Welcome to another instalment of our all Iceland travel guide, today we cover September, the month when Iceland changes gear. Days are still long enough for proper road trips. Nights are dark enough to bring back the northern lights. Crowds thin after summer. Prices settle. Roads stay open across the Ring Road and most popular routes, while the Highlands begin to wind down later in the month. If you like flexible days, smaller queues and a fair chance of auroras, renting a car in September is a smart choice.

This guide gives you straight, practical advice. You will find realistic weather and daylight, car recommendations, packing, safety, distances and driving times that make sense, and four ready-to-use itineraries. 

September snapshot

Temperatures in Reykjavík usually sit around 10 to 12°C by day and 5 to 7°C at night. It trends cooler as the month goes on. You can have sun, showers, brisk wind and a clear sunset in one day. For month-by-month context, read Zero’s Iceland weather by month: a practical guide for road trips.

Daylight starts generous and shortens toward the equinox. Early September gives you roughly 14 hours between sunrise and sunset; late September offers about 11 to 12. For exact times on your dates, use Reykjavík sunrise and sunset in September.

Northern lights return with the dark. September is the real start of aurora season. Check the cloud map and activity index on the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast, then pick a dark spot and be patient. For a simple playbook, see Zero’s How to hunt the northern lights in Iceland in 2025 with a rental car.

Culture touches the countryside. September is réttir season, the nationwide sheep round-ups that run from early September into October. Visit Iceland’s réttir explainer outlines the tradition and how to be a respectful spectator. In the city, the Reykjavík International Film Festival brings screenings and talks; check dates and venues at RIFF.

If you are still choosing your month, Zero’s Best time to go to Iceland with a car rental compares seasons, daylight, prices and what you can expect on the road.

Should you rent a car in September?

Yes. It’s a strong balance between summer freedom and winter skies. You get long, workable days and dark evenings for aurora. Accommodation is easier to find than in July and August. The Ring Road is fully open, and many Highland F-roads are still open in the first half of the month. If the Highlands are a dream but river crossings make you nervous, go with a guided super-jeep tour and keep your rental on regular roads.

Wildlife has a shoulder-season feel. Whale watching can still be excellent around Húsavík. Puffins are mostly gone from mainland cliffs by September, with one special exception in the Westman Islands where locals rescue “pufflings” on some early September nights. Seals are year-round. Birdlife is quieter than June and July but coastlines still have life.

For context across the year, skim Zero’s month-by-month guide again: Iceland weather by month.

The right car for September

Choose the car for the roads you will actually drive.

For Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, the South Coast to Vík and the Snæfellsnes peninsula, a nimble compact crossover is ideal. The Kia Stonic is easy to park, steady in crosswinds for its size, and perfect for paved routes with the odd short gravel detour.

If you are planning a Ring Road loop with 200–300 km driving days, step up to an all-wheel-drive SUV for comfort and stability. The Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 give you more ground clearance, confident handling in wind and rain, and enough space for two big bags plus daypacks without playing Tetris.

Traveling as a family or with friends? A larger SUV keeps everyone comfortable and the luggage organized. The Kia Sorento offers generous room and smooth highway manners. If you prefer a spacious five-seat setup with a higher stance, the Dacia Bigster is a solid, no-nonsense choice for long days.

EVs and hybrids work well in September’s mild temperatures. If most of your route is in the southwest and along the South Coast, charging is straightforward. Plan top-ups during lunch or photo stops rather than at the very end of the day.

Important: Do not plan F-roads in September. They are closed. Focus on the tarmac and you will have an amazing time.

What Zero Car includes that helps in September

Zero’s offer is built for Iceland’s mixed autumn weather. You get all-inclusive cover with zero excess. Gravel, sand and ash protection, and 24/7 roadside assistance are included in the price. There is no deductible if something happens.

Booking is simple. There is no deposit, pricing is transparent, and mileage is unlimited. Do online check-in before you fly. Pick up your keys from our KEF keybox 24/7, and if you have any questions at any hour, there is always a member of staff present at our Keflavík Airport office to help with the keybox or anything else. You can also pick up in Reykjavík if you plan a city day first.

For a longer adventure, save Zero’s two-week master plan The ultimate Iceland road trip: two weeks around the Ring Road and Westfjords and trim it to your September dates.

Weather and daylight: how to plan your driving day

Expect variety. A single day can bring sun, low cloud, quick showers and a clear golden hour. Reykjavík’s long-term September profile sits around 12°C daytime and 6°C at night. Wind is the comfort factor most visitors underestimate.

Use the light well. Early September offers roughly 14 hours between sunrise and sunset; late September offers about 11½. Put your longest transit days in the first half of the month, then schedule tighter loops later. For exact times on your dates, check Reykjavík sunrise and sunset in September.

Make wind-smart habits part of your day. Park nose-to-wind if you can. Hold doors with two hands. Avoid opening opposite doors at the same time. Keep a solid stance when you step out.

Run a simple aurora routine. After dinner, open the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast. Look at cloud cover and the 0–9 activity number. If there is a gap, drive 20–40 minutes into dark countryside, switch off lights at a safe pull-out, and wait. Even low numbers can deliver delicate arcs when clouds part. For tactics and safe pull-outs, keep Zero’s night guide open on your phone: How to hunt the northern lights in Iceland in 2025 with a rental car.

For a broader seasonal view, see Best time to go to Iceland with a car rental.

What is open and what is winding down in September

Highlands and F-roads often remain open in early September, but heavy rain or early snows can trigger closures with little notice. If you are not 100 percent sure about a ford, do not cross. There is always a safer plan. A guided super-jeep day lets you see the Highlands without stress while your rental stays on regular roads. Zero’s F-road guide is here: Car rental Iceland FAQ and F-road guide.

The Westfjords are a fine shoulder-season choice. Expect a mix of paved and gravel roads, large views, and a calmer pace. As autumn advances, mountain passes can see the first dustings of snow. If a front is coming through, shuffle your days rather than push a long pass in poor visibility.

Opening hours stay generous in the southwest and along the South Coast for most of the month. In remote spots, cafés may close earlier, so carry snacks and water.

Wildlife notes help set expectations. Húsavík remains strong for humpbacks and other sightings into September. Puffins are mostly gone, though on the Westman Islands locals rescue disoriented “pufflings” on some nights in early September. Seals and shore birds remain reliable.

Culture adds color to routes. Réttir round-ups happen across the country; ask at your guesthouse how to watch respectfully. Visit Iceland’s réttir explainer is a good primer. In town, plan a screening if your dates align and check times at RIFF.

Packing for a September road trip

Think layers, not bulk. Bring a warm base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof shell. Add a beanie and thin gloves. Wind is what you feel most in September, so a good shell and something cozy underneath go a long way.

Wear the right shoes. Waterproof hiking shoes with decent grip are perfect for viewpoints and short trails. If you expect longer hikes or rougher ground, pack ankle-high boots for extra support.

Plan for nights outside. If you want to wait for the northern lights, a small headlamp with a red mode keeps your night vision, a light tripod steadies photos, and a thermos makes the wait comfortable.

Always carry swim gear. Pools are part of daily life here and an easy reward after driving. Keep a swimsuit and towel in the car so you can jump in whenever you spot a town pool.

Make the car easy to live with. A power bank, charging cable, microfiber cloth for lenses, high-visibility vests, snacks and water all help. Download offline maps before you go in case coverage drops.

If you want to see how gear and road conditions shift month by month, check Iceland weather by month.

Realistic driving times and distances

These are direct times in good conditions. In September, add time for wind, photos and short walks.

• KEF to Reykjavík: 50 km / 45–50 minutes.
• Reykjavík to Þingvellir: 45–50 minutes; +50 minutes to Geysir; +10 minutes to Gullfoss.
• Golden Circle loop: ~230 km / plan 5–7 hours with stops.
• Reykjavík to Vík: ~187 km / ~2.5 hours direct; with waterfalls and beaches, make it a full day.
• Vík to Skaftafell: ~140 km / ~2 hours.
• Skaftafell to Jökulsárlón: 57 km / ~45 minutes.
• Reykjavík to Arnarstapi (Snæfellsnes): ~190 km / 2.5–3 hours.
• Vík to Jökulsárlón: ~193 km / ~2.5 hours direct.

If a day looks tight, drop a stop and enjoy the light where you are. The point of September is not to rush.

Northern lights in September, made simple

You need darkness, clear or partly clear sky, and some solar activity. September has all three on many nights. Any dark area away from town lights can work. In the southwest, try pull-outs around Þingvellir, the stretch between Hvolsvöllur and Vík, and the coastlines of Snæfellsnes. In the southeast, Jökulsárlón and the nearby black sand beaches are magical when clear.

Plan the night like this. Rest late afternoon. Head out around 21:30 to a pre-picked dark spot. Check the cloud map and the activity number on the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast. Stay patient for at least an hour. Even low numbers can deliver soft curtains and arcs when clouds break. For more tips, safe spots and camera basics, read How to hunt the northern lights in Iceland in 2025 with a rental car.

Safety on gravel and F-roads

Zero does not recommend customers attempt river crossings. Ultimately, the driver is responsible. If you are not sure about the depth or the base, do not cross. There is always a safer plan. If you want the Highlands, book a super-jeep day and enjoy it without stress.

Gravel sense saves windshields and nerves. Slow down on loose stones. Increase following distance. Avoid overtakes unless your view is perfect and the surface is stable.

Wind and doors need discipline. Park into the wind when you can. Hold doors with two hands. Open one door at a time.

Night driving needs focus. Outside towns there is little lighting. Sheep are often near verges. Keep a steady speed and use high beams courteously.

If you want policy details, categories and coverage in one place, keep Zero’s FAQ and F-road guide handy.

Two itinerary ideas that fit September daylight

These sample plans assume KEF pickup and a Reykjavík finish. Adjust for your flights and pace. For a deeper framework, open The ultimate Iceland road trip: two weeks around the Ring Road and Westfjords and adapt it.

10 days around Iceland: full Ring Road plus Snæfellsnes

Day 1 — KEF to Reykjavík, optional Reykjanes warm-up

Drive: KEF → Reykjavík 50 km, 45–50 min.
Arrive, pick up your car and settle in. If energy allows, take a quick loop on the Reykjanes peninsula before or after you reach the city: steaming mud pools at Krýsuvík, ocean surge at Brimketill, and the Gunnuhver geothermal area are easy wins close to the airport. 
Sleep: Reykjavík.
Zero tip: Keybox pickup at KEF is 24/7 and there is always staff on site to help if you need anything. Unlimited mileage and included roadside assistance keep day one stress-free.

Day 2 — Golden Circle to the South Coast

Drive: Reykjavík → Golden Circle → Hella/Hvolsvöllur or Vík, 230–300 km total, 5–7 h with stops.
Walk the tectonic rift at Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir, and feel the spray at Gullfoss. Roll on to the South Coast so tomorrow starts close to the waterfalls and beaches.
Sleep: Hella/Hvolsvöllur for a shorter day, or Vík if you want to push on.

Day 3 — South Coast classics to Skaftafell

Drive: Vík area → Skaftafell, ~140 km, ≈2 h driving.
Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, climb the steps at Skógafoss, and keep a safe distance at Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara. If you want a guided glacier walk, Sólheimajökull is on the way. End the day with easy hikes in Skaftafell or save them for tomorrow morning.
Sleep: Skaftafell/Freysnes area.

Day 4 — Jökulsárlón and the Eastfjords

Drive: Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón (57 km, ~45 min) → Höfn → Eastfjords to Egilsstaðir/Seyðisfjörður, 350–420 km total, 5–6.5 h plus stops.
Start at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, then follow the jagged Eastfjords past Vestrahorn and quiet fishing villages to your base in the east. The fjord road is slow and beautiful, so give yourself time. 
Sleep: Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður.

Day 5 — East to the Northeast: canyons and lava fields

Drive: East base → Lake Mývatn area, 170–250 km, 2.5–4 h depending on detours.
Pick a couple of east-side detours (for example, Stuðlagil Canyon if conditions and time allow), then aim for the geothermal landscapes around Mývatn. Hverir’s steaming vents, Dimmuborgir’s lava formations, and the Mývatn Nature Baths make a great late-day combo.
Sleep: Mývatn area.

Day 6 — Diamond Circle day, end in Akureyri

Drive: Mývatn → Dettifoss/Ásbyrgi → Húsavík (optional whale tour) → Goðafoss → Akureyri, ~260–300 km, 4–6 h plus activities.
Run the north’s headline circuit: the thunder of Dettifoss, the horseshoe gorge of Ásbyrgi, and the harbor at Húsavík if you want whales. Finish with Goðafoss on the way to Akureyri. This mirrors the Diamond Circle focus you see on many complete-loop plans
Sleep: Akureyri.

Day 7 — North Iceland to the Northwest

Drive: Akureyri → Tröllaskagi scenic coast via Siglufjörður and Hofsós → Skagafjörður/Blönduós, 220–280 km, 4–5.5 h with stops.
Morning in Akureyri if you like, then take the coastal road through tunnels and fishing towns to Siglufjörður. The infinity-edge pool at Hofsós is a memorable stop on clear days. Continue into horse country around Skagafjörður.
Sleep: Skagafjörður or Blönduós area.

Day 8 — West Iceland into Snæfellsnes

Drive: Northwest base → Snæfellsnes, 220–300 km, 3–4.5 h.
Aim for Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss on the north coast, then loop the national park: Djúpalónssandur’s black pebbles, Lóndrangar sea stacks, the Arnarstapi–Hellnar coastal walk, and the Búðir black church dunes. This day aligns with “Iceland in miniature” itineraries that add Snæfellsnes to a full Ring Road. 
Sleep: Grundarfjörður, Ólafsvík, Arnarstapi or Hellnar.

Day 9 — Snæfellsnes to Reykjavík via Hvalfjörður

Drive: Peninsula base → Reykjavík, 180–220 km, 3–4 h with the scenic fjord road.
Take the old Hvalfjörður coast road instead of the tunnel for one last set of views. Back in Reykjavík, keep it easy: harbor walk, Hallgrímskirkja tower, or a soak. If your flight is next morning and you want more nature, the Reykjanes sights near the airport are a good fit for the afternoon: the lighthouse at Reykjanesviti, the boulder ridge at Valahnúkamöl, and the Bridge Between Continents.
Sleep: Reykjavík.

Day 10 — Reykjavík to KEF

Drive: Reykjavík → KEF 50 km, 45–50 min.
Chilled day, maybe sleep in or wander into town before heading out (This would depend on your flights!)

Seven days: North Iceland aurora and whales

Day 1 — KEF to Borgarnes or Reykjavík (50–120 km, 45–90 min)

Arrive, collect your car, and reset. If your flight lands early, push to Borgarnes for darker skies on night one. If you land late, Reykjavík is fine and calm.
Highlights in daylight: Reykjanes hot springs and coastal viewpoints if time allows.
Aurora window: 21:30 to 00:30. From Borgarnes, use the coastal pull-outs north of town. From Reykjavík, drive 25–40 minutes toward Þingvellir for darker skies.
Zero tip: Keybox pickup at KEF is 24/7 and there is always staff on site if you have questions. Roadside assistance is included with zero excess.

Day 2 — Borgarnes or Reykjavík to Akureyri via Ring Road 1 (320–385 km, 4–6.5 h)

Head north on Route 1 through West and North Iceland.
En-route stops: Grábrók crater stairs, Kolugljúfur canyon, Viðimýri turf church.
Where to sleep: Lake Mývatn area if you can, it has darker skies than Akureyri. Otherwise Akureyri.
Aurora window: 21:30 to 01:00. Around Mývatn, try pull-outs near Höfði or along the lake’s quieter east shore. From Akureyri, drive 15–25 minutes toward Goðafoss to get past town glow.

Day 3 — Húsavík whales and the Diamond Circle lite (220–260 km, 3–5 h driving)

Morning: Drive to Húsavík for a whale tour.
Afternoon options: Goðafoss on the return, or add one of Ásbyrgi gorge or Dettifoss (paved access from the west in normal conditions).
Where to sleep: Mývatn for a second dark-sky night.
Aurora window: 21:30 to 01:00. Park at a known lay-by, switch off lights, and give it a patient 30–60 minutes. Low activity can still produce soft arcs if clouds break.

Day 4 — Mývatn geothermal day, then to Skagafjörður (260–300 km, 3.5–5 h)

Morning at Mývatn: Hverir steam vents, Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth, Höfði peninsula. Optional soak at Mývatn Nature Baths.
Afternoon drive: Goðafoss if you skipped it, then continue into Skagafjörður (horse country) for quieter night skies.
Aurora window: 21:30 to 00:30. Use farm-road pull-outs off Route 1 between Varmahlíð and Sauðárkrókur, clear horizons and little light.

Day 5 — Skagafjörður to Borgarfjörður, waterfalls and hot springs (220–260 km, 3–3.5 h)

Cruise into West Iceland.
Stops: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss cascades, Deildartunguhver hot spring, Reykholt history site.
Where to sleep: Húsafell or Borgarnes. Húsafell is best for darkness.
Aurora window: 21:30 to 00:30. Húsafell valley offers big skies with minimal glow. In Borgarnes, drive five to ten minutes out of town along the coast.

Day 6 — West Iceland to Snæfellsnes loop, end in Reykjavík (300–350 km, 6–8 h with stops)

If weather plays nice, do a full Snæfellsnes circuit.
Loop highlights: Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal walk, Búðir black church dunes, Lóndrangar sea stacks, Djúpalónssandur beach, Saxhóll crater, Kirkjufell viewpoint.
Finish: Reykjavík for the final night. If you prefer one more dark-sky chance, sleep on the peninsula instead and drive to KEF in the morning.
Aurora window: 21:30 to 00:30. On the peninsula, the coast between Arnarstapi and Lóndrangar is excellent when clear. Near Reykjavík, head 25–40 minutes inland toward Þingvellir.

Day 7 — Reykjavík to KEF (50 km, 45–50 min)

Unhurried breakfast, pool or museum if flight time allows, then a simple KEF drop.

Food, pools and small September pleasures

Local pools turn windy days into a treat. Keep swimsuits and towels handy and end your drive with a soak. Early September still has crowberries and bilberries in the right places; ask your host what is in season and where picking is appropriate. If you hear about a réttir, ask how to watch without getting in the way—Visit Iceland’s explainer is helpful. If your dates match the film festival, plan an evening screening and check times at RIFF.

Practical rental tips that actually help in September

Know what’s already included with Zero.
You don’t have to play the insurance upsell game here: gravel, sand and ash protection, zero excess, and 24/7 roadside assistance are already in the price. Still, take 90 seconds at pickup to walk around the car and snap quick photos (windscreen, wheels, corners). It’s good practice anywhere, and it helps you spot a chip before it becomes a crack.

Fuel (and charge) with margin, not panic.
East of Vík and between Höfn and the Mývatn area, stations are farther apart. Keep the tank at least half full on travel days and top up when you stop for coffee—don’t wait for the warning light. Most pumps are self-service and want a card with a PIN.
Driving an EV or PHEV? September temps are kind to range. Aim for short, mid-day top-ups (for example 30–60 minutes at lunch), and finish each day with 40–60% in the battery so you’re never hunting a charger at 22:00.

Download what you need before you need it.
Save offline maps for the whole southwest and South Coast plus your north/east segments. Keep hotel contacts and your booking details in a note. Reception drops are rare on the Ring Road but they do happen in valleys and fjords.

Treat wind like a feature, not a surprise.
Park into the wind when you can. Open one door at a time, hold it with two hands, and keep kids seated until you’re ready. Crack the door a few centimeters first and feel the pressure before committing. At sights like Dyrhólaey or Djúpalónssandur, assume gusts near the car will be stronger on the cliffs or beach.

Drive the daylight. Rest at night.
In early September you have plenty of light; by late September, plan arrivals before dusk. Build your longest transfers into the first half of the month and leave shorter loops for later. If you’re aurora hunting, take a late-afternoon rest and head out after 21:30—don’t stack a long night on top of a long drive.

Be a good road neighbor.
Headlights on, always. Use lay-bys for photos—never brake in the lane for a shot. On single-lane bridges, the first car to the bridge has priority; if you arrive second, wait. Sheep wander; if one is on the road, the rest of the family is nearby.

Skip F-roads in September.
Plan on paved and well-maintained gravel only. Highland routes are closed and river crossings are never recommended—there’s more than enough scenery on the Ring Road, the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes without them.

Use Iceland’s excellent pools as your reset button.
Keep swimsuits and a small towel in the car. A 30-minute soak at the end of a windy day can turn the whole mood of the trip.

For more planning context across all seasons, read Best time to go to Iceland with a car rental and Iceland weather by month.