October in Reykjavik suits travelers who want northern lights, the last weeks of whale watching season and a soak in a geothermal pool, with afternoons at 46°F (8°C).
The month is gray and short on sun, with 3 hours of sunshine a day, so the plans that work best are the ones that don’t depend on a clear sky.
At a glance
- Afternoon high: 46°F (8°C)
- Night low: 37°F (3°C)
- Rainy days: 13
- Sunshine: 3 hours a day
- Sea temperature: 47°F
- Whale watching: peak season runs from April to October
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in October?
| Month | Average high | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 53°F (11°C) | 3.4 in (87 mm) | 15 | 3.9 h | 50°F (10°C) |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 3.1 in (80 mm) | 13 | 3.0 h | 47°F (8°C) |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 3.4 in (87 mm) | 14 | 1.3 h | 44°F (7°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
October is cool and damp. The afternoon high reaches 46°F (8°C), and nights drop to 37°F (3°C), so a jacket stays on all day.
Rain falls on 13 days of the month, and the sun shows for about 3 hours a day. Treat a dry hour as a gift and keep outdoor sights, like the walk up Skólavörðustígur or the view from Perlan, flexible. Pools, museums and cafés fill the wet hours well. The sea is 47°F, which matters for boat tours more than for swimming.
September is a little milder, with a high of 53°F (11°C), 15 rainy days and 4 hours of sun a day. November is colder, with a high of 41°F (5°C), a low of 32°F (0°C) and only about an hour of sun. October sits between the two. It has less rain than September and clearly more light than November.
What to do in Reykjavik in October
Whale watching from the Old Harbour
Peak season for whale watching runs from April to October, so October is the last month of it. Reykjavík Sailors runs tours of 3 to 3.5 hours on the water. Elding has sailed from the Old Harbour since 2000, and Special Tours also leaves from the old harbour, with tours lasting from 45 minutes to 3.5 hours.
With a 46°F (8°C) afternoon high on land, dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket for the boat. If the weather turns, a shorter tour is an option, since lengths vary by operator.
Northern lights cruise
Northern lights are one of the things Reykjavík offers in the cool months. The cruise from Reykjavik lasts 2 hours, and Reykjavík Sailors, Special Tours and Elding all run northern lights tours.
Rain falls on 13 days in October, so a sighting is never guaranteed. Keep a spare evening in the schedule rather than putting everything on one night. A cruise this short fits easily after a day of sightseeing.
Perlan and its 360° view
Perlan stands at Öskjuhlíð, on the highest hill in Reykjavik and close to the center.
October sunshine averages about 3 hours a day, so pick a bright moment for the deck and use the cloudier hours for something indoors.
Hallgrímskirkja and Skólavörðustígur
Hallgrímskirkja is at Hallgrímstorg, 101 Reykjavík, and is one of the most visited places in Iceland. Organ concerts are held at noon on the first Saturday of every month from September to June, which includes October. A service in English is held on the last Sunday of every month from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Skólavörðustígur leads up to the church and is one of the city’s liveliest streets, with cafés, shops and galleries. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and garden is at the southwest corner of the square. Walk up the street, stop for a coffee on the way, and finish at the church.
Sky Lagoon and the geothermal pools
Sky Lagoon is a geothermal lagoon by the sea, with an optional seven-step ritual. Reykjavík also has geothermal pools to unwind in.
Nights fall to 37°F (3°C) in October, and warm water suits that. A soak in the evening makes a good end to a day of rain or a boat trip.
Is Reykjavik busy in October?
The city holds a remarkable number of festivals and seasonal events across the year, so there is always something on the calendar.
The “101” district, around Laugavegur, the Old Harbour and Austurvöllur Square, is the main area. The center is within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points, which makes it the easiest base for a first visit. Book tours and rooms ahead.
Hotels in this area include Hotel Reykjavík Saga near Lake Tjörnin, Sand Hotel in the heart of downtown and Storm Hotel in the eastern part of the center, within walking distance of Laugavegur. Hilton Reykjavík is a four-star hotel within easy reach of the center, near the recreational areas of Laugardalur.
Can you swim in Reykjavik in October?
The sea near Reykjavik averages 47°F in October. That is a monthly average, and it is cold for anyone getting in. It drops to 44°F in November.
For a swim, the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon, which sits by the sea, are the places to go.
What to pack for Reykjavik in October
October asks for warm layers and rain protection, plus a swimsuit for the pools.
- Warm layers for an afternoon high of 46°F (8°C) and nights near 37°F (3°C).
- A waterproof jacket, since 13 days bring rain.
- A swimsuit for the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon.
- Extra warmth for boat tours, which last 2 to 3.5 hours for the northern lights cruise and whale watching.
- Sturdy shoes for parks and hiking, which Reykjavík offers to visitors.
What to know before visiting Reykjavik in October
Check dates for the concerts and services you want.
Harpa is at Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík, on the waterfront at the old harbour, with views of Faxaflói Bay and the Esjan mountain range. The Reykjavík City Museum includes five museums and exhibitions, a useful fallback on rainy days. The National Museum of Iceland has audio guides in 10 languages and a permanent exhibition called Making of a Nation.
Is October a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Yes, for travelers who want northern lights, whale watching in its last peak month, geothermal pools and museums. It is a poor choice for anyone counting on sun, with only about 3 hours a day.
Compared with September, October is cooler, with a high of 46°F (8°C) against 53°F (11°C), and a bit less rainy. Shifting earlier gives 4 hours of sun a day and a sea of 50°F.
If you want whale watching, go in October at the latest, since peak season ends with the month. If you want the most daylight for sights like Perlan, September is the better pick. If you want the northern lights and long soaks in warm water, October fits.
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