When to visit Iceland
Iceland in October
Autumn darkness within the peak northern lights period.
At a glance
Temperature
High 7.6 °C, low 2.7 °C, mean 4.9 °C
Precipitation
79.8 mm across 13.1 rainy days
Sunshine
91.6 sunshine hours
Mid-month daylight
9h 52m, sunrise 08:18, sunset 18:10
These figures are Reykjavík normals for 1991-2020, sourced from Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands). North, East and highland areas run colder than Reykjavík. Iceland remains on GMT and UTC throughout the year without daylight saving.
What it is like
October is within the peak northern lights period. Whale watching also remains within its preferred April to October range.
- Northern lights are typically visible when conditions are clear and dark.
- Whale watching remains within its preferred period.
- Glacier hikes run year-round.
- Golden Circle, South Coast and Reykjavík tours operate year-round.
What to do
These tour hubs match activities and regions that operate or are typically accessible during October.
Planning notes
Pack insulated, waterproof layers with warm accessories, and footwear with grip for icy ground. Use the Iceland packing list for a structured checklist.
Check other dates and locations with the Iceland daylight tool.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the weather like in Iceland in October?
- Reykjavík has a normal high of 7.6 °C, a mean of 4.9 °C and a normal low of 2.7 °C. Normal precipitation is 79.8 mm.
- How much daylight does Iceland have in October?
- Around the middle of October, Reykjavík has 9h 52m of daylight. Sunrise is 08:18 and sunset is 18:10.
- Can northern lights be seen in Iceland in October?
- October falls within the period when northern lights are typically visible. Clear, dark conditions are required.