Iceland in September | Your Comprehensive Travel Guide

September in Iceland is this sweet spot in the year – you get those bright, sunny days but also dark evenings perfect for catching the northern lights. It’s like getting the best of both worlds.

My tip? Rent a car that won’t break the bank and just roam free. There’s nothing like cruising through Iceland’s nature, trust me. But hey, don’t leave your hotel booking for the last minute; things can get pretty busy. And those September tours? Take a peek at them. They’re like a sneak peek into crafting your dream Icelandic adventure. Ready to dive in?

Have you ever thought about cruising around Iceland in September? Let me tell you, it’s the sweet spot. Picture this: chilly enough for a light jacket, but you’re not freezing. The mountains? They start to get this awesome snowy look – like icing on a cake.

It’s pretty much the tail-end of summer. You can still hit all those cool, out-of-the-way places because the roads are clear. Just a heads up – plan to visit the more remote spots early in September. Some of them start to close down later in the month.

And the best bit about September? The summer tourists have all headed home, so it feels like you’ve got Iceland to yourself. Walking through Reykjavik with all the leaves changing colors, or hiking in the countryside? It’s unreal. Like stepping into a postcard. Seriously, you’ve got to see it!

Thinking about your budget and beating the crowds for your Iceland trip in September? You’ve hit the jackpot. September is the off-season, so guess what? Everything gets a bit cheaper – yes, even the flight tickets! They can be way less than during the peak summer months.

And if jostling with crowds isn’t your thing, you’re going to love September. The tourist rush calms down big time, so you get those famous spots almost to yourself. It’s like having your own private slice of Iceland’s nature.

Now, let’s dive into what you can get up to in Iceland during September. Trust me, there’s plenty on the table!

Iceland in September is an adventure! First off, you can’t miss the Golden Circle. It’s like walking into a nature documentary – exploding geysers, massive waterfalls, and those views! Absolutely unreal. Then, there was the day I spent in the Blue Lagoon. It’s like stepping into a hot bath under the sky, surrounded by nothing but mountains and fresh air. I could’ve stayed there forever. And Reykjavik? That city’s got charm.

Every street corner has its own story, and the vibe. It’s just so laid back yet buzzing with energy. The weather was the cherry on top – not too hot, not too cold. Just perfect for roaming around without bundling up in layers. I’m telling you; September in Iceland is the way to go. Already planning my next trip back!

I have dove into Iceland’s ‘Land of Ice and Fire‘ side – and let me tell you, it’s wild! With over 300 volcanoes, the options for exploring are just endless. I hiked up to this crater – Askja. The lake there? It’s warm and dipping in is like nothing else. But heads up, September’s your last shot for that each year. Then there was this boat tour in the Westman Islands.

Picture this: sailing around, spotting Elephant Rock – yep, it’s as cool as it sounds, like nature sculpted an actual giant elephant out of rock. And get this – some volcano tours close down after September, like the one where you actually go inside a volcano! I mean, standing in an empty magma chamber? It’s like being on another planet. Honestly, if you’re into nature’s more dramatic side, these volcano adventures in September are a must. It’s like stepping into a world you’ve only ever seen in pictures.

Iceland is totally the best place for glacier hiking. They have tours all year, even on Vatnajokull, Europe’s biggest glacier. I did a 3-hour hike from Skaftafell and it was epic. There’s also Svinafellsjokull, a bit closer to Reykjavik. Ever thought about snowmobiling on a glacier? I hopped on one at Langjokull – talk about an adrenaline rush! While it was too early for most ice caves (still a bit warm), I did the Katla ice cave tour. Being inside a glacier? Mind-blowing. If you’re in Iceland in September and crave adventure, glaciers are where it’s at!

I got one word for Kayaking in Iceland in September. Unreal. It’s like paddling through a postcard. If you’re thinking about it, September’s your last shot before winter sets in. I was out there on the water, surrounded by Iceland’s epic scenery. The wildlife? Incredible. Seabirds everywhere, and I even had a seal pop up close to my kayak – like it was saying hi! Kayaking gives you this unique angle on Iceland’s landscapes, something you just don’t get on land. And steering through the water? So much fun. I kayaked around Jokulsarlon, weaving between icebergs. Felt like another world. For the more daring, there’s sea kayaking in Breidafjordur Bay. You get to paddle right by Kirkjufell Mountain. Honestly, if you’re up for a bit of adventure in September, kayaking in Iceland is a must-do.

Whale watching in Iceland is a must. The weather’s still mild, and it’s like the grand finale of the whale-watching season. I was there, and the experience? Mind-blowing.

This is when the big migratory whales are around – we’re talking till October. Minke whales are everywhere, but the humpbacks? They steal the show with their acrobatics and tail slaps.

Oh, and if you love puffins, September’s your last chance to see these cuties before they head south. Spotting them from the whale-watching boat was a bonus.

While Reykjavik has plenty of tours, I went up to Husavik – they call it the whale capital of Europe for good reason. Being out there on the water, watching these giants? It’s something I’ll never forget.

Hot spring hopping in Iceland in September? Absolutely the best time. It’s like the whole country’s inviting you for a warm soak before winter rolls in. After September, a lot of them get hard to reach, what with all the ice and snow. Iceland’s bubbling with geothermal activity, so hot springs are everywhere. Some are off the beaten path, tucked away on private land – you’ll need a nod from the owner to dip in those. I took a hot spring tour, which was a breeze. No hassle of figuring out where to go or how to get there. But hey, if you like your comforts, like changing rooms and saunas, Iceland’s geothermal pools are the way to go. They’re all heated, pretty cheap, and oh-so-relaxing. Warming up in those springs with the cool September air? It’s like Iceland’s giving you a warm hug.

Ever driven Iceland’s Ring Road? I did it last September, and it’s an experience I can’t recommend enough. This road’s open all year, but trust me, September is when it shines. You avoid the heavy winter challenges but still get all the epic views. In my little rental car, I hit all the classics – the Golden Circle, with those geysers and waterfalls, the wild Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the serene Lake Myvatn, and the dramatic South Coast. It felt like every turn in the road was a new adventure. Want the insider scoop on the best spots to visit in September? Alright, let me break it down for you!

Last time I was in Iceland, I took a drive down the South Coast – and wow, does that route have some gems! Right off the highway, you’ve got places like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Standing there, hearing the roar of the water – it’s something else. Then there’s the Eyjafjallajokull volcano and Myrdalsjokull glacier. And Reynisfjara’s black sand beach near Vik? It’s like stepping onto another planet. But the real showstopper? Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. I got there in September, just in time for a boat ride among those massive icebergs. The water’s this incredible icy blue, and the icebergs are like nature’s own sculptures. If you’re on the South Coast, you can’t miss it. It’s one of those ‘have to see it to believe it’ kind of places.

Ever ventured into the Icelandic Highlands? I did that last September, just before the snow started. It’s this window when the roads are still open, and you can really get into those parts that winter locks away.

I drove up to Landmannalaugar – the mountains there are like a painter’s palette, all these incredible colors. And there’s this natural hot spring where you can soak and just take in the view. Pure bliss.

You can also do a guided tour in a super jeep, which is pretty awesome. They take you to spots you’d never find on your own, real hidden treasures.

And if you’re into hiking, September is your last chance to hit the Highlands trails and see the autumn colors. It’s like the landscape’s putting on a final show before closing up for the winter. Definitely a must-do if you’re there at that time.

On my Iceland trip, I made sure to hit the Westfjords in September – and what a decision that was! This place is stunning, but it’s like a secret only a few travelers know about. Driving through those fjords is an adventure of its own. Every turn brings a view that’s straight out of a postcard.

A heads-up though – a lot of roads there are gravel, so you’ll want a four-wheel drive. Made a huge difference for me.

In September, places like the Dynjandi waterfall and Latrabjarg cliff are still reachable. Dynjandi is this massive, cascading waterfall that just takes your breath away. And Latrabjarg? It’s this huge cliff teeming with seabirds. If you’re a fan of puffins like I am, it’s like hitting the jackpot. You’ve got to see these spots before the winter snow shuts the roads down. Truly, the Westfjords are a hidden gem in Iceland.

Reykjavik’s EVE Online Fanfest in September is like stepping into another universe. I was there, and it’s a whole different level of geeky fun. EVE Online, that massive multiplayer online game set thousands of years in the future, is actually created by Iceland’s own CCP Games.

The game’s huge – players exploring and battling across 6,000 worlds. And the Fanfest? It’s where the game comes to life. Fans and the devs hanging out, celebrating everything EVE Online for three days.

The coolest part? Seeing how players’ virtual worlds and alliances turn into real-life friendships and rivalries. This fest happens at Laugardalshollin arena, just a bit outside Reykjavik’s center.

And the people you meet? From fellow gamers to cosplayers, it’s like a carnival. There’s even a pub crawl through Reykjavik’s streets.

A lot of us made a pilgrimage to the harbor to see this massive EVE Online Monument, with names of players etched on it – kind of surreal.

And the highlight? The Party at the Top of the World. In 2023, Dadi Freyr, that Icelandic dance-pop artist, was headlining. Imagine a party with gamers from around the world, in Iceland, music blasting – it’s something else.

I was in Reykjavik last September, right in time for the Reykjavik International Film Festival – RIFF. It’s this whirlwind of cinematic magic, with about a hundred films from over 40 countries in just 11 days. Talk about a movie lover’s paradise!

RIFF isn’t just about mainstream movies. They’ve got everything. ‘New Vision’ is all about giving a platform to emerging filmmakers. ‘Icelandic Panorama’? That’s where you get to see the best from Icelandic directors. And ‘Focus On’ – each year, they spotlight a different country’s films. It’s a deep dive into world cinema.

Most screenings happen at Bio Paradis, this cozy arthouse cinema. But RIFF isn’t just confined to one spot. They’ve got events all over the city. I remember this one night at Harpa Concert Hall – a film concert that was just mind-blowing. And they even had a swim-in cinema at Sundhollin, an old-school heated pool. Imagine watching movies while floating in warm water!

Being a part of RIFF was like joining a global community, right in the heart of Reykjavik. It’s a must for film buffs visiting in September.

Let’s dive into the world of jazz with the Reykjavik Jazz Festival. This festival is an annual event or rather has been a yearly tradition, lighting up the city for a week either at the tail end of August or as September begins.

It’s been a part of Iceland’s music scene since 1990, making it the second oldest music festival in the country. Now, let’s talk about the music. The jazz you’ll hear at this festival is as diverse as it gets, from soothing melodies to the fast-paced rhythms of bebop, and even some experimental tunes for the adventurous listeners. And the best part? The festival isn’t confined to a single venue. It spreads its magic all over Reykjavik, from cozy cafés to bustling public parks, and even in record stores.

You’ll find both local talent and international musicians sharing their love for jazz and entertaining the crowds. So, are you ready to jazz it up?

September in Iceland isn’t just about the landscapes, it’s when you really get a taste of their culture. I found out about these old traditions, berjamó and réttir, and it’s fascinating stuff. Berjamó is all about berry picking. The countryside’s full of these wild berries, and it turns out picking them is a big thing here. Families go out together – it’s like a treasure hunt, but with berries!

Then there’s réttir, the annual sheep round-up. This blew my mind. It’s this huge community event where everyone helps gather the sheep from the highlands. There’s singing, storytelling, and a real sense of togetherness. Experiencing réttir made me feel like I was part of an age-old Icelandic tradition. If you’re around in September, these cultural activities are a must-see – they show you a whole different side of Iceland.

Berry picking in Iceland? You guys should try it during berjamó in September, it’s surprisingly zen. You just head out into nature, away from the city bustle. Imagine sitting there, filling your container with berries, with nothing but the sound of a distant raven. It’s like nature’s own meditation.

The most common berries? Crowberries. They’re everywhere, dotting the mossy lava fields. A bit on the tart side, but they make the best desserts and juices – a true Icelandic staple.

And then there are the blueberries and bilberries, perfect with Skyr – that’s Iceland’s famous superfood, by the way. At the Skyrland exhibition, they tell you all about its health benefits.

If you’re just visiting and can’t whip up a jam, no worries. Just top some vanilla skyr with fresh berries or snack on them as is. It’s the simplest, healthiest treat you’ll find in Iceland.

Rettir in Iceland is something else. I was there in September, right when the puffins were heading south and the Iceland gulls were coming back. That’s when the whole country gets into this age-old tradition – rounding up sheep.

All summer, Icelandic sheep roam free, munching on the wilderness. Come September, it’s time to bring them back. I joined a group of farmers, family, and friends – even strangers are welcome. We rode out on horses, with Icelandic sheepdogs leading the way, to herd these sheep from the plateaus.

The real fun starts back at the sorting fold. Each lamb is earmarked, so farmers can reclaim their own. And in North Iceland, they do the same with horses, rounding them up to bring them home.

Rettir’s about more than just herding, though. It used to be a rare chance for scattered farming families to get together – for trading, settling disputes, even matchmaking!

Nowadays, it’s still a celebration, ending with the Rettarball – a big party after a day of herding. Imagine ending your day with singing, dancing, and a sense of community. It’s a glimpse into a tradition that’s kept alive and well.

So if you’re driving around Iceland in September, watch out for sheep and horses. And who knows? You might just find yourself invited to a Rettarball – it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Visiting Iceland in September? Ah, it’s this sweet spot for outdoor adventures – think glacier hikes, horseback rides, and even snorkeling. Just perfect before it gets too chilly for camping. But Icelandic weather? Totally unpredictable. Always pack for rain, no matter what.

September’s also when those ‘haustlægd’ storms roll in – that’s ‘autumn depression’ in Icelandic. Expect some strong winds and a good bit of rain. In Reykjavik, though, it’s a bit warmer than the rest of the country. Makes city exploring a bit cozier. So, if you’re heading to Iceland in September, brace for a bit of everything, weather-wise!

Thinking about Iceland’s temperatures in September? Average is around 47.3°F (8.5°C) – not too cold, but don’t expect a heatwave either! Highs hover at 50°F (11°C), lows around 42°F (6°C), so snow’s pretty rare.

In Iceland, though, always expect the unexpected. Sure, it might hit a cozy 59°F (15°C), but it’s also Iceland – land of surprise weather! From comfy sweater days to sudden chilly winds, September’s got it all. My advice? Pack layers and be ready for anything – that’s the Icelandic way!

Man, September in Iceland, that was something! The days were still kinda long, you know? Amazing sunsets every evening, all pink and purple. And the sunrises were just as epic. But what really got me excited was the night getting darker as the month went on. Perfect for northern lights!

I remember one night, late September, the sun dipped down before 7 PM. That’s when the magic happens. I was out there, wrapped up in a jacket, just waiting. And bam! The sky lit up with the northern lights. It’s something else, seeing them for real.

So, if you ever find yourself in Iceland towards the end of September, make some time in the evening. You might just catch those lights doing their dance. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Planning for Iceland in September? Let me tell you, it’s all about layering. Last time I went, my suitcase was a mix of just-in-case and absolutely-need. Here’s the rundown:

• T-shirts are a must, and toss in shorts if you’re feeling optimistic.
• Warm layers – my fleece and thermal underwear were lifesavers.
• A waterproof, windproof jacket. You’ll thank me later.
• Sturdy hiking boots saved my ankles more than once.
• Don’t skimp on warm gloves and a cozy hat.
• Wool socks – your feet will be grateful during glacier hikes.
• And sunglasses – sounds weird, right? But on those bright glacier days, they’re essential.

Forgot something? Reykjavik’s Laugavegur street has shops that got me out of a few pinches. Sunglasses in Reykjavik? Maybe overkill. But on a glacier, it’s like staring at a giant mirror. Better safe than squinty!

If you are planning a trip to Iceland this September you’re in for a world of options. I was there last year, and let me tell you, it’s an adventurer’s paradise. Picture yourself snowmobiling across Europe’s biggest glacier, or feeling tiny inside a huge dormant volcano. And there’s nothing like a boat ride in Jokulsarlon, floating right next to those massive icebergs.

If you’re after something a bit more laid-back, I can’t recommend the Blue Lagoon enough – lounging in those warm, steamy waters is bliss. And whale watching in Reykjavik? It’s a game-changer, seeing those majestic creatures so close.

I rented a car when I was there, and it was perfect. Driving the Ring Road at my own pace, stopping wherever and whenever – it’s freedom like no other. You could cover the whole island in about 10 days, with cozy spots to stay along the way.

Short on time? No worries. I met folks who did this overnight bubble lights tour – they saw the highlights and still got a taste of the magic.

September in Iceland is this perfect mix – you’ve got the natural wonders, the adventures, and just the right weather to enjoy it all. What’s on your list? Chasing northern lights, soaking in geothermal bliss, or maybe a bit of both?