Iceland in September: 11 expert tips on Northern lights-spotting, glacier hikes, and other fall adventures

September marks the transitional month between summer and winter, and visiting Iceland during this time gives you the best of both worlds. The residual warmth of Iceland’s summer means that many popular summer attractions will still be open, and there’ll still be clear roads that are easy to navigate.

As September is considered the off-season in Iceland, you can expect fewer crowds and lower prices than summer, with the additional benefit of being able to see the magical Northern Lights and stunning fall colors.

Visiting Iceland in September means temperatures are still warmer than usual, with an average high of 53ºF and a low of 44ºF. However, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and winds can be very chilly.

Pack layers to prepare for the erratic weather. Bring along both light (think: T-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts) and warmer layers (fleece, jumpers, thermals) to adapt to the changing weather conditions.

Bring along a waterproof and windproof jacket and good hiking shoes; water-resistant boots are highly recommended. Finally, don’t forget your swimsuits for dips in the various hot springs and pools.

September is the peak season for whale-watching in Reykjavik. You can spot the magnificent blue whales, humpback whales and dolphins during this time. Hop on a whale-watching cruise with a guide to watch these playful mammals.

September is one of the best times to catch the Northern Lights due to darker nights in fall. It’s also a lot warmer to stay out than in the winter months. Boost your chances of catching the Northern Lights by booking a Northern Lights bus tour led by experienced guides. Or catch the aerial displays from the viewing platform of a boat with this night cruise Northern Lights tour.

One of the best things about September is that the water will still be warm, which makes it perfect for soaking in a hot spring or swimming in the many natural pools in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous swimming pool with wonderfully warm water kept at 100°F year-round. To get the most out of your time, go on a tour that will take you around the Golden Circle, including the spectacular Kerid Crater and the Gullfoss Waterfall before ending the day at the Blue Lagoon.

Just a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula boasts volcanic craters, lush valleys and lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and salmon rivers. Rent a car to explore the peninsula or join a tour that will take you to the top attractions, including Djúpalónsandur Bay and Mt. Kirkjufell.

With winter fast approaching, September is your last chance to go kayaking on Icelandic waters. There are multiple tours to choose from, depending on where you'd like to start. Kayaking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon is a popular choice. Or experience the glaciers, icebergs and lakes in Vatanajökull National Park on this glacier kayak tour. Keep your eyes peeled for the curious seals, seabirds, and even Atlantic puffins.

The foliage surrounding Hraunfossar Lava Waterfall is at its best during fall when the hues of orange add to the beauty of the area. The drive to Hraunfossar Lava Waterfalls from Reykjavik is under two hours. Walk around the well-maintained paths and bridges around the waterfall to soak up the charm of this place.

The remote Westfjords in northwest Iceland is breathtaking. In September, the roads are still clear but it will be quieter than in the summer months. Top sights in the Westfjords include the Dynjandi waterfall, Látrabjarg cliffs and Vigur island. Here’s your chance to ride an Icelandic horse: book a private horse riding tour for a beautiful outdoor gallop through the countryside in Ísafjörður.

Hiking through the mountains is a whole new way to experience the beauty of Iceland. Skaftafell National Park is a good place to start and it’s not far from the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. There are multiple hiking routes to choose from and the scenery is always incredible. Want to join like-minded hikers? Book yourself on this small group glacier hike tour and explore the ice sculptures with a certified guide. On the South Coast, Solheimajokull Glacier is great for beginners. Join this small group tour for a memorable experience.

The traditional ice cave season in Iceland runs from November to March, but there are two ice caves that can be explored all year round. For an outstanding experience, hop on a jeep tour from Vik and discover the Katla Ice Cave located in Kötlujökull Glacier. Alternatively, take a day trip from Reykjavik and explore the Langjökull Ice Cave, the world’s largest man-made ice cave located in Langjökull Glacier.

Every September brings Réttir, the annual sheep round-up which continues into October. Icelandic sheep roam free during summer and they need to be rounded up before winter. Farmers will walk or ride their horses around the mountains to herd the sheep back to the farms. And the best part is the whole community can join in this tradition—tourists are invited, too. The Skagafjörður area has some impressive Réttir tradition and is not far from Reykjavik. Bjarteyjarsandur farm and Faxi Waterfall are also excellent places for a Réttir experience.

A symbolic animal of Iceland, the puffins typically arrive in April and leave by early September. They nest along the coastline on the many islands around Iceland, like Heimaey in the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), which has the largest puffin colony in Europe.

Alternatively, the Látrabjarg bird cliffs in Westfjords, which are a little over an hour away from the town of Patreksfjordur, are also home to one of the larger puffin colonies in Iceland. Sign up on a puffin and volcano tour with a local guide to boost your chances of spotting these adorable creatures, or take a puffin cruise to Akurey Island and get up close to the puffins in their natural environment.

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