31It’s the end of summer and you want to go to Iceland! But what is the weather like in September, and is it really interesting to go during this time of the year? Discover without further ado everything you can do during this month that will allow you to discover the fantastic landscapes of this island.
The arrival ofautumn covers the green landscape of July and August with yellow, orange and red vegetation for an almost fairytale-like visit. This is why, although less visited than the previous months, Iceland in September remains very visited.
Why travel in September?
The summer vacations are over and so visiting this Scandinavian country during the 9th month of the year allows to enjoy a still mild weather. Even if the number of visitors is lower than in July or August, the island is still very lively, especially along the south coast and around Reykjavik.
Benefits
There are many interests if you go in September, both in terms of activities and temperatures!
- If you go to Iceland in September, the arrival of autumn does not prevent you from enjoying mild temperatures, ideal for a walk. Why not take the opportunity to explore the Landmannalaugar region? This is your last chance to see it because it is inaccessible in October.
- With the change of season, the sun sets earlier! If you go for a walk in the evening outside the city, you will undoubtedly be able to observe the dance of the Northern Lights. A show that leaves you speechless!
- Rest assured that most roads will remain open in September! You will be able to access most of the proposed activities: hiking, climbing, horseback riding, roadtrip… However, be careful towards the end of the month, because depending on the weather, most of the highland tracks close from 15/09
- You can discover exceptional bucolic landscapes that take on a sublime autumn color between gold and orange.
- Much less crowded than the two previous months, September allows to be a little more quiet. Prices are also down, especially for hotels and rental cars.
Disadvantages
- Since it is the beginning of fall, it will probably be a good idea to leave with boots! Indeed, Iceland in September is certainly pleasant, but the first storms start to arrive. Without forgetting that Iceland is known for its unstable climate and, on the heights, the first snows can quickly fall!
- Traffic is sometimes more difficult in September. The arrival of winter changes the climate, with muddier tracks and therefore impassable, despite the occasional appearance of the sun! The F-roads in the highlands start to close as soon as the first snow falls.
The climate in September
The arrival of autumn is a real meteorological upheaval in Iceland. While September is often sunny and sometimes warm in France, it is sometimes more difficult to bear in Iceland because it is not only versatile, but also colder. It’s almost impossible to predict the day’s weather and when the sun will replace the rain, so be sure to check the weather forecast before each day.
Temperatures are directly impacted, with an average of 10°C, almost 3°C lower than August. Temperatures are between 3 and 10°C, but can also fall below 0°C as well as approaching 20°C. Iceland remains an island full of mysteries for its own inhabitants, and each departure reserves its batch of surprises…
Leaving in September: how to prepare?
Whether you decide to explore every corner of Iceland, or just one peninsula or region, going to this island in September requires more preparation than you might expect. However, the month of September could prove to be beneficial for your wallet since you are going out of season!
Reservation of the flight to Iceland
To go to Iceland, the plane is almost obligatory. From France, you can fly to Iceland from Paris, Lyon or Mulhouse (via Air Iceland, Easyjet or Transavia). Flights are also available from Brussels, Geneva and Montreal.
Beware, the number of flights is less important during this season. Fill out this form to reserve your tickets now!
Should I rent a car?
The question is more than logical, especially since September is going to be wetter than previous months. If you rent a car, you can drive on the circular road that goes around Iceland.
However, renting a car is not very useful if you are only staying a few days based in Reykjavik. If you want to visit the whole island over two weeks or more, it is however essential! Indeed, the means of transport in Iceland are limited (even if there are many buses) and do not allow you to cover the whole island quickly.
Our advice: if the tourist car is enough for the Golden Circle, it is preferable to take a 4X4 because the roads are not all tarred. On the contrary, expect muddy, stony and sometimes snowy trails!
What should I take before I leave?
It’s never a bad idea to summarize everything you might need:
- A fleece or softshell jacket will keep out the cold and drafts, so you won’t get soaked if it starts to rain.
- Don’t forget the raincoat as well as the pants, because the rain will be there.
- In Iceland in September, you can’t miss the hikes that promise to be long on winding paths. Don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing, such as short or long-sleeved T-shirts, depending on the temperature.
- It might be cold! Don’t forget to bring tights, fleeces, sweaters and light gloves, as well as the usual scarf and hat to ward off the cold. To protect yourself from the cold, the most important thing is to have several layers to protect yourself as much as possible and to be able to adapt to the changing weather.
- If you like the altitude, you can be exposed to the sun despite the cold. Take a hat, sunglasses and a cap with you! Don’t forget to protect yourself with sunscreen, as the cold is deceptive.
- Put it all in a hiking bag.
- Prepare hiking shoes – if possible not new ones, to avoid blisters.
- Finally, if you are heading to the hotel pools or prefer the hot springs, a bathing suit is always useful.
You now have all the keys in hand to leave for Iceland in September and be prepared for all eventualities!
Where to sleep?
With the increase in tourism and the fact that Iceland has become a fashionable destination, there are many options for accommodation, but often very expensive. You can choose between :
What to do in September?
You want to go on a trip in September, but what can you do? Discover the many activities you can do just below:
- To go to the volcano Fagradalsfjall which is still in eruption since more than 5 months.
- Leave for a few days or several weeks for an Icelandic roadtrip.
- Discover the emblematic sites of the country which are mostly open: the Golden Circle, Landmannalaugar, Jökulsarlon or Reykjavik.
- Go on beautiful Icelandic hikes to admire the country.
- Walk the streets of the capital Reykjavik and enjoy its atmosphere, restaurants and bars.
- Bathing in Iceland’s natural or artificial hot tubs, such as the Blue Lagoon.
- Admire the first aurora borealis of the year, which are magnificent!
- Watch whales and other cetaceans swim and dive.
- Ride an Icelandic horse.
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