When to visit Iceland
Iceland in September
A quieter shoulder month as darkness and northern lights return.
At a glance
Temperature
High 11.4 °C, low 6.2 °C, mean 8.5 °C
Precipitation
87.0 mm across 15.0 rainy days
Sunshine
118.3 sunshine hours
Mid-month daylight
13h 05m, sunrise 06:50, sunset 19:56
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
September is a quieter shoulder month and the typical northern lights period begins. Highland roads usually close by early or mid-September.
- Northern lights may be visible when conditions are clear and dark.
- Highland access is typically limited to early or mid-September.
- Whale watching remains within its preferred period.
- North and East Iceland remain within their preferred touring period.
What to do
These tour hubs match activities and regions that operate or are typically accessible during September.
Planning notes
Pack warm layers and a waterproof, windproof shell; Icelandic conditions change quickly in any season. 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 September?
- Reykjavík has a normal high of 11.4 °C, a mean of 8.5 °C and a normal low of 6.2 °C. Normal precipitation is 87.0 mm.
- How much daylight does Iceland have in September?
- Around the middle of September, Reykjavík has 13h 05m of daylight. Sunrise is 06:50 and sunset is 19:56.
- Can northern lights be seen in Iceland in September?
- September falls within the period when northern lights are typically visible. Clear, dark conditions are required.