Stay in Reykjavik in September
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September in Reykjavik marks the return of the northern lights. After months of near-constant summer daylight, the sky darkens enough for the aurora borealis to appear, typically from the second week onward. Daytime temperatures sit around 10°C (51°F), and the city records roughly 146mm of rainfall across 17 rainy days, which feels colder than the thermometer suggests when North Atlantic wind picks up off Faxaflói bay.
This is Reykjavik's shoulder season, and you'll feel the shift. Summer crowds thin out along Laugavegur, the city's main commercial street. Tour groups at Hallgrímskirkja, the landmark church completed in 1986, cycle less frequently through its doors. Hotel rates ease down from the June-August peak, though Iceland's capital remains expensive by any standard. You trade daylight hours for something summer visitors never see overhead. The city loses roughly 90 minutes of light across the month, from about 13 hours on September 1 down to 11.5 by September 30.
Reykjavik takes on a quieter character in early autumn. Icelanders return from their summer cottages, the University of Iceland semester starts, and cultural institutions open their fall programs at venues like Harpa concert hall on the Austurbakki waterfront. RIFF, the Reykjavik International Film Festival, typically launches in late September. Across the highlands, réttir, the centuries-old annual sheep roundup, draws farming communities together. The city in September feels less like a tour stop and more like a working northern capital settling back into its own rhythm.
Why visit in September
- Northern lights become visible again after the summer hiatus, with increasing darkness through the month improving viewing odds each week from mid-September onward.
- Summer crowds drop off sharply at popular sites like the Golden Circle, Perlan museum, and Þingvellir National Park, making excursions notably less congested than in July or August.
- Hotel and car rental rates fall from peak summer pricing, creating one of the better value windows for a destination that rarely feels affordable.
- Highland interior roads (F-roads) to areas like Landmannalaugar remain open through most of September, allowing access before winter closures shut them down.
Worth knowing
- Rain is persistent, with 17 days of measurable precipitation and an average of 146mm for the month, often arriving as sideways drizzle driven by strong coastal wind.
- Daylight shrinks fast, from about 13 hours on September 1 to under 12 by month's end, limiting how far you can drive on day trips to places like Snæfellsnes or the South Coast.
- Temperatures between 6-10°C (43-51°F) with wind chill can feel raw, particularly near the waterfront in Grandi or on exposed coastal walks at Seltjarnarnes.
- Some summer-only activities wind down. Puffin-watching season at Lundey island ends in late August or very early September, and a few highland huts close for the year.
Best for
Think twice if
September feels like autumn arriving in real time across Reykjavik. Early in the month, remnants of the Icelandic summer linger, with highs touching 11°C (52°F) on calm afternoons. By the final week, lows around 5-6°C (41-43°F) become the norm, and wind off Faxaflói bay makes it feel several degrees colder. Overcast skies dominate most days. Rain tends to come in waves rather than sustained downpours, often mixed with mist rolling in from the ocean. You might get a handful of clear, still evenings perfect for aurora viewing, but those windows are earned, not guaranteed.
Seasonal caution
- North Atlantic storms can develop rapidly in September, bringing sustained winds above 70 km/h (43 mph) to the Reykjavik area with little notice. Check vedur.is, the Icelandic Met Office forecast, daily before committing to outdoor excursions.
- Hypothermia risk is real for hikers caught underprepared on exposed highland trails. Wind chill can push the effective temperature well below freezing on routes like Laugavegur or near Landmannalaugar, even when the city itself feels mild.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 | -3 | 166 |
| Feb | 3 | -2 | 162 |
| Mar | 4 | -1 | 146 |
| Apr | 7 | 1 | 118 |
| May | 9 | 4 | 132 |
| Jun | 11 | 7 | 106 |
| Jul | 13 | 9 | 87 |
| Aug | 13 | 9 | 124 |
| Sep | 10 | 6 | 146 |
| Oct | 6 | 2 | 147 |
| Nov | 4 | 0 | 121 |
| Dec | 2 | -3 | 129 |
Best things to do in September
Northern lights viewing from Grótta lighthouse
natureThe Grótta nature reserve on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, offers dark skies with minimal light pollution. The lighthouse and surrounding tidal flats provide an unobstructed northern horizon. On clear September nights, the aurora can appear as early as 21:30.
September is the first month after the bright summer where sufficient darkness returns for aurora visibility. The equinox on September 22 brings near-equal day and night, improving odds through the month's second half.Booking tipNo booking needed. Check the Icelandic Met Office cloud-cover forecast on vedur.is before heading out. Clear skies and high geomagnetic activity rarely coincide on demand, so flexibility across multiple evenings helps.
Réttir (annual sheep roundup) participation
culturalIcelandic farmers round up sheep that have grazed freely across mountain pastures all summer. Hundreds of animals are herded into communal sorting pens called réttir, then matched to their home farms. Visitors can volunteer for some roundups, walking the hills alongside locals. The nearest accessible options to Reykjavik are in Borgarfjörður, about 75 km north.
Réttir happens in September and nowhere else. The timing follows the highland grass cycle and approaching winter. This is a living agricultural tradition stretching back to the settlement era, not a tourist reenactment.Booking tipContact local farming associations at least 2 weeks ahead. Some farms accept volunteers through regional tourism offices. Bring your own waterproof gear and expect a full day of walking on rough terrain.
Golden Circle drive with autumn colors
sightseeingThe 300 km loop through Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss takes on a different character in September. Icelandic birch and heathland shift to gold, rust, and burnt orange across the landscape. The Almannagjá rift walk at Þingvellir National Park is particularly striking when low-angled afternoon light hits the canyon walls.
Icelandic birch and low scrubland produce a brief, intense autumn color display in September. By mid-October most leaves have dropped. Reduced visitor numbers also mean fewer tour buses at Geysir and Gullfoss compared to peak summer.Booking tipSelf-drive is straightforward on Route 1 and Route 35. Rental cars are cheaper than peak summer, and 1 week of advance booking is usually sufficient.
Whale watching from Reykjavik Old Harbour
wildlifeMinke whales, humpback whales, and white-beaked dolphins are regularly spotted in Faxaflói bay through September. Three-hour tours depart from the Old Harbour in Grandi, heading north into the bay. Success rates sit around 85-95% through mid-September before some species begin their southward migration.
September catches the tail end of the peak whale-watching season, with whales still actively feeding in Icelandic waters. Fewer boats on the water mean less disturbance and often closer encounters than during the busy summer months.Booking tipBook at least 3 days ahead for weekend departures. Weekday morning slots tend to have calmer seas in the bay.
Snorkeling or diving Silfra fissure
adventureThe Silfra fissure at Þingvellir offers underwater visibility exceeding 100 metres through glacier-filtered water. Water temperature holds at a constant 2-4°C (36-39°F) year-round, so September is no colder than July. Dry suits are provided by operators. Floating between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is difficult to replicate anywhere else on earth.
September's smaller visitor numbers mean shorter waits at the entry point and smaller group sizes in the water. The constant temperature offers no seasonal compromise, but the experience is noticeably less rushed outside peak summer.Booking tipBook 1-2 weeks in advance. Operators require a medical questionnaire and a minimum age of 16. Bring warm dry clothes to change into afterward, since wind at Þingvellir bites when you're wet.
Landmannalaugar highland hike
hikingThe rhyolite mountains around Landmannalaugar, about 190 km from Reykjavik, display stripes of pink, green, gold, and rust across exposed hillsides. A natural hot spring at the trailhead lets you soak after a day of walking. The Laugahraun lava field trail and Brennisteinsalda summit loop are standout routes.
September is typically the last month with reliable F-road access before highland road closures. Autumn colors on the surrounding heathland add warmth to the already surreal mineral palette of the rhyolite slopes.Booking tipCheck road.is for F-road status before driving. A 4WD vehicle is mandatory for the interior. Some highland bus services from BSÍ terminal in Reykjavik run through mid-September, but confirm schedules yearly as they shift.
Geothermal soak at Sky Lagoon
relaxationThis oceanside geothermal lagoon sits on the Kársnes peninsula in Kópavogur, about 15 minutes from central Reykjavik. The 7-step spa ritual includes a cold plunge, steam room, and an infinity-edge warm pool overlooking Faxaflói bay. Water temperature hovers around 38-40°C (100-104°F).
September's cooler air creates a sharper contrast with the heated water, making the soak more satisfying than in warmer months. On clear evenings, the northern lights occasionally appear overhead while you sit in the pool.Booking tipBook online at least 2-3 days ahead for weekend evening time slots, which sell out when aurora forecasts look promising.
Perlan museum and observation deck
museumOpened in 1991 on Öskjuhlíð hill, Perlan houses exhibits on Icelandic nature including an indoor ice cave and a planetarium. The 360-degree observation deck offers views across Reykjavik, the bay, and on clear days, Snæfellsjökull glacier roughly 120 km to the northwest.
September's dramatic cloud formations and low autumn light make the observation deck particularly rewarding for photography. The indoor exhibits provide a solid option on rainy days, which dominate this month, and the planetarium runs aurora-themed shows.Booking tipWeekday mornings draw the smallest crowds. The planetarium aurora show is a good backup plan when real cloud cover blocks the sky.
What to eat in September
In season: fruit
Krækiber (crowberries)
These small, dark wild berries ripen across Icelandic lava fields in September. You'll find them in jams, syrups, and skyr-based desserts at cafes along Laugavegur. The harvest window is brief, roughly 3-4 weeks through mid-October.
Aðalbláber (wild bilberries)
Iceland's wild blueberry cousin peaks in late August and lingers into early September. Smaller and more intensely flavored than cultivated blueberries, they appear in pastries, on pancakes, and alongside lamb dishes. Locals pick them on weekend walks through Heiðmörk nature reserve south of the city.
On menus now
Kjötsúpa (traditional lamb soup)
September's réttir sheep roundup means fresh Icelandic lamb at its peak. Kjötsúpa, a hearty broth with lamb, root vegetables, and herbs, appears on nearly every restaurant menu in Miðborg as temperatures drop. The lamb has grazed freely on mountain herbs and grasses all summer, and the flavor reflects months of high-altitude foraging.
Plokkfiskur
A traditional Icelandic comfort dish of mashed fish, usually cod or haddock, with potatoes, onions, and béchamel. As September temperatures dip, this warming staple returns to prominence at homestyle restaurants. The Grandi harbor area near the fishing docks tends to serve particularly good versions.
What to drink
Brennivín
Iceland's signature caraway-flavored schnapps, nicknamed 'Black Death' by locals with a grin. September's cooler evenings and réttir celebrations make it peak season for this spirit, traditionally served ice-cold alongside a cube of hákarl (fermented shark) at community gatherings.
Regular events in September
Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF)
Iceland's largest film festival screens independent and art-house cinema from 40+ countries across multiple venues in central Reykjavik, including Bíó Paradís on Hverfisgata. The program includes Icelandic premieres and filmmaker Q&A sessions.
Late September through early October (typically starting around September 25)Iceland Symphony Orchestra autumn season opening at Harpa
The Sinfóníuhljómsveit Íslands opens its concert series in Harpa's Eldborg auditorium, Reykjavik's waterfront landmark designed with Ólafur Elíasson's glass facade. The opening program typically mixes Nordic and international repertoire.
Mid-September (second or third week)Réttir community sheep roundupsFree
Rural communities across Iceland conduct réttir throughout September. While the roundups happen outside the capital, the réttir ball (réttarball) celebrations that follow are held in community halls across the region. Borgarfjörður and Skagafjörður host some of the most accessible events.
Throughout September, varying by districtBest places this September
Tjörnin (The Pond)
parkReykjavik's central lake sits in the heart of Miðborg, bordered by the Ráðhús (City Hall) and rows of corrugated-iron houses. In September, the surrounding trees begin turning color, and migratory birds gather before heading south. The walking loop around the lake takes about 20 minutes and passes the Fríkirkjan church on the southern shore.
MiðborgHöfði House
landmarkThis white timber building from 1909 on the Borgartún waterfront is where Reagan and Gorbachev held the 1986 Reykjavik Summit. The house itself is closed to visitors, but the surrounding grounds and coastal path offer views across to Mount Esja, which tends to show its first September snow on the upper slopes.
LaugarnesHeiðmörk nature reserve
natureA 3,200-hectare reserve on Reykjavik's southeastern edge with over 30 km of trails through lava fields, birch woodland, and volcanic craters. September turns the birch canopy gold and rust. Rauðhólar, the cluster of red pseudo-craters near the reserve entrance, looks particularly striking under low autumn light.
Grafarholt areaGrandi Mathöll (food hall)
food hallThe Grandi harbor district's food hall in a converted fish warehouse offers Icelandic comfort food under one roof. September's cooler temperatures make the warm indoor setting more appealing than the summer patio scene, and the lamb dishes tend to feature fresh réttir-season meat.
GrandiNational Museum of Iceland
museumFounded in 1863, the Þjóðminjasafn Íslands on Suðurgata traces Icelandic history from the settlement era through to the 20th century. September's shorter, wetter days make this an ideal afternoon stop, and the museum sees fewer visitors than during the summer coach-tour season.
VesturbærLaugardalslaug thermal pool
thermal poolReykjavik's largest public pool complex in the Laugardalur valley has a 50-metre outdoor pool heated to 29°C (84°F), several hot pots ranging from 38-44°C (100-111°F), and a steam bath. September mornings at the hot pots, with steam rising into cold air and regulars lined up along the concrete edge, feel distinctly Icelandic.
LaugardalurViðey island and the Imagine Peace Tower
landmarkYoko Ono's 2007 light installation on Viðey island projects a beam skyward from a white stone base inscribed in 24 languages. The tower illuminates annually starting October 9, but the island itself, reached by a 5-minute ferry from Skarfabakki harbour, is worth a September visit for quiet coastal trails and the historic Viðeyjarstofa, one of Iceland's oldest stone buildings.
Viðey island
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Insider tips
The thermal pools are Reykjavik's real social infrastructure, not the bars. Laugardalslaug on a Saturday morning is where locals catch up and soak in the hot pots for an hour or more. Arrive by 08:00 to experience the morning regulars' routine before tour groups appear.
If the aurora forecast shows activity but Reykjavik's cloud cover is solid, drive 30-40 minutes east toward Þingvellir or south toward Krýsuvík. Cloud breaks are localized in Iceland, and clearing can happen within a 20 km gap. The Met Office cloud-cover map on vedur.is updates hourly.
Restaurants in the Miðborg tourist core mark up heavily compared to neighbourhood spots in Hlíðar or Breiðholt. The same lamb soup runs noticeably cheaper at local places a 10-minute drive from the centre. Hlemmur Mathöll, on the eastern edge of downtown, sits right at the boundary between tourist and local pricing.
September is berry-picking season on Icelandic heathland. Heiðmörk reserve, a 15-minute drive from the city, has accessible trails where crowberries and bilberries grow wild. No permit needed, and a 2-hour walk typically fills a small container.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming September weather will hold steady across a single day. Reykjavik can cycle through sunshine, rain, hail, and wind within 3 hours. Visitors who leave their waterproof layer at the hotel for a 'sunny morning' learn this lesson painfully by lunch.
- Booking highland day trips without checking F-road closures first. Interior roads to Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll can close with little notice in September as winter weather approaches the highlands. Check road.is the morning of your planned trip, not the night before.
- Packing for the thermometer reading instead of the wind chill. A stated 10°C (51°F) with 30 km/h gusts off the North Atlantic drops the perceived temperature to around 4°C (39°F). Light autumn jackets are visibly insufficient along the Grandi waterfront by day 2.
- Spending every evening at bars on Laugavegur and missing aurora opportunities. Geomagnetic activity can begin as early as 21:00 in late September, but central Reykjavik's light pollution makes the aurora invisible from downtown. You need to reach an unlit coastal spot or drive outside the city entirely.
Practical tips for September
Book accommodation and car rentals at least 3-4 weeks before a September visit. While rates drop from peak summer, popular guesthouses in Miðborg and the more affordable options in Vesturbær fill early as travelers target the shoulder-season value window. The Strætó public bus system covers greater Reykjavik, but service frequency drops after summer schedules end in early September, with some suburban routes shifting to hourly intervals. If you plan to drive the highlands, confirm your rental agreement covers F-roads, as many standard policies exclude gravel and interior routes. Alcohol sales in Iceland are restricted to Vínbúðin, the state-run liquor stores, which close at 18:00 on weekdays and 16:00 on Saturdays. Bars and restaurants serve freely but at a steep markup compared to retail. Tipping is not expected in Iceland, as service charges are included in listed prices at restaurants and for taxis. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, including at hot-dog stands and small-town petrol stations. Carrying cash is largely unnecessary.
FAQ
Is September a good time to visit Reykjavik?
September is a solid shoulder-season choice. You get the first northern lights of the autumn, fewer tourists than summer, and lower accommodation rates. The tradeoffs are shorter days, frequent rain, and temperatures around 6-10°C (43-51°F) that feel colder in the wind off Faxaflói bay. If you can handle cool, wet weather and do not need 20 hours of daylight, September delivers good value and a less crowded experience than the June-August peak.
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in September?
Expect average highs around 10°C (51°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F), with humidity at 82% and roughly 146mm of rain spread across 17 days. Wind is the overlooked factor. Sustained gusts make the air temperature feel several degrees colder than the number on the thermometer. Rain tends to arrive as intermittent showers rather than all-day downpours. Most days serve a mix of sun, cloud, and rain, sometimes all within a few hours. Waterproof layers and merino wool base layers are essential.
Can you see the northern lights in Reykjavik in September?
September marks the return of aurora-viewing conditions after the bright summer months. Sightings grow more reliable from mid-September onward as nights lengthen past the equinox on September 22. You need both clear skies and elevated geomagnetic activity, which rarely align on demand. Plan to spend at least 3-4 evenings in Iceland to improve your odds. Leave the city centre for darker locations like the Seltjarnarnes peninsula or the road toward Þingvellir.
Is Reykjavik crowded in September?
Noticeably less so than July or August. Summer is Iceland's peak tourism season, and September brings a distinct drop in visitor numbers. Popular Golden Circle sites like Geysir and Gullfoss still draw tour groups, but queues shorten and car parks feel emptier. Downtown Reykjavik retains a lively atmosphere without the summer crush along Laugavegur. Advance restaurant reservations are mostly unnecessary outside the busiest weekend evenings.
Is Reykjavik safe for solo travelers?
Reykjavik is one of the safest capital cities in the world for solo visitors. Iceland consistently ranks at the top of global safety indices, and the compact, walkable city centre presents very few personal-safety concerns. September's shorter daylight means some evening walks happen after dark, but violent crime is extremely rare. The main risks for solo travelers in September are weather-related, particularly underestimating conditions on exposed highland hikes or coastal walks.
Things to Do in Reykjavik in September
Free cancellation Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
City tour: 3 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater
Day trip: 11 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 6.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 8.5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation South Coast Day Tour Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
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