Iceland in October – Weather, Travel Tips & Best Things to o

October is one of the best months to visit Iceland, offering a blend of autumn colors and early winter magic. While the days get shorter and temperatures drop, October is the beginning of Northern Lights season, making it a great time for adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone seeking a fantastic road trip in October.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Iceland in October, including weather, road conditions, must-see attractions, and expert travel tips!

Is October a Good Time to Visit Iceland?

Yes! October is an excellent time to visit Iceland because of:

✅ Northern Lights season begins – More darkness means better viewing chances.
✅ Autumn landscapes – Golden and red fall foliage covers Iceland’s landscapes.
✅ Fewer tourists – Less crowded compared to summer.
✅ Cheaper flights & hotels – Prices drop compared to peak tourist months.
✅ More daylight than in winter – Around 8-11 hours of daylight.

However, October also marks the start of winter weather, so expect unpredictable conditions with rain, wind, and the possibility of snow.

💡 Tip: Book accommodations and tours early for the best prices and availability.

Iceland Weather in October

October in Iceland is cool and unpredictable, transitioning from autumn to early winter.

Average Temperatures

🌡️ 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)

• Reykjavik & South Iceland: 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F)
• North Iceland & Highlands: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)
• The first snowfalls may happen, especially in the north.

Daylight Hours in October

☀️ 8-11 hours of daylight

• Early October: Sunrise at 7:30 AM, sunset at 6:45 PM.
• Late October: Sunrise at 9:00 AM, sunset at 5:15 PM.

💡 Tip: Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day before the sun sets!

Rain, Wind & Snow

🌧️ October is a rainy month, especially in Reykjavik and the South Coast.
💨 Wind can be strong, particularly near coastal areas.
❄️ Snow is possible, but heavy snowfall is rare in October.

💡 Tip: Check vedur.is (Icelandic weather site) daily for live weather updates.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in October

1. Chase the Northern Lights

October marks the start of Northern Lights season in Iceland! The longer nights improve visibility, making it one of the best months to see the aurora borealis.

🔹 Best Northern Lights Spots:

• Thingvellir National Park – Near Reykjavik with dark skies.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Reflections of the lights on the water make it magical.
• Kirkjufell Mountain – One of Iceland’s most famous photography locations.
• Remote areas far from city lights – The darker, the better!

💡 Tip: Join a guided Northern Lights tour for the best chances of spotting them!

2. Explore Reykjavik’s Top Attractions

Reykjavik is a great base for exploring Iceland, and October is a fantastic time to enjoy the city’s culture, food, and architecture.

• Hallgrímskirkja Church – Climb the tower for a panoramic city view.
• Harpa Concert Hall – A stunning glass building with events and concerts.
• Perlan Museum – Features an indoor ice cave and a Northern Lights planetarium show.
• Laugavegur Street – Reykjavik’s main shopping and nightlife hub.

💡 Tip: Reykjavik has many cozy cafés—perfect for warming up with Icelandic coffee!

3. Take a Road Trip on the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most famous scenic routes, and October is a great time to visit with fewer crowds.

🚗 Golden Circle Stops:

• Thingvellir National Park – Walk between tectonic plates.
• Geysir Hot Springs – Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes.
• Gullfoss Waterfall – A powerful waterfall, often surrounded by autumn colors.

💡 Tip: Roads can be wet or icy, so drive cautiously!

If you want to explore other great options here is our guide to Iceland road trip in October. 

4. Visit Iceland’s Famous Waterfalls

October’s rainy weather increases waterfall flow, making them even more impressive.

🔹 Best Waterfalls to Visit:

• Seljalandsfoss – Walk behind the waterfall (bring waterproof gear!).
• Skógafoss – A powerful waterfall, often with rainbows in the mist.
• Dettifoss – The most powerful waterfall in Europe.

💡 Tip: Be cautious—trails can be slippery from rain or ice.

5. Experience Iceland’s Hot Springs

Nothing beats relaxing in a geothermal hot spring while surrounded by autumn landscapes.

🔹 Best Hot Springs in October:

• Sky Lagoon – A luxurious infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
• Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s famous geothermal spa.
• Secret Lagoon – A natural hot spring with fewer crowds.

💡 Tip: Book in advance, as hot springs remain popular year-round.

Road Conditions & Driving in October

🚗 Is it safe to drive in October?
Yes, but be prepared for rain, wind, and possible ice.

• Main roads (Ring Road, Golden Circle) are open, but side roads can be slippery.
• North Iceland & Highlands may have early snowfall.
• F-roads (mountain roads) start closing for winter.

💡 Tip: Rent a 4x4 vehicle and check road.is for live road conditions.

Packing List for Iceland in October

✅ Waterproof jacket & pants (for rain & wind)
✅ Insulated boots (for wet or icy paths)
✅ Thermal base layers (Iceland is cold in October!)
✅ Gloves, hat, & scarf (for wind protection)
✅ Headlamp or flashlight (for early sunsets)

Conclusion

Visiting Iceland in October is a fantastic experience, offering Northern Lights, powerful waterfalls, hot springs, and fewer tourists. With crisp autumn colors and the first signs of winter, it’s a perfect month for adventure seekers!

🚗 Thinking of renting a car? Just be prepared for changing weather conditions!