September is autumn in fast-forward. The highland grasses turn gold and red, northern lights return to the darkening skies, and tourist numbers drop sharply after the summer rush. With 11–14 hours of daylight, prices falling, and the landscape dressed in its most dramatic autumn palette, September is many repeat visitors' favourite month.
Weather & Conditions
Daylight
Highlights
- Northern lights season begins
- Autumn colours across the highlands and lowlands
- Prices dropping from summer peaks
- Fewer crowds at major attractions
- Last chance for highland F-roads before winter closure
Warnings
Highland F-roads closing — most close late September or early October
Weather becoming unpredictable
Some tours and services reducing schedules
Darker evenings mean earlier driving cutoffs
What You Can See
- Northern lights: Yes! The season opens. Dark nights return with enough frequency for good viewing.
- Midnight sun: No.
- Puffins: Gone — departed in August.
- Whales: Still good, especially early September.
- Wildlife: Reindeer, seals. Birdlife thinning as migrants leave.
- Landscape: Autumn colours peak mid-September. Golden grasses, red blueberry bushes, dusted snow on peaks. Dramatic.
What's Open & Closed
Recommended Routes
What to Pack
Transitional gear — warm fleece, waterproof shell, hat and gloves for evening northern lights hunts. Pack for temperatures from 2°C to 12°C in the same day.
7 Days in Iceland in September
- Day 1
Arrive → Reykjavík → northern lights hunt.
- Day 2
Golden Circle — autumn colours at Þingvellir.
- Day 3
South Coast — Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara.
- Day 4
Jökulsárlón → Diamond Beach → Skaftafell.
- Day 5
East fjords — autumn colours, quiet roads.
- Day 6
Mývatn → Akureyri.
- Day 7
Snæfellsnes or return to Reykjavík → depart.
Budget Snapshot
Crowds & Pricing
Shoulder season returns. Prices 20–30% below summer. Accommodation more available. Early September still busy; late September much quieter.
September is when Iceland stops being a summer destination and becomes something more nuanced. The crowds thin, the prices drop, and the landscape transforms — gold, red, and bronze replacing the uniform green of July. The highland grasses in particular are spectacular, painting entire valleys in warm autumn tones that last only a few weeks.
And then there are the northern lights. After months of midnight sun, the darkness returns, and with it the aurora. September's displays can be powerful — the solar activity doesn't care about the calendar, and the first big aurora storm of the season often catches September visitors by surprise. Check the vedur.is aurora forecast nightly and get away from Reykjavík's light pollution.
The key tension in September is that the highlands are closing while the lowlands are at their autumn best. If Landmannalaugar is on your list, aim for early September — by mid-month, the F-roads may already be shut. For the Ring Road and coastal attractions, September is near-perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September a good time to visit Iceland?
September is excellent — autumn colours, northern lights returning, fewer crowds, and lower prices. The main trade-off is shorter days and more unpredictable weather compared to summer.
Can you see northern lights in September?
Yes. September marks the return of northern lights season. The later in the month, the better — longer, darker nights increase your chances.