Iceland in September 2025: Weather and Travel

In September, Iceland is cool and relatively rainy, and it turns cold by the end of the month. Snowfall is highly unlikely. There is moderate rainfall and about equal hours of day and night. It's the best month for seeing auroras. Tourism and prices are moderate.

Iceland Weather in September: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 6–11°C (43–51°F)
• Total rain/snow: 11 cm (4 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 13
• Humidity: 78%
• Sunshine hours/day: 4 hours

September Climate Comparison (Averages) for Iceland's Top Tourism Areas

In September, temperatures are still generally above freezing, but the temperatures fall as October approaches. Iceland enters its rainier cold season. September's weather would allow you to see the natural subarctic highlights, geological wonders, and auroras, visit remote towns, and hike.

Southern Iceland: Reykjavík and the southern coast are at about latitude 64° and southward. There is an average of about 13 hours of daylight. At low elevations, the average high is about 11°C (52°F), and the low is 6°C (43°F).

Northern Iceland: Akureyri and other tourist towns are very close to the Arctic Circle and are at latitude 65.5° and northwards. Húsavík is at latitude 66°. Both towns are benefit from 13 hours of daylight on average. It is Iceland's best region and time of year for seeing auroras.

The Best Places to Visit in Iceland in September

In September, Húsavík in the north has 4 hours of dark night, and Reykjavík has about 5 hours of dark night. So, on most nights, unless it is cloudy, the colorful twilight hours add extra hours for sightseeing and activities. For comparison, New York gets 8½ hours of night.

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1. Reykjavík— Visit the Highlights of Culture and Nature

Reykjavík is an unusually interesting capital city, and visiting in September means moderate prices and tourism. About 16 hours of daylight/twilight highlights the surrounding epic scenery and helps you see the town. For epic scenery, what about an erupting volcano?

In August/September of 2024, a volcano erupted conveniently close to Reykjavik's Keflavík International Airport. More eruptions are expected in the near future. Reykjavík has cool weather in September and is warmed by 4 hours of sunshine. There is an average daily high of 11°C (52°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F).

There is an average of 78% humidity and moderate rainfall. The eruptions are caused by the intercontinental rift that passes nearby. A good place to see the rift and auroras is Thingvellir National Park.

2. Eastfjords— Experience Solitude in the Fjords and Mountain Wilderness

In the east and northeast of Iceland, the Icelandic highlands have epic scenery, glaciers to traverse, and waterfalls to visit before the land freezes. It is difficult to reach some of the places without rugged 4-wheel drive vehicles, and icy roads and paths make sightseeing and hiking difficult.

Tourism moderates in September. You might have mountain paths and valleys all to yourselves. It is cooler and wetter than the rest of Iceland in September. The average daily high is 10°C (50°F), the low is 5°C (41°F), and the rainfall is high. Egilsstaðir is a good place to stay.

The Eastfjords have the Iceland's highest mountains. If you want to go on hiking adventures, you could hike to Vatnajökull Glacier by walking up deep valleys. Egilsstaðir has the luxurious Vök Baths. To see the fall colors in one of Iceland's few woods, you could go to Hallormsstaðaskógur National Forest.

3. Golden Circle — Visit the Highlights near Reykjavík

Many people go on a road trip from Reykjavík following a circular route to see natural highlights in the south of Iceland. The typical road trip covers 230 kilometers (140 miles) and includes Thingvellir National Park described above, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall. The whole trip could be 5 hours long.

In September, prices and crowds moderate. You will have a better choice of accommodations if you want a leisurely extended stay and have more time for hiking and enjoying nature. From the geyser or Gollfuss Waterfall, you could be driven 6 hours eastwards to the fishing town of Höfn.

The seafood is excellent in Höfn. From Höfn, you might drive to visit Iceland's huge glacier that measures about 8,000 sq km (3,127 sq miles). September temperatures only reach an average high of 10°C (50°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F). The Hoffel Hot Tubs are 25 minutes from Höfn.

4. For Northern Iceland — Enjoy Seeing Whales and Auroras and Hike Near Akureyri and Húsavík

The second half of September is the best time to see auroras as explained below. The far north of Iceland is the best place because of the more northerly latitudes and drier weather. During the day, you can see epic highlights such as fantastic Ásbyrgi Canyon, Goðafoss Waterfall, and whales.

The drier northern weather is better for going on boats to watch whales. In September, on average, Akureyri has low rainfall, an average daily high of 12°C (54°F), and a low of 8°C (46°F). In September, huge humpback whales can be readily seen.

Sometimes, the aurora belt contracts and concentrates over the far northern latitudes such as at Akureyri and Húsavík, making them the best places in Iceland for northern illuminations.

Moderate Tourism Season: Touring Advice for September

September is in a moderate tourism season. Schools and universities are in session by the end of September in most European countries. Icelandic schools and universities start their sessions by early September.

Moderate prices and crowds: In September, Iceland becomes more peaceful. You can see the sights with less crowding and have more solitude in the pristine wilderness. Prices for accommodations might be almost 50% lower by late September than during the high tourism months of July and August.

Aurora watching: The best place to see auroras in Iceland is in the far north near Akureyri because there is less light pollution, and there is low rainfall too. Most of Iceland has much more rainfall.

The best time of year for seeing auroras is actually around the autumn equinox that occurs between September 21 and September 24 every year. This is one of the most popular experiences in Iceland in September. Another good time is the spring equinox, but the weather in September is much warmer than in March.

Though the winters have many more dark night hours, during the equinoxes, the earth's tilt is at the ideal angle for catching the solar winds that create the spectacular aurora borealis highlights. Also, it rains more in the winter, and rains turn heavy in some parts of Iceland.

More sunlight? If you want more sunlight and twilight in September, you could go further north to the islands of Svalbard, Norway. They are within the arctic circle and get 18 hours of daylight in early September. For more about these islands, see Norway Weather in September.

There are no public holidays in September.

What to Wear in September

You'll need to bring a coat in September for cold nights and going to mountains and glaciers. It is good to layer up.

Iceland's weather in September is changeable, so come prepared. The rainier season begins. The Westfjords' weather is especially changeable. Keep an eye on the weather reports. The northern and southwestern coasts are drier than the eastern and Westfjords coasts.

Bring swimwear for the geothermal pools, hot springs, and heated pools.

Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Iceland:

• Warm waterproof boots with good traction for the outdoors. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Rain gear
• Coat and warm hat
• Cardigans or thermals
• Gloves
• Swimwear for hot springs and spas
• Polarized glasses for the glare

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Iceland

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