October is an important time of year for Iceland, as it marks the official end of the summer season and the beginning of winter.
Autumn in Iceland is actually the beginning of the winter season. As the name of our country implies, there is absolutely no shortage of great things to do in Iceland during winter. In fact, many consider this the very best time to take a trip to the land of ice and fire.
Beautiful sunset with Icelandic landscape
Indeed, some of Iceland’s most amazing natural attractions, such as glaciers and ice caves, are at their most spectacular at this time of year, while some of our most curious and exciting wildlife can be spotted, as well as a few unique festivals. So please read on to find out all the best things that Iceland in October has to offer!
October is an excellent time to go to Iceland because it offers both winter and summer activities. You can chase the Northern Lights and also go on boat tours. Here we will discuss where to go in Iceland in October.
The wonderful Northern Lights can only be visible when the sky is dark and clear. Since October is the beginning of the winter season, other, more adventurous winter activities such as glacier hiking, ice climbing and snowmobiling start coming into their own too, meaning visitors will be spoiled for choice! And you don't have to pick one either. You can go snowmobiling and explore ice caves together! To have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, try out these Northern Lights tours.
Northern Lights tour in Iceland
October is the first month after the summer season, meaning all the animals are migrating for the winter, including humpback whales and puffins. But don't get discouraged by this fact since many species, like dolphins, whales, and porpoises, remain to live on the coasts of Iceland and can be seen in October. If you're lucky, you might even see some orcas or blue whales passing by. To get the best chance at seeing some animals, check out these whale-watching tours.
Whale watching boat tour from Dalvik, Iceland
Glaciers are one of the most important things to see in Iceland. Glacier hiking is the best chance to see the breathtaking landscapes and experience life on a glacier. As beautiful as they are, a glacier can also be a dangerous place if you don't know what you're doing. There are hidden crevasses that you can easily fall into, or some ice falls can also happen. That's why it is highly recommended to embark on a glacier expedition with a certified glacier guide. They know their way on the glacier and will ensure your safety every step of the way. Check out the glacier hiking tours to have the best experience possible.
Guided glacier hike at Sólheimajökull glacier in Iceland
Icelandic horses are one of the most cherished creatures in this country. They were brought to Iceland over a thousand years ago and, during this period, developed some unique traits that helped them to survive in, at times, harsh Icelandic conditions. Riding this sturdy and smart animal is one of the unique experiences you can get in Iceland. Check out these horse riding tours to have the best options.
Small group of people horse riding in Iceland
Snorkeling and diving are among the most popular activities in Iceland all year round. You can snorkel and dive in many places around the world, but only in Silfra can you swim between two continents. Silfra fissure, located within Thingvellir National Park, is a result of two tectonic places drifting apart, North American and Eurasian. The water in this fissure is so clear that it is possible to see 100 meters (or 325 feet) beneath the surface! Try it for yourself with these snorkeling and diving tours in Silfra.
Snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure between two tectonic plates, Iceland
When planning any trip or vacation, it is always a good idea to plan ahead in order to make the most out of the limited time available to you. With that in mind, we have created several itineraries which we feel will help visitors experience the best that Iceland has to offer. Browse more of our multi-day tours for an extensive Iceland experience.
For those who are only stopping over for a long weekend or a midweek break, the 3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour brings you to some of Iceland’s most amazing natural wonders, including Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the Diamond Beach and the Geysir Hot Springs.
Crystal clear ice cave in Iceland
This tour provides ample opportunity to go glacier hiking and ice caving during the day, while setting you up for your best opportunity to see the Northern Lights in the evening
If you’re planning on staying a little longer, the 4-Day Tour of Iceland’s South Coast should be right up your alley. This fantastic sightseeing tour incorporates everything from the 3-day tour, but with the added bonus of a trip to Iceland’s fabled secret lagoon!
Secret Lagoon during summer, Iceland
If you’re looking to experience the majority of Iceland, and not limit yourself just to the south coast, then we would recommend a longer stay so you can fit it all in - a 5 Day Tour of Iceland should do just the trick! This way, you can experience everything the south of Iceland has to offer, from the beautiful black sand beaches to the capital city of Reykjavik, as well as a selection of great attractions found in Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula, such as Hellnar Village and the Krauma Nature Resort. If you want to spend your 5 days discovering Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn and more, then check out our site-seeing tour.
Mt. Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in Grundarfjörður, Iceland
If you plan on spending a full week in Iceland during October, then you are in for a treat! That should give you just enough time to circumnavigate the entire country. The 7-Day Complete Tour of Iceland takes you from Reykjavik, across the South Coast and all the way up to Dalvik, one of Iceland’s most northern points.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall in South Coast of Iceland
The tour includes everything you could want from an autumn trip to Iceland, including Skaftafell National Park, the Crystal Ice Cave, a whole host of majestic waterfalls and a spot of whale watching.
Traditionally, October is not considered the busiest month in the Icelandic calendar when it comes to festivals and events. Since the days start getting shorter and the temperatures start to get colder during this time of year, outdoor concerts are in short supply.
That said, there are a couple of major Icelandic events which take place in October, both of which attract many visitors from all over the world:
If you're thinking of visiting Reykjavik in October, here's another reason why you should do it. Every October, Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik’s Videy Island bears witness to the spectacle that is the lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower This amazing lights show was conceived by world-famous artist and peace advocate Yoko Ono as a loving tribute to her late husband John Lennon.
Lights show of the Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavik
Taking the shape of a wishing well, the Imagine Peace Tower is a literal shining beacon made to visualize world peace, while the name comes from John Lennon’s iconic song ‘Imagine’. The ‘tower’ itself is made up of multiple lights which shine upward, forming a beam that rises high into the night sky. Due to Iceland’s unique and ever-changing weather conditions, no two light shows are the same, making each visit to the Imagine Peace tower a uniquely wonderful experience.
The Imagine Peace Tower is lit every year on the 9th of October, to mark John Lennon’s birthday, and runs until the 9th of December, which marks the anniversary of John Lennon’s tragic death. It is a spectacle quite unlike anything else on Earth!
If you're looking for things to do in Reykjavik in October, here might be an idea for you. While it kicks off in September, RIFF, also known as the Reykjavik International Film Festival, runs into October. As many film festivals are hosted all over the world, the Reykjavik International Film Festival is an annual showcase that features movies produced by both local and international filmmakers. The festival has its own awards night too, with talented winners receiving the coveted Golden Puffin statue.
Reykjavik International Film Festival, Iceland
Like most things in Iceland, RIFF has a certain uniqueness to it as well. Films screenings take place in a combination of traditional movie theater / cinema setups and less conventional locations, such as swimming pool halls and hot baths - now that's a different way to watch a movie!
As the summer season is still winding down in late September, the average daily temperatures are cool, but not overly chilly, coming in between 2.2 °c (about 36 Fahrenheit) and 6.8 °c (about 44.2 Fahrenheit). With that in mind, October could be considered Fall or Autumn, as far as Iceland is concerned.
In the early days of October, you can expect to see about 11 hours of daylight. By the end of the month though it’s closer to 8. No matter which end of October you spend in Iceland, you will have plenty of time to take part in all of the great daytime activities which our country has to offer!
Snowmobiling tour in Iceland
While you’re here, you should always make sure to ‘bookend’ your days by viewing the beautiful Icelandic sunrises and sunsets. They're worth waking up early for and there’s no better way to wind down and finish your day than taking in one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets.
What’s especially cool about this time of year is that there's plenty of light during the day, but the night time brings enough darkness to see the mesmerizing Northern Lights very clearly, so we would strongly recommend taking a Northern Lights tour to make the most of this amazing opportunity. In fact, many consider this the best time of year to see the Northern Lights (and the best place to see them too!).
Bright green Northern Light in Iceland
As is the case when visiting Iceland during any month of the year, your number one clothing priority should be a comfortable, durable and, preferably, waterproof pair of shoes. As pretty much any Icelandic activity will involve walking on uneven terrain, this is not a time for fancy footwear such as high heels! You should always opt for form over function, especially as the winter season starts to roll in.
It is much less likely to snow at this time of year than it is to rain. While not unheard of, you will be unlikely to encounter thick or heavy snowfall when you visit Iceland in October. However, as is always the way when you visit the land of ice and fire, you should always expect the unexpected and pack accordingly!
Couple posing near Kerid crater in Iceland
Statistically speaking, October is the wettest month of the Icelandic calendar, and it is quite windy too, so a combination of layers and waterproofing is strongly recommended. Removable clothing that can be stored away easily, such as hats, scarves and gloves are good additions to your October ensemble as well. While you may not always need them, you’re better off having them and not needing them than the other way around!
Driving around Iceland in October is quite a gamble. You'll never know what you'll get - heavy rain, snowfall, or the strong winds. That's why many people who travel to Iceland in October choose guided tours instead of driving themselves.
As we said earlier, October is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, so taking a Northern Lights tour should be your absolute top priority. Of course, Northern Lights tours take place at night, so that leaves plenty of time to explore Iceland’s winter wonders during the daylight hours.
October is the month when Iceland starts to earn the ‘ice’ part of its name. It is at this time of year when the winter season starts to kick in meaning glacier tours and ice cave tours start to operate. Remember though, that October is only the beginning of the winter season, so some ice caves may not be open to public tours yet. It is always a good idea to get in touch with your tour operator to find out which activities offer the best value for money.
Glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull glacier covered in volcanic ash, Iceland
As it is the beginning of the winter season, other, more adventurous winter activities such as glacier hiking, ice climbing and snowmobiling start coming into their own too, meaning visitors will be spoiled for choice!
For those who are interested in nature tourism, October is something of a ‘last chance saloon when it comes to seeing some of Iceland’s most iconic animals. It is the last month where you can see our adorable puffins before they migrate away for the winter. The same can be said of our whale watching tours; while some species of whale live in Icelandic waters all year-round, others will migrate off to warmer waters in November, so October is a good time to try and get a look at these gentle giants.
Group of Puffins on a cliff in Iceland
October is also a very good time of year to look for Iceland’s most famous and enigmatic animal, the arctic fox. It is this time of year when the foxes change color, from their brown spring-summer appearance to their fluffier white coat. Arctic foxes can be hard to spot, as they are master camouflage artists, so your best bet is to head out with an experienced guide on an arctic fox-watching trip.
Seeing as you are still reading this blog, we think you might be interested in coming to visit us this October. Why not browse our fantastic selection of adventure tours suitable for Iceland’s winter season.
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