Iceland in October: What to Expect, Pack + 3-Day Itinerary
Wondering if it’s worth it to visit Iceland in October? As someone who jetted off to Iceland for her 30th birthday (Libra, baby) I can confirm that visiting Iceland in October is pretty great.
It’s true, my trip was a short one. I only went for a long weekend. But it was an incredible time and I’m always of the mindset that I’d rather go for a short time than never go at all.
Did we see ALL of Iceland in three days? No. But we saw a good amount and the trip was definitely worthwhile. So, if you only have a few days and you’re also visiting in October then copy my Iceland travel guide and you won’t be disappointed!
Your Complete Guide to Visiting Iceland in October
Before we dive into the itinerary itself, let’s cover what Iceland is like in October:
What is the weather in Iceland in October?
The temperature in Iceland in October is generally between the 30s and 40s (F), although it can feel colder with the wind. October is also one of the wettest months in Iceland, although it’s unlikely that it will snow in Iceland in October.
Is visiting Iceland in October worth it?
October in Iceland is considered shoulder season, which means there are fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations and tour packages.
You can still experience many amazing activities, as well as some activities unique to the season when you visit Iceland in October. These include the lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower, and the RIFF (a film festival).
What to wear in Iceland in October?
As a Chicago native who has seen her share of cold winters, packing for Iceland in October felt like second nature. Here are my tips for what to pack for Iceland in October:
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Waterproof boots
- Warm hat that covers your ears
- A versatile blanket scarf
- Warm gloves
- Wool socks
- Fleece lined leggings to layer under jeans
- Thermal undershirt
- Portable pocket heater
Best Things to do in Iceland in October
Whether you have 3 days like I did or even more time, I invite you to copy my top recommendations on food, sights and even where to stay:
Day 1
This was a travel day for us which included arriving in Iceland, settling in at our wonderful hotel, trying Icelandic food and going to see the Northern Lights – yes, we did a lot!
Travel to Reykjavik
We arrived at Keflavik airport in the late afternoon, and took this bus to Reykjavik. I highly recommend booking your airport transfer in advance for peace of mind and ease when you land in any new destination.
Click to book an airport transfer in Iceland
Note that often, folks stop by the Blue Lagoon either on their way to or from the airport. If that’s on your agenda, plan your airport transfers accordingly.
Aboard Flybus, we tried to tune out the bachelor party group who were also on the bus and relaxed a bit en route to our destination.
The bus dropped us off at a station still a bit outside of the walkable city center. You have the option of taking a local bus straight to your accommodations and that’s what I would recommend if you’re on a budget.
Instead, we took a taxi from the station to get the rest of the way to our hotel.
Where to stay in Reyjkjavik
We checked in at our hotel, dropped off our bags and I ran my potential restaurant picks by the front desk hoping they would narrow it down for us (they did).
We stayed at the Fosshotel Baron and it was perfectly, centrally located. We recommended it to friends who also stayed here on their trip to Iceland and enjoyed it, so I feel even more confident in my recommendation.
It’s central, quiet and near the water with comfortable rooms and a breakfast buffet.
🏨 Check prices & availability at Fosshotel Baron
Have Local Icelandic Food for Dinner
Unfortunately, the Icelandic restaurant where we had dinner our first evening (Ostabúðin) has since closed.
But an even more fun way to experience the local food scene is by joining a local guide and fellow travelers on this mouthwatering food tour. With more than 16,000 5-star reviews, you know you’re in for a treat with this one!
They have a variety of time slots available each day, but you’ll want to book far enough in advance to get your preferred booking – this is a popular one!
It’s a great way to experience local eats while also getting an initial, guided walkthrough of popular areas around the city.
👉 Check prices & availability for your dates
Take a Northern Lights Tour
After dinner, we spent some time relaxing at the hotel before our northern lights tour. If you’re really wanting to see the northern lights then give yourself the best chance of viewing them by booking your tour for your very first night in Iceland.
Most tours give you the option to rejoin the tour the following night in case you don’t see the lights on your first evening out.
But if you book your tour too late into your visit then you won’t get to take advantage of having multiple chances to see the lights!
Our tour began at around 9:00 p.m. and provided door-to-door service from our hotel. We returned after a successful sighting, around midnight, and went straight to bed so we could be up early for our golden circle tour the next morning.
👉 Click here to book your Northern Lights Tour
Day 2
On our second day, we decided to maximize our time with a full day trip.
Take the Golden Circle Tour
Especially if you’re taking a short trip, like this weekend jaunt of ours, I highly recommend signing up for some group tours over renting a car to drive yourself.
When you’re short on time, it’s better to pass off the reins to someone more experienced (and use the bus time to relax!).
We booked our golden circle tour through Viator. It was a full, 8-hour day and we got to see A LOT thanks to this tour.
If you want to see even more and have a longer stay in Iceland, then consider going on one of the best hikes in Iceland to see even more of the gorgeous country.
👉 Reserve your spot on a Golden Circle Day Tour
Carry Out Dinner from Aktu Taktu
On our ride back to the hotel, we saw that the Blue Lagoon had a 9:00 p.m. opening. We’d failed to book in advance and thought a visit to the Lagoon may not happen at all this trip. So, we jumped on the opportunity to book the slot.
It was already early evening when we arrived back to our hotel, which didn’t leave us enough time to go out for a sit-down dinner before catching our shuttle to the Blue Lagoon. Besides, we were tired from being out the whole day.
Luckily, there was a fast food joint a stone’s throw away from our hotel. We picked up a couple of burgers and ate them in bed because we are adults and we can. They were delicious!
Even if you’re not strapped for time, but are looking for a low-key, affordable meal one night check out Aktu Taktu.
Keep in mind, it’s not gourmet. It’s essentially Iceland’s version of McDonald’s, but definitely above average on the fast food burger scale.
Visit the Blue Lagoon
No doubt, you’ve heard of and seen photos of this geothermal spa. It’s one of those no-brainer things to do in Iceland.
If you have your heart set on visiting, be sure to plan ahead and book before your trip. There are three different packages you can choose from, including options that include the Golden Circle day trip + a Blue Lagoon visit if you want it done for you all in one!
In retrospect, I wish we had chosen one of those. But we lucked out in the end.
We made it for their final time slot on Sunday night and spent an hour-ish wading in the hot water, relaxing with silica face masks and cool drinks. It was a great way to unwind after a long day.
If you don’t want to fork out the funds for a visit to the Blue Lagoon or think it’s overdone, you have other options. You could find and visit a lesser known spa, or even a swimming pool as these are popular year-round.
With the limited time we had, we opted to stick with the Blue Lagoon and enjoyed the experience.
Day 3
On our final day, we wandered around Reykjavik.
Grab Breakfast at Braud & Co.
One thing I would do differently? Not wait until our last day to try Braud & Co. Had I known what I’d be missing, I would have found a way to visit this gem every day of our trip.
We walked over and were immediately intrigued by the exterior of this renowned bakery – covered in the most colorful graffiti we’d seen yet. It only got better from there.
They are known for their perfectly soft, subtly sweet, large cinnamon rolls. Served hot and with a side of coffee, they make the best pre-exploring breakfast.
It’s a small cafe with only two seats inside. Lucky for us, the seats freed up as soon as we walked in. As a backup, plan to eat on the go or while sitting outside the nearby Hallgrímskirkja.
Experience Hallgrímskirkja
Less than a five minute walk away is Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Iceland and a landmark you’ve likely seen many pictures of already.
This site is definitely worth a visit, and you can plan to spend about an hour admiring its beauty from both outside and within.
Don’t miss a trip to the top of the church, where you’ll be rewarded by colorful city views and, if you’re as lucky as we were, a couple of rainbow sightings!
Explore the shops
Take in more of the city’s charms by wandering through the streets – particularly the main shopping street Laugavegur.
We explored several art galleries and popped into the local grocery stores. I’m a huge fan of souvenir food shopping at grocery stores vs novelty gift shops because the prices are much more reasonable. Plus, the products are more authentic.
Pick up some traditional Icelandic chocolate bars, which often have licorice ropes or chunks incorporated throughout!
Have Lunch at Apotek
End your trip on a classy note with lunch at this restaurant famous for its award-winning cocktails.
They have happy hour food and drink most days, and an afternoon tea menu which is what we tried. It was a fun and unique way to round out the trip.
Enjoy Hot Chocolate at Sandholt
After lunch, in all honesty, we made our way back to Braud & Co. to grab a couple cinnamon rolls for the road. Highly recommend you do the same.
Then, we settled in at the more spacious Sandholt Bakery and indulged in mugs of rich hot chocolate.
Head back to the Airport
When we’d had our fill of hot chocolate and people watching, we walked back to the hotel to grab our bags and catch a shuttle back to Keflavik airport. Three days, very well spent.
Visiting Iceland soon? Check out top 13 mistakes to avoid when you get there!
FAQ About Visiting Iceland in October
As you plan your Iceland adventure, consider these common questions travelers have about the country:
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
This is one of the most-asked questions about Iceland and the honest answer is: It depends on the weather you want, the experience you want, what you want to see and do. Iceland can be a completely different experience from season to season.
If you want warm weather and lots of daylight, visit between June-August (but beware the large crowds in August). You may still run into rain, so be prepared.
If you want to see the Northern Lights, springtime between October-March for the best chance. Not sure which northern lights tour to book? This is the one I took.
What language do people in Iceland speak?
Icelandic. If you’re wondering whether you’ll get by in English, you’ll be just fine.
English is taught as a second language in Iceland and most everyone there is fluent in it (along with several other European languages). Don’t worry.
Where is Iceland?
Kind of tough to get where you’re going without, well, knowing where you’re going. Iceland is a European country and is located halfway between North America and mainland Europe. It’s located just below the Arctic Circle and, as an aside, its capital is Reykjavik.
Is Iceland safe?
Yes! Safe enough, in fact, that I’d consider it for a solo trip and I’m not alone — it comes highly recommended by many as one of the Final Thoughts on Visiting Iceland in October
Visiting Iceland in October is definitely worth it, even if you only have a few days. There is plenty to see and do this time of year in the beautiful country of Iceland. As long as you dress for cooler temperatures you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience!
