Yes, September suits travelers who want whale watching, a hot soak and city sights, and who are fine with afternoons of 52°F (11°C).
The month is damp, with rain on 15 days, so the plan works best when each outdoor stop has an indoor backup.
At a glance
- Afternoon high: 53°F (11°C)
- Night low: 43°F (6°C)
- Rainy days: 15.0
- Precipitation: 3 inches (87 mm)
- Sunshine: 3.9 hours per day
- Sea temperature: 50°F
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in September?
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | 57°F (14°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.5 in (65 mm) | 12 | 5.3 h | 53°F (11°C) |
| September | 53°F (11°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 3.4 in (87 mm) | 15 | 3.9 h | 50°F (10°C) |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 37°F (3°C) | 3.1 in (80 mm) | 13 | 3.0 h | 47°F (8°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
September in Reykjavik is cool and mild at once. Afternoons reach 53°F (11°C), and nights drop to 43°F (6°C).
Pack a waterproof layer and keep the museums and the geothermal pools for the wet hours. Sunshine averages four hours a day, which makes a clear stretch worth using for the outdoor sights. The sea sits at 50°F, so boat tours are cold out on the water.
October is colder at 46°F (8°C), with 13 rainy days and three hours of sun. Shifting a month earlier gives you a bit more warmth and light, and shifting later takes some away.
What to do in Reykjavik in September
Whale watching from the Old Harbour
The peak season for whale watching runs from April to October, so September falls inside it. Elding has run whale watching and sea adventure tours from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour since 2000, and Special Tours also sails from the old harbour. One whale watching tour spends 3 to 3.5 hours on the water.
With a night low of 43°F (6°C) and a sea at 50°F, the wind on deck will feel colder than the city streets. Wear warm layers and a waterproof shell.
Hallgrímskirkja and Skólavörðustígur
Hallgrímskirkja stands at Hallgrímstorg, 101 Reykjavík, and is one of the most visited places by tourists in Iceland. The tower is among the most visited destinations in Reykjavík and gives a panoramic view of the city, the surrounding mountains and the ocean. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and garden is at the southwest corner of the square.
Skólavörðustígur leads up to the church and is one of the city’s liveliest streets, with cafés, shops and galleries. Walk up with a café stop planned for the first shower, then climb the tower on a clearer spell.
Perlan and its 360° view
Perlan sits at Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík, on Reykjavik’s highest hill, close to the center. The observation deck around the dome gives a 360° panoramic view over the city.
With only four hours of sun a day on average, pick a dry break in the clouds for the deck.
Sky Lagoon and the geothermal pools
Sky Lagoon is a geothermal lagoon by the sea. Entry comes with an optional seven-step ritual. Reykjavík also offers geothermal pools to unwind in.
Hot water suits a month with 53°F afternoons. A soak is a good way to end a day of rain or a long boat tour.
National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland preserves and showcases the country’s cultural and historical heritage. Its permanent exhibition is Making of a Nation, and audio guides come in 10 languages.
On a day with rain from morning on, this is a solid indoor choice. Reykjavík City Museum, with five museums and exhibitions, is another.
Is Reykjavik busy in September?
Reykjavík City is a hotbed of activity all year round, with a remarkable number of annual festivals and seasonal events. Culture Night, a city center festival that draws a wide range of people, is one of them, and many families and groups of friends meet up on it every year. Harpa, on the old harbour, has attracted millions of guests since it opened in May 2011.
The Reykjavík City Center is the area recommended for first-time visitors, within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points. The main area is the 101 district, around Laugavegur, the Old Harbour and Austurvöllur Square. Book there early if you plan to rely on walking.
Hotels range from Hilton Reykjavík, a four-star hotel near Laugardalur’s recreational areas, to Sand Hotel, a luxury property in downtown. Hotel Reykjavík Saga, a 4-star hotel that opened in July 2022, sits near Lake Tjörnin. Storm Hotel is in the eastern part of the center, within walking distance of Laugavegur.
Can you swim in Reykjavik in September?
The sea near Reykjavik averages 50°F (10°C) in September. That is a monthly average, and it falls to 47°F (8°C) in October. It is too cold for an easy dip, so plan to swim in the geothermal pools instead.
Wind and swell can change from day to day, so check conditions on the day before heading to the shore.
What to pack for Reykjavik in September
September asks for layers and something waterproof. Afternoons are cool, nights are colder, and rain is frequent.
- A waterproof jacket, since 15 days of the month bring rain.
- Warm layers for nights near 43°F (6°C) and for 3 to 3.5 hours on a whale watching boat.
- A swimsuit for the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon.
- Comfortable shoes for the parks and hiking around Reykjavík, which stay wet after rain.
- A hat and an extra layer for the open observation deck at Perlan.
What to know before visiting Reykjavik in September
Organ concerts are held at noon on the first Saturday of every month from September to June, so September’s first Saturday is the opening one. An English-language service is held on the last Sunday of every month from 14:00 to 15:00 at Hallgrímskirkja. Check opening hours for each museum and tower before you go.
Addresses to save: Perlan is at Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík. Harpa is at Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík, and offers panoramic views of Faxaflói Bay and the Esjan mountain range. The Reykjavík Botanic Garden and Viðey Island are easily reached and known for their birdlife. Elding runs the ferry to Viðey Island.
Is September a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Yes, for travelers who want boat tours, hot water and city culture in cool weather.
October goes further, with 46°F (8°C) and three hours of sun a day. A shift in either direction changes the weather more than the program.
If you want whale watching, September is inside the April to October peak. If you want to swim, aim for the geothermal pools, since the sea is 50°F. If you want music and sightseeing, the Saturday organ concerts start this month, and Perlan, Harpa and the National Museum fill the rainy hours.
Those who like cool air and a lively city, and who dress for rain, will enjoy September.
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/why-choose-reykjavik), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/service/hallgrimskirkja-church-tower), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/reykjavik-sailors/), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=accommodation&page=1), checked 2026-10-30
- perlan.is (https://perlan.is/visit?msclkid=c2a46990c64e17466ba601eeea04dae2), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=reykjavik+city+museum+officially+opened), checked 2026-10-30
- northiceland.is (https://www.northiceland.is/is/upplifun/afthreying/sjo-og-vatna-afthreying/bataferdir/), checked 2026-10-30