October in Iceland; What you need to know.
October in Iceland is a beautiful month. The nights are dark enough to see the Northern Lights when they shine, but there is still enough daylight to get out in the gorgeous countryside. As a plus it’s much cheaper than the height of summer or over Christmas.
What’s the weather like in October in Iceland?
In October in Iceland is a bit chilly. We start to get true wintery weather, so pack accordingly. Despite your conviction that you wear shorts all winter at home…no. Pack your sturdy boots and lots of layers in case there’s a cold snap. The average temperature is not freezing – about 5°C, and there can be really bright sunny days as well as very grey wintry ones so be sure to pack your sunglasses along with your thermals. Why not have a look at our guide of What to pack for Iceland.
Can you see the Northern Lights in October in Iceland?
The short answer is; YES!
The night and day balance is pretty normal in October so we havee the chance to see the aurora. In order to see the Northern Lights you need three things; Clear skies, lots of solar energy, and night time. In the middle of summer we don’t get all three! So we have had some fantastic displays of aurora in Reykjavik in October, and your best chance to see them is to go on a tour. At SeaTrips we study the skies carefully, so we know when to head out and where to look! Plus you get to relax on a gorgeous yacht.
Can you see puffins in October in Iceland?
No, by October the puffins are back out at sea, they are ocean birds after all and only come here to breed in the summer months. Learn more about puffins here. You can visit them on in Reykjavik harbour on our brilliant tours with our passionate crew.
Can you see whales and dolphins in October in Iceland?
Yes! You can see many different species of whales and dolphins all year round in Iceland, and this is the end of the high season for whale watching, with breeding adults returning to their mating grounds. You can come whale watching with us on our yachts!
