Month guide · Reykjavík · Iceland
Reykjavík in September
What September is really like in Reykjavík: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jóhann Heiðar Árnason, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit Reykjavík. Expect average highs of 11°C (52°F), lows of 6°C (43°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 12.9 hours of daylight. Autumn colours, fewer visitors and the return of dark nights and the northern lights.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 11°C (52°F) / 6°C (43°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 12.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 10°C (50°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Reykjavík: days average 11°C (52°F) against a yearly average high of 8°C (46°F), and nights fall to about 6°C (43°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 30 days. Compared with August (14°C (57°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 7°C (45°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:51
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:55
- Daylight
- About 12.9 hours
- Sea
- 10°C (50°F)
Autumn (September–October). Autumn colours, darker nights for the aurora and fewer visitors, with rising wind and rain by October.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Reykjavík International Film Festival (usually late September to early October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Gallery · Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Check whether your ticket covers all three sites and visit Kjarvalsstaðir in Klambratún park the same day.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Rainy day
Museum · Grandi
Whales of Iceland
Life-size models of 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters hang in a dimly lit hall in the Grandi harbour district, including a blue whale model of around 25 metres.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
Religious site · Skólavörðuholt
Hallgrímskirkja
Go up the tower on a clear morning; on cloudy days the view is short and the queue is long.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Landmark · Sæbraut
Sun Voyager
Jón Gunnar Árnason's stainless-steel sculpture of a skeletal Viking-style ship stands on the seafront path along Sæbraut, facing Mount Esja across the bay.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Couples
What to pack
For highs near 11°C, lows near 6°C and 13 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Reykjavík?
One of the best months to visit Reykjavík, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–August. Compare every month.
Reykjavík in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Reykjavík?
It is one of the best months to visit Reykjavík. Autumn colours, fewer visitors and the return of dark nights and the northern lights.
+How warm is Reykjavík in September?
Average highs are around 11°C (52°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in September?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.