Iceland in October

Iceland in October: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Heading to Iceland in October? You’re in the right place.

October is a good time to visit Iceland in many ways because the summer rush is over, and although it’s chilly, it’s not as cold as the winter months.

The unique thing about Iceland during the month of October is that it’s considered a ‘shoulder month’ – you can enjoy both summer and winter activities:

  • whale watching
  • seeing the Northern Lights
  • snorkelling or diving in Silfra (between two continents)

Most of the activities above tend to be very seasonal and October is a unique time where you can do all of them.

glacier lagoon

Having been lucky to travel to Iceland and experience a number of year-round activities, I want to share with you what you need to know about going to Iceland in October.

So, lets jump in – Iceland in October!

Weather and Temperature in October in Iceland

Here’s what you need to know about Iceland in October:

  • The average temperature sits at an average high of 7°C (44.6°F) and a low of 2°C (35.6°F), so it’s quite chilly.
  • Snow is possible, but it’s much more likely to rain
  • October is the wettest month of the year; lots of drizzle and wind
  • You should come prepared for rain, as the average rainfall is 0.7 inches per day during this time of year. 
  • The weather and temperature can change drastically throughout the day and is unpredictable. It can be showering one minute, and sunny the next.

Good to Know: Unlike other countries in the fall, Iceland does not typically have fall foliage in most places in October. You’re more likely to see fall foliage in Iceland from late August to mid-September.

Iceland with kids

What to Pack for Iceland in Fall 

With the variable weather conditions, it is best to pack lots of different clothes. Planning to wear layers is best, so you can vary your outfit throughout the day. This allows you to add or remove clothes, as the weather fluctuates.

Of course, what you want to pack will depend on the activities you want to do, but here are a few tips to get you started.

  • To begin, warm clothing is a must. At a minimum, you should pack a warm jacket, thermal layers, and waterproof pants for outdoor excursions.
  • A great pair of hiking boots with support can help keep you warm and stop you from slipping around while you’re hiking.
  • Layer on some nice wool socks to keep warm.
  • Gloves or mittens, a nice hat, and a scarf are invaluable; you’ll be sorely missing these items if you forget to pack them. 
  • Raincoat or poncho to wear overtop of warm clothing in case it rains
  • Make sure you’ve got a bathing suit and a pair of sandals, in case you want to visit Blue Lagoon or another hot spring
You can soak in the heated waters of Blue Lagoon any time of year

Pro Tip: Don’t bother bringing an umbrella to Iceland during this time of year. With the wind, umbrellas are practically useless

Things to Do in Iceland in October

1.Take a whale-watching tour

For animal lovers, Iceland in October is a haven for natural life. Since October marks the end of summer, many migratory animals begin making their way out of the country at this time.

Because the animals are on the move, it is a great time to head out on a tour and try to get a glimpse of them. In fact, there are over 20 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises that pass through Iceland regularly, so you’re likely to see something.

whale watching

If you’re interested in a whale-watching excursion, you’ll be spoiled for choice as well. There are tours that leave from all around the country, including Reykjavik and Akureyri, with high-speed boats or more standard, calm boats.

Akureyri in north Iceland is seen as the whale-watching capital of the country, but there are tours from Reykjavik too.

Book your whale-watching tour from Reykjavik here

Alternative to whale watching

If you want to learn more about whales without getting on the water, consider visiting the Whales of Iceland Museum in Reykjavik~

With life-sized models and lots of interactive exhibits, you’ll get to know the whales at this fascinating exhibit.

whale

The Whales of Iceland Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm most days (excluding holidays).

We came here while we were in Reykjavik with my 7-year-old daughter. It’s a great way to escape the cold for an afternoon and learn about these majestic creatures.

2. Spend a day in Vik

Vik a small town located about 2.5 hours east of Reykjavik. The name ‘vik’ in Icelandic means ‘bay.’

Vik is one of the most visited towns in Iceland. Its right on the ocean, and surrounded by mountains and a lot of natural beauty.

Black Sand Beach
balsat columns vik

Read my post on things to do in Vik.

If you’re not planning on driving, then there are several reputable day tours from Reykjavik which take you the above attractions.

3. Try to see the Northern Lights

Most visitors to Iceland dream of seeing the Northern Lights, and October is the beginning of the season when your chances of seeing them get higher.

A lot of things need to be in place in order to see the Northern Lights. I would never recommend planning a whole trip around them, but I would recommend giving it a try.

Northern Lights in Iceland

You can book Northern Lights tours leaving directly from Reykjavik, or you can simply try to see them from the porch of the Airbnb or hotel balcony where you’re staying.

In our case, we pulled over in a car to see them.

Keep in mind that smaller format tours, (for example a super jeep instead of a bus) tend to offer better views, since they can get to less accessible locations and further away from any light pollution that could detract from the view. 

Check availability for Northern Lights small-group tour from Reykjavik here

northern lights in iceland

Pro Tip: If you’re dead set on seeing the Northern Lights, consider booking your Northern Lights tour on one of your first nights in Iceland (if not the very first night). Most companies will give you the option to join another night, if you don’t see the lights on your first excursion.

Use the online Aurora Borealis tracker to get an idea of which nights they’ll be visible.

4. Take a Boat Tour on Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the deepest lake in the country, spotted with icebergs. Taking a boat tour on this lagoon offers stunning views of the ice sculptures all around.

A boat tour of Jokulsarlon Lagoon is a popular summer activity, and October is generally the last month these tours are offered!

glacier lagoon

One bonus about doing these tours in October is that the sunset at the end of the day creates beautiful colours reflecting on the water. 

There are two common ways to go boating on Glacier Lagoon:

  • amphibious vessel
  • zodiac

Both experiences have their benefits. An amphibious vessel can be really fun, but the zodiac will be a more personalized, intimate experience. 

Book a tour from Reykjavik here, or you can book directly if you’re already driving out that way.

5. Do a Diving (or Snorkeling) Excursion

If you’re not afraid to brave the cold weather and get into the water, then snorkelling or diving in Silfra (between two plates) is still possible in October.

The water is very clear in Silfra, which creates a very unique snorkel and diving experience.

Mind you, it will be cold in October, as it is any time of year. The water’s around  2-4 °C (35 to 39°F.) so you need to be bundled up warmly.

You can read about what you’re provided with at Silfra to stay warm here. You can also book your diving or snorkelling with them directly too.

6. Spend time in North and East Iceland

East and North Iceland are particularly good places to visit in Iceland in October because they’re more forested and therefore less wet and windy than the south at that time of year.

husavik

Don’t get me wrong – easy and north Iceland are cold; usually even colder than the south.

But it may not be a bad idea to head there if you have the time (at least 7 days in Iceland.)

The best places to see in North Iceland are:

  • Husavik– is famous for its whale watching, which you can still do all month in October
  • Akureyri– known as the capital of North Iceland.

The two are about 1-hour drive from each other. Somewhere central to stay is Fljótsbakki Farm Hotel, which is 30 minutes to Husavik and Akureyi, as well as the Godafoss waterfall.

7. Explore the Capital, Reykjavik

A lot of the best things to do in Iceland in October are beyond the capital city. However, you shouldn’t skip out on getting to know Reykjavik as well.

Spending some time in Reykjavik will allow you to get to know Icelandic culture.

There’s lots to do in Reykjavik with kids, or as adults. Here are a few ideas:

  • Take a walk along the sea wall, and see the famous Sun Voyager sculpture.
  • Get a better idea of Iceland’s natural beauty and glaciers at the Perlan Interactive Nature Museum
  • Go shopping on Laugavegur street for some traditional Icelandic souvenirs

Spending some time in the city will also allow you to grab some unique, Icelandic cuisine

All in all, exploring Reykjavik will bring you closer to Icelandic culture, and it shouldn’t be left out of any trip to Iceland!

8. Check Out the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle contains some of the most iconic sights of Iceland, and its accessible, and well-maintained year-round (including October.)

Geysir

The main things to see on the Golden Circle are:

  • Gulfoss Waterfall, by far one of the best waterfalls in Iceland
  • The Geysir (pictured above), where you can watch water explode of the ground every 15 minutes
  • Thingvellir National Park, where you can snorkel in Silfra and also go hiking

You probably need a full day to see everything on the Golden Circle. We stayed nearby, and visited a few of the attractions on separate days. You can also book a day trip from Reykjavik (usually 7-10 hours long, depending on the tour)

9. Explore an Ice Cave

Ice caves are extremely beautiful, with astonishing ice forms and constantly changing views. 

The only ice cave in Iceland that is accessible year-round is the Kalta Ice Cave. Kalta is part of the Myrdalsjökull Glacier in the south of Icelandic highlands. (About 2 hours east of Reykjavik.)

Besides Katla, most ice cave touring companies do not begin excursions until November, since higher temperatures make them more dangerous to explore.

Katla Ice Cave has beautiful stripes, composed of black volcanic ash, running through the walls, which creates a gorgeous contrast to the deep blue hues.  

If you’re not able to make an ice cave experience happen in October, another option is to visit a man-made “Into the Glacier” experience.

It is also a special activity because the ice caves change daily and never appear exactly the same. Sadly, with rising temperatures, it’s not even guaranteed that an ice cave you could visit this year will be accessible to visitors next year. 🙁

10. Take a jeep tour in the highlands

The ‘highlands’ of Iceland are in the centre of the country, and they have dramatic and otherworldly-looking landscapes.

Although hiking in the Icelandic highlands is normally a summer activity, Iceland in October is still warm enough to make it possible, as long as it’s a shorter hike of a few hours or less.

I wouldn’t plan for hiking in the highlands in October, but I would definitely consider it a bonus in case it is possible during your trip.

There is a lot of drizzle which sometimes leads to F-roads being closed.

One of the most popular spots for hiking is the Thorsmork Valley, which is just 2 hours east of Reykjavik and still accessible in October.

If you want to get this experience without hiking, you can also find super jeep tours that will take you to the same sights, just with fewer steps. 

Pro Tip: Multi-day hikes aren’t usually suitable for Iceland in fall, because of how cold it can get at night.

11. Tour a lava cave

Too many people go to Iceland and forget about seeing a lava cave! Lava tunnels in Iceland are fascinating because they were formed millions of years ago.

You can only enter them with a guide, and they give you the needed equipment which includes a flashlight.

There is a lava cave just north of Reykjavik called Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel.

You can book a tour here to visit it. (Costs about $150 per person for a 3 hour tour. Runs year round, including October!)

12. See a canyon

Iceland has some of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever seen, and this includes deep canyons.

Fjaðrárgljúfur, Sigoldugljufur Canyon and Studlagil (pictured above) are some of the best ones to visit – but there are several others.

Check out a longer list of the best canyons in Iceland to see here.

13. Celebrate Halloween

Halloween hasn’t traditionally been a holiday celebrated in Iceland, but its become more popular in recent years; especially in Reykjavik.

If you are a solo or group of adults only, then consider heading to bars or dance clubs in Reykjavik if you’re in Iceland around the Halloween. You’ll likely see people wearing costume.

If you’re in Iceland with kids, you might not find a whole lot geared to kids for Halloween in Iceland.

vik

Sample Itineraries for Iceland in October

Here are some ideas of where to allocate your time in Iceland, and which order to visit the attractions in.

1. How to spend a week or less in Iceland in fall

If you have a week or less, then I would do something like this:

Reykjavik and Golden Circle (2.5- 3 days)

Blue Lagoon (1/2 day)
Explore Reykjavik (at least one full day)
Tour the Golden Circle (one full day)

Vik and surrounding area (1-2 days)

-Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls (these two waterfalls are located on the way to Vik from Reykjavik, so I would stop at them on the way.) Give yourself 45 minutes – 1 hour at each one
-Explore Black Sands Beach, and downtown Vik
-Do a tour of the Solheimajokull Glacier (1/2 day) We did this and it was amazing! Kids have to be at least 10 years old, although they allowed my 7 year old to participate

Last full day in Iceland
-Drive to the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (1 hour from Vik), and give yourself at least 2 hours to spend there exploring. After that, drive back to Reykjavik (3.5 hours) to be ready for head home.

Check out my 5-day South Iceland itinerary for more details on fitting all of the above in.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

2. One to two weeks in Iceland

If you have between 1-2 weeks to spend in Iceland, then I would follow similar plans plan as above for the first week.

Instead of driving back to Reykjavik after the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon on day 6, I would head to Glacier Lagoon.

Spend a few hours at Glacier Lagoon, before making your way to Höfn, which is in east Iceland. Stay overnight in Höfn (this hotel looks great) because the next day will be a long driving day.

Read my 7-day Iceland itinerary for a compact one week to see the best of Iceland.

Where to Stay in Iceland in October

Staying in southeast Iceland makes a good home base, because you can tour Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the south Iceland coast

Budget: Blue House B&B (Reykjavik) has beautiful views, and simple but clean Icelandic-style rooms. Close to many of the attractions you hope to see

Mid-Range: Frost and Fire Hotel – has two hot tubs and a sauna. Perfect for warming up after a chilly day outside exploring

Luxury: Hótel Katla by Keyhotels Outdoor hot tubs and sauna, located just 5 km (3 miles) from the village of Vik. Breakfast is also included

Iceland

Iceland in October FAQ

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting Iceland in autumn; specifically October

Is October a good time to go to Iceland?

October is a good time to go to Iceland, as long as you don’t mind the chilly weather, and some rain. A bonus about October in Iceland is that you can its the shoulder season for whale watching, ice caves, boating, and seeing the Northern Lights.

Iceland in October

Final Thoughts: Exploring Iceland in Fall 

As you can see, you shouldn’t let the cooler temperatures scare you away from Iceland in fall! When the days start to get shorter and the temperatures drop in Iceland, you get to experience the magic of summer and winter activities all at once.

You can spend the morning hiking through the Highlands and round out your evening gazing up at the Northern Lights. It’s a truly unique destination at any time of year, but especially the fall.

celand is a stunning destination, offering some of the best natural sights and wonders around the world. Pack your warm clothing, layers, and raincoats, and get ready to have the getaway of your life with Iceland in October!