Yes, if waterfalls, glacier walks and hot water appeal more than beach time. October on Iceland’s South Coast brings afternoons of 47°F (8°C), cool nights and a landscape that rewards a rain jacket.
Rain falls on 17 days of the month, so plan the outdoor sights flexibly and keep a warm, dry stop in the day, such as a geothermal pool.
At a glance
- Afternoon high in October: 47°F (8°C)
- Night low in October: 38°F (3°C)
- Rainy days in October: 17
- Rain in October: 7 inches (169 mm)
- Sea temperature in October: 48°F (9°C)
What is the weather like in Iceland’s South Coast in October?
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Rainy days | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 53°F (11°C) | 44°F (7°C) | 7.4 in (188 mm) | 18 | 51°F (10°C) |
| October | 47°F (8°C) | 38°F (3°C) | 6.6 in (169 mm) | 17 | 48°F (9°C) |
| November | 42°F (6°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 6.9 in (175 mm) | 17 | 46°F (8°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
October is cool and wet. Afternoons reach 47°F (8°C) in Vík and Skógar, and nights drop to 38°F (3°C), so a day outside needs real layers.
Rain falls on 17 days of the month, which means a dry spell is a bonus and not something to count on. Waterfalls and the canyon are wet places anyway, so waterproofs matter more than the forecast. Keep indoor stops for the heaviest showers.
November is colder: highs of 42°F (6°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C), with 17 rainy days. October sits in between on temperature and is a little drier than September.
Where to go in Iceland’s South Coast in October
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
Seljalandsfoss is one of the highest waterfalls in the country, and you can walk behind it. Wear full rain gear for that walk. Gljúfrabúi, about 130 feet (40 m) high, is close by on the land of the former Hamragarðar farm.
Skógar
The Skógar Folk Museum sits less than a mile (1 km) from the waterfall, which makes it an easy indoor stop between showers. Sólheimajökull Glacier is about 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Skógafoss via Road 221.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
It is protected as a natural monument, and it is extremely popular. Stay on the paths, which wet October weather makes slippery.
Dyrhólaey
Puffins nest in the cliffs from late April to mid-August, so October is the time for the scenery.
Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri
These two seaside villages are on the South Coast Lighthouse Trail. Eyrarbakki has a Merchants House built in 1765 and a church inaugurated in December 1890. Stokkseyri has a public swimming pool.
What to do in Iceland’s South Coast in October
Reynisfjall Mountain for Atlantic views
Visitors can hike up Reynisfjall for views over the Atlantic and the bird cliffs. October light and cloud change the view from hour to hour, so choose a clearer spell for the climb.
Bring grip-soled shoes and a windproof layer, since the top is exposed to the sea.
Mýrdalsjökull glacier and ice caves
It also offers glacier-lagoon kayaking and snowmobiling near the Katla volcano.
Because the ice cave tours run year-round, October is a workable month for them. A guided tour is the sensible choice on ice.
The South Coast Lighthouse Trail
The trail connects Þorlákshöfn, Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri, and the three lighthouses give it its name. Most visitors drive it. It can also be hiked or biked in two to four days, which is a lot of wet riding in October.
Each village has restaurants serving local ingredients, with fresh Icelandic seafood a highlight. Stokkseyri’s pool has an 18 meter outdoor pool with a slide, a wading pool and two hot tubs, so it works for a family afternoon.
Geothermal bathing at Reykjadalur and the Secret Lagoon
Geothermal bathing options include the Reykjadalur hot river and the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir. Warm water is a good answer to October lows of 38°F (3°C) and a day of rain.
Pack a swimsuit and a towel, and a warm layer for the walk back to the car.
The Icelandic Lava Show and the Katla centre
The Icelandic Lava Show lets visitors see molten lava safely, at 2012°F (1100°C). At the Katla centre there is a free exhibition about Katla volcano and the Geopark.
Both are indoor stops.
Is Iceland’s South Coast busy in October?
Fjaðrárgljúfur is extremely popular, and the heavy traffic in such a small area puts a lot of pressure on its paths. Popular spots fill up quickly in peak season, especially in Vík and along the South Coast. Book rooms there ahead of time.
Small places have few beds. Presthús Evening Sun Guesthouse near Vík has four rooms in all, and Hotel Kanslarinn in Hella has 21 rooms. Larger options include Hotel Vík í Mýrdal with 78 guest rooms, five cottages and 15 apartments, and Stracta Hotel in Hella with 166 rooms.
Black Sand Hotel in South Iceland has 70 rooms and sits about 40 minutes from Reykjavík. Selfoss is a convenient hub about an hour’s drive from Keflavík Airport.
Can you swim in Iceland’s South Coast in October?
The sea near Vík averages 48°F (9°C) in October, a monthly average that is cold for swimming. It is a view to enjoy from shore.
For getting in the water, choose geothermal options, such as the Reykjadalur hot river, the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir or Stokkseyri’s pool with its two hot tubs.
What to pack for Iceland’s South Coast in October
October asks for waterproof layers and warmth for cool nights. Each item below follows from the month.
- A waterproof jacket and rain pants: 17 rainy days, and a walk behind Seljalandsfoss gets you wet.
- Warm layers and a hat: the night low is 38°F (3°C).
- Shoes with good grip: canyon paths and waterfall areas are wet, and Fjaðrárgljúfur has paths you should stay on.
- A swimsuit and towel: the hot river, the Secret Lagoon and Stokkseyri’s pool are the best way to warm up.
- A windproof layer: Reynisfjall and the sea cliffs of Dyrhólaey are exposed.
What to know before visiting Iceland’s South Coast in October
Off-road driving in Iceland is strictly prohibited, so stay on authorized roads and tracks. To reach Sólheimajökull from Skógafoss, take Road 221. No walking routes are marked through Fjaðrárgljúfur itself, which is a protected natural monument under regulation no. 555/2024.
Dyrhólaey is a nature reserve protected under regulation no. 101/1978, and its value lies in its birdlife. Respect the posted limits there.
Is October a good time to visit Iceland’s South Coast?
Yes, for travelers who want waterfalls, glaciers and hot water and who accept rain. Plan around the weather and not against it.
Shifting four weeks either way gains no dry weather, and November adds the cold.
The sea itself averages 48°F (9°C). With children, Stokkseyri’s pool with its slide and wading pool is an easy win on a wet day.
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-south/), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/moya/page/the-south-coast-lighthouse-way), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/afangastadaaaetlun/moya/toy/index/place/seljalandsfoss), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/destinations/nature/beaches/the-coastline-between-stokkseyri-and-eyrarbakki), checked 2026-10-30
- nattura.is (https://www.nattura.is/svaedin/fjardrargljufur), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/travel-info/travel-blog/icelandair-stopover-south-iceland-itinerary), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/destinations/towns/vik), checked 2026-10-30