What defines autumn

Visit Iceland's mid-season guide says autumn begins at a variable time, and winter weather can arrive as early as the beginning of September. In August the midnight sun ends and daylight drops to about 15 hours, and by late August the northern lights become likely to be seen. The September equinox offers ideal viewing conditions. The same guide notes that September and October are among the busiest months of the year, while the September page describes it as quieter than the peak summer months, so book the first half of September earlier than the second. Month pages: September, October and November.

Roads

Highland F-roads are open until mid-September and then close; Safe Travel Iceland says they are usually closed from mid-September until June or July. Storms and snow can still close roads on the Ring Road, and Visit Iceland recommends a four-wheel-drive vehicle. In November, Safe Travel Iceland advises winter equipment such as winter tires and reminds drivers that a 4x4 does not prevent skidding on ice. Read Iceland F-roads and how to get around Iceland.

Autumn traditions

  • Berry picking: runs from mid-August to mid-September, depending on the previous summer.
  • Réttir: the sheep round-ups, held at the beginning of September, when farmers bring sheep and horses down from the mountains.
  • Campsites: open until the end of September.
  • Foliage: the colours suit hiking before the snow arrives.

Tours that keep running

Whale watching continues in September from Reykjavík, Húsavík, Akureyri and Dalvík. Glacier hiking and kayaking tours are still running in September; in October glacier hiking, snowmobiling, Silfra snorkelling and natural ice cave tours are available; in November ice cave season typically begins, while Jökulsárlón boat tours wind down. See whale watching, ice cave tours and glacier hikes.

Northern lights

The season runs from September to April. Near Reykjavík, Visit Iceland names Öskjuhlíð and Grótta, with Þingvellir, Kleifarvatn and Hvalfjörður for darker skies. Guided options are in northern lights tours.

Costs

Flights, accommodation and rental cars are generally cheaper outside summer, and there is a wider choice of hotels and guesthouses. Compare with Iceland trip cost.

A tour to book

For autumn we recommend the Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach tour, because the lagoon boat season ends in October or early November: 4.7 out of 5 from 4,020 reviews, from €179 on 6 November 2026. See Jökulsárlón.

Which month?

  • September: the most daylight, the last highland weeks, whales and aurora.
  • October: the aurora and the first ice caves, with 8 to 11 hours of light.
  • November: the most dark hours, the lowest prices and the shortest days.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Planning the interior for late September or later.
  • Leaving the Jökulsárlón boat for November.
  • Counting on a 4x4 for ice.
  • Booking campsites after September.

FAQ

Is autumn a good time to visit Iceland?

It offers northern lights from late August, autumn colours and tours, with shortening days.

When do the highland roads close?

F-roads are open until mid-September and then close.

When does the aurora season start?

Late August, with the September equinox offering ideal conditions.

What are Réttir?

The sheep round-ups at the beginning of September.

Are ice caves open in autumn?

The natural season usually begins around October or November.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.