Iceland Trip

Iceland Itineraries for September

September is the month many Iceland regulars choose. The aurora season is back, the summer crowds have gone, the moss and birch turn gold and red, and prices drop from their August peak. The Ring Road and Snæfellsnes stay fully open, daylight is still 11 to 14 hours, and the weather, while wetter and windier, is usually fine for driving.

Our editors picked these September plans from real trips for routes that keep the driving comfortable as the days shorten and that leave dark, open-sky evenings for aurora hunting. The highland F-roads begin closing this month, so most of these plans stay on the main roads.

Picked and reviewed by · Iceland Lead & Content Curator· Updated

5–6 days

7 days

8–10 days

11–14 days

15+ days

Frequently asked questions

Is September a good time to see the northern lights in Iceland?

Yes. September is one of the best months: nights are dark from around 9 or 10pm, roads are still mostly clear and statistically the equinox period brings stronger aurora activity. You still need clear skies and a spot away from town lights, and a trip of four or more nights to improve the odds.

Are the F-roads still open in September?

Some are, early in the month, but closures accelerate as highland snow arrives. Kjölur and Landmannalaugar often stay open into late September in a mild year; routes with river crossings close sooner. Always check the status on the morning you drive, and have a non-highland alternative.

What is the weather like in Iceland in September?

Cool and changeable: typical daytime highs of 8 to 12°C, more rain and wind than summer, and the first snow on mountain passes in the north and east late in the month. The Ring Road is normally fine for a 2WD car; pack waterproofs, warm layers and a headlamp for the darker evenings.

Deeper reading on iceland-trip.com

Our sister site covers every place in depth: access, parking, seasons, what to expect. Written by the same team.

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