Reykjavik in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Reykjavik
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Aurora season begins - September marks the return of northern lights with 14-16 hours of darkness by month's end, giving excellent viewing opportunities without extreme cold
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 25-40% compared to summer peak, while most attractions remain open with shorter queues
- Optimal highland access - F-roads to interior destinations like Landmannalaugar close by late September, making early September your last chance for highland adventures in reasonable weather
- Harvest season charm - Icelandic restaurants feature seasonal ingredients like crowberries, angelica, and fresh lamb, while local farmers markets offer unique September produce
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability intensifies - expect rapid changes from sunshine to rain to wind within hours, making outdoor planning challenging and requiring constant flexibility
- Daylight decreases rapidly - from 15 hours on September 1st to 11 hours by month's end, limiting sightseeing time and affecting photography conditions
- Highland road closures begin - mountain roads start closing for winter, potentially disrupting planned itineraries to interior destinations without warning
Best Activities in September
Northern Lights Hunting Tours
September marks aurora season's return with increasingly dark nights perfect for northern lights viewing. Early September offers 6-8 hours of darkness, extending to 10+ hours by month's end. Weather is still mild enough for comfortable outdoor waiting, and cloud cover patterns are more favorable than deep winter months.
Golden Circle Highland Extensions
September is your final opportunity to combine classic Golden Circle stops with highland destinations like Landmannalaugar before F-road closures. Weather is stable enough for highland driving, but mountain passes begin closing by late September, making early September ideal for these extended routes.
Glacier Hiking Adventures
September offers ideal glacier hiking conditions with stable ice formations and moderate temperatures. Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell glaciers are accessible without extreme cold gear, while crevasse conditions remain predictable. Daylight hours still provide adequate time for full glacier experiences.
Geothermal Pool Circuit Tours
September's cooling temperatures make geothermal experiences particularly appealing. Natural hot springs like Reykjadalur and Secret Lagoon offer comfortable soaking in crisp autumn air. Pool temperatures feel more luxurious against September's cool ambient temperatures than summer heat.
South Coast Waterfall Photography Tours
September offers dramatic lighting conditions for waterfall photography with lower sun angles and frequent rainbow opportunities. Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss benefit from autumn light quality, while September rain levels ensure maximum water flow without dangerous winter ice conditions.
Whale Watching Expeditions
September concludes Iceland's prime whale watching season with excellent visibility of humpback, minke, and white-beaked dolphins. Sea conditions are generally calmer than summer months, while marine life remains active before winter migration begins in October.
September Events & Festivals
Reykjavik International Film Festival
Iceland's premier film festival showcases Nordic cinema, documentaries, and international selections across multiple venues in downtown Reykjavik. Features English subtitles and provides unique cultural insight into Icelandic storytelling traditions.
Réttir Sheep Roundup
Traditional sheep gathering festivals occur throughout rural Iceland as farmers collect sheep from highland summer pastures. Visitors can participate in authentic farm experiences including horseback roundups and community celebrations with traditional foods.