Iceland · Iceland
October
Strong aurora season building, excellent value — the wettest month requires rain gear.
Best match
#6 of 12 months
There are better months for Iceland — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
6°C
Low
2°C
Rain
86mm
Sun
5.8hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How October scores in Iceland
Weather
Average
Value
Excellent
Crowds
Excellent
Events
Above average
Atmosphere
Excellent
What you gain in October
- ↑Aurora season well established with long dark nights — multiple sighting opportunities per week on clear nights
- ↑Prices 35–40% below summer peak; car hire and accommodation at genuinely competitive rates
- ↑Very low tourist volumes: waterfalls, geothermal pools, and coastal roads largely uncrowded
What you sacrifice
- ↓Wettest month of the year (86mm) — rain and wind frequent; outdoor plans require flexibility
- ↓Short days (5.8h sunshine) limit sightseeing hours; landscape photography window narrow
- ↓Most F-roads and highland routes fully closed for the season
How October compares to September (best month)
| Factor | October | September ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 4 | 6 |
| Value | 8 | 6 |
| Crowds | 8 | 7 |
October in other destinations
Lisbon (21.1°C)Barcelona (21.2°C)Tokyo (22.4°C)Bali (31.1°C)Santorini (20.9°C)Paris (16°C)New York (18.5°C)Marrakech (27.1°C)Amsterdam (14.4°C)Maldives (30.3°C)Rome (20.7°C)Bangkok (30.6°C)Istanbul (19.2°C)Vienna (16.1°C)Seoul (18.4°C)Dubrovnik (20.2°C)Rio de Janeiro (27.6°C)Kyoto (22.8°C)Phuket (31.2°C)Cape Town (21.4°C)Prague (14°C)Amalfi Coast (22°C)Mexico City (22°C)Medellín (27°C)Fiji (28°C)London (15°C)Sydney (22°C)Tulum (31°C)Dubai (34°C)Singapore (32°C)Hoi An (29°C)
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Iceland, not across destinations. Methodology →