Weather in October in Iceland

October is a month of transition in Iceland. The long days of summer are long behind us and, by the end of the month, winter is officially here. Visit Iceland in October and you’ll experience vivid autumnal colours, lower temperatures, and the first snow of the year.

In this guide, we share what you can expect from the weather in Iceland in October. Plus, you’ll find some ideas for what to get up to this month in the Land of Fire and Ice.

What to expect from the weather in October in Iceland

In Iceland, October is the month when winter arrives. Here’s what you should expect from Icelandic weather at this time of year.

What are the daylight hours in Iceland in October?

At the beginning of October, Iceland’s days are still quite long. But throughout the month, they shorten very quickly. By the time November comes, the evenings will be quite dark and will feel quite wintry.

If you’re visiting Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, on October 1, you can expect the sun to rise at 07:37 and to set at 18:54. That gives you just under 11.5 hours of sunlight each day. In comparison, by October 31, the sun won’t rise until 09:09 and will set again at 17:12. That means just over eight hours of sunlight.

Alternatively, if you visit Akureyri, on Iceland’s north coast, the sun rises at 07:24 on October 1 and sets at 18:37. On October 31, though, the sun rises at 09:03 and sets half an hour earlier than in Reykjavík, at 16:47.

On average, then, days shorten by about six minutes every day throughout October. It really is a month of change!

What’s the temperature in Iceland in October?

With winter just around the corner, Iceland experiences quite low temperatures in October. However, they may not be as low as you expect, thanks to the ocean current known as the Gulf Stream.

So, in Reykjavík, average temperatures in October are 4.9°C (40.8°F). The average maximum temperature is 7.6°C (45.7°F) and the average minimum is 2.7°C (36.9°F). Of course, temperatures can reach much lower, with the record low for October being –10.6°C (12.9°F).

In Akureyri, meanwhile, temperatures tend to be more extreme. Average temperatures are 3.5°C (38.3°F), while average minimum temperatures are 1.1°C (34°F) and average maximum temperatures are 6.6°C (43.9°F). Record temperatures are much lower, at –13.6°C (7.5°F).

It’s worth noting that outside of the cities it can get much colder than this. So, if you’re heading outdoors, make sure you pack enough clothes to keep you warm.

How much rain does Iceland get in October?

We’ll be honest: in October, you have a good chance of getting some rain—as well as possibly some snow. However, just how much rain you get will depend on where you’re going.

In Reykjavík, after October, you won’t see a month that’s as dry again until April. On average, the city gets 79.8mm (3.14 inches) of rain across the month, falling on an average of 13.1 days.

In Akureyri, though, October is one of the rainiest months of the entire year, although you’ll notice that it’s still drier than Reykjavík. The northern city receives 74mm (2.91 inches) of rain on average in October, which falls on roughly 11.7 days. Typically, snow falls on 3.9 days.

So, whatever you do and wherever you go, it’s smart to pack a jacket!

What to do in Iceland in October (no matter the weather)

Whether the sun is shining or it’s pouring with rain, there’s always something to do in Iceland. Here are some of our favourite activities to get up to in October.

1. See the northern lights

In Iceland, the northern lights season is between late September and early April. Visit in October and you’ll have a great chance to see the aurora’s mesmerising display.

For an unforgettable northern lights experience, you’ll need a dark night, clear skies, and strong solar activity. Of course, that means that a glimpse of the aurora is never guaranteed. But in October, as summer is over, the skies are dark enough to give you a pretty good view.

Use a tool such as Aurora Forecast to see the best spots to see the northern lights on any given night. Or you can book a northern lights tour, which will take you to some of the most scenic places for your aurora experience.

In any case, it’s best to get out of the city. While you can see the northern lights from Reykjavík, it’s usually a good idea to find somewhere dark to avoid the light pollution.

2. Head to one of October’s festivals and events

Throughout the year, Iceland has a busy calendar of events and festivals. And October is no exception.

The month kicks off with the Reykjavík International Film Festival. Showing movies from all over the world, the festival is an exciting opportunity for exclusive viewings and fascinating discussions. Plus, if the weather outside leaves something to be desired, it’s a wonderful way to spend an evening indoors.

Alternatively, for something a little more unusual, you shouldn’t miss the lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower if you’re in Reykjavík on October 9th. This tower was installed by Yoko Ono on the island of Viðey, just outside Reykjavík, to commemorate John Lennon. Now, it’s lit every year on his birthday, as a symbol of peace.

Of course, October ends with Halloween. While this has not traditionally been as big an event in Iceland as elsewhere in the world, it’s growing in popularity. Take your kids out trick or treating or dress up yourself and head to a club to party.

3. Visit the outdoors to see Iceland’s autumnal landscapes

There’s a good reason why many people say that fall is one of the best times to visit Iceland. In this season, the landscape is lit up with beautiful autumnal colours. Trees turn a range of reds and golds, and the mountains are dusted with the first snows of winter.

Visit the outdoors to see these colourful landscapes. In Skaftafell, in the Vatnajökull National Park, you can hike through miles of trails that crisscross this nature reserve. Or in East Iceland, visit Hallormsstaður, Iceland’s largest forest.

Alternatively, venture onto a glacier to see Iceland’s white expanses before winter hits. Unless you’re very experienced, you’ll only be able to do this with a guide on a glacier tour.

• Explore our full range of tours to see Iceland at its best

4. Relax in an Icelandic spa or hot spring

Whether it’s raining outside or the sun is shining, there are few better places to spend a couple of hours than an Icelandic spa. Located in many of Iceland’s most scenic places—and typically naturally powered by geothermal energy—they offer a magical, indulgent experience.

Without a doubt the most famous is the Blue Lagoon, with its milky, therapeutic waters. Meanwhile, a new addition to the local scene is Sky Lagoon, where you can swim in an infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.

Alternatively, for a more rugged experience, visit Reykjadalur, the so-called “steam valley”. Here you can bathe in a naturally warm river, in the heart of Icelandic nature.

If you stay at a Berjaya hotel, you can indulge in a spa experience even if the weather’s not on your side. Many of our hotels have world-class facilities, which can welcome you after a day’s sightseeing or give you a relaxing start to the morning.

How to enjoy Iceland in October weather

There’s so much to do in Iceland in October. But to enjoy your visit to the fullest, it’s worth bearing some key tips in mind:

• Expect all kinds of weather. In Iceland, it’s not unheard of to get all weather—warm sunshine, heavy rain, fog, or even snow—in a single day. And that’s particularly true in October. Make sure you’re prepared for everything.
  
  

• Pack lots of layers. One way to handle Iceland’s changing weather is to dress in layers. That means, if it gets warm you can take a layer off, or put one pack on if you need to. On top, a waterproof jacket is a must!
  
  

• If you’re driving, check the forecast before you head off. In poor weather, driving in Iceland can be a challenge. Don’t get caught by surprise. Check the weather at the website of the Icelandic Met Office and plan around it.
  
  

• Keep an eye out for the northern lights. Glimpsing the northern lights can happen by accident—but you’ll need to be lucky. If you really want to see the aurora, check the conditions at Aurora Forecast, or join a northern lights tour.

Quick summary: Why October is a great month to visit Iceland

With the summer over and winter not yet fully here, October is a month of transition in Iceland. And thanks to the northern lights and autumn colours, it’s an incredibly rewarding time to visit too.

At Berjaya, we’re committed to making your stay unforgettable no matter the season you visit. Explore our range of hotels, spas, and restaurants to plan the trip of a lifetime.

FAQs

Is October a good time to visit Iceland?

October is a great time to visit Iceland. If you’re prepared for the changeable weather, there are a lot of awesome things to see and do this month. Plus, October is in Iceland’s so-called “shoulder season”, when there are fewer visitors around.

For example, October is a great month to see the northern lights in Iceland. And it’s a moment when you can tour the Ring Road to see the country in all its autumnal glory.

What’s Iceland’s weather like in October?

In October, it’s fall in Iceland. You can expect temperatures to be dropping and the sunshine of summer to be a little less reliable. Still, it’s a beautiful time to visit, particularly in the south, where October is the driest month of the winter until April arrives again.

What to do in Iceland in October?

There’s lots to do in Iceland in October:

• Chase the northern lights
• Attend local events, such as the Reykjavík International Film Festival
• Explore Iceland’s outdoors, such as in Þingvellir National Park or Vatnajökull
• Plunge into a geothermal spa

Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in October?

In Iceland, October is the first month of the season when you have a really good chance to see the northern lights. That’s because the skies are dark at night. For instance, in Reykjavík, the sun sets at around 19:00 at the beginning of the month, meaning you have all night to chase the northern lights.

How should I dress for the weather in Iceland in October?

In October, average temperatures are typically about 4-5°C (38-41°F) during the day. So, it’s generally not warm. Whatever you’re doing, to stay comfortable, we recommend that you pack lots of warm layers.

A waterproof jacket is going to be your best friend during October in Iceland too. While there’s typically less rain than in other months of the winter, it’s still worth having—as you don’t want to be caught out!

Is it common to experience rain in October in Iceland?

While October isn’t the wettest month in Iceland, rain is still pretty likely this month. In Reykjavík, for instance, it typically rains for 13 days throughout October.

So, pack a waterproof jacket and carry it with you wherever you go. You’ll probably need it!

Are there any specific weather-related travel advisories for Iceland in October?

In October, Iceland gets plenty of rain, and, in higher areas away from the coast, it can get snow too.

As such, it’s really important that you check the forecast before you travel anywhere outside of the capital. The Icelandic Met Office is an indispensable resource for local forecasts while road.is Iceland’s best source for information on road conditions.

These are most important to keep an eye on if you’re venturing away from Iceland’s Ring Road. During the winter, many roads in Iceland are not regularly maintained and cleared of snow. It’s important to know this in advance!

Can I go glacier hiking in Iceland in October?

October is an ideal month for glacier hiking. If the weather’s fine, a walk on an ice cap can give you extensive views over Iceland’s spectacular landscapes.

Of course, it’s worth checking the weather beforehand. If you’re out in heavy rain—or snow—it might not be very fun.

Is October a good time for whale watching in Iceland?

Typically, the best time to see whales in Iceland is in the summer. During this season, many species of whales venture north into Icelandic waters to feed. However, in about September, they migrate south once more.

Still, there are many species of whale and dolphin that make Iceland their home throughout the year. For instance, in Skjálfandi Bay, in the north of Iceland, you can see orca, minke whales, and dolphins all year round.

How do the weather conditions in October affect driving in Iceland?

If you’re driving in Iceland, it’s really important to check the weather before you travel—particularly in the winter months. October can see high winds, heavy rain, and storms, which can make driving quite a challenge.

Use the Icelandic Met Office and road.is to check conditions before you travel.

Are outdoor activities like hiking and hot springs recommended in October?

Iceland is a great month to visit Iceland because it offers some of the best of summer and winter. The landscapes take on a vivid autumnal colour, and the mountain peaks are often dusted in snow.

As such, we can’t recommend enough that you get outdoors and explore. Hike in the national parks, go on a glacier tour, or relax in a natural hot spring. As there are fewer visitors around in October, you’ll have these places all to yourself.

What’s the best way to stay up to date on the weather in Iceland in October?

Visit the Icelandic Met Office and road.is to see live information on weather forecasts and road conditions. They’re the most reliable resources in Iceland.