Fall in Reykjavik brings crisp air, shorter days, and a steady shift toward winter. You’ll see average daytime highs drop from the low 50s °F in early September to the upper 30s °F by late November. Nights cool into the low 30s °F as well, and the season feels brisk but not extreme. Honestly, it’s a unique time to catch Iceland’s landscape in transition.
Clouds roll in more often as the weeks pass. Light rain or mixed precipitation shows up pretty frequently. Daylight hours shrink quickly, with those long September evenings disappearing and early sunsets taking over by late fall.
This shifting light creates a dramatic backdrop for exploring both the city and the wild spaces around it. Wind picks up as the season goes, and the North Atlantic waters around Reykjavik cool off steadily.
These changes shape what you’ll want to pack and the activities you’ll plan. If you want to really get what fall feels like in Reykjavik, it helps to look at the details—temperature, rainfall, daylight, and wind patterns.
Overview of Reykjavik’s Fall Climate
Reykjavik’s fall weather changes fast. Temperatures drop, daylight shrinks, and winds get stronger. You’ll get a mix of rain, snow, and plenty of cloudy skies, all shaped by the city’s spot on the North Atlantic in the subarctic climate zone.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Reykjavik sits right on Iceland’s southwest coast, exposed to the North Atlantic Ocean. This keeps temperatures milder than inland, but the weather changes a lot. One minute it’s raining, then you might see snow or even clear skies a few hours later.
The surrounding ocean stops extreme cold most of the time, but it also brings strong winds. Average wind speeds climb from about 10 mph in early fall to almost 14 mph by late November. Winds usually blow from the south or east, dragging in moist air and boosting the chance of rain.
Because the city’s at 64°N latitude, daylight drops off quickly. Early September gives you over 14 hours of light, but late November only gives you about 5 hours. This steep change in daylight really shapes how you experience the season, with long twilight and a sun that never gets very high in the sky.
Climate Classification and Patterns
Reykjavik has a subarctic maritime climate (ET, Köppen system). Summers stay cool and winters get cold, but fall sits right in between. Average highs drop from 54°F (12°C) in September to about 38°F (3°C) in November. Lows fall from 45°F (7°C) to near 31°F (-1°C).
Cloud cover grows steadily, and by late fall, skies stay overcast more than 70% of the time. Rainfall averages around 4.4 inches a month. Snow shows up more in November, with about 5–6 inches piling up by the end of fall.
Humidity stays high, but it rarely feels muggy—cool air takes care of that. The North Atlantic Current keeps things from freezing too hard, but you should still expect sudden changes between wet, windy, and icy weather.
Average Temperatures in Fall
Temperatures in Reykjavik drop steadily through fall. Early September still feels cool but manageable, while late November edges right up to winter.
You’ll notice daylight shrinking and nights getting colder, making the whole season feel like a quick slide into winter.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
In September, daytime highs usually reach 11–12°C (52–54°F). Lows hang around 7°C (45°F). The air stays pretty mild, though evenings can get crisp.
By October, the average high falls to about 7°C (45°F), and lows dip close to 3°C (37°F). Frost starts showing up more, and you might even get a mix of rain and snow.
November brings even lower temps. Highs average 3–4°C (37–39°F), and lows fall near -1°C (30°F). Snow gets more frequent, and icy mornings turn into a regular thing.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 11–12°C / 52–54°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F |
| November | 3–4°C / 37–39°F | -1°C / 30°F |
These numbers really show how fast Reykjavik shifts from autumn into early winter.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime in Reykjavik during fall feels a lot milder than night. In early September, afternoons are still decent for walking outside. By November, the chill hangs around even when the sun’s up.
At night, temperatures drop fast. Lows near freezing become the norm in October, and by November, nights often dip below 0°C (32°F). Icy roads and sidewalks can pop up overnight, even if the day felt okay.
The difference between day and night isn’t huge compared to places with a continental climate. Still, the damp air and wind make evenings and mornings feel colder than the numbers suggest. Layering up is your friend when the weather can swing so much in just a few hours.
Precipitation and Humidity Trends
Reykjavik’s autumn is all about frequent wet days and steady moisture in the air. Rain happens regularly, and humidity stays high, so even breezy days can feel damp.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rain falls often in Reykjavik during fall, with many days bringing at least a little precipitation. You should expect rain on 14–17 days each month from September through November.
The amounts aren’t wild, but the frequency means you’ll probably deal with wet weather at some point during your trip. Average monthly totals sit between 40–50 mm (1.5–2 inches). September usually matches summer rainfall, while October and November get wetter and bring more sleet or snow.
The city’s spot by the coast and those North Atlantic systems make this happen. Showers don’t always last long, but they’re persistent. Waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes help a lot more than an umbrella, which can be useless in the wind.
| Month | Avg. Precipitation | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~45 mm | 14–15 |
| October | ~47 mm | 15–16 |
| November | ~47 mm | 16–17 |
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity in Reykjavik holds steady through fall. Relative humidity usually sits between 76% and 81%, so the air feels damp even if it’s not raining much.
July is actually the most humid month, but autumn isn’t far behind. In September, humidity averages around 79%, dips a bit in October, then rises again in November as cold air can’t hold as much moisture.
That steady humidity makes cool temperatures feel chillier, especially with wind. Breathable, insulating layers work best. Inside, hotels and cafés stay well-heated, so you’ll notice a big difference between the damp outdoors and the cozy indoors.
If you’re traveling, pack quick-dry clothes and be ready for slow drying times if anything gets soaked.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
As summer slips into fall, Reykjavik gets shorter days and less direct sunlight. Both daylight hours and sunshine drop off quickly as the season goes on.
Changes in Daylight Duration
Daylight in Reykjavik changes fast during fall. Early September gives you about 14 hours of daylight, but by late November, you’re down to just 5 hours or so. Iceland’s far-north latitude causes this sharp swing.
Sunrise and sunset shift a lot week by week. In September, sunrise is around 6:30 a.m., and sunset comes after 8:00 p.m. By November, the sun rises closer to 10:30 a.m. and sets before 4:00 p.m.
This loss of daylight limits how much time you have for outdoor adventures. If you want to explore nature or take day trips, you’ll need to plan around the shrinking daylight.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Daylight tells you how long the sun’s up, but sunshine hours show how often it actually shines. Reykjavik averages about 100–120 sunshine hours in September. By October, that drops to 40–50 hours, and November only brings around 30 hours.
That means you might get 3–4 hours of sunshine a day in early fall, but by late fall, sometimes it’s just an hour or less. Cloudy skies are common, so even when it’s “day,” it might feel pretty dim.
For travelers, this softer light is great for photography. Still, you’ll want to have indoor plans ready in case you get a string of gray, cloudy days.
Wind and Weather Variability
Reykjavik’s fall weather can feel all over the place, with winds picking up and skies shifting fast. Breezy days, strong gusts, and quick-moving weather systems are just part of the deal.
Typical Wind Speeds in Fall
Wind is a big part of fall in Reykjavik. Average speeds hover around 5–11 mph, but gusts can shoot up, especially by the coast. The North Atlantic brings in frequent low-pressure systems that move through in a hurry.
October and November usually bring the strongest winds. Storms show up more often, and wind speeds can double during passing fronts.
The harbor and shoreline feel the brunt of the wind, while inland streets and neighborhoods get a bit of shelter. Still, you can count on breezes most days, so plan for wind if you’re heading outdoors.
Weather Fluctuations and Storms
Reykjavik’s fall weather can flip quickly. You might wake up to calm skies, then get rain and strong winds by lunchtime. Temperatures average in the low 40s °F (5–7 °C), but wind chill makes it feel colder.
Storms pop up now and then. Atlantic systems can bring heavy rain, sudden downpours, and short bursts of strong wind. Usually, these storms pass in less than a day, leaving behind damp and cooler air.
After the rain, you’ll often get a quick burst of sunshine, so the light and temperature can swing sharply. It helps to dress in layers and always have waterproof gear handy, since you might go from wet to dry and back again in a single afternoon.
Sea Temperatures Around Reykjavik
Sea temperatures around Reykjavik stay cool all year, and fall doesn’t change that. As September turns into November, the North Atlantic waters lose what little summer warmth they had.
In September, the average sea temperature hangs around 10.2°C (50°F). By October, it drops to about 8.0°C (46°F). November cools off even more, with sea temps near 6.1°C (43°F).
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) | Avg. Sea Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 10.2 | 50.4 |
| October | 8.0 | 46.4 |
| November | 6.1 | 43.0 |
These temps are way too cold for swimming without a wetsuit or drysuit. If you want to get in the water, you’ll definitely need proper gear.
Even with the chill, the coastal waters near Reykjavik matter a lot for fishing and boating. The sea also keeps coastal air a bit milder than inland areas.
If you’re into coastal walks or photography, the shifting autumn light on those cold waters makes for some amazing views, especially as the days get shorter.
Best Time to Visit Reykjavik in Fall
If you visit Reykjavík in autumn, you’ll find a good mix of mild weather, fewer crowds, and some really unique seasonal experiences. You get to soak in the natural beauty, catch cultural events, and usually pay less than you would during the busy summer months.
Shoulder Season Advantages
Fall in Reykjavík—think late August through October—brings cooler, but still pretty comfortable, temperatures. Highs usually land between 7°C and 11°C (44°F to 52°F), while nights can get close to freezing by the end of October.
The days get shorter pretty fast, but you still have enough daylight to see the sights. Since fewer people travel at this time, you’ll notice shorter lines at attractions and hotels are easier to book.
Flight and accommodation prices often drop, so your trip might not hit your wallet as hard. The landscape looks amazing too.
You’ll spot golden leaves, mossy lava fields, and sometimes even a dusting of early snow on the far-off mountains. As the nights get longer and darker, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights go way up.
Cultural life really picks up in autumn. The Reykjavík International Film Festival and Iceland Airwaves music festival both bring a lively buzz to the city. You can actually enjoy these events without dealing with the big summer crowds.
Travel Tips for Autumn Visitors
Pack for variable weather. Rain happens often, and the wind can really pick up, so you’ll want a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and sturdy shoes.
Temperatures can shift fast, especially if you leave Reykjavík to explore. It’s honestly a good idea to check the forecast before heading out.
Think about daylight when you plan your activities. In September, you’ll get about 13 hours of daylight, but by late October, it drops to around 8 hours. That really changes how much time you’ve got for outdoor adventures.
If you’re hoping to catch the Northern Lights, get away from city lights on clear nights. Even spots just outside Reykjavík, like Heiðmörk, can be great for viewing.
Try the local seasonal foods if you can. In autumn, you’ll find fresh lamb, root veggies, and wild berries everywhere. Many restaurants highlight these, so you get a real taste of Iceland’s harvest.
For getting around, you might want the Reykjavík City Card. It covers public transit, swimming pools, and museum entry, which comes in handy if the weather keeps you indoors.