykjavik reaching up to 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) and then the next day it can be rainy, windy and cold.

The other parts of Iceland can be way colder, especially in the Highlands and the Westfjords. We witnessed temperatures of up to -6 degrees Celsius (21.2 degrees Fahrenheit), accompanied by strong gale winds, when we were in Myvatn in the north.

These winds are brutal and can knock you off your feet, so don’t even bother carrying an umbrella: if anything, it will sweep you away with the wind. Make sure to carry sufficient waterproof clothing if you visit Iceland in October.

While the month is not as cold as in winter, it’s not unheard of for there to be snowfall in Iceland in October. Though rare in Reykjavik and southern parts of the island at this time of the year, snow is fairly common in the Highlands and the northern parts of Iceland in October.

What’s scarier than snow is the ice that deposits on surfaces. It’s WAY worse in the winter but even in October, sidewalks and main roads may develop a thin layer of ice at sub-zero temperatures, which can be slippery and dangerous.

Daylight Hours in Iceland in October

The number of daylight hours in Iceland in October is about 10-12 per day on average. This decreases as you move further north in Iceland, and also gradually throughout the month.

On average, on 1st October the sun rises at about 7:30 am and sets at about 7 pm. By the last day of the month, the sun rises at about 9 am and sets at about 5 pm.

DRIVING IN ICELAND IN OCTOBER

You might be wondering: Can you drive around Iceland in October? The short answer is: yes, though it does involve some risk.

The roads in Iceland are well maintained but they can get slippery and icy in the colder weather.

As Icelanders like to say, there are only two seasons in Iceland: winter and road construction. So, while you can drive in Iceland in October, be prepared for some delays and possible road closures.

Now that we have that disclaimer out of the way, driving in Iceland in October is an experience in itself. Most of the roads are still open and you’ll be able to see some amazing landscapes that are only visible in the autumn season.

Iceland’s weather is so unpredictable that you can’t really rely on the forecast. That said, the official Icelandic weather forecast service (vedur.is) is an extremely useful resource to get the closest live estimate of the day’s weather. The website also tells you about road closures and detours, so make a habit of checking it out before you get on the road.

While most of the peripheral parts of the island are accessible in October, subject to weather conditions, the Highlands (interior parts of Iceland) close after the first snowfall (usually in October).

If a road says ‘Restricted Access’, follow the sign. Never drive on a road that is cordoned off. Volunteers in Iceland do a stellar job of flagging routes that are hazardous. It’s all done for your safety. Be a responsible tourist.

When driving in Iceland, there are often long stretches running into dozens of kilometers, with absolutely no human inhabitation. Carry plenty of supplies (I mean FOOD if you’re an incorrigible snacker like me), and make sure your car has enough fuel.

Good to know: In the event that something goes awry, or you get stuck and have no immediate help available, 112 is Iceland’s emergency telephone number.

Car Rental in Iceland

While a smaller car would do just fine in the summer, the icy roads, unannounced rains, ungraded gravel tracks, and fewer daylight hours need you to go for a much sturdier vehicle in October.

The Ring Road, the most popular travel route in Iceland, is regularly cleared of snow and is fairly safe to drive even in a normal car (though I highly recommend getting a 4WD for your own safety).

Especially if you plan to visit the other parts of the island, make sure to rent a 4×4. These areas include the famous (or infamous) F-roads which can take a huge toll on smaller cars.

Good to know: Many small-time rental car companies operate in Iceland. Even though they advertise the pickup point as being at the Keflavik airport, they are usually based in a smaller town nearby. Once you arrive at the airport, they escort you in a shuttle to the pickup point which could be 20-30 minutes away.

WHAT TO PACK FOR ICELAND IN OCTOBER

In addition to being unpredictable, October is the wettest month in Iceland. So if you’re wondering what to wear in Iceland in October, begin with packing enough water-proof clothing.

The best way to deal with Iceland’s changing weather is to layer up. You can take off or add layers as needed, depending on the temperature.

• A base layer of merino wool is ideal as it wicks away moisture and keeps you warm even when wet.
• I also recommend carrying mid-layers of fleece or wool, a scarf, and waterproof gloves.
• Additionally, make sure to pack a pair of waterproof boots and warm socks.

As mentioned earlier, it is pointless to carry an umbrella as the winds are very strong. Instead, pack a warm, waterproof jacket and a pair of waterproof pants. Make sure your jacket has a good hoodie and gives you ample cover.

I know Iceland is cold(-ish) pretty much the whole year, but don’t forget to carry sunglasses as it can often get blindingly sunny – especially in October which sees so much weather volatility.

And lastly, pack a swimsuit – this is an easy one to forget but you don’t want to miss out on a chance to soak in Iceland’s geothermal pools and hot springs!

WHAT TO DO IN ICELAND IN OCTOBER

October is such a great time to visit Iceland as you can get the best of both summer and winter activities. From catching the Northern Lights to watching whales up close, here are the best things to do in Iceland in October.

See the Northern Lights in Iceland in October

As mentioned before, Iceland in October is an ideal time to see the Northern Lights, as the nights are nice and long.

There are many ways to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. You can go on a guided tour or drive around Iceland yourself in search of them.

In order to meet the two Northern Lights prerequisites – pitch dark and clear skies – it is best to go outside of Reykjavik. Generally, city lights add to the ‘light pollution’ which interferes with the visibility of the Northern Lights. So while on some days you could just as well catch the lights in downtown Reykjavik, heading to the city outskirts and beyond can really amp up your chances of witnessing this staggeringly beautiful natural phenomenon.

There are many day tours that leave from the capital Reykjavik and take you to the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. These include Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring Area, and Vatnajökull National Park. If you’re in the north, tours also depart from Akureyri.

The best time to view the Northern Lights in October is between 10 pm and 2 am.

Protip: The Aurora feature on the Vedur app gives you a daily Northern Lights forecast. In the areas marked in the green zone, there is a higher likelihood of seeing the lights, so you should head up there. Also look at the ‘Aurora forecast’ rating on the right – the higher it is, the better your chances. Generally, the rating should be at least higher than 3 for a decent chance to see the Aurora Borealis.

Chase Waterfalls in Iceland in October

Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

And while you can find waterfalls all across Iceland, the South Coast has the densest concentration of them. So if you’re short on time, this is the best place to go.

Iceland’s waterfalls are at their best in the fall when the rains are at their heaviest. This is also when you’ll find the greatest variety of colors as Iceland’s landscape turns a beautiful shade of yellow, red, and orange.

Some of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls include Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gullfoss. All of these waterfalls are located on the South Coast and can easily be visited on a day trip from Reykjavik. In the North, you’ll find waterfalls like Goðafoss and Dettifoss which are just as spectacular.

Experience 4 Seasons in a Day

Iceland’s weather is notoriously unstable and in October, you can expect all four seasons in a single day.

One minute it can be sunny and the next, hailing or snowing. Besides, it’s windy pretty much all the time. This is all due to Iceland’s location between the cold Arctic and the warm Atlantic air masses.

This makes Iceland’s weather very unpredictable but also quite exciting. After all, where else can you experience such extreme changes in such a short span of time?

Witnessing the whims and vicissitudes of the island’s weather is one of the best things to do in October in Iceland.

Hot Springs in Iceland in October

A must-do in Iceland is to visit one of its many geothermal pools and hot springs. These are the perfect places to relax and warm up after a day of exploring Iceland’s cool and windy weather.

Iceland has a long tradition of soaking in hot springs. In fact, Icelanders have been doing it for centuries. Soaking in hot springs and pools is something the locals indulge in, throughout the year regardless of the weather (October included!).

There are many natural hot springs in Iceland but the most famous one is the Blue Lagoon. Located just outside of Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions.

If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, there are also many smaller and lesser-known hot springs around Iceland. These are often located in remote areas and are less crowded.

We went to the Mývatn Nature Baths, often touted as the Blue Lagoon of the North. It is cheaper and way less crowded than its southern cousin. Highly recommended, especially if you’re going to be visiting North Iceland.

Do a Glacier Tour in Iceland in October

Of the myriad once-in-a-lifetime things you can do in Iceland, walking on a glacier definitely ranks at the top.

Iceland is covered in glaciers and taking a glacier tour is one of the best ways to experience them. These tours depart from Reykjavik and take you to the South Iceland glaciers, where most of Iceland’s glaciers are located. The most popular among these are Langjokull and Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland.

Hiking a glacier is a truly phenomenal experience. While most tours are unavailable in the winter, October is the last month of business for them. This means your glacier-hiking dreams can come true if you visit Iceland in October. 😉

Additionally, you can also book ice cave tours and snowmobile rides in the glaciers.

Protip: We booked a glacier hike from TrollExpeditions. The tour starts at Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, and includes gear like crampons and ice axes. Walking through snowfields gleaming on distant slopes is a surreal experience and I absolutely recommend this tour!

Whale Watching in Iceland in October

October follows the summer season, so the animals and birds are in a migratory swing. That said, with some luck you could just as well spot whales in Iceland in October – at least in the first half of the month.

The Icelandic waters are home to many different species of whales including humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and the ever-elusive blue whale. You can also catch glimpses of dolphins and porpoises.

The best place to go whale watching is Husavik in North Iceland. An hour away from Akureyri, this quaint little town is proclaimed the whale-watching capital of Iceland for a reason.

If you’re based in Reykjavik and don’t have the time to travel up North, you can also go whale watching from the capital. Tours operate from the Old Harbour and travel across the Faxaflói Bay, a great destination for whale sightings.

See Icebergs in Jokusarlon

Jokusarlon is the deepest lake in Iceland and is located on the edge of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. The lake is filled with icebergs that have broken off from the larger glacier tongue, making for a surreal and beautiful panorama.

Jokusarlon is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions and is definitely worth a visit, even more so in October. At this time of the year, the water ripples in the lagoon capture and reflect the autumn light and colors in a splendid way. You can see the icebergs traipsing across the lagoon. It feels like time has come to a standstill.

Protip: Jokusarlon is also a brilliant location to spot seals in October. Take a tour to the center of the lagoon, where you are much more likely to catch many seals hanging loose in their natural habitat. Besides, you’ll be surrounded by icebergs and the frame-worthy Arctic scenery. It sure is an inexplicable feeling.

Explore Iceland’s Westfjords in October

While the Westfjords may not be accessible in the winter, you can definitely score a chance to visit this underrated little Icelandic haven in the early days of October – weather permitting.

The Westfjords scribe a peninsula in Iceland’s northwest that’s characterized by its dramatic topography and fjords. This region is one of Iceland’s most picturesque and unspoiled areas.

Some of Iceland’s best hiking trails are located in the Westfjords. Furthermore, Dynjandi Waterfall – located in the area – is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland.

What makes the Westfjords especially worth visiting, though, is the enormous variety of birdlife. Iceland’s largest concentration of white-tailed eagles can be found here, along with puffins, gyrfalcons, and many other species of birds.

The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a must-visit in the Westfjords. This is Iceland’s only truly wild Nature Reserve and it’s teeming with wildlife. Another great spot is Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point. Here you’ll find the largest bird cliff in Europe and a thriving population of the Arctic puffin.

Visit Reykjavik in October

Being the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is bustling and most attractions are open throughout the year, also in October. Over 60% of Iceland’s population lives in the Greater Reykjavik area.

Reykjavik is a great base for day trips. From the capital, you can easily visit Iceland’s most famous sights. But the city itself is a cultural hub with tons to do.

Fun Fact: Reykjavik is the northern-most capital city in the world!

One of Reykjavik’s biggest attractions is the Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland’s largest church. The tower offers a great view of the city and its surroundings.

Another must-see is the Perlan, a former water tank that’s been turned into a museum with simulated experiences like Northern Lights watching, indoor ice caves, and bird cliffs.

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is another great Reykjavik sight. The building is covered in over a thousand Iceland-made glass panels, making it one of Iceland’s most iconic buildings.

Also make a stop at the Sun Voyager, a steel sculpture in the shape of a Viking ship that’s located on the waterfront.

Besides, you can go shopping in Laugavegur, visit some of Reykjavik’s many great bars and restaurants, or experience the vibrant nightlife.

Good to know: Another must-visit in Reykjavik (you’re UNLIKELY to miss it as it’s smack dab in the middle of the city center) is the Rainbow Street. Iceland is a very open and tolerant country, and the Rainbow Street is a reflection of that. The rainbow has been an annual feature, but in 2019 it was made permanent. And the local residents came together to paint the street!