Best time to visit Iceland - first half of September!
I have been to Iceland exactly 10 times and have seen it in all months except in June. Whenever you will go, you will have amazing time. Each period has its pros and cons. But there is a period, which in my view is the best - first 15 days of September. I get this question often - so when IS the best time to visit the land of ice and fire. Let me give you some reasons why you should go in September.
- Highlands are still open
While the road ring and Golden Circle have their charm, the most beautiful and wild Iceland you can experience in highlands. Nature is at its best- the colourful mountains, the rivers with mighty waterfalls, blue lakes, volcanos and hidden hot springs. You will need your own 4x4 car - the bigger - the better. Also hiking trails are still open and it’s possible to discover beautiful paths across the whole country. If you are up for the whole day hike - the most famous one is Fimmvordulhals hike of 26 km from Skogar to Thorsmork. Usually highlands close around mid-September when the first snow can appear. Note that they are closed only for tourists that do self-driving. You can still access them via specialised tours that are super expensive.
2. Days are still long
In the first half of September the days are still long and you can do many activities from early morning to late evening. On September 1, the sunrise is at 6:11 AM, and the sunset is at 8:41 PM. You don’t have the midnight sun anymore (believe me - midnight sun is cool for 2 days but then it’s becoming annoying) but the days are still long so you have plenty of time exploring!
3. Pleasant temperatures and not that much rain
The beginning of September can still feel like summer, well, Icelandic summer, so it’s ok to be happy about 13 degrees :-) but you can easily get +17, even in highlands! Of course, you can get a surprise of snow too - more in the north but that’s a small risk to take.
4. It is much cheaper than in full season
It’s not a surprise - Iceland is expensive and for most of people require careful planning of expenses. The cost of accommodation and car rental can be up to 40% less than during the peak months of July and August. Plus in September it will be easier for you to find nicer places to stay! You still need to book early!
5. Less crowds
Personally for me it’s a very important criteria. During the peak season Iceland can feel like a Disneyland. People are everywhere! And while you can escape the crowds if you plan carefully during the season, in September there will be far less people around. And believe me - you don’t want to queue for your pictures in Iceland. You just want to embrace the nature and enjoy the moment.
6. A possibility to see Northern lights
Oh they are magical if you happen to be lucky to see them in a full glory! September is perfect as it is dark in the evening and yet it is not as cold as in winter. You can enjoy the dancing of the green lady in a much more enjoyable way- preferably in a hot tub, of course!
7. Blue berries
Do you like skyr- the Icelandic yoghourt full of proteins? Imagine you can pick your own blueberries from the porch of your cottage and add them to your breakfast bowl! Yes, that is possible in September! There are endless blueberry fields and they are easy to spot on the way. You can just stop the car in a safe place and pick them! You will see Icelanders doing the same! A tip - try blueberry cheesecake that you can find in Netto. It’s amazing!
8. No midges (almost…)
Have you seen pics of tourists with nets on their heads in summer in Iceland? Well, yes, next to wet places like lakes and rivers they will be everywhere in summer! And oh my, they are annoying! In September as it’s getting a bit cooler, they are not there anymore or they are far less!
9. You have a chance to see puffins
Those funny sea clowns leave for their winter gateway early September. With a bit of luck, you can still spot them in the usual places. We have seen them still around mid September at the Reynisfara black beach. They are really fascinating little birds. It’s totally worth to check them out. At the light house of Dyrholaey you can see them 2 m away from you!
So, did I convince you? Get that ticket and go! 😎
My previous trips in September:
Highlands of Iceland - September 2023