September in Iceland: Weather, Fun Activities & What to Expect

Visiting Iceland in September is an experience that combines the tail end of summer's allure with the onset of autumn's charm. Here's what you can expect: Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland * January in Iceland* February in Iceland* March in Iceland* April in Iceland* May in Iceland* June in Iceland* July in Iceland* August in Iceland Weather and Average Temperature * Climate: September in Iceland marks the transition from summer to autumn but the temperature is still relatively mild.* Temperature: Average temperatures range from about 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The days are generally cool and the nights chillier because we have dark nights now that summer is over.* Precipitation: There's a fair chance of rain, so waterproof clothing is advised. However, it varies from year to year as to what the weather will be. Daylight Hours in Iceland Length of Day: In September, the days start to get noticeably shorter. You can expect around 11 to 14 hours of daylight.September 1st – The sun rises at 6:09 AM and sets at 8:44 PM, which is 14 hours and 35 minutes of day lightOn September 15th – The sun rises at 6:49 AM and sets at 7:54 PM, for a total of 13 hours and 5 minutes of day light.September 30th - The sun rises at 7:32 AM and sets at 7:01 PM, which means we have a total of 11 hours and 28 minutes of daylight.Northern Lights: The diminishing daylight hours increase the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, especially towards the end of the month. What to Wear in Iceland in September * Layered Clothing: The key is to dress in layers. Bring thermal wear, sweaters, and a good quality waterproof and windproof jacket.* Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are essential for exploring the outdoors.* Accessories: Don't forget hats, gloves, and scarves, especially if you plan to stay out at night.My Ultimate Packing Checklist  will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the summer list. Just know that it can be a little chilly during the evening in July, especially in the north, so you will need some thicker layers. Road Conditions & Driving in Iceland during September * Roads: Most main roads are still easily navigable. You can easily drive the ring road and many highland roads are still open, especially during the beginning of the month. Watch out still for sheep that are on the sides of the road. They might cross at any time, so be ready to stop.* Weather Impact: Sudden weather changes can affect driving conditions. Be prepared for rain or early snow in higher altitudes. In the north, West fjords, the highlands and parts of the East fjords, it is normal to see some snow on the mountains during this time. It’s winter showing us that it is not far away.* Driving Tips: Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. Sites like safetravel.is, road.is, yr.no, vedur.is are all great for checking if there are closed roads due to storms or other bad weather conditions. Expert Trip Planning Tip for September If you are looking to avoid the crowds of summer, September is a lovely time to visit.