Discover the best of Iceland in October in this detailed guide
Iceland, the land of geothermal wonders, is a year-round destination. It’s one of those European countries that you should bucket-list right away – by making it a priority to visit at least once. Although it seems like a tiny country, Iceland has much more to offer than you’d ever imagine!
Personally speaking, Iceland is my favorite European destination. Not only because of the attractions it boasts, but also the experiences you feel while touring the country. Be it self-drive tours, ring road adventures, geothermal spas, or northern lights aura – Iceland is blessed with natural & manufactured resources.
With so much to do and places to see – you might be wondering when the best time to visit Iceland is?
Well, there are many answers to this question. But I’d care to venture one saying – October.
The season of October itself brings many charms. As the days are shorter, the nights will be longer – giving you enough opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Moreover, October is a transitional month. You get to see Iceland’s changing atmosphere (or season) in its most climatic way. Thus, to make the most out of your first Iceland trip and explore the country’s iconic gems, we highly recommend you visit Iceland in October.
But, before we get started – you’d surely be interested in knowing the temperatures, climate conditions, best things to do, attraction list, packing resources, and many more.
Hence in this guide, we answer all the possible questions about touring Iceland in October.
Why Visit Iceland in October?
Visiting Iceland in October has its own perks. It’s a different period to experience the country while enjoying the same touch – other seasons ought to give.
The major highlight of exploring Iceland in October is its cross-over seasons. Since the summer season runs from June to August, and winter runs from November to February – the month of October acts as a middle period to experience the best of both worlds.
If you’re planning to stay a few weeks in October, then you’re likely to witness a seasonal change throughout the trip. Moreover, many visitors have claimed to experience – sun, rain, and snow on the same day itself.
Sounds interesting, right?
In the later sections of this guide, you will learn all the advantages of visiting Iceland in October, its benefits, things to do, and much more. We also list down multiple reasons why October is the best affordable month to tour Iceland.
Reasons to Visit Iceland in October
We have done a fair bit of research on why October is the best period to travel to Iceland. And we listed down some of the top reasons why October in Iceland should be your bucket-list thing –
October in Iceland is Off-Season
Not to our surprise, Iceland is one of the busiest tourist countries in Europe. Especially in summers, when visitors crowd all of the country’s geothermal spas, attractions, and hotels.
If you’re a person who enjoys a peaceful atmosphere, October is the month for you. Most of the summer rush is gone, making October a quieter period to enjoy Icelandic gems.
When we visited Iceland during the summers, we were surprised to see so many visitors in Reykjavik. We didn’t get time to explore its markets and stalls – as the street was crammed mainly with tourists.
On the contrary, when we made a trip to Iceland in October, Reykjavik’s entire streets were empty. Yes, there were tourists but not as you expect to get them in summer.
The off-season of October makes it ideal for you to enjoy significant attractions across Iceland. Moreover, you’re likely to enjoy your ring road trip more with no substantial traffic!
Deals on Flights, Hotels, and Cheap Transfers
Now, since we know, October is an off-season period in Iceland – get ready to score amazing deals on flights, hotels, rental cars, transfers, and entry tickets. Yes, they all get cheap in October – luring tourists to travel to Iceland.
When we planned our trip for October, we saw good deals on flights & hotels. To get decent discounts – you may need to club them to receive combo deals. We did that, booked our flights & hotels altogether, and found out it’s relatively cheap compared to other seasonal rates in Iceland.
We stayed in downtown Reykjavik, with easy access to the local markets, restaurants, and other sightseeing points. During October, the average price of a hotel in Iceland is around $90-$135. This depends on the type of hotel you book, its category, amenities, services, and other add-ons.
Consider the average price as a ball-park figure, and plan your hotel stays based on the indicated budget for your stay in October. We also recommend checking this fantastic room-with-view hotel options. If you prefer high-end pr luxury ones, here’s the list.
Guided Tours of Iceland in October
Being an off-season period, many classic tours & adventure excursions still operate in October. Popular day-trips like the Golden Circle Route and Southern Iceland Tours generally depart as they would do in summers.
Moreover, if you compare the rates found in October to the seasonal ones – you’d find a drastic drop. Most tour operators lower their package costs to entice tourists to book their day trips. This, however, is a perfect time to enjoy most of Iceland’s guided tour excursions at discounted prices.
We took our guided excursion to explore the South Coast of Iceland, where we witnessed the black sand beaches of Rejnisfjara, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. The roads weren’t blocked, the weather was kind, and it was an enjoyable trip. We stopped for an overnight stay at Vik village and continued our way up to Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull National Park.
You can also take the multi-day tours covering the Golden Circle Route, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and Akureyri. These attractions lie in the northern parts of Iceland. Hence, you’re likely to see a weather change during your exploration.
If you’re only planning to stay in Reykjavik for a couple of days, we recommend taking city tours. You can actually cover the town on foot. We had managed to explore a few parts of Reykjavik before going on to our further adventure. The fewer tourists on the streets of Reykjavik made it simpler for us to discover the city’s unique attractions.
It does drizzle in Reykjavik, so it’s better to carry a waterproof jacket. Also, get your comfortable walking shoes to tour around the city. In the later section of this guide, we will list essential things to carry for Iceland in October.
Below is a list of the tours we recommend taking in October –
Exploring the Golden Circle – This top-rated tour is one of the best excursions to the Golden Circle. It covers three prime attractions – Geysir Hot Springs, Gulfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Book this tour here.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Embark on a full-day trip to experience the South Coast of Iceland. Explore places like Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Diamond Beach, Vik village, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. View this tour here.
Northern Lights Tour – Discover the natural phenomena of Northern Lights in this 4-hour bus tour. Most of these tours regularly depart from Reykjavik. View this tour here.
Marine Adventure – Discover Iceland’s big whale and puffins in this amazing guided tour. Read more here.
Festivals of Iceland in October
Iceland is a bustling year-round country. And there’s no shortage of bustle in October, with various events & festivals popping up across the country. During your trip to Iceland, you can explore a few of them –
Attend the Reykjavik International Film Festival – If you’re a movie lover (of any genre), RFF is the event to attend. Located in downtown Reykjavik, the event opens its door during the first week of October (check the website for exact dates). Last year, It showcased more than 40+ films & series at the event.
Attend a music concert – Love musical shows? Head to the Harpa Concert Hall in October to experience Iceland’s vibrant event of music fests. The performances at this festival happen for an entire month. Its memorable showdown – Air Waves – is expected to go grand this year in 2022. Do check it out!
Visit the Imagine Peace Tower – One of the unique things to do in Iceland is to watch the beaming light of the Imagine Peace Tower. The tower is lit from October 09 to December 09, honoring the journey of John Lennon. The word “imagine peace” is curated in 24 different languages below. At the same time, the light continues to shine bright in the sky.
Icelandic Experiences – Best Things to Do in Iceland in October
Experience the Northern Lights in Iceland in October
Iceland is known to provide some of the best viewing experiences of the dazzling Northern Lights. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this fantastic phenomenon. When you start planning a trip to Iceland, Northern Lights are the foremost thing you look forward to. And why not? It’s an experience that stays with you forever.
Northern Lights in Iceland can only be seen when the nights are darker. Moreover, the skies need to be precise to get a good visual look at these dancing rays. With these two ticked off, you get the perfect display of the aurora borealis.
It’s impossible to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland from May through September. By the time October arrives, the probability of spotting the same increases. From the mid-week of October to April, the chances of experiencing the Northern Lights are at their best. So if you’ve planned your trip to Iceland in October, you’re sorted to witness this phenomenon.
Now that you know which months to aim for, we will also recommend a few places to get the best experience of the Northern Lights.
The first thing to do – is to be away from the city. This is because significant city centers of Iceland tend to have mild pollution making it difficult (or not so clear) to spot the Northern Lights. Suppose you’re getting a perfect view right from your hotel’s window – kudos to you. But, if not, then Grotta Lighthouse, Laugardalur and Klambratun are the best viewing spots in the country.
It’s much recommended to book a guided tour of the Northern Lights. Most of these tours depart from Reykjavik, taking you to unique locations within a region to spot the dancing skies. If you’re not able to get a clear view, the tour guides will help you with other alternative options. If there’s bad weather on a particular day, the team will even manage an optional schedule.
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road during October
The Ring Road is Iceland’s major tourist draw. It’s a circle that loops over the entire island, allowing you to experience Iceland’s beauty flow in motion.
Many visitors who come to Iceland often book their Ring Road trip for summers in advance. It’s usually crowded, and the hotel rates & rental prices shoot up like anything. By the time October arrives, the prices relatively go down – making it easy for tourists to book their services.
When it comes to driving in October, we will list our views on what to do and avoid in this guide. Since October is the cross-over month for seasons, there’s unpredictability in determining weather patterns. Most roads across the country should be accessible unless an avalanche blocks a section of the road.
While the experience of taking a road trip across Iceland is unbeatable, we also recommend you to look at two options – guided excursions & 4×4 drive. It’s certainly not a bad idea to self-drive the island. Still, due to fluctuations in weather – we might as well recommend tours that provide 100% safety. Conditions in certain areas, like the Westfjiords region, can change quickly. Hence, it’s better to plan something safe and memorable to have the best driving experience.
Exploring the Golden Circle of Iceland
When planning a trip to Iceland in October, the Goldern Circle route should be high on your priority things. It’s one of Iceland’s most unique places to visit.
The Golden Circle route in Iceland covers three significant attractions – Gulfoss Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and Geysir Hot Spring. These locations boast dramatic scenery, beautiful waterfalls, epic hiking trails, and excellent photogenic spots.
Most tours depart from Reykjavik to circle the entire loop. The first attraction you’ll come across is the Thingvellir National Park. It’s one of the three national parks Iceland proudly boasts of having. There are many guided tours within the park, from where you can explore specific waterfall zone, mountains, and volcanoes. There’s also a natural lake called Silfra where you can opt to snorkel or dive. You can check out more activities here.
The next on the route is the famous Geysir Hot Springs. As the name suggests, the area of Geysir is full of geothermal wonders, geysers, and boiling mud pits. Currently, there are two active geysers – Strokkur and the Great Geysir. The most active one in the region is the Strokkur which erupts every 10 minutes.
The last on the Golden Circle route is the spectacular Gulfoss. You may see hundreds of waterfalls in Iceland, but there’s nothing quite like the Gulfoss Falls. The water streams down the Langjökull glacier and cascades into Gulfoss 32 meters down. It’s an incredible sight to watch the natural force of the water running downwards with its full power.
Recommended: Looking for an Iceland Itinerary? We cover these attractions in more detail in our epic 3 days in Iceland itinerary. It includes a planned schedule, accommodation ideas, and other valuable resources.
Enjoy Iceland’s Geothermal Wonders in October
Iceland is blessed with geothermal wonders. Out of the many things you do in the country, experiencing its lagoons, volcanoes, mountains, geysers & boiling mud pits never goes out of fashion.
The best part about these geothermal resources is that – you don’t need to plan a schedule to watch them. If you’re driving around Iceland, you ought to come across geysers and hot pools. Additionally, October in Iceland is the best time to enjoy the country’s numerous swimming pools, spas, and incredible geothermal locations. Especially with fewer visitors in October – you’ll have a good time experiencing the geothermal resources of Iceland.
Iceland is known to have 100+ swimming pools, with 17 in its capital city Reykjavik. The vast abundance of these pools makes it easier for tourists to relax and unwind after their sightseeing. Most of these spots are geothermal heated, making it comfy to beat the cold weather.
If you’re on a hunt to explore Iceland’s central hot spring locations, check out this tour.
Visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland in October
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s prime tourist destination. It’s the most famous geothermal spa in Europe, known to attract millions of tourists every year.
With easy access, the Blue Lagoon is unique in its proximity to Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport. Most people book their tickets for the lagoon right after they arrive in Iceland. However, few visitors (like me) prefer keeping the Blue Lagoon at the end of the trip.
The Blue Lagoon spa is a year-round spa resort, so it’s possible to explore it in October. Moreover, it’s the best time to experience the charm of the lagoon with fewer tourists around. October sees the minimal crowd, and often, you may require no booking to get an entry in. But, that’s the last thing we want to advise – as it’s recommended to block your seat months before your Iceland trip.
Check this ultimate guide if you want to know more about the Blue Lagoon spa, its experience, things to do, costs, and accommodation options. It will come in handy when you plan to make a trip to the lagoon.
Recommended: Want to get the most out of your time in Iceland? Read our most popular guide on – ‘12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October‘
Essential Things to Know Before Your Trip to Iceland in October
These helpful planning tips will help you have a safe & sound travel experience in Iceland.
Iceland Weather in October
Iceland makes a smooth transition of weather in October. Since it’s the cross-over month, weather can be highly unpredictable. Temperatures usually shift with every passing day. However, the average temperature in Iceland in October is around 41 F (4.8 C). On some occasional days in October, the temperatures can go as low as 36 F (2 C).
If you’re planning to spend a few weeks in October, you’ll notice the daylight getting shorter and shorter. At the start of the month (the first four or five days), sunrise will begin at 7.30 am. But, as you move further towards the end of October, sunrises between 8.30 am to 9.30 am.
Similarly, sunsets happen early in October. During the start of the week, expect evenings around 7.00 pm and further down the month at around 5.00 pm.
Europe receives quite a rainfall during September and October. So does Iceland and its many sub-regions. If you’re only staying in Reykjavik, expect a heavy shower for the rest of the month. But, as you move around to the southern & eastern parts of Iceland – there will be only occasional drizzles.
Refer to our Iceland October Weather Info
- Expect average sunlight of 12 hours in October.
- Short daylight hours mean more Northern Lights. Iceland October provides the best scenes to witness the dazzling Aurora Borealis.
- Average temperature in Reykjavik in October ranges from 19 F (-7.2 C) to 59 F (15 C).
- Temperatures can even drop in certain areas like the Westfjords and the Highlands.
- October in Iceland receives constant rainfall. It’s more of a drizzle than the heavy shower you’d typically expect.
Note: Because of the constant rainfall & daylight being shorter, most visitors often believe that Iceland’s weather in October is dark and gloomy. However, that’s not the case. Throughout your trip during the season, you’ll find bright sunny days, especially when visiting the Southern Iceland portion.
Is it Safe to Drive in Iceland in October?
Iceland is known for its fantastic road trips. Its popularity has grown over the years, and you see visitors traveling to the country to explore its ring road. We’ve separate Iceland itineraries curated in this guide as an additional resource for you. Do give it a read if you’re planning for an Iceland road trip.
When it comes to driving in October, you need to be cautious. In some parts (mostly Westfjords), the weather can get awful with frequent temperature drops and heavy rain. This causes the roads to get slippery, making it challenging to drive the routes.
There’s also a possibility of strong winds and soft snow to trouble you with your driving tour in Iceland. Thus, it’s better to stay away from self-drive tours considering your safety unless you’re a pro-driver who can handle slippery roads and harsh conditions.
The best alternative to self-drive tours in Iceland is guided tours. Indeed, you won’t have to drive across Iceland, but you’ll have an expert guide to manage your entire trip. Moreover, this option is much preferable during the winter season too.
Car Renting Options in Iceland
Renting a car in Iceland will give you maximum freedom to explore the country at leisure. It’s a popular option, considering the wide expansive roads and epic viewpoints. Check this article to find a detailed guide on renting a car in Iceland.
Suppose you still prefer self-driving Iceland, given the weather conditions (we listed above). In that case, we recommend booking a rental car service for your trip. There are many operators in Iceland from where you can manage a rental unit – but we still recommend booking your car in advance. Road trips are popular year-round in Iceland. There’s a high chance a particular rental car service gets fully booked.
These valuable tips will help you plan your road trip well –
- As mentioned, many operators in Iceland provide rental services. We recommend checking out Rentalcars.com, which does a great job offering cars at affordable rates.
- Always go for a four-wheel vehicle for your road trips in Iceland. There are patchy spots off the main road, which can cause trouble, especially in harsh weather. Thus, a four-wheel drive is a must.
- Always check the weather forecast. Check the local forecast before you step out (rain, snow, strong winds, and visibility). It will give you a brief understanding of what to expect before your journey.
- Pre-book your car insurance. This is not only recommended for Iceland, but for any road trips, you take across the globe. Car insurance is a safety gear to protect you from unforeseen situations (collision, damage, or vehicle malfunction)
- Ensure that you always carry some food, water, and a first-aid kit in your car. Also, check if there is enough gas to continue the journey.
What to Pack for Iceland in October
One of the common questions many visitors have – is what to pack for Iceland? Especially in October, you need to pack your bags smartly, considering the varied temperatures and climate.
The first thing to pack – is a waterproof jacket. Iceland can get windy, with strong winds blowing out regularly in Westfjords and the Highlands. Get a good quality jacket for yourself, which can be used for multiple trips.
Next comes the waterproof clothes. As we mentioned earlier, Iceland receives regular rainfall throughout October. It’s the wettest period of the year, so you’ll need to be prepared with waterproof clothes. Carry items like a poncho, waterproof shoes, and waterproof packs/backpacks. Also, get good protective gear for your cameras and lenses.
Furthermore, refer to our below suggestions – which you will need to pack for Iceland in October –
- Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts –
- Warm jackets/ lightweight down jackets – Buy them here.
- 1/2 Thermal wear & socks – Buy it here.
- Winter Hats – we recommend these options.
- 1/2 Winter Coats
- 1/2 Warm Sweaters – cashmere or merino wool
- Touch screen gloves – Buy them here.
- Rain Trench
- Hiking shoes/sturdy boots
- Toiletries Pack
- Lonely Planet – Get Lonely Planet Iceland for destination knowledge & tips.
- Portable Travel Accessories – Memory Cards, Power Bank & Power Adapter.
- Moisturizer/ Lotion
Recommendation of Iceland October Tours
Check out these fantastic guided excursions from GetYourGuide. These tours will complement your Iceland trip in October.
FAQs for Iceland October Tour
Does it snow in Iceland in October?
You usually don’t get to see heavy snowfall in Iceland in October. For places like Reykjavik and the Southern coast, snow is rare. If you’re planning to explore the Highlands or the Westfjords, you might encounter ice and snow.
Where to stay in Iceland in October?
Try booking hotels from Iceland’s Airbnb to get cheap accommodation in Iceland. The hotels are decent, and you get plenty of amenities to access. For budgeted & luxurious stays, check this page.
How many hours of sunlight do you get in October in Iceland?
You can expect average sunlight of 12 hours in October. At the start of the month, sunlight stands at an average of 9 hours. As winter approaches, daylight hours will be further reduced to 5 hours.
Do you need a 4×4 in Iceland in October?
Typically, a small car is acceptable to deal with Iceland’s Ring Road, and however, we recommend getting a 4×4 in October. Due to Iceland’s unpredictable weather, roads can get slippery, challenging the driver to tour across the circuit.
Further Readings & Resources
I hope you found this helpful post. We have many other resources & related blogs to help you plan a smooth trip to Iceland. Feel free to explore the links –
Explore Iceland’s Itineraries – 5 Epic Road Trips (+ Iceland Ring Road Itineraries)
Experiences in Iceland – 12 Stunning Things to Do in Iceland in October
Discover Iceland – Guide To Iceland’s Amazing Attractions
Iceland Diaries – Guide To 3 Days In Iceland
The Blue Lagoon – The Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
You may also like our European guides & itineraries:
Experiential Europe – 10 Day Europe Trip: Germany, Belgium & France to Ireland
Magical Europe – London Paris Amsterdam Itinerary: Epic 10 Days in Europe
Costwolds – The Ultimate Guide To Cotswolds In The UK
