Travel advice for Iceland
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Inspired?Planning to visit Iceland in September? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Iceland in September and other essential travel tips. From average temperatures and driving conditions, to what to do and what to pack, this guide should help you to make the most of your time in Iceland.
Created by local experts
The weather in September can vary significantly depending on the location you're interested in. In general, September marks the transition from summer to autumn. It tends to be milder than the peak summer months, with less heat and humidity. This makes September a great time for travel, as you can enjoy comfortable temperatures and often fewer crowds
Before traveling to the land of glaciers and geysers, arm yourself with an understanding of the weather in Iceland in September.
Can't wait for your trip to Iceland? Increase your chances of an unforgettable trip by choosing one of the best places to stay in Reykjavik.
Autumn in Iceland sees a gentle dip in temperatures from the summer highs. The average daytime temperature in September hovers around the comfortable 50°F (10°C) mark.
Come nightfall, the temperatures drop to an average low of 42°F (6°C).
September marks the onset of autumn in Iceland, bringing persistent winds and frequent showers. It's one of the rainiest months in Iceland, with an average of 20 days of precipitation, amounting to around 3 inches (76mm).
The rainfall ranges from drizzle to downpours, depending on your location, with places like Dalatangi receiving up to 6.3 inches (160mm) and Akureyri seeing an average of 1.5 inches (39mm).
In addition, Iceland is known for its potent winds, which can make the weather feel much colder than the mercury level suggests.
Not sure about visiting in September? Read our guide to the best time to visit Iceland.
September sees Iceland transition from summer to autumn. So, when planning a trip, it's worth being aware of the month's specific weather characteristics.
Early September still offers plenty of sunlight, with daylight lasting 14.5 hours. The sun rises around 6:00 AM and sets around 9:00 PM, so September is a great time to make the most of your days!
As the month wears on, daylight hours shrink to 11.5 hours, with sunrise shifting to 7:30 AM.
That said, this decline in daylight isn't all doom and gloom. September is the first month when the skies are dark enough to see the majestic Northern Lights.
Fall introduces a grand splash of color to Iceland's rugged landscapes. Despite having few trees, areas like the Icelandic Highlands and Thingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle are painted with shades of gold, red, yellow, and brown.
Other top places to see Iceland's fall colors are the Hraunfossar Waterfalls and Heiðmörk.
Rough Guides tip: Find even more ideas for your fall adventure with our guide to the best places to travel in September.
Read on for travel tips that'll serve you well as you plan your trip to Iceland in September. You might also want to read our tips for visiting Iceland at any time of year.
Now you know what to expect from the weather in Iceland in September, here's a run-down of some of the best activities you can enjoy during your visit.
For more ideas, read our run-down of the best things to do in Iceland.
With the weather in Iceland in September being unpredictable, you'll want to come prepared for a range of conditions. Here are some essential items to add to your suitcase.
Given that there's usually no snow or ice on the roads at this time of year, driving in Iceland in September is usually safe. Nonetheless, there are a few factors to consider before venturing onto the roads.
Absolutely, yes! Iceland's Northern Lights season begins around September and runs until April, with the lights displaying their strongest charm at the start and end of this period. As a result, September is a prime time to witness this mesmerizing spectacle.
However, you might still need to keep your fingers crossed — the visibility of the Northern Lights depends on several variables. Specifically, lack of light pollution, clear dark skies, and strong solar winds.
As a result, to maximize your chance of seeing the lights, you'll want to head away from the city or book a guided Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik.
For more on this subject, read our guide to the best places and times to see the Northern Lights.
To enjoy your trip to Iceland in September without the hassle of planning, consider using our tailor-made trip service.
All our itineraries are created by local Iceland travel experts and can be tailored to your needs. Here are a few sample itineraries.
Read on for the answers to common questions that might crop up as you plan your trip to Iceland in September.
Wondering what to wear in Iceland in September? This handy list will help you out.
Although the duration of sunlight and the clarity of the skie can vary, Iceland experiences a good deal of sunshine in September.
At the beginning of the month, you'll see up to 14.5 hours of daylight a day. By the end of the month, this falls to 11.5 hours.
September is an off-peak season in Iceland. As a result, the crowds are a lot smaller than in July and August. This is particularly true for popular attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle. While they'll still be busy, they won't be nearly as crowded as they are in summer.
You're also likely to enjoy lower accommodation prices — many hotels and inns offer off-peak rates from September.
Tip from Rough Guides: also learn about the best ways to get to Iceland.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Iceland
Discover Iceland's most captivating stories
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 06.08.2024
Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.
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