10 Reasons to visit Iceland in September

Keeping it Real: Tired of overly edited photos that look nothing like the real thing? So are we. That’s why every image in this article is either unedited or has only the lightest touch-up, so you see things as they truly are.

Iceland in September is a magical experience, but like any trip, it comes with pros and cons. Regardless of where you are traveling from, Iceland is expensive, so you need to be clear about what you would like to see, to decide when to visit. If you didn’t already know, weather is everything in Iceland; it can make or break your trip

September might just be your golden ticket to roam freely before winter sets its grip on the country. We’ve ventured far and wide across Iceland in September, and we’re happy to report its perfectly safe (all volcanoes were well-behaved on our trip) with loads of sunshine (13 hours day light), glimpse of the green light (Hello Aurora!) and a tad nip in the air.

For us, Iceland felt like a series of mini breaks within our vacation, as the landscape changed dramatically every couple of hours of driving, leading us into new terrain vastly different from what we had left behind.

1. Mild weather, long hours of sunshine

You still get 13 hours of daylight, and the temperature rarely drops below one degree Celsius in September. We experienced temperatures between 5 & 11 degrees Celsius, but Iceland is mainly vast amounts of barren lands, so the winds do make it feel colder. Packing for Iceland in September means preparing for unpredictable winds and chilly evenings. We used everything from earmuffs to gloves and thermal socks on our trip to stay cozy and warm against the chilly winds.

On that note, don’t forget to pack waterproof clothes. You’ll be stopping at numerous stunning waterfalls along your journey, and if you truly want to enjoy the experience, be prepared to get soaked.  Trust us, it’s all part of the fun and memories you’ll cherish from your Icelandic escapade!

2. Affordable Flights & Hotels.

Iceland is quite expensive so a penny here and a penny there goes a long way. The hotels we stayed on most of our trip was decently priced for European standards and most of them had low occupancy, our flight from UK had a total of 20 people on board, all of this was perfect as we wanted to avoid crowds on this trip.

3. Driving in Iceland in September

Traffic is the least of your worries in Iceland. Driving around Iceland in September offers long daylight hours and fewer cars on the road We drove a Suzuki Swift, which was quite okay, but once heavy vehicles hit the road at night, their sheer force would steer our car off the road. So we strongly recommend a compact SUV or SUV for a comfortable trip if you plan to drive around the country as we did. Also, there are no street lights in Iceland outside of towns. We often couldn’t tell if the areas on either side of the road were barren land or water bodies, Yes, it can get pitch dark.

The famous highland F roads are still accessible this month but ensure you have the right car and the right insurance to do it. If you are inexperienced, we would recommend to book a tour to enjoy the dramatic and rough landscape in the comfort of an experienced driver.

4. Lesser Crowds & traffic, more nature at its best

While it might be seen as shoulder season for many travellers, Aurora enthusiasts begin to trickle in, eager to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing northern lights before winter fully sets in. September also sees people who try to squeeze in one last road trip before the weather becomes too intense. Locals were quick to caution us about driving from October onward, as fog rolls in very quickly and roads turn icy.

Down south, where many of the popular tourist attractions are located, things remain quite busy, especially around the hotspots swarming with tour coaches, although it’s definitely quieter compared to the peak summer season. Meanwhile, the rest of the country tends to get quieter from September.

5. Beginning of Northern Lights season in Iceland

One of the best parts of visiting Iceland in September is the chance to see the Northern Lights before the deep winter cold. After the summer months, September is when you start seeing Aurora again and it remains so until end of March.

If you are staying in Rejkavijk, its best to book a tour that will take you to a very remote area where there is least light pollution as that is the essential condition to catch a glimpse of the greenlight. But before you book a tour, its important to check the Aurora forecast on the Icelandic websites Met Office or Aurora Forecast to ensure you have a high chance. If it gets cloudy at night, your chances are slim so best to check before you book.

You can book your with Aurora Reykjavik from Reykjavik. The good thing about these guys, in case you did not have a satisfactory sighting, you can rebook for another day free of charge,

If you are planning to Northern Lights hunting on your own, we would highly recommend viewing it from Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier or any other spectacular water body as the reflection of the Northern Lights on water makes for phenomenal photographs.

6. Catch the last of the whales before they migrate for winter

Seeing your first whale can be a moment that will stay with you for life. It’s a magical experience that you shouldn’t miss. Husavik, also known as the whale capital of Iceland, is your best bet to catch sight of a few humpbacks if the weather remains good. Be wary that these tours cancel if the weather is bad, as the sea can turn very rough, potentially harming those on board. So planning during good weather is ideal.

Husavik is also proud to have hosted Neil Armstrong and his team for their Apollo 11 training, so you can check out The Exploration Museum while you are here. 

If you have watched Eurovision on Netflix, this is the village where most of it was shot, catapulting this town to fame. The villagers played extras in this movie, and we heard that most of them have a photograph with Pierce Brosnan!?

7. Kayak on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and say hello to seals

There is a high probability that Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Beach across the road are on the wish list of every single tourist that sets foot in Iceland. The boat tours and Zodiac boats operate from June to September, and as you guessed, it gets quite crowded, with tours likely selling out in the summer months.

Let’s not forget that the water starts getting murkier with more boats making trips. September is your ideal month to paddle through these crystal-clear waters dotted with majestic icebergs, allowing you to feel dwarfed by the immense beauty of the surrounding glaciers. Glide past the shimmering blue ice formations with the occasional crackle of melting ice, and if you are lucky, spot a few seals relaxing. You’ll be immersed in a serene wilderness unlike any other.

8. Rettir & Laufskálaréttir

Imagine driving along lonely roads and seeing an adorable queue of 100’s of sheep’s waiting patiently as they are rounded up to be taken back to the farm before winter. This is by far the best thing we have seen. Laufskálaréttir, which is similar, is the rounding up of horses and is also a sight to see. These local traditions, unique to Iceland, provides travellers with unforgettable experiences that connect them deeply to the country’s culture and heritage.

9. Experience the spectacular fall colours

We would argue that Iceland’s landscape is breathtaking in every season, but there’s an undeniable magic that comes with the arrival of fall colors. If you’re a fan of autumn like we are, this alone is reason enough to plan a visit.

10. Last window before most of highlands becomes inaccessible

Unless you are prepared to take the risk that comes with freak weather changes and associated road closures, the locals would advise against tourist’s self-driving after September for the rest of the year.

Whenever you choose to go, be warned, Iceland tends to make you humble. Prepare for moments so captivating they might even bring a tear to your eye.