You are in luck because there is a lot to choose from. If you dont know where to start, I recommend Skaftafell National Park for hiking. Even Reykjavik and the surrounding areas are not too crowded in September. Forage for fresh berries Iceland might not strike many as a country where foraging for fresh food is a big part of the culture, especially when you consider most traditional foods are fermented, pickled, and dried. You should come prepared for the possibility of occasional rain showers all throughout the country. The amount of things to do makes September a fantastic time to go to Iceland! See our picks of the best places to visit on the Snfellsnes Peninsula. Anna Faustino was careering down the sand dunes of Mui Ne, Vietnam, on a . What To Expect While Visiting Iceland In September What is the Midnight Sun in Iceland and where are the best places to experience it? Three out of the four festivals featured here take place in Reykjavik, so if youre wondering about things to do in Reykjavik during September, read on! Plan your trip to Iceland with some help from an Icelander! Read on! Learn how your comment data is processed. Its a wide rather than tall waterfall with lots of small falls gushing into the turquoise river below. A good rule of thumb is; if you can see the stars in the skies clearly, you should see the northern lights clearly. updated 3/31/2021 Witnessing the northern lights is one of the best things to do in Iceland. I have a question about the Northern lights planetarium show. Bring along both light (think: T-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts) and warmer layers (fleece, jumpers, thermals) to adapt to the changing weather conditions. Zig-zagging through the fjords is an experience in itself, without mentioning the untouched beauty of its dramatic landscapes. The Northern Lights in Iceland: How to See Them in 2023 Lush green moss grows on basalt-grey cliffs, waterfalls cascade down canyon walls, and trails meander into the hills that lie in the shadow of three glaciers: Eyjafjallajkull, Mrdalsjkull, and Tindfjallajkull. Read our other Iceland posts to help you plan your trip: You did not mention the Sheep roundup Rettir in September? As September is considered the off-season in Iceland, you can expect fewer crowds and lower prices than summer, with the additional benefit of being able to see the magical Northern Lights and stunning fall colors. Now around 20,000 beers are consumed at the new-and-improved Oktoberfest each year. Other volcano tours also stop running in Iceland from the end of September to mid-October. The weather is beginning to feel wintery. Seeing the aurora can be as simple as looking out the window of your accommodation in Iceland at just the right moment, but it's always best to drive away from the artificial lights in the city. If your budget allows, a 4WD is worth it if you are venturing far from Reykjavik for added comfort and security. Visiting Iceland in September: Everything You Need to Know Or experience the glaciers, icebergs and lakes in Vatanajkull National Park on this glacier kayak tour. There are multiple tours to choose from, depending on where you'd like to start. There arent a huge amount of trees so you wont see this everywhere. It's also a lot warmer to stay out than in the winter months. Held annually at the end of September, Reykjavik Film Festival (or RIFF) shows roughly a hundred films from over 40 countries in just 11 days. As the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland is home to over 300 volcanoes, some of which you can hike to or even visit inside. If you are lucky, youll have beautiful sunny days with temperatures of 10-14 C (50-57 F) thats also pretty much what summer weather usually looks like in Iceland. EVE Fanfest brings players and developers together in Reykjavik in September for a three-day celebration of EVE Online. Top of my list is really getting out in nature so seeing the Northern Lights, swimming in hot springs and seeing the waterfalls would top my list. I was thinking, what autumn colors, there arent even any trees in Iceland Well, I was wrong. WE ARE THINKING ABOUT COMING FOR ABOUT 14 DAYS IN 1ST HALF OF SEPTEMBER 2021 ?, BUT ARE FLEXIBLE FOR 2ND HALF SEPT , IF COMPELLING REASONS . Here are some of our favourites: There is so much to see on this gorgeous peninsula just two hours from Reykjavik including volcanic craters, lava fields, a glacier, waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, black and golden sand beaches, and cute fishing villages. Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik, Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer. Another highlight was swimming in Krossneslaug, an outdoor geothermal swimming pool overlooking the sea. This is especially visible in the Icelandic highlands. Whether it's natural wonders, cultural experiences, or hidden gems, read on and learn all about Iceland's must-see at Find out everything you need to know about Iceland in July, including the best festivals and events, what the weathers like, and if the midnight sun means you can see the northern lights or not. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its near Husafell which is a good base for trips to the Langjkullglacier, and there are more trees in this area than most parts of Iceland so you can enjoy the autumn foliage. It means that accommodations are scarce and have to be booked well in advance. You can self-drive as we did or take a tour from Reykjavik. It would be a nearly impossible task to find another place on this planet that has weather as crazy as Iceland. Visit the Highlands, hunt for the Northern Lights, or just pick berries? "New Vision" focuses on up-and-coming filmmakers, "Icelandic Panorama" shows movies from the most talented directors in Iceland, while "Focus On" shines a spotlight on a single nation's cinematic history. Some might take a volcano tour to the Westman Islandsor go see the internet-famous Elephant Rock. September is the peak season for whale-watching in Reykjavik. This gives you plenty of time for exploring during the day, you can see sunrise and sunset at reasonable times, and you wont be kept awake by the midnight sun. 1 of 12. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? The weather is a bit like in summer September is a transitional month between summer and winter weather in Iceland. Iceland'sweather in September is still warm, so there are a few things those visiting in September should definitely pin to their itinerary. The student council took over when the group graduated, and the festival started to grow. Even a curious seal could pop out of the water to say hello. September is cold enough that youll really appreciate a soak in a hot spring. People don't tend to visit Grundarfjordur in September since it is known as a chilly month. September, especially the first half, is also the perfect time to explore the highlands of Iceland. With the nights getting longer and the sky getting darker, the chance to see the elusive northern lights in September increases. At any time of year in Iceland, youll want to pack layers to be prepared for the changeable weather. We packed plenty of layers and it never felt too cold to explore. The Complete Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland Alternatively, you can easily visit the most popular places in the highlands -Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork with an organized tour. The Reykjavk International Film Festival takes place in late September each year. Many of our readers ask what is the best time to go to Iceland. In 2022 the equinox will be on 23 September. You need cloud-free, dark skies away from light pollution, so I recommend spending at least a few nights away from a town. This is a place to push yourself outside of your comfort zone only 4WD vehicles are allowed, and if youre driving, youll have to tackle the toughest roads in the country, fording rivers as you go. If you prefer somewhere with proper changing rooms and facilities, the geothermalswimming pools in Iceland are all heated, reasonably priced, and many of them have saunas! Hello Erin, I love this article. Can you guide me if I can do a glacier hike in September? Yes! It was used to trade horses or sheep, settle disputes between farmers and matchmake young couples. Grundarfjordur weather in September (West Iceland, Iceland) As school holidays are over or coming to an end, travel demand is much lower in September. Daylight hours in September. Here's your guide to the best time of year to go to Iceland for Northern Lights, the midnight sun, whale-watching, great weather and more. Seattle Denver Chicago and Toronto (Not to mention all the many European cities on their list) Icelandair also offers a superb stopover program so you can sample Iceland for free while en route to other European destinations. If you are only visiting the capital, the weather in Reykjavik in September tends to be slightly warmer than in the rest of the country. Wow! On the plus side we saw seals on multiple occasions (at Ytri Tunga beach on the Snfellsnes Peninsula and in the Westfjords), an Arctic fox atLtrabjarg cliffs (a rare sight! Its not far from the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and is very easy to get to. TIP: If you have no time for the highlands, check out Thingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle. If you have 3 hours to spare, I recommend Svatifoss and Sjnarnpa hike. Is September the best month to visit? Best Iceland Itinerary: 4 Epic Iceland Road Trip Ideas As the month moves on and days begin to shorten, brilliant sunsets cast a fiery glow across the landscape. However, at the end of the summer, in September, hiking trails are normally free of snow and quite dry, allowing you to explore Icelands beautiful scenery on foot. You can take a tour in September but they are very expensive. Visiting Iceland during the weeks of September will help you get temperatures which are much warmer than usual. If you're wondering why you need sunglasses for glacier hikes, it is because the sun reflects its light off the white and shiny surface of the snowy glaciers, making it many times brighter than usual. If you want to make the most of this accessibility, here are the top places to visit in September: One of Iceland's most popular sightseeing routes is the road along Icelands South Coast. MY WIFE PREFERS WARM /COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION IN PRIVATE ROOM WITH TOILET (BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE LUXURIOUS ) , TO CAMPING ,BUT SHE CAN BE FLEXIBLE Bjarteyjarsandur farm and Faxi Waterfall are also excellent places for a Rttir experience. The round-up of animals is a part of a long-standing custom. Before roads were built, families were scattered around the country with little or no way to communicate. The most important thing when planning your trip any month, that is the daylight hours. Still, be smart and dress warm! The viewing conditions are often favourable, and the mountain peaks, mythical basalt stacks, sparkling waterfalls, electric-blue glacial lagoons and wide-open skies make a great backdrop. Some of the country's most famous and unique attractions are just off the highway, such as the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano,Myrdalsjokull glacier, and the black sand beach ofReynisfjaranear the village of Vik. Dont miss the opportunity to see the beauty of Iceland's lakes and fjords while gliding on the water. If youre wondering what the weather is like, what things to do, and the best tours to be a part of, weve got you covered. By the end of the month, the sun rises from 7 am to 7.30am and sets from 7.30pm to 7 pm with 12 to 12.5 hours of daylight. September sees lower crowds and prices and you can find last-minute accommodationwe booked three weeks in advance. Join us as we discover the world one beautiful adventure at a time! It's that unique period of the year when the days can be bright and sunny, but the evening sky is dark enough for a beautiful aurora display. In 12 days we had a mix of sunny and cloudy days with two days of heavy rain that we used as an excuse for much-needed days off. Players explore, trade, and fight throughout the 6,000 strange new worlds in the game. Gatherings of friends and families in Iceland often lead to singing, and rettir is no exception. In September, the roads are still clear but it will be quieter than in the summer months. Read on! Most likely, you will not need sunglasses while walking in Reykjavik, but you never know! If you're wondering how cold Iceland is in September, the temperature rarely goes above 59 F (15 C). Home to giant fjords and table-topped mountains left behind after ice-age glaciers melted, the scenery is larger than life. There are multiple hiking routes to choose from and the scenery is always incredible. When was Guide to Iceland founded and why? Icelanders make various jams, cakes, juices, and wine from the berries they pick. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP , JURGA. Are you looking to visit Iceland in September and thinking of what to add to your itinerary? Rent a car to explore the peninsula or join a tour that will take you to the top attractions, including Djpalnsandur Bay and Mt. Iceland In September 2022: What You Need To Know Before Making Plans These fresh but slightly bitter berries have been used in Icelandic desserts and juices for centuries. Whereas in the middle of the winter, you might need to bundle up . I don't expect there will be a significant difference in price for the same place. We had temperatures ranging from 2C (28F) at night to 5C (40F) during the day. The remote Westfjords in the far northwest of Iceland is best visited before snow closes the mountain passes. We decided to rent a 4WD, though, as we travelled to the Westfjords which has a lot of rough gravel roads. Still, theres a palpable sense of energy running through the country in September. Unless the snow arrives early, the roads in Iceland should all be open until mid-to-late September. The weather in September can range from comfortable sweater weather to freezing winds. best places to visit on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, best places to visit on the Snfellsnes Peninsula, Planning a Trip to Iceland: DOs and DONTs, Iceland Itinerary: Off The Beaten Path on a Snfellsnes and Westfjords Road Trip, The Ultimate Iceland Packing List for Men and Women (Carry-On Only), 14 Places Not to Miss on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost? I always recommend getting full insurance when you rent a car in Iceland. Hi Sue, you can always print the info that you need (Cltr+P or Cmd+P), or - instead of sending it all to the printer, save it to a pdf first and then only print the info that you absolutely need. The amount of daylight in Iceland varies widely depending on the time of year you visit. On these tours, a professional guide will lead you away from the light pollution into unspoiled nature, where you can fully appreciate the glory of the aurora borealis as they dance and flicker in the dark sky. You really need a decent-size 44 for the Icelandic highlands. more, South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Volcano Crater & Blue Lagoon Small Group Tour, Snfellsnes: Hidden Gem of the West Small-Group Day Trip from Reykjavik, Full-Day Small Group Tour of Iceland's South Coast from Reykjavik, Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour, 7 Day Guided Ring Road Tour - Explore the Circle of Iceland, Small-Group Day Trip to Snaefellsnes National Park, Snaefellsnes Small Group Tour with Homemade Meal from Reykjavik, South Coast day Tour from Reykjavik with Glacier Walk, South Coast of Iceland and black beach ATV ride. No idea, really. The festival takes place in the Laugardalshollin arena in Laugardalur valley, just outside the city center of Reykjavik. Its A M A Z I N G! Deep canyons and impressive rock formations. You can spot the magnificent blue whales, humpback whales and dolphins during this time. about me, my family, and our trips all over the world how to see and photograph the Northern Lights (tips for beginners), Complete Guide & Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, a day trip to Thorsmork or Landmannalaugar, Iceland highlands tour with a private driver, most popular landmarks of the South Coast, How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport, Why a Peeing Boy Became the Symbol of Brussels (Manneken Pis Story), Kayaking in Algarve: 5 Top Places (+Map), Best Tours & Tips, 19 Top Places & Best Things to Do in Algarve (+Map & Insider Tips), 11 BEST Places to See & Things to Do in Delft (+Map & Tips), Best Street Food Tour in Rome (with a Local): Review, Photos & Tips, 9 BEST Beaches in Albufeira (+Map, Photos & Insider Tips). September weather in Iceland is just as unpredictable as during any other time of the year. On this blog, I share our family's travel experiences from all over the world, coupled with lots of practical information and useful tips for your trips. On a typical day, I wore a long sleeve base layer (Icebreaker merino is best), sweater (or two), fleece, lightweight Patagonia down jacket, thermal leggings under jeans, hat, gloves, thick Smartwool merino wool socks, and waterproof hiking shoes. Friends and rivals in the game can meet up in real life, discuss the game, enjoy parties, and participate in a pub crawl on the streets of Reykjavik. If you travel in September, it should still be relatively easy to drive the Ring Road and visit the Golden Circle, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Lake Myvatn, and the South Coast, even on a two-wheeled drive car. Grundarfjordur weather in September (West Iceland, Iceland). However,September is as close to being the best month to travel to Iceland as it gets. Due to its elevation, the weather here is far more unpredictable than any other region, with powerful gusts of wind, rain, and snow possible at all times of the year. Farmers will walk or ride their horses around the mountains to herd the sheep back to the farms. Various events take place across Reykjavik in cafs, public parks, and record stores, with both local and international musicians entertaining the crowds. To help you choose, here are some of our favorite spots. The 4-Day Weekend in Iceland: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay - Men's Journal September in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip From waterfalls to glaciers, volcanoes to lava fields, meet the most incredible landscapes Iceland has to offer. Motor homes can accommodate 4 adults or a family with kids of up to 6 people. Other essential items are waterproof hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket (and ideally trousers), a swimsuit for the many hot springs and warm swimming pools, and sunglasses (the sun is often low). Contact us!+1 860 341 5552info@goaskalocal.com, Europe: Albania, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, North & Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Asia: Dubai, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey. The average maximum is 11C (53F) and the minimum temperature is around 6C (44F) during September. Horses roaming the countryside are gathered and brought to their farms. The traditional Bavarian music has been replaced by some of Icelands top bands and artists, such as Herra Hnetusmjr, AmabAdamAand Paul Oscar. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January). The average maximum daytime temperature in Reykjavk in September lies at 10.2C (50.36F). The jazz played at the festival ranges from melodic to bebop to experimental. For 11 days, film fanatics flock to the city to enjoy films from around the world. The multicolor leaves on the local foliage are also a beautiful sight, whether taking a walk in Reykjavik or hiking in the countryside. An excellent budget option is SafetyWing (kids under 10 are free). Nowadays, things are a little different, but it's still a time of celebration. The wonderful Icelandic landscape has shaped most of the countrys cultureand September brings some of the countrys oldest traditions: berjam and rttir. How many people are you traveling with? Can you answer this for me? See our Iceland itinerary for details on where we visited in the Westfjords. ), and many horses and sheep. So, without further ado, below are the main reasons to visit Iceland in September. Walk around the well-maintained paths and bridges around the waterfall to soak up the charm of this place. Think of it as a fun-sized little taster, only covered in hot dog mustard instead of chocolate. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but its busy, expensive, and must be booked in advance. Planning a Trip to Iceland in September + Iceland Tips & Costs Both regions are not far from the Arctic Circle and are the first to see winter descend. You can come whale watching with us on our yachts! Apr 12, 2023 Written By Go Ask A Local Iceland in September As the summer ends in Iceland, September sweeps in, bringing with it the first hints of winter. Bring along a waterproof and windproof jacket and good hiking shoes; water-resistant boots are highly recommended. Some might close during the second or third week of the month, however, so you'll need to plan accordingly if you want to travel to the most secluded areas. You can easily stay outside for a couple of hours without the risk of freezing your toes off. After all, many become inaccessible in the icy conditions. Its a huge celebration of the successful sci-fi video game created by the Icelandic company CCP Games. Because Iceland is rich in geothermal energy, it means there are hot springs and geothermal pools all over the country, although some are on private land where you need permission from the landowner to enter. Which lakes are the most beautiful in Iceland and where can you find them? Still, September remains one of the best times to visit: crowds are fewer, there are plenty of daylight hours, and roads remain open for easy access to the entire country. Take advantage of this decline to explore and soak in all the experiences in relative peace and quiet. For many, spending September in Iceland is the best time to visit the island. Icelands temperature in September is still warm enough to make chasing the northern lightscomfortably. Photo fromSpectacular 6-Hour Volcano Tour Inside the Magma Chamber of Thrihnukagigur | Transfer from Reykjavik. While Reykjavik has seen incredible growth in terms of tourist facilities over the last few years, the rest of Iceland is just catching up. If not, drive carefully and slowly, and a 2WD should be fine. I always read anything about Iceland cause its one of my must travel places in the future. The days are still bright and long, so youll witness both fantastic sunsets with hues of pink and purple as well as bright and beautiful sunrises. If you are going for two weeks, you'll just have to be prepared for everything anyway. The main event is at dusk on Saturday evening when the people of Reykjanesbaer turn on the lights that illuminate Bergid, the cliffs overlooking the town's harbor, and the night ends with a fantastic fireworks display.