What are the best activities to do in Iceland during September?

September in Iceland opens up a range of activities across the country. Visitors can trek the Vatnajökull glacier head to Dalvík for whale watching tours that boast a 98% success rate or explore the classic Golden Circle sites including Gullfoss and Geysir. The Wilderness Center near Egilsstaðir stands out for its historical exhibits and free hot springs. For accommodations the Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik and Hotel Dyrholaey in Vík serve as practical bases especially for those hoping to catch the northern lights.

Can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland during September?

September signals the start of aurora viewing season as nights grow longer and darker. Properties like Hotel Hamar near Borgarnes and Fosshotel Núpar provide clear views away from urban light pollution. A recent visitor reported: "We saw amazing Northern Lights three times during our September trip while staying at countryside hotels away from Reykjavik."

What festivals or events happen in Iceland during September?

The cultural calendar comes alive in September with the Reykjavik International Film Festival and the traditional Réttir sheep roundup. Local food festivals pop up throughout Reykjavik and concert venues like Harpa Concert Hall begin their main season. Downtown Reykjavik hotels place visitors in the heart of these cultural happenings.

What are the crowd levels like in Iceland during September?

Tourist numbers drop noticeably in September compared to summer peaks. Visitors report shorter wait times at major attractions like the Blue Lagoon and Gullfoss waterfall. The Golden Circle route becomes more manageable and hotels such as Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik often have better availability at lower rates.

What wildlife can you see in Iceland during September?

September offers final chances to spot puffins before migration particularly around Borgarfjörður Eystri. Whale watching excursions from Húsavík and Akureyri regularly encounter humpback whales and dolphins. As one visitor noted: "Our September whale watching tour from Akureyri was incredible - we saw multiple humpbacks and even some dolphins." Hotels like Hotel Akureyri provide convenient access to wildlife viewing areas.

What is the weather like in Iceland during September?

September temperatures typically range from 7-12°C (45-54°F) with some rainfall as summer transitions to autumn. These conditions work well for exploring sites like Thingvellir National Park and the Golden Circle. TourRadar travelers note the "breathtaking views with less extreme weather conditions than winter months." Hotel Stracta in Hella serves as a strategic point for experiencing Iceland's varied September weather.

Iceland Tours in September 2026

10 best Iceland trips in September 2026

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Explorer
Best of Iceland
4.9 (137 traveler reviews)
"Perfect mix of events and sites."
Bennett, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Akureyri, Godafoss, Myvatn, Seydisfjordur,Vatnajokull National Park,Jokulsarlon,Skaftafell+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $3,249
US$2,437per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
6 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Iceland Explorer
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"This was helped by fine weather for the 9 days and the beautiful scenery makes it a must to see."
Graham, traveled in July
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir,Gullfoss,Eyjafjallajokull,Skogafoss,Vik,Reynisdrangar Cliffs,Reynisfjara,Vatnajokull National Park,Jokulsarlon,Egilsstadir,Modrudalur,Dettifoss,Mount Namaskard,Myvatn,Skutustadagigar,Dimmuborgir,Hverfjall Volcano,Grjotagja Cave,Godafoss,Akureyri,Saudarkrokur,Snæfellsnes,Budardalur,Stykkisholmur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Arnarstapi,Djupalonssandur+27 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
3% Off
From $7,500
US$7,250per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Sep, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
5 Day - Snæfellsnes & South Coast
4.5 (159 traveler reviews) award winner
"The glacier hike was our favorite! We saw northern lights 3 of the nights."
Lisa, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Arnarstapi, Djupalonssandur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Reykholt,Thingvellir National Park,Dover,Gullfoss,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Vatnajokull National Park,Jokulsarlon,Skaftafell,Fjadrargljufur+11 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Arctic Adventures
3% Off
From
US$1,360per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
4 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
5-Day Small Group Journey Around Iceland
5.0 (10 traveler reviews)
"The landscape changes with every mile! I definitely felt I got my money's worth."
Nathan, traveled in May
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Akureyri, Godafoss, Dimmuborgir,Skutustadagigar,Grjotagja Cave,Mount Namaskard,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Vik,Selfoss,Gullfoss,Geysir,Thingvellir National Park,Blue Lagoon+13 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Snaeland Travel
10% Off
From $1,518
US$1,366per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
14 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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TourRadar Curated
Explorer
10 Days Complete Iceland Summer | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
4.9 (18 traveler reviews)
"We experienced and saw more beyond our expectations. Jacob was an excellent and knowledgeable guide."
John, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park,Haukadalur,Geysir,Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Vik,Jokulsarlon,Dettifoss,Myvatn,Mount Namaskard,Dimmuborgir,Godafoss,Akureyri,Snæfellsnes,Djupalonssandur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Borgarnes,Reykholt,Hraunfossar,Blue Lagoon+21 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
5% Off
From $5,442
US$5,169per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Complete Iceland Circle with Snæfellsnes - 9-Day Self-Drive
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Seljaland, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Vik,Vatnajokull National Park,Skaftafell,Svartifoss,Jokulsarlon,Hofn,Djupivogur,Faskrudsfjordur,Egilsstadir,Myvatn,Dettifoss,Mount Namaskard,Hverfjall Volcano,Dimmuborgir,Godafoss,Akureyri,Borgarfjörður,Reykholt,Hraunfossar,Borgarnes,Snæfellsnes,Arnarstapi,Hellnar,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Djupalonssandur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Grundarfjordur,Thingvellir National Park,Haukadalur,Geysir,Gullfoss+30 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Snaeland Travel
5% Off
From
US$1,526per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
8-Day Small Group Journey Around Iceland
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The Snaeland tour was modestly priced with comfortable hotels and professional, safe, friendly driver/guide."
Greg, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Arnarstapi, Djupalonssandur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Akureyri,Myvatn,Godafoss,Dimmuborgir,Skutustadagigar,Grjotagja Cave,Mount Namaskard,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Vatnajokull National Park,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Vik,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Selfoss,Gullfoss,Geysir,Thingvellir National Park,Blue Lagoon+21 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Snaeland Travel
10% Off
From $2,182
US$1,963per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
12 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
8-Day Summer Iceland Ring Road & Landmannalaugar Highland Small Group Tour
4.4 (9 traveler reviews)
"Highly recommend this tour. Our tour covered Icelandic geography, mythology and of course volcanology!"
Bridget, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Hvolsvollur,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Reynisdrangar Cliffs,Vik,Fjadrargljufur,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Hofn,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Bakkagerdi,Dettifoss,Mount Namaskard,Dimmuborgir,Myvatn,Godafoss,Akureyri,Blonduos,Hvitserkur,Laugarbakki,Grábrók Volcano,Hraunfossar,Borgarnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi,Landmannalaugar+29 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
10% Off
From
US$2,674per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Geysers, Glaciers and Waterfalls - 6-Day Self-Drive
4.9 (7 traveler reviews)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir,Gullfoss,Fludir,Selfoss,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Vik,Fjadrargljufur,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Blue Lagoon+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Snaeland Travel
10% Off
From
US$953per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Sep, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Summer)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Arnarstapi,Hellnar,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Kerid Volcano,Hella,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Jokulsarlon,Reykjavik+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
5% Off
From $2,491
US$2,366per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
5 Days Land of Northern Lights
4.5 (176 traveler reviews)
"Loved all the places we visited. Got lucky with the weather it was sunny which was perfect for sightseeing."
Liliana, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Hella, Eyjafjallajokull,Seljaland,Skogar,Solheimajokull,Myrdalsjokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Geysir,Gullfoss,Thingvellir National Park+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
GJ Travel
5% Off
From
US$1,313per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour
4.9 (29 traveler reviews)
"Days were full. Hotel accommodations & arrangements were well done."
Maria, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Vik,Fludir,Geysir,Skaftafell,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Selfoss,Blue Lagoon,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Seljaland+10 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Snaeland Travel
10% Off
From $1,125
US$1,013per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
6 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour
4.7 (75 traveler reviews)
"A MUST DO IF YOU WANT TO SEE EVERYTHING IN ICELAND!!!! I loved this tour so much and would absolutely do it again!!!"
Thuy, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogar,Reynisfjara,Vik,Myrdalsjokull,Jokulsarlon,Fjadrargljufur,Hofn,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Borgarfjörður,Dettifoss,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Skutustadagigar,Godafoss,Akureyri,Hvitserkur,Laugarbakki,Snæfellsnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi+24 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
10% Off
From
US$2,239per person
Price based on Private Single Room
1 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
5 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Land of the Northern Lights - 5 days
4.4 (182 traveler reviews)
"We got enough time at each spot. He is very knowledgeable, funny, helpful."
Deé, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Hella, Eyjafjallajokull, Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Geysir,Gullfoss,Thingvellir National Park+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From $1,835
US$1,285per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
3 Sep, 2026
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Explorer
8 Days Northern Lights Exploration
4.7 (102 traveler reviews)
"It was a delightful trip! The guide provided nearly non-stop information and entertainment."
William, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Grábrók Volcano, Hraunfossar, Reykholt,Borgarnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Grundarfjordur,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Hella,Eyjafjallajokull,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Skaftafell,Vik,Seljaland,Blue Lagoon+16 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
GJ Travel
30% Off
From
US$2,873per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
11 Sep, 2026
10+ spaces left
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