Things to Do in Reykjavík in September

If you are planning a trip to Reykjavík in September, you’ve made a brilliant choice. Often considered the “shoulder season” between the peak tourist rush of summer and the formidable Icelandic winter, September offers the perfect balance. The frantic summer crowds have faded from the downtown streets, yet the harsh grip of the Arctic winter hasn't yet taken hold.

From catching the first glimpses of the Northern Lights over the Old Harbor to participating in local harvest traditions without leaving the city limits, there is no shortage of ways to experience Reykjavík this month. Whether you’re here for the vibrant festival scene or the golden hues of the city’s parks, this guide covers the best of the capital in autumn.

What to Expect:

Average Temperature: 7°C – 11°C (45°F – 52°F)

Daylight Hours: 12–13 Hours (The Autumnal Equinox)

Best For: Northern Lights in Reykavík, Fall Foliage, and Festivals

Crowd Level: Moderate (Shoulder Season)

Top Cultural Festivals & Events

Vaka Folk Festival

Experience the "wake" of Icelandic culture right in the heart of the city. Held in mid-September, the Vaka Festival brings traditional Icelandic folk arts to Reykjavík’s intimate venues. The word vaka refers to the historic practice of "vigils,” gatherings where stories were told and songs were sung through the night. In the city's cozy cafes and theaters, you can expect a mix of haunting folk melodies, traditional poetry recitals, and community dancing.

RIFF (Reykjavík International Film Festival)

For movie buffs, the highlight of the month is RIFF, which transforms the capital into a global hub for independent cinema. Usually kicking off in late September, the festival utilizes the city’s unique spaces. Keep an eye out for special event screenings in unconventional urban locations, such as the local swimming pools.

University of Iceland Oktoberfest

Held in early September on the university campus (just a short walk from the city center), this event welcomes students and locals back for the autumn. It is a high-energy blend of a beer festival and a music festival, featuring some of Iceland’s biggest bands and DJs. It’s a rare chance to see the city at its most energetic and live like a local. 

Reykjavík’s Autumnal Glow

Réttir and Autumn Flavors

While the famous sheep roundups (réttir) take place in the countryside, the spirit of the harvest settles firmly in Reykjavík during September. This is the best month to explore the city’s culinary scene. Local restaurants at Food Halls and downtown bistros serve Icelandic lamb and wild game, a perfect opportunity to eat like a local. 

Foraging at Heiðmörk (Berjamó)

You don't have to drive to the distant fjords to experience the Icelandic tradition of berjamó (berry picking). Just 15 minutes from the city center, Heiðmörk offers a great opportunity to take part in berjamó. Heiðmörk is the largest forest near Reykjavík and is protected as a nature reserve. In September, its volcanic hills and birch forests are covered with wild blueberries, bilberries, and crowberries. 

At Heiðmörk, you’ll often find local families scattered across the mossy lava fields with their picking containers. Grab a handful to pair with a bowl of skyr (Icelandic yogurt) to snack like an Icelander. 

Fall Foliage in Reykjavík

Thanks to extensive planting programs, Öskjuhlíð and Hallargarðurinn (the park near the National Gallery) have a mix of birch and pine that turn shades of gold in September. These city forests are one of the few places in Iceland to see autumn leaves. After your walk, head to the observation deck at Perlan for a panoramic view of the autumn colors spreading across the low-rise Reykjavík skyline.

Skyline Kayaking at Geldinganes

September offers a final window for calm-water kayaking before the autumn winds arrive. The sheltered bays of the Geldinganes Peninsula provide a serene escape just minutes from downtown. From your kayak, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the Reykjavík skyline, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the majestic Mount Esja across the water. September is known for its long golden hours at sunrises and sunsets, making late-afternoon paddles a dream for photographers.

The Return of the Northern Lights in Reykjavík

As the midnight sun fades, September marks the official return of the Northern Lights. Since the weather is still relatively mild compared to the deep winter months, it’s a great time to head out and see them. If you're looking for where to find the Northern Lights in Reykjavík, here are a few spots:

If clouds block the view, the Northern Lights show at Perlan provide a stunning 8K alternative. It’s the perfect way to learn the science and legends behind the lights without leaving the warmth of the capital.

Day Trips from Reykjavík in September

The Golden Circle

You can easily visit Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir on a day trip from Reykjavík without feeling rushed. By September, the drive along the Golden Circle is much more relaxed, allowing you to take in the landscape and journey at a calm pace. It feels far more intimate when you aren't competing with the peak summer crowds at every stop.

Iceland´s South Coast

Taking a short road trip along the South Coast is a great way to spend a September day. Since the sun sets a bit earlier this time of year, you might even catch the Northern Lights dancing over the lava fields on your drive back to the city. If you’re staying in town, Perlan’s Forces of Nature exhibit is a low-key way to see how those coastal landscapes were actually formed without having to leave Reykjavík.

FAQs

Is September a good month to visit the city? Absolutely. It is the transition month where the "summer rush" ends and the cozy "winter vibe" begins. The city’s cultural calendar is packed, the weather is manageable, and the autumn colors in the city parks are at their peak.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Reykjavík in September? Yes! The autumnal equinox (around Sept 22nd) often brings high solar activity. You can frequently see the lights from the Old Harbor or Grótta. For a guaranteed sighting regardless of the weather, the planetarium at Perlan is your best bet.

How should I dress for the city? September is the wettest month, so a stylish but waterproof jacket is a must for walking between downtown shops and museums. Think in layers—a light fleece or wool sweater under a shell. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the harbor and the trails at Öskjuhlíð.