What October feels like in Reykjavik
Mid-autumn arrives in Reykjavik with October. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Reykjavik in October
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 8.4 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Reykjavik's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.2 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in October
Mid-month, Reykjavik gets 9 h 57 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:15 am to sunset near 6:12 pm. Days are getting shorter: 3 h 13 min less daylight than in mid-September. Measured sunshine covers about 48% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How October compares to the rest of the year
In Reykjavik's temperature order, October sits as the 6th warmest month. Against September, the average high is 4°C (7.2°F) lower, with 9 mm less rain. The cooling trend carries on into November. By November, typical highs are 3.6°C (38.5°F).
Who October suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Reykjavik in October
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in October?
Afternoons average 6.4°C (43.5°F) and nights about 2.3°C (36.1°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 6th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in October?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 143 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in October?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is October or November better for visiting Reykjavik?
On our 12-month climate ranking, October comes out ahead (#6 of 12 vs #10). November is cooler and has fewer rainy days.