Iceland · Iceland
September
Aurora returns, autumn colours explode, crowds drop — the most atmospheric month in Iceland.
Best match
#1 of 12 months
September is one of the best times to visit Iceland.
Climate
High
10°C
Low
5°C
Rain
67mm
Sun
8.5hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How September scores in Iceland
Weather
Good
Value
Good
Crowds
Very good
Events
Very good
Atmosphere
Outstanding
What you gain in September
- ↑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
- ↑Reykjavik Marathon (mid-September); crowds significantly lower than July–August, prices 25–30% below peak
What you sacrifice
- ↓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
September in other destinations
Lisbon (24.6°C)Barcelona (25.5°C)Tokyo (28.1°C)Bali (30.4°C)Santorini (24.1°C)Paris (21.6°C)New York (23.9°C)Marrakech (31.6°C)Amsterdam (18.8°C)Maldives (30.2°C)Rome (26.5°C)Bangkok (31°C)Istanbul (24.2°C)Vienna (22.1°C)Seoul (25.1°C)Dubrovnik (24.9°C)Rio de Janeiro (27.3°C)Kyoto (28.6°C)Phuket (31°C)Cape Town (19°C)Prague (21°C)Amalfi Coast (27°C)Mexico City (22°C)Medellín (28°C)Fiji (27°C)London (20°C)Sydney (20°C)Tulum (32°C)Dubai (39°C)Singapore (32°C)Hoi An (31°C)
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Iceland, not across destinations. Methodology →