Iceland is a destination that wows visitors year-round. Whether you’re mesmerised by its cascading waterfalls, otherworldly lava fields, or the vastness of its glaciers, every season brings something special. But if you’re looking for the perfect balance of adventure, beauty, and accessibility, September might just be ideal for you.
At Ice Guardians, we are leaders in Iceland adventure activities. We help visitors to the Land of Fire and Ice explore the wonders of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park. This means long hours spent in our country’s beautiful great outdoors — and from our own experience, September is a fantastic time to make your trip.
Scroll down to find our eight reasons to visit Iceland in September! And if you have any questions for the Ice Guardians team, please just contact us for the answers you need.
Iceland Has Mild Weather in September
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in Iceland, and while temperatures start to cool, the weather remains relatively mild. Daytime highs hover around 10°C (50°F), while nighttime temperatures can dip to 5°C (41°F). It’s still warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably, yet cool enough to experience Iceland’s famous geothermal pools at their most inviting — but more on that below!
Rainfall begins to increase slightly in September, with Reykjavik averaging around 90mm (3.5 inches) of precipitation across the month. However, storms are less frequent than in winter, and road conditions remain excellent for exploring the country’s incredible landscapes.
Generally speaking, September is Iceland’s only true autumnal month, so it’s a pleasure to explore our country’s wonders at this time of year. But if you’d like to learn more about the kind of conditions you can expect in every month, read our blog Iceland’s Weather, Climate, and Temperature Year-Round when you have finished here.
There are Fewer Tourists in Iceland During September
After the peak summer months, Iceland experiences a dip in visitor numbers in September. While Iceland is a popular destination year-round, this means fewer people at major attractions like the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the various black sand beaches. You’ll have more space to enjoy the sights, capture stunning photos without crowds, and immerse yourself in Iceland’s natural beauty without the summer rush.
Lower visitor numbers also mean better availability for accommodation and activities, often at more competitive prices compared to the peak summer season. If you’re just starting to plan your adventure, we think you will also appreciate our blog What are the Top 5 Travel Tips for Iceland? It takes a look at the best time of year to visit our country and plenty more!
Iceland Comes to Life with Autumn Colours in September
September brings a stunning transformation to Iceland’s landscapes. While much of the country is known for its rugged, volcanic terrain, autumn adds a layer of vibrant colour to the scenery. The moss-covered lava fields take on golden hues, and the birch trees in areas like Þingvellir National Park turn rich shades of yellow and orange. Even Reykjavik’s parks and gardens become more colourful, making for beautiful city strolls.
This shift in season creates spectacular photography opportunities, with the fiery autumn leaves contrasting beautifully against Iceland’s icy blue glaciers and dramatic black sand beaches.
Are you still caught between an autumn and winter trip? For more insight into the latter, we recommend reading our blog How Challenging is Winter in Iceland?
September is Perfect for an Iceland Road Trip
Driving in Iceland in September is one of the best ways to explore the country. The roads remain in good condition, and you won’t have to worry about the extreme winter weather that can make driving hazardous later in the year. With the freedom of a rental car, you can take in Iceland’s dramatic coastline, powerful waterfalls, and charming small towns at your own pace.
Popular routes like the Ring Road and the South Coast offer jaw-dropping scenery, and with fewer cars on the road, you can truly soak in the experience. Plus, the longer daylight hours compared to winter mean you still have plenty of time to explore each day before the sun sets.
Read our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road to find out more about completing this iconic driving route.
September is Ideal for Iceland Adventure Activities
For those looking for adrenaline-fueled experiences, September is a fantastic time for adventure activities in Iceland. At Ice Guardians, we offer some of the most thrilling glacier and ice cave tours in southeast Iceland. This is a prime time to explore the icy landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, go ice climbing, or experience guided glacier hikes with our expert guides.
Other adventure activities like snorkelling in Silfra, white-water rafting, and hiking to active volcano sites are all excellent choices in September, with milder weather making conditions ideal for outdoor exploration.
There is Still Some Highland Access in September
While many of Iceland’s highland roads close for the winter, September still allows access to some of these remote and breathtaking landscapes. The F-roads, which lead to places like Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, typically remain open early in the month, allowing visitors to experience Iceland’s untouched wilderness before snowfall makes them inaccessible.
If you’re planning a trip into the highlands, a 4×4 vehicle is essential, and it’s always a good idea to check road and weather conditions in advance via the Iceland Traffic Centre and Icelandic Met Office. For those who make the journey, the rewards are unparalleled — dramatic volcanic landscapes, steaming geothermal areas, and some of Iceland’s best hiking trails.
Don’t miss our Complete Guide to Hiking in Iceland if you want to make the most of the trails winding through our country’s jaw-dropping landscapes.
Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools are Inviting in September
Iceland’s geothermal pools and hot springs are inviting year-round, but there’s something extra special about soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters as the temperatures begin to cool in September. The contrast between the crisp autumn air and the steaming hot water creates the perfect relaxation experience.
The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon remain popular choices, but there are also plenty of lesser-known hot springs where you can escape the crowds, some of which feature in our picks for the top 10 swimming pools on the south coast of Iceland.
Iceland’s Northern Lights Season Begins in September
Perhaps one of the biggest highlights of visiting Iceland in September is the return of the Northern Lights. As the nights grow longer, the chances of spotting the aurora borealis increase, especially in areas away from city lights.
September provides a great balance — dark enough to see the lights but without the extreme cold of winter. The best way to improve your chances is to head to rural areas with little light pollution, such as Vatnajökull National Park, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or Thingvellir National Park.
If you know you will be in southern areas during your stay, be sure to read our blog Chasing the Northern Lights in South Iceland for more tips and advice.
Don’t Miss Out on Our Iceland Adventure Activities in September!
September is a magical time to visit Iceland, offering a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Whether you’re driving the scenic South Coast, hiking through autumnal landscapes, or stepping onto a glacier with Ice Guardians, this is the perfect month for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
Ready to explore? Browse our range of Iceland adventure activities and see what experiences capture your imagination! Our small-group excursions tend to sell out, so book your preferred dates early to avoid disappointment.
If you have any pre-booking questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’re here to help however we can!
