Autumn in Iceland
Autumn in Iceland - What to Do and What to Expect
Autumn in Iceland is like no other season. It’s our personal favorite! The midnight sun has set, the winter darkness hasn’t yet arrived, and the landscapes put on one of the most dramatic shows you’ll ever see!
It’s a season of contrasts - warm cafés vs. chilly nights, quiet countryside vs. lively Reykjavík, and cozy wool sweaters vs. adventure-ready gear. If you’re planning a trip between September and November, here’s everything you need to know (and a few tips from us at Sleipnir Tours to make it unforgettable).
The Weather - Expect the Unexpected
If there’s one thing Icelanders love to say, it’s: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” Autumn embodies this perfectly.
- September often feels like late summer in disguise, with mild temperatures (10–13°C) and long, golden days.
- October is sweater weather-expect more rain, cooler winds, and snow making its first appearances on higher ground.
- November brings a true winter preview: short daylight hours, icy mornings, and the kind of crisp air that makes hot chocolate taste even better.
Pack like you’re heading into four seasons in one day. Think layers, waterproofs, sturdy boots, and don’t forget a hat (you’ll thank yourself on the glacier).
Read More about what to pack for your trip to Iceland
Northern Lights Season Begins 🌌
Here’s the magic: autumn is the start of aurora season. The skies are dark enough from mid-September onwards for the Northern Lights to dance across them.
Imagine this: you’ve just returned from a day exploring Langjökull Glacier with Sleipnir Tours, and as you step outside your hotel at night, the sky erupts in green, purple, and pink ribbons of light. It’s a front-row ticket to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring shows—and autumn offers the best chance to catch it without the bitter cold of deep winter.
Read more about how to see the northern lights in Iceland .
Read more about how to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
Fewer Crowds, More Space
By autumn, the height of the summer rush has eased. That means you get more of Iceland’s iconic spots to yourself. Gullfoss waterfall thunders just as powerfully in October as in July -but you’ll share the view with fewer selfie sticks. Hot springs, hiking trails, and black-sand beaches also feel more peaceful.
For tours like ours at Sleipnir, autumn is a sweet spot: we can take you deep onto Langjökull in our eight-wheeled monster truck, and you’ll experience the glacier’s vast, icy expanse with fewer groups around. It’s just you, the ice, and endless views.
What to Do in Autumn in Iceland
Here are some highlights to pack into your itinerary:
1. Glacier Adventures with Sleipnir
Of course, we’re a little biased - but there’s nothing like climbing aboard the world’s largest glacier truck and driving straight onto Langjökull. Autumn makes it even more special: snow is beginning to settle, the air is crisp, and visibility can stretch for miles. Our guides share glacier secrets, Icelandic stories, and make sure you’re warm and safe the whole way.
2. Golden Circle with an Autumn Twist
Þingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall are spectacular in every season - but in autumn, they shine with fall colors. Think steaming geysers framed by orange moss and waterfalls surrounded by golden cliffs.
Read more about the Golden Circle on our blog!
3. Hot Springs and Pools
There’s no better time to soak in Iceland’s geothermal pools. Whether it’s the Secret Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, or a hidden hot pot you stumble across on a road trip, slipping into warm water while autumn winds swirl around you is peak Icelandic comfort.
Tips for Autumn Travelers
- Daylight Hours Shrink Fast - September gives you nearly 13 hours of light, but by November, you’ll only have 6-7. Plan activities accordingly.
- Rent a 4x4 - Roads can get icy. If you’re driving to meet us at Gullfoss for your Sleipnir adventure, you’ll be glad for the extra grip.
- Don’t Overpack Fashion - Iceland is practical. Cozy sweaters, waterproof jackets, and boots will serve you better than five pairs of jeans. Do bring a pair of jeans, though! You want to travel light or don´t have all that heavy gear? Why not rent it?
IcelandCover delivers the best clothing for your Iceland travel, right to your hotel!
- Book Tours Early - Autumn is calmer than summer, but the best glacier tours (👋 that’s us!) still fill up fast.
Why Autumn + Sleipnir = The Perfect Match
Autumn in Iceland is about contrasts, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with Sleipnir Tours. Our glacier trucks give you the comfort of heated, panoramic seating while you journey into a raw and wild landscape. You get both adventure and ease, thrill and coziness - all in one unforgettable trip.
So whether you’re chasing Northern Lights, exploring waterfalls in their autumn glow, or standing on top of Langjökull with snow crunching under your boots, one thing’s certain: Iceland in autumn is the kind of memory that sticks with you forever!
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