Visiting Iceland in October offers a unique and captivating experience, characterized by its transitional weather, diminished crowds, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.
Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland
January in IcelandFebruary in IcelandMarch in IcelandApril in IcelandMay in IcelandJune in IcelandJuly in IcelandAugust in IcelandSeptember in Iceland
Weather and Average Temperature
Temperature Range: October in Iceland sees average temperatures ranging from 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F). The weather is cool and often wet, with frequent rain showers.Weather Variability: Expect variable weather conditions. Days can be crisp and clear or windy and rainy.

Daylight Hours in October in Iceland
Decreasing Daylight: October marks a significant shift in daylight hours in Iceland. The month starts with about 11.5 hours of daylight and ends with around 8 hours, signaling the approach of the darker winter months.
What to Wear in Iceland During October
Layered Clothing: Essential for adapting to Iceland's unpredictable weather. Include waterproof and windproof jackets, warm sweaters, thermal underlayers, and sturdy, waterproof footwear.Accessories: Don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves for extra warmth, especially when exploring outdoors.My Ultimate Packing Checklist is linked in the show notes and will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the winter list, especially toward the end of the month because it is noticeably colder and darker.


Road Conditions & Driving in October
Road Conditions: Generally stable, but be prepared for occasional icy patches or snow, especially in northern regions.Driving Tips: Stay updated with the weather forecast and road conditions. Daylight hours are decreasing, so plan your travels accordingly. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for more rugged terrains.
Expert Trip Planning Tip for Iceland in October
Due to decent day light hours, good road conditions, and relatively warm weather, October can be a nice shoulder season month for people to visit who want to avoid the crowds. Driving to different parts of the country is still quite easy, meaning hardly any snow or ice, especially during the beginning and middle of the month. So, I recommend renting a car or a camper van.

The Best Company to Rent a Car or Camper Van in Iceland
Go Car Rental Iceland
If you plan to explore Iceland on your own when you visit, I highly recommend using Go Car Rental Iceland. They are a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.
Go Campers - Camper Van Rental
If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that.

Why You Should Visit Iceland in October
Less Crowded: With the high season tapering off, you'll find fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty more peacefully.Aurora Borealis: The darkening skies increase the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, a truly magical experience.Autumn Colors: The landscape turns into a beautiful palette of autumn colors,