October is the perfect time of year to visit the land of fire and ice. Expect a festive wonderland with a snow-covered frozen landscape, friendly hospitality, and night skies ablaze with the Northern Lights. We've looked at the most up-to-date weather data for Iceland, covering the last 12 years up to 2022, plus we've asked our team of travel bloggers for their first-hand experiences in order to answer the most frequently asked questions about Iceland weather in October.
What's the temperature like in Iceland during October?
The temperature reaches around 6℃ during the daytime in October, falling away to 3℃ at night. The UV index will be low at this time of year, so not something to worry about. However, if you're going to be outside for long periods it's always a good idea to apply a small amount of sunscreen to exposed skin.
Does it snow in Iceland during October?
Possibly. There's a chance of snow during October but not as much as you might think. Check the local forecast before you leave home so that you can pack appropriate footwear and clothing.
Does it rain in Iceland during October?
On average, there will be 14 rainy days during the month, amounting to 28.6mm in total. That's much drier than we see in England during August, and therefore not something to be concerned about. There's a small chance that you'll catch a thunderstorm during your trip.
Package holidays during October
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Books inspired by Iceland
Our hand-picked selection of books to get you in the mood for your Iceland holiday
Michael Booth
A well-written and humorous book giving an insight into Scandinavia, its people and the enviably simpler Nordic ways and culture. It covers five countries including Iceland and will have you wanting to move to one of them!
Alda Sigmundsdottir
The perfect book to read before visiting Iceland. It explains the enormous boom in tourism and its impacts; tips and hints for navigating the challenges and cultural differences; and - most interesting of all - what Icelanders think about tourism and the tourists who visit them.
Alda Sigmundsdottir
An insight into the unique Icelandic people with all their quirks. Covers naming conventions, how hot tubs are the equivalent of British pubs, why Icelanders hate commitment, dating and family, and the shower police at swimming pools.
Sarah Moss
A brilliantly-written memoir of a British woman who moved to Reykjavik with her family to teach at the University just after the economic crash. It’s a fascinating look at Icelandic culture as she struggles to fit into the close-knit society.
Yrsa Sigurdardottir
A ghost story set in the Westfjords in the town of Ísafjörður and a remote village in Hornstrandir with two separate but slowly merging storylines. Atmospheric, creepy, and immensely enjoyable!
Halldor Laxness
A humorous coming-of-age novel by Iceland's most revered author. It's about orphan Alfgrimur who spent his childhood in a simple turf cottage with an elderly fisherman and a stream of eccentric house guests. A fascinating insight into a period of extreme change for all Icelanders in the 20th Century.
Iceland Blog posts
From the UK's most popular travel bloggers
17th January 2022 by Emily Luxton
Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik – the hottest new thermal spa in Iceland!The sun was setting at the end of the world. Golden light diffused through the steam rising off the thermal spa at Sky Lagoon Iceland, as I gazed out at the blanket white of the snowy Reykjavik shoreline. It was hard to tell where lagoon met sea met sky. The steam was so thick in the bitter winter air, and so full of golden light, that all the edges became blurred by that magical, drawn-out winter sunset....
10th January 2022 by Inside the Travel Lab
Your complete Iceland bucket listWhen all is said and done, a bucket list is simply an ugly term for a beautiful wish list. What should you put on your Iceland bucket list? What would you love to see, to taste, to feel, to breathe? Here's a round up of the top things to do in Iceland, so that you can start to make your own plans. ...
3rd January 2022 by Emily Luxton
Reykjavik in winter: Everything you need to knowThinking of visiting Reykjavik in winter? With magical golden hour light and lunchtime sunrises, plenty of quirky indoor attractions, and some gorgeous geothermal spas to warm up in… this time of year is ideal for a frosty getaway in Iceland’s capital! Reykjavik never really struck me as a city break destination – I’ve always thought of it more as a jumping-off point for Iceland’s incredible outdoor attractions....
23rd November 2021 by PommieTravels
3 days in Iceland: Perfect + easy itineraryIceland is becoming a popular stopover destination on flights between North America and Europe, with Icelandair offering free stopovers in Iceland en route across the Atlantic. It’s also just a stunning country in general, so even if you’re not flying to Europe it’s well worth a dedicated trip. If you live in New York the flight time is around 5 hours 45 minutes to Reykjavik (so less than the flight to LA) and if you fly from London it’ll take just 3 hours 15 minutes to get there. ...
15th March 2021 by She Get's Around
The weather in Iceland for a January Road tripThere’s no such thing as bad weather for a road trip in Iceland. Ok, maybe there is, but if anywhere is prepared for snow, ice and gale force winds, Iceland is. There is so much to see in Iceland and hiring a car and seeing the country on your own schedule is the best way to see all the secret corners of Iceland. I’ve visited Iceland a number of times and every time there is something new to see, whether it’s a new restaurant to try, a hot spring to take a dip in or mountain to climb....
22nd January 2021 by She Get's Around
The best swimming pools and hot springs in North and West IcelandWant to know the best Swimming Pools and Hot Springs to visit in North and West Iceland? Look no further! I did the ‘hard’ task of trying many of them out for you. I’ve been to Iceland three times and each time I’ve visited different lagoons. This time last year Olly and I went for 5 days. We visited a number of different swimming pools and hot springs in the North and West of Iceland. Iceland sits on one of the world’s ‘hot spots’ resulting in a lot of geothermal activity. Large...
Edinburgh Germany Berlin Iceland Italy Sardinia Spain Tenerife Ibiza Kenya Indonesia Bali Seychelles 1st July 2021 by Emma
Cheapest places to holiday in AugustThroughout Europe, August is the busiest holiday season of the year. With scorching hot temperatures and summer holidays on everyone’s wish lists, it can also be the most expensive. It pays to keep your eyes open for package deals, in order to book early. The team at Simply Holiday Deals will make it easy for you, by delivering the best ones straight to your inbox.If you can schedule your holiday for later in the month, it’s possible to take advantage of cheaper prices, as the holidays wind...
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