What To Wear In Iceland In September: Tips From An Icelander (2023)

Are you wondering what to wear in Iceland in September?

Well, you’re not alone!

It’s the question everyone is asking! 

September can be all over the place since we’re moving from fall into winter and in order to enjoy your time in Iceland during that period, you need to be prepared!

In this post I’ll quickly go over the following;

  • What to wear in Iceland in September
  • What the weather is like in September 
  • If you can see the northern lights

So let’s get to it!

What to wear in Iceland in September

These are my recommendations.

Dress in layers 

September in Iceland can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from around 0 (32F) to 10 (50F) degrees Celsius. 

Layering your clothes will allow you to adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day.

We’re talking hoodies, sweaters, thick T-shirts and stuff like that.

You don’t need to be wearing a lot of layers because you’ll bring a…

a waterproof jacket

Iceland is known for its rain and wind, so be prepared with a waterproof jacket to stay dry.

I recommend either the parka or the raincoat.

Both are good options for September, it really depends on how well you handle the cold.

The parka is warmer in general but the raincoat is completely and utterly waterproof.

So the choice is yours! 

Wear waterproof shoes

Make sure to bring shoes that are waterproof or at least water-resistant, as you’ll likely encounter wet and muddy conditions during your trip.

Leave the sneakers at home and wear good hiking boots. You won’t regret it!

One of the best ways to ruin your day is with cold feet!

Pack warm socks

Your feet will be one of the first parts of your body to feel the cold, so make sure to bring warm socks to keep them toasty.

Even though you’ll be wearing good shoes, most of them are not enough on their own.

So bring a pair of thick socks!

Bring a warm hat 

Don’t leave your ears behind!

A good beanie is worth a lot and you absolutely HAVE to bring it!

.

Thermal underwear

Thermal underwear is the name of the game here in Iceland.

Doesn’t matter the season, thermal underwear is the way to go.

They dry fast, keep you warm, and prevent sweating! 

They are perfect for Iceland and you should always wear them when doing a lot of activities! 

Don’t forget gloves

You need to protect your hands from the wind, rain, and cold. 

You’ll be visiting waterfalls and beaches, it’s going to be windy and wet.

Make sure to bring good gloves!

Comfy clothes

Iceland is a destination that is best explored on foot, so make sure to pack comfortable and practical clothes that you can wear while walking or hiking.

Don’t just pack jeans…

Sunglasses 

Although the days are shorter in September, the sun can still be quite bright, especially when reflecting off the water. 

You’ll thank me when you’re the one driving!

And that’s it! 

That’s the gist of what you NEED when coming to Iceland in September. 

There’s plenty of other stuff you might want to bring with you.

For a bit more information on what to wear in the winter, check out this complete winter guide

The weather in Iceland in September

In Iceland, September marks the beginning of autumn, with temperatures starting to cool down and daylight hours gradually decreasing. 

Here are some details about the weather and conditions you can expect in Iceland in September:

Weather 

September in Iceland is generally cool and damp, with average temperatures ranging between 4-10°C (39-50°F). 

It is also known for being a rainy and windy month! 

So it’s important to be prepared with appropriate clothing.

Daylight Hours 

The length of the days starts to shorten in September, with the autumnal equinox falling on September 22nd. 

At the beginning of September, there are around 13-14 hours of daylight, but by the end of the month, there are around 10-11 hours of daylight.

Can you see the northern lights in September?

The Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland from September through to April. 

September in Iceland is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 4-10°C (39-50°F) and the length of daylight hours starting to decrease. 

However, it’s important to note that the visibility of the Northern Lights is dependent on various factors such as clear skies, solar activity, and light pollution. 

September tends to have quite a bit of northern lights activity, as the sky is generally clearer than during the summer months, but you should always check with a local tour operator or vedur.is.

The main issue with September is that the days are still quite long, so you’ll have to stay up late to see them.

End

That’s it!

If you follow my advice you’ll be ready for whatever Iceland will throw your way.

Wear a parka, outdoor pants, and hiking boots and you’ve got the most important things covered!

Check out our selection right here! 

And if you want a bit more detail on what to wear during winter, check out this post!

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