Iceland in October. The most colorful month
Autumn can be felt better in Iceland in October. It is the most colourful month from the sky to the ground.
The northern lights dance in the night sky, sunrises and sunsets are like fire, and the leaves of the trees are dressed in orange, red, and burgundy colours. The blue ice cave can be explored again.
Weather in October
October is an excellent month to visit Iceland for winter activities, but that depends on the weather. We are closer to the winter, so the weather is unpredictable, and it is better to check it a few times daily.
The average temperatures are between 19 F (-7.2 C) and 59 F (15 C) during October, and the wind can be extreme. There are 11 hours of daylight at the beginning of the month and around 9 hours of sunlight at the end.
What to wear in Iceland in October?
Dressing for Iceland in October demands a blend of warmth and versatility. Layering is essential; start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep dry, then add insulating layers like a fleece or sweater, topped with a waterproof and windproof jacket.
Opt for sturdy, waterproof boots to navigate the varying terrains, and don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf to shield against brisk winds. Packing thermal leggings or pants beneath your jeans helps combat the chill.
Consider bringing a mix of clothing for different weather scenarios, as Iceland’s conditions can shift swiftly. Ultimately, dressing for comfort and functionality will ensure you’re ready to embrace the stunning landscapes while staying cosy in Iceland’s ever-changing weather in October.
Imagine Peace Tower Lighting
On October 9th
Imagine Peace Tower is a light tower built in memory of John Lennon. It is situated on Viðey Island in Reykjavík, and Yoko Ono made it.
“IMAGINE PEACE TOWER symbolizes Lennon’s and Ono’s continuing campaign for world peace – which began in the sixties, was sealed by their marriage in 1969 and will continue forever.
Inscribed on the walls of the Wishing Well is the phrase IMAGINE PEACE, translated into 24 different languages. IMAGINE PEACE TOWER is composed of a tall shimmering tower of lights. It appears every year and is visible from October 9th (John’s birthday) until December 8th (the anniversary of his death).” Imagine Peace Tower
October still has enough daylight for sightseeing and doing some exciting activities.
We selected some of the most popular activities you can do in Iceland in October.
Snorkelling at Silfra should be on your bucketlist. Described as one of the top dive sites globally by National Geographic, Silfra is located in the historically rich Thingvellir National Park – part of the famous Golden Circle route. Snorkelling in Silfra is a once-in-a-lifetime transcontinental experience.
The guides will show you what National Geographic has described as one of the top dive sites in the world. As you glide between tectonic plates floating on pure, filtered glacial meltwater, you’ll find out for yourself and tick off your bucket list for the ultimate tour of breathtaking underwater views only available in Iceland in the world’s most transparent waters.
The weather still permits the boat tours to operate. The most famous glacier lagoon of Vatnajökull is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, full of icebergs broken from Breiðamerkurjökull tongue.
All the icebergs from this lagoon are taken by the ocean currents and brought back to land at Diamond Beach, right next to the lagoon.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most visited places in Iceland and for an excellent reason. Also called the Crown Jewel of Iceland, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon will impress you with its beauty and unicity. The landscape is fantastic.
The glacier lagoon is still not frozen, so boat trips on the lagoon are almost daily. There are two options for boat tours on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
The South Coast of Iceland is a geological masterpiece of past volcanic activity. South Coast has some of the most beautiful black sand beaches and an impressive volcanic and glacial relief.
Exploring the South Coast is such an exciting experience, and it can become unforgettable if you study it on an ATV tour.
Our friends from Arcanum are organising some ATV tours on the South Coast of Iceland, and you have to try one if you come to Iceland in October.
The best part of travelling to Iceland is that you can do some excellent activities there. And speaking of whale watching, most whales are” roaming” in the north during autumn.
Before going on a tour, you must understand that bad weather conditions can reschedule or cancel the tour. Also, as you watch marine life, you have to realise that everything happens in the whales’ natural environment, and you will not be guaranteed to see many whales. Sometimes, it happens not to see any whales.
Geothermal baths and hot springs
There is no right time for a geothermal bath. And it is a must-do in Iceland. Check our blog to see the best places to relax like a true Viking and where you can find natural hot springs in Westfjords.
Also, book your ticket now if you plan to come to Iceland in October.
Depending on the temperatures outside, there might be changes in the operation of the Katla Ice Cave tour.
The temperatures are perfect, and the ice caves at Vatnajökull Glacier are available to explore. However, some ice caves are open for exploration all year.
One ice cave is the Katla ice cave in South Iceland. It is located in the Kötlujökull glacier, part of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
And the other one is the ice cave at Langjökull Glacier. The ice cave at Langjökull is artificial, so there has been an entire process of carving into the glacier and forming the tunnel. Local authorities opened the ice cave to the public in 2015, and the tunnel inside the glacier is 550m long and goes 30 meters into the glacier.
These are excellent options if you want to explore some ice caves.
P.S. The Blue Ice Cave tours will be available to book in October, so check them now!
Hunting the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
The season of hunting the northern lights started, and the weather is still calmer than in the middle of the winter.
There is a high possibility to have more days with clear skies in November than in the winter months so if you are in Iceland do not sleep, go outside and look at the sky, you might have a surprise. You can also go on a guided tour to hunt the northern lights.
Take some warm clothes because it will be cold.
Pssst, the Northern Lights has witnessed many engagements and, at the same time, has offered the best views for such a special moment.
October is an excellent month to visit Iceland; the weather is still pleasant, the prices are not as high as during the summer, and you can enjoy many exciting activities.
If you are coming to Iceland in October, share your adventures with us.
