Are you planning a trip to Iceland in September? This is a popular time to visit the country, as the summer crowds have dispersed and the winter weather has not yet arrived. However, it's important to understand what kind of weather to expect during this time of year so you can pack accordingly and plan your activities. In this article, we'll discuss the weather in Iceland in September and provide some tips for making the most of your trip.
What to Expect: Iceland Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the fall season in Iceland, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. The average temperature during this time is around 45°F (7°C), but it can range from the high 30s to the low 50s (3-10°C). It's important to note that the weather can change quickly, so it's best to be prepared for all types of conditions.
Rain and Wind
September is one of the rainiest months in Iceland, with an average of 20 days of precipitation. This can range from light drizzles to heavy downpours, so it's important to pack waterproof gear and layers to stay dry and warm. Additionally, Iceland is known for its strong winds, which can make the rain feel even colder. Be sure to pack a windproof jacket and consider bringing a hat or hood to protect your head from the wind.
Daylight Hours
In September, Iceland experiences about 12 hours of daylight, with the sun rising around 6:30 am and setting around 7:30 pm. This gives you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the country's natural beauty. However, as the month progresses, the days will become shorter, so it's important to plan your activities accordingly.
Northern Lights
One of the highlights of visiting Iceland in September is the chance to see the Northern Lights. As the nights become longer, the conditions are perfect for viewing this natural phenomenon. However, it's important to note that the Northern Lights are unpredictable and can only be seen on clear, dark nights. Be sure to check the forecast and plan your activities accordingly if you hope to catch a glimpse of this stunning display.
September 2025 Weather Recap
September 2025 kept the warmth of summer alive a little longer than usual. The whole country enjoyed mild temperatures, with easterly and southeasterly winds steering the weather for most of the month. But it wasn’t just warm, it was also incredibly wet, especially in the East Fjords and along the Strandir coast, where rainfall totals reached historic levels.
You can check this information and more at vedur.is.
Temperatures
It was another above-average month across nearly all of Iceland.
Reykjavík: 9.3 °C (48.7 °F) — about 0.7 °C above the 1991–2020 average and 0.8 °C above the past decade.
Akureyri: 8.7 °C (47.7 °F) — 0.7 °C above normal.
Stykkishólmur: 8.9 °C (48 °F).
Höfn in Hornafjörður: 9.8 °C (49.6 °F).
Warm air lingered over the northeast and east, while the northern Westfjords were the coolest. The biggest warm anomaly was +1.5 °C at Ljósaland near Fáskrúðsfjörður, and the coolest deviation was only –0.4 °C at Hornbjargsviti.
The warmest place overall was Steinar under Eyjafjöll at 10.6 °C (51 °F), while the coldest was Þverfjall at 2.5 °C (36 °F). In inhabited areas, Svartárkot had the lowest average with 6.2 °C (43 °F).
The month began on a warm note, 20.1 °C (68 °F) was recorded in Árnes and Skálholt on September 1, but autumn quickly made itself known. By September 20, temperatures dropped to –7.6 °C (18 °F) at Hólasandur, and –6.3 °C (21 °F)** in inhabited areas at Hólar in Dýrafjörður and Grímsstaðir on Fjöllum.
Most of the month stayed warmer than usual, though a short cold spell around mid-September brought a taste of the coming season.
Rain and Flooding
September 2025 will be remembered for its rain, and lots of it.
Reykjavík: 94.4 mm (about 10 % above average)
Akureyri: 77.5 mm (45 % above average)
Stykkishólmur: 95 mm (22 % above average)
But those numbers pale in comparison to the East Fjords and Strandir, where the skies simply opened up.
Dalatangi: 399.6 mm, more than double its usual September total, the second-highest ever since records began in 1938.
Fáskrúðsfjörður: 560.2 mm (!)
Neskaupstaður: 472.6 mm, both among the wettest Septembers ever recorded at those stations.
Litla-Ávík (Strandir): 243.8 mm, the wettest September there since records started in 1995.
Reykjavík saw 17 rainy days (two more than average) and Akureyri had 15, which is six more than usual.
So much rain inevitably brought trouble. Floods, landslides, and rockfalls were reported, especially in the East Fjords, and on September 26, a powerful storm caused major flooding in several regions. A long stretch of Route 1 near Jökulsá in Lón was washed away, and roads across the south and east were flooded or damaged.
Sunshine
Despite the rain, the sun did make some appearances, particularly in the southwest.
Reykjavík: 145.7 hours of sunshine, 27 hours above average.
Akureyri: 81.3 hours, 9 hours below average.
Wind and Air Pressure
Winds blew mostly from the east and southeast, and overall it was a windier month than usual, about 0.2 m/s above average. The strongest winds came during the storm on September 26, the same system that brought the heavy rain and flooding.
Air pressure was on the low side for most of the month. In Reykjavík, the average was 1001.0 hPa, about 4 hPa below normal.
Highest: 1032.6 hPa at Grundarfjörður on September 20
Lowest: 968.8 hPa at Keflavík Airport and Grindavík on September 26
What to Pack for Iceland in September
When packing for your trip to Iceland in September, it's important to be prepared for all types of weather. Here are some essential items to include in your suitcase:
Waterproof Gear
As mentioned, September is a rainy month in Iceland, so it's important to pack waterproof gear to stay dry. This includes a waterproof jacket, pants, and shoes. It's also a good idea to bring a waterproof cover for your backpack or camera.
Layers
With the unpredictable weather in Iceland, it's important to pack layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed. This can include long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a warm jacket. It's also a good idea to bring a hat and gloves for colder days.
Hiking Boots
Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, so be sure to pack a sturdy pair of hiking boots. These will keep your feet dry and provide good traction on the often-slippery terrain.
Swimwear
While the weather may not be warm enough for swimming, Iceland is known for its geothermal pools and hot springs. Be sure to pack a swimsuit so you can take a dip and relax in these natural wonders.
Camera
With its breathtaking landscapes and unique culture, Iceland is a photographer's dream. Be sure to pack a camera to capture all of your adventures and memories.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip
Plan for Shorter Days
As mentioned, the days become shorter as September progresses, so it's important to plan your activities accordingly. Consider starting your day earlier to make the most of the daylight hours, and be sure to check the sunset time so you don't get caught in the dark.
Be Flexible with Your Itinerary
The weather in Iceland can change quickly, so it's important to be flexible with your itinerary. If a planned outdoor activity is not possible due to weather conditions, have a backup plan or be open to exploring a different area.
As mentioned, September is a great time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Be sure to check the forecast and plan your activities accordingly to increase your chances of seeing this natural wonder.
Embrace the Local Culture
Iceland has a unique and rich culture, and September is a great time to experience it. With fewer tourists, you'll have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn more about their way of life. Be sure to try traditional Icelandic food and attend local events or festivals.
Conclusion
Iceland is a beautiful and unique country to visit in September, but it's important to be prepared for the weather and plan your activities accordingly. With the right gear and a flexible itinerary, you can make the most of your trip and experience all that Iceland has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
In September, Iceland experiences mild temperatures with an average high of around 10°C (50°F) and an average low of around 5°C (41°F). However, the weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's advisable to bring layers and be prepared for sudden changes.
Yes, September is known to be a rainy month in Iceland. Rainfall is relatively common, so it's recommended to bring waterproof clothing and footwear to stay dry during your outdoor activities.
Yes, September marks the beginning of autumn in Iceland, and the days start to get shorter. However, you can still expect around 12 to 14 hours of daylight, providing ample time to explore the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland.
