Introduction
October is considered shoulder season in Iceland, which means that it’s not as busy as the summer months, and it’s not as dark as the prime winter months. As such, October can be a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful – and generally more reasonably priced – adventure.
It is also a good time to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis); if the weather conditions are just right, you may be lucky enough to encounter these beautiful displays of light in the sky caused by the interaction of the Earth’s magnetic field with solar particles.
The question is, can you travel ‘light’ (pardon the pun) to Iceland?
If you have talked to friends or family about this potential plan, you have probably received some confused or worried looks – and you can understand why.
Technically, October is on the edge of the Winter period in the land of fire and ice, which brings to mind: waterproof pants, insulated winter jacket, hiking boots and thermals. These warm, yet bulky items, don’t naturally go hand-in-hand with a carry-on bag. But you have taken this heavy task upon yourself, and you should be commended.
Lucky for you, I have done the trip to Iceland in October, with just a 40 liter hiking backpack, so this might become easier than you, or anyone, originally thought.
Table of Contents
Weather conditions
Iceland is unique in so many ways, but a particular favorite way is that its very name gives us a hint about what to expect weather-wise. This is true especially well into the Winter months – it can get cold as ice.
In October however, it is much milder than you might imagine. October is considered a transition month. If you have sought out weather advice from family, friends, colleagues who have traveled to Iceland, and of course, the internet, a word you may have come across frequently is: unpredictable. This can certainly be true, particularly at the fringe Winter period.
It can be sunny and mild one minute, then raining and windy the next.
The weather in Iceland in October can be quite varied. With average high temperatures ranging from around 7°C (45°F) to 10°C (50°F). You can expect some rain and wind, but you might also experience the odd sunny day too. It is unlikely you’ll see snow until further towards the end of the year.
You may even have the same experience as me, which is to step out of the bus and say, “it’s not as cold as I thought” – and it isn’t, that is, if you pack and prepare appropriately.
Fortunately, the first day of winter isn’t until late-October, so there are still more daylight hours than you might experience than if you were traveling in December when Iceland is darkest for the longest. Expect 8-11 hours of daylight in October. During my trip in October, the sun generally set at 5pm or thereabouts.
Create a 'packing criteria'
Weather conditions provide a good baseline of what to expect and what you might need. Another important consideration is what you will be doing while you are in Iceland. There is no shortage of fun and fantastic activities you can experience in Iceland, and these provide a way to create a ‘packing criteria’ for your trip.
Why do you need a criteria? When you want to ‘travel light’ – particularly somewhere where the conditions have been described as unpredictable. It is incredibly easy to over-pack or keep items in your packing list that are not essential. Here is where the packing criteria comes in. It is shaped by the activities you will be doing most while you are in Iceland.
You’re going to Iceland, so I might be able to guess what is on your itinerary? Or maybe I can inspire you with mine: glacier hiking, exploring waterfalls, bathing in natural hot-springs, experiencing the luxurious Blue Lagoon, staring at the Northern Lights, walking into ice caves, sight-seeing nature at its best.
With this example activities list, the packing criteria would include:
- Warmth – Packing for warmth is critical for the example itinerary above because most of the activities listed are outdoors. You may be tempted to bring something that looks good but isn’t warm. With warmth as a key criteria, this will help you put that mesh sweater down and replace it with something that will keep your body heat in.
- Practical – It is likely that you’ll do more than one activity on a particular day. You should be practical about what you pack. What will be easy to take on and off? What will protect you from the elements? What can be layered?
- Active – When you have hikes, exploring and bathing on your ‘to-do’ list, this will make your packing list skew towards activewear. If you’re tempted to bring more jeans than hiking pants, even with an adventure-packed itinerary, go back and put ‘active’ at the top of your packing criteria and re-prioritize.
There is beauty and simplicity in traveling to the most naturally beautiful place on Earth, with only the things you really need.
Choose the right carry-on bag
On my recent trip to Iceland for a week, I fit everything I needed into a 40L carry-on compatible hiking backpack! Not only that, I went to Spain after my visit to Iceland, which was still warm and sunny; so my packing criteria actually included ‘cool comfort’, because I needed shorts and sandals for Barcelona. This proves that where there is a will – and great planning – there is a way.
As well as having a ‘packing criteria’ to help me make decisions of what to bring and what to leave at home, I had packing tools and implemented some packing tricks to get everything I needed to fit comfortably. Here is what you will need to do to travel with a carry-on bag:
- Get a compatible bag – IcelandAir and Play Air have the most frequent and reliable direct flights from the United States, UK and Europe to Reykjavík, Iceland. The carry-on baggage dimensions for IcelandAir is 21.6H x 15.7L x7.8W inches (55H x 40L x 20W cm) with a 22lb (10kg) weight allowance. Play Air is 22H x 17.7L x 9.8W (56H x 45L x 25W cm) with a 26lb (12kg). I have flown on both of these airlines and my 40L hiking backpack which I bought from an adventure retail store, met the carry-on criteria and fit easily in the overhead locker. I traveled with a back-pack most recently, but I have also done the trip with a luggage carry-on. There are pros and cons to both options, I would suggest if you are traveling to other European destinations in the same trip as traveling to Iceland, a back-pack is more convenient for popular historic cities where you might be having to navigate lots of stairs (in rail stations, boutique accommodation, etc.) and cobbled streets.
- Smart compartments – I chose a backpack, which had a suitcase-style wide opening from the back, which made it much easier to pack/repack, and find what I needed. Keep this in mind as most hiking backpacks have a top-opening, meaning items are stacked and you need to access them either via the top or slight zipper openings on the sides. I also chose a bag which had various compartments that allowed me to organize items such as shoes and toiletries in dedicated and separate areas.
- Travel vacuum bags – These plastic bags compress air out of your packed items, making them more compact and flat, which means you can fit more in your luggage. This is particularly helpful when traveling with a carry-on where space is limited. You may have seen these bags with a vacuum valve, where you need a vacuum to take the air out; this type of vacuum bag will do the job, but the travel version which allows you to squeeze air out without a vacuum is much more suitable. With the travel vacuum bag, you can pack your items and simply roll the bag (or sit on it as I often do), to flatten the pack. Purchase a combo pack with various sizes, this allows you to have large bags for bulkier items such as sweaters and pants, and small to medium bags for items such as tops, undergarments and accessories. Pro tip, pack an extra empty vacuum bag if you want to separate dirty clothing while you travel, or should you add items along the way.
- Packing cubes – You’ll find that most of your packing items will go into the travel vacuum bags, but it is still useful to use packing cubes for any odd-shaped clothing or non-clothing items that you want to take on your travels. Where the vacuum bags compress your items, the packing cubes help compartmentalize your bag so that it is easier to sort and organize while you travel. Items such as rolled socks, headwear, shoes, make-up, and toiletries can be packed into cubes, and stacked or placed like a puzzle piece into your luggage. Packing cubes are often sold as a combo of various sizes (imagine a babushka doll but with fabric cubes). It makes it easier to find the right cube for the right items, and the right fit inside your bag.
Pack your bag with the essentials on this list
As mentioned earlier, your packing criteria is the foundation of your packing list; it will outline what you need based on what you plan to do on your travels.
However there are, of course, other key items that should be considered if you’re planning to visit Iceland, regardless of what activities you might have planned. Here are some items that you should pack for your trip to Iceland in October:
- Layers of clothing – October is a transition month in Iceland, so you’ll want to be prepared for both warm and cold weather. Layering is key to preparing for weather variations, so pack items like thermal underlayer, fleece or down-feather jackets, and a waterproof outer layer. This general rule applies to your top half and bottom layers.
- Thermal under layer – If you live in a country that has Uniqlo, stock up on some affordable ‘heat-tech’ leggings (or long-johns for men) and thermal long-sleeve tops. They have different grades of warmth, which allows you to choose the thickness that suits the season. You can also purchase thermals from any good outdoor or adventure store; if you really want to stay warm you can opt for thermals made from wool. Some people get thermals all the way down to the underwear level – you can, but you don’t need to, particularly if you plan to go to Iceland in October or another fringe time.
- Weather-proof pants – The type of pants you need on a trip is often overlooked. One might simply default to gym pants, leggings or the most durable jeans in your closet, but that might not be the best approach when traveling to Iceland in October, especially if you have various outdoor activities planned. I suggest ‘weather-proof’ pants rather than ‘waterproof’ because it really depends on what you’re doing. Hiking, even if it includes a glacier hike, will only require water-resistant pants. Similarly, if you plan on getting up close to the beautiful waterfalls, anticipate some light water splash-back, which hiking pants or water-resistant gym pants will easily endure. Light-weight hiking pants with pockets are a safe bet. Get a half or full size up if you want to wear a thermal under layer as well. Why pockets? They double as hand-warmers if you forget your gloves.
- Waterproof jacket – It’s important to be prepared for all types of weather in Iceland, particularly in October. A waterproof jacket can help protect you from the rain and keep you dry, which is especially important if you are planning on participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, or exploring the many beautiful waterfalls Iceland is famous for. In winter months, your waterproof jacket should be the outermost layer, because it will not only keep you dry, but a good waterproof jacket also acts as a wind blocker; trust me, you’ll need it, especially when you’re standing by Gullfoss Waterfall.
- Insulated jacket – You will need a thick or insulated jacket such as a fleece, down-feather, or parka jacket when you visit Iceland in colder months. If you opt for a waterproof insulated jacket, you may be able to avoid bringing a waterproof rain jacket to wear on-top. This will be your go-to clothing item, you’ll wear it everyday, so you may want to bring a spare if you’re going on a longer tour of Iceland, or you don’t want to wear the same outfit on repeat.
- Hiking shoes – Iceland is a country of rugged, natural beauty, so you’ll likely want to do some hiking and exploring. Make sure to pack a pair of sturdy, waterproof shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry. Classic Timberland boots are a nice all-rounder (and they look very cool), but if you plan on doing some more challenging terrain, such as glacier hiking, you may have to bring or hire compatible hiking boots that connect properly to the ice cleats.
- Suitable socks – It can be easy to forget to put thought into one of the most under-rated pieces of clothing – the humble sock – but keeping your feet warm, comfortable and dry are key to a good adventure holiday. A combination of hiking socks, thermal socks and everyday socks will ensure you have every experience covered. Make sure the height of the socks suits your boot height, this will ensure you don’t get any chaffing if there is no material to meet the top of your shoe. Having an extra cushioned bottom layer of the socks is a plus, this will help you feel supported and snug while having long days out and about, on your feet.
- Gloves and beanie (knit/wool cap) – Gloves and a beanie are necessary items to bring, especially if you are planning on participating in outdoor activities or if you are visiting during the colder months. Consider waterproof gloves if you plan on hiking, skiing, or if you expect snowy weather. They say heat escapes from your head, so wearing warm headwear such as a knit or wool cap will keep your head and ears warm. Even if your beanie is made from a synthetic blend, it will do a decent job trapping warmth. If you are going hiking (particularly glacier hiking), a beanie without a pom pom at the top is recommended as you might want to wear your hiking helmet on-top.
- Face mask or balaclava – A full-face hood, also known as a balaclava, may seem a bit extreme for a leisurely trip to Iceland but if you’re planning on skiing or going into ice caves, you won’t be sorry when those icy winds are blasting towards you. I know we hate to utter the dirty word, “covid”, but it was good for one thing – normalizing face masks. Chances are you have a reusable face mask in your possession, and it actually makes for a great covering when you want that extra layer to protect your cheeks, mouth and nose. Combined with a warm beanie, you will be ready to face any chilly challenge.
- Swimsuit – You might read this suggestion with some confusion or dread, but Iceland is home to many geothermal pools (such as the famous Blue Lagoon) and natural hot springs, so you must not forget to pack a swimsuit so you can take a relaxing dip. There’s plenty of research – and lots of Hollywood hunks on Netflix or Disney documentaries – supporting the benefits of extreme temperature exposure. Whether or not you take the plunge, you don’t want to miss out just because you forgot your swimming gear.
- Sunglasses – Even in October, the sun can be strong in Iceland, especially at higher elevations. The bright reflection off the snow and ice in Iceland can be harsh on the eyes, so be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses to help reduce glare and improve visibility, which can be especially helpful when driving or participating in activities such as hiking or skiing.
- Camera – Iceland is one of the most beautiful and unique countries in the world, so you’ll want to make sure you have a good camera to capture all of the amazing sights. Yes, the latest smartphone can do the job, and a pretty good one given today’s technology, but if you’re out to see and snap the Northern Lights, you might want to bring a camera that is built for purpose.
- Power adapter – Iceland uses the European standard power outlets, so if you’re coming from North America or another region, you’ll need to bring a power adapter to charge your electronic devices. Though many of the hotels in Reykjavik have usb outlets that you can plug your devices directly into, the regional hotels or B&Bs in smaller towns outside of the center are less likely to have this.
- Reusable water bottle – Being one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world, so it is no wonder that Icelandic people are very environmentally conscious. They also have some of the cleanest and safest drinking water in the world – so why not reduce waste and get water straight from the glacial sources, by bringing a reusable water bottle. If you’re staying in Reykjavik, most of their hot water is sourced from a geothermal plant, so you may get the strong smell of sulfur if you’re using the hot water in the shower. But don’t let that put you off the cold water, which is safe to drink. If you go on a glacier hike, you will find some of the coldest and purest water in the world. Bottle it up in you very own container and enjoy! Evian, eat your heart out.
- Day backpack – A small day-pack is a useful item to have with you in Iceland, as it will allow you to carry your essentials with you while you explore. Make it big enough for that reusable water bottle, and accessories. If you’re hiking or going on day trips you may want to pack some snacks like granola bars or trail mix to keep you fueled during your adventures in Iceland. If you’re driving along the South Coast and Golden Circle, stop by Kronan Supermarkets, which are a great place to stock up on snacks.
- Cash and credit cards – Before my first trip to Iceland, I did what you’re doing now, which is read up about it. I had read that many places accept cash in Icelandic króna (ISK) as well as other currencies such as the Euro, British pound and even US dollar. Unfortunately, this was only partially true, which was quite an inconvenience in some cases. Tourism-led places, such as bus companies and the Blue Lagoon store, did accept other currencies, however most other restaurants and shops only accepted ISK or card, with a preference towards card. If you want to bring cash opt for ISK and make sure you bring a cashless payment method as well.
Number of items
If you are determined to pack light, and travel to Iceland with a carry-on, smart clothing combinations and rotation are your friend.
On my most recent 1-week trip to Iceland, I packed the following number of items:
- Waterproof rain jacket x 1
- Insulated water-resistant jacket x 2
- Pull-over sweater x 3
- Thermal long-sleeve top x 3
- Thermal leggings x 2
- Water-resistant hiking pants x 2
- Wool hat (beanie) x 1
- Gloves x 1
- Underwear x 7
- Socks x 5
- Jeans x 1
- Blouse x 1
- Pyjamas x 2
- Reusable face mask x 3
- Day pack x 1
- Sneakers x 1
- Hiking boots x 1
- Toiletries in travel-size
- Make-up (essentials only)
I packed these items into a 40L back-pack, using 3 x travel vacuum bags and 2 packing cubes.
My back-pack has some smart compartments which allow me to store various items in logical and accessible places.
Don’t forget to wear your bulkiest items such as your jacket and hiking boots on your flight to Iceland, but layers, so that you can take off your jacket if the airport, plane or transfer bus gets too warm.
Is October a good time to travel to Iceland?
Yes! October is a fantastic time to visit Iceland. It’s less crowded, easier to book accommodation & can often be cheaper than the summer months. It is colder but if you pack right, you’ll still be very comfortable while traveling around Iceland in October.
How easy is it to see the Northern Lights in Iceland in October?
The best period to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between October & March. The best website in predicting the Northern Lights is called vedur.is so you can plan your Northern Lights visit in Iceland.
What factors limit the sightseeing of the Northern Lights?
There are two main factors which determine the odds of you witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland in October
- Light pollution
- Cloud cover
If you manage to escape the city lights of Reykjavík, you have a greater chance of seeing the Northern Lights in October.
Unfortunately, if there is substantial cloud cover, your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights is limited.
Are roads closed in October across Iceland?
The road conditions in Iceland in the month of October are usually quite clear, especially if you’re staying on Route 1 for your Iceland trip.
There is a very slim chance that the roads will be covered in snow on the Western part of Iceland.
What clothes do I need to pack for traveling around Iceland in October?
I advise solo Iceland travelers to pack for warmth, practicality & ensuring it can be worn during activities. Layering is a must, especially when traveling in October as the weather can turn quite quickly from warm, t-shirt weather to ice-cold in no time at all!
Seeing as waterfalls ( are most likely on your itinerary, I would recommend taking waterproof pants & a waterproof jacket to protect you from the waterfall mist!
Jeans will provide you with some comfort but if you’re wanting to hike or to go exploring you should consider taking pants that are a little more active-focused.
What essentials should I take on day-trips when traveling in Iceland in October?
I would recommend taking a day backpack to carry your essentials including a reusable water bottle, snacks (from Kronan Supermarkets to make your money last longer!), gloves, a portable battery (you don’t want your phone or camera to die!) and your cash/credit cards.