Iceland is known to be a cold country with an average temperature range of 4 – 10 °C. Although it is known to change quickly, and often in a day. This is the biggest challenge that people have to deal with.
Iceland’s travel seasons are broken down into four separate categories. There is the high season, the low season, and the shoulder season off-season.
- Low Season in Iceland: [November-February] It is from November to February and is the least busy time to explore Iceland.
- High-Season in Iceland [June-August] The main advantage of visiting Iceland during the summer are the 24-hour daylight.
- Shoulder-Season in Iceland [March-May and September-October] It is the best time to go to Iceland because of its perfect weather, cost, lack of tourists and more.
- Off-Season in Iceland [September-April] It is also known as a combination of the low and shoulder seasons.
October is one of the lowest busy months in Iceland. The rush of the summer is over and the festivities of early winter are yet to set in. Visit Iceland in October and you will discover many advantages.
The days are long enough for you to fill them with activities and the nights are dark enough for you to enjoy the Northern Lights; the majority of roads are still accessible and incredible locations such as the Westfjords are still open to visitors.
What to See in Iceland in October?
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, as the changing light refracts off of the ice–the glacier lagoon is even more spectacular beneath the Northern Lights.
- Sites such as the Hvítserkur rock formation and the Vatnsnes Peninsula are easy to reach.
- In west Iceland visitors in October can see both the Westfjords and the Snæfellnes Peninsula.
- You can visit Dynjandi waterfall and the Látrabjarg birdwatching cliffs to see puffins before they head off to feed for winter.
- You can see glacier and volcano views, huge expanses of lava and black sands, hot springs and vast mountain ranges.
- You can also hike to the crater lake Ljótipollur, bathe in its natural hot springs, and go birdwatching in Frostastaðavatn lake.
The Northern Lights in Iceland in October
The Aurora Borealis can only be seen in darkness when the sky is clear. On a clear October night, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to catch the lights.
Northern Lights tours from Reykjavík can be conducted on a minibus or a super jeep. Bus tours are more affordable, super jeeps can take you to less reachable places— down dusty trails and over rivers, ensuring less light pollution.
You can also spot the Northern Lights yourself in a rental car, looking out spots with little cloud cover.
Day Hikes and Super Jeeps
In October, you can enjoy hiking and taking super jeeps into the highland regions.
‘Valley of Thor’ can be visited and hiked in October, and you can see its mesmerizing land in its autumnal colors.
Jökulsárlón Boat Trip
You can enjoy Boat tours of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in October.
Jökulsárlón is an enormous lake, which is filled with icebergs that have calved from a distant glacier tongue.
For a slightly more costly, but more intimate experience, you can take a zodiac tour in an inflatable boat with a detachable engine. You also find seals in this area.
Whale Watching in October
In October most migratory animals are now on their way out of the country; this includes the Humpback and the puffins that nest on its cliffs.
Over twenty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises live off of Iceland’s coasts, you can see all of them well into October, including orcas, blue whales, and beaked whales.
The destination for Whale watching tour is Skjálfandi Bay and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. In Skjálfandi Bay you get a chance to see an incredible wealth of life.
Horse-Riding in Iceland in October
Riding an Icelandic horse is an ultimate Icelandic experience.
Horse-riding is very popular amongst Icelanders and visitors, and there are many ways to enjoy the activity in October. From Reykjavík, you could take a tour of overdramatic lava fields, imagining the experiences of Vikings in the settlement age. Horse riding is also available in Reykjadalur Valley.
Glacier Tours in Iceland in October
Iceland’s glaciers are one of the most popular attractions. Glaciers cover 10% of the country, and a variety of tours run atop them in October.
A good knowledgeable, well-qualified guide will teach you about the geological and volcanic history of this island during your time together.
Sólheimajokull is one of the most popular glaciers for hiking and includes some of the features of the South Coast such as the famous, majestic Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
Snorkeling and Diving in Iceland in October
Snorkeling and Diving are conducted in Silfra, a fissure in the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park and are the most popular activities in Iceland.
Festivals in Iceland in October
Iceland loves its festivals. People flock from around the world for events like Airwaves and Secret cosmic time, and these events expand with every passing year.
The Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF)
The (RIFF) is the largest film festival in the country, which begins on September 26 and ends on October 6.
Concerts, meetings, and exhibitions crop up across the town, permitting industry professionals to build both their knowledge and network.
Imagine Peace Tower Lighting
When lit, it shoots a 4000-meter-high pillar of light into the sky. Guests at this time of year will have a moment to see it. It is lit at sharp 08:00 pm on 9th October and 20th – 27th March.
Concerts and Shows
In October various concerts are held around the country.
From local to big names such as the Swedish pop star Zara Larsson.
What to know about Iceland before visiting in October?
It is important to be aware of what to expect from the country, before coming to Iceland in October, so that you know what you pack and can make informed decisions.
- Weather in Iceland in October
The temperature in October in Reykjavík is 4.8° Celsius (41° Fahrenheit). The average rainfall is 77 mm (around 3 inches. So, you should bring your waterproof pants, your winterwear, and your windproof jacket, and also sturdy hiking shoes.
- Driving in Iceland in October
Since the temperature is very low there is a higher probability of heavy rain, strong winds, dense fog, snowfall, and ice, many travelers to Iceland in October choose to rent a car.
Accidents on Iceland roads are common during this month because visitors are not used to driving in such hazardous conditions.
If you book a car or choose to rent a car then make sure it should be a 4×4 or super jeep, and before starting your journey don’t forget to check the weather website so that you should be aware of the potential conditions.
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Blog source: https://www.discover.is/visit-iceland-in-october-things-to-do/
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