What September feels like in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, September is early autumn on the calendar. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Reykjavik in September
Dry days are the exception, with rain on most days. A rainy day brings about 8 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.2 mm per wet day. September is Reykjavik's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in September
Mid-month, Reykjavik gets 13 h 11 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:48 am to sunset near 7:59 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 3 h 22 min less daylight than mid-August. The sun is out for roughly 50% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How September compares to the rest of the year
September is the 4th warmest month of the year in Reykjavik. Compared with August, afternoons are 3°C (5.4°F) cooler, with 50 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into October. By October, typical highs are 6.4°C (43.5°F).
Who September 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 September
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in September?
Afternoons average 10.4°C (50.7°F) and nights about 6°C (42.8°F) — chilly by most people's standards. It is the 4th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in September?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 152 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in September?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is September or October better for visiting Reykjavik?
October, narrowly: it ranks #6 of 12 among Reykjavik's months, against #7 for the other. October is cooler and has fewer rainy days.