Iceland · Month comparison
November vs September
September ranks #1 overall vs November at #8. Aurora returns, autumn colours explode, crowds drop — the most atmospheric month in Iceland.
November
#8 of 12 months
Best match
Dark, cold, very cheap — aurora opportunities grow as nights lengthen toward winter.
- ↑Aurora windows increasing as nights approach their longest — multiple sighting chances per week
- ↑Cheapest month for accommodation and flights after the October dip
September
#1 of 12 months
Best match
Aurora returns, autumn colours explode, crowds drop — the most atmospheric month in Iceland.
- ↑Aurora borealis returns from early September as nights grow long enough — first sightings of the new season
- ↑Autumn colours (yellows, reds, oranges across the highlands) peak in September — uniquely photogenic landscapes
| Factor | November | September |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 3 | 6 |
| Value score | 9 | 6 |
| Crowd score | 9 | 7 |
| Events score | 5 | 7 |
| Atmosphere | 7 | 9 |
| Avg high temp | 4°C | 10°C |
| Monthly rain | 81mm | 67mm |
| Daily sunshine | 3.5hrs | 8.5hrs |
November trade-offs
- ↓Only 3.5 hours of sunshine daily — sightseeing is severely restricted; what you see you see in the dark
- ↓Cold and wet: wind chill, ice, and heavy rain make outdoor time challenging
- ↓Limited tourism services: some guesthouses, tour operators, and restaurants on reduced winter hours
September trade-offs
- ↓Temperatures drop quickly (10°C high); warm layers essential and weather windows shorter
- ↓Highland F-roads closing progressively through September — some interior routes blocked by late month
- ↓Aurora is back but not yet at winter frequency — nights still shorter than January–March
Scores compare months within Iceland. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →