Reykjavik in October
Autumn colour and aurora
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
October is a below-average month in Reykjavik.
October is quiet with good chances for northern lights and cosy city life.
October in detail
What October actually feels like
- Weather
- 2–6°C
- Cool, wet and windy.
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range hotel rates.
+Good aurora odds and lower prices.
–Wet, windy weather and shorter days.
My tip for October
Pack waterproofs and windproofs.
- Northern Lights
- City break
How October compares
Against the other eleven months
7th of 12 overall in Reykjavik, 6th for weather, 4th for space, 2nd for value. The emptiest month is November; the best value is November.
See all twelve months for ReykjavikNot set on October?
Months I'd choose over October
Also good in October
Weather
Weather in Reykjavik in October
In October Reykjavik averages a high of 6°C (43°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F), with about 121 mm of rain or snow. The warmest month is July (around 14°C) and the coolest is January (around 1°C); the wettest month is September.
- Average high
- 6°C
- 43°F
- Average low
- 2°C
- 36°F
- Precipitation
- 121 mm
Climate data: ERA5 reanalysis 1991–2020 (Open-Meteo). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Reykjavik in October: the questions people ask
- Is October a good time to visit Reykjavik?
- October is a below-average month in Reykjavik. It ranks 7 of 12 months in Reykjavik overall (6 for weather, 4 for space, 2 for value). The main upside: Good aurora odds and lower prices. The main downside: Wet, windy weather and shorter days.
- What is the weather like in Reykjavik in October?
- Average highs are around 6°C and lows around 2°C. Expect about 121 mm of rain or snow. Cool, wet and windy. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 14°C) and the coolest is January (around 1°C).
- Is Reykjavik crowded in October?
- Crowds are low-moderate. Fairly relaxed, with busier moments at the headline sights. The quietest month is November.
- How expensive is Reykjavik in October?
- Prices are at level 3 of 5 ($$$). Mid-range hotel rates. The best-value month is November.
- When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (October ranks 7 of 12). The quietest month is November and the best value is November.
Still going to Reykjavik in October?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — wet, windy weather and shorter days.
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