October is one of the most underrated months to visit Iceland. The summer crowds are gone, the first dustings of snow appear on the mountains, and the northern lights season is in full swing. If you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic experience with better prices and dramatic autumn landscapes, October is a fantastic time to come.
Here are some practical tips for visiting Iceland in October – and how to make the most of your stay with Ourhotels.is at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
October weather in Iceland: what to expect
October is a true shoulder-season month. You can expect:
– Temperatures around 0–7°C (32–45°F)
– Shorter days (about 8–11 hours of daylight, depending on when in October you visit)
– A mix of sun, rain, wind, and sometimes early snow
Layers are essential. Pack a warm base layer, a good sweater, a wind- and waterproof shell, hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes or light hiking boots. The weather can change quickly, especially in the west and the Westfjords, so being prepared means you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably.
Chasing the northern lights in October
October is an excellent month for northern lights in Iceland. Nights are dark enough, and the weather is often more stable than in mid-winter. To increase your chances:
– Stay away from big city light pollution
– Check the aurora forecast and cloud cover daily
– Be flexible – sometimes the best displays happen late at night
Ourhotels.is properties are perfectly placed for aurora hunting. Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður sits in a rural area with wide-open skies, ideal for stepping outside and watching the lights dance over the river valley. Stykkishólmur Inn offers easy access to dark viewpoints around the harbor and nearby hills, while Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords is surrounded by dramatic mountains that make a stunning backdrop for the aurora.
Driving in Iceland in October
Self-driving in October is very doable, but you need to be cautious and prepared:
– Rent a car with good tires; consider a 4×4 if you plan to explore gravel roads or the Westfjords
– Check road conditions daily on official websites
– Allow extra time for each drive – weather and visibility can change fast
The west of Iceland is particularly rewarding for an October road trip. From Reykjavík, you can easily reach Borgarfjörður, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords, staying at Ourhotels.is locations along the way. This creates a natural route: Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur Inn on Snæfellsnes, and Ísafjörður Inn further north in the Westfjords.
Exploring West Iceland in October: Borgarfjörður and Hvítá Inn
Borgarfjörður is one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions in Iceland, and October adds a special charm with autumn colors and early snow on the mountains.
From Hvítá Inn, you’re well placed to explore:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, framed by autumn foliage
– Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring
– The historic Reykholt area, linked to medieval sagas
– Scenic drives along the Hvítá river and into the highland edges (weather permitting)
Hvítá Inn offers a peaceful countryside base close to Borgarnes, with easy access from Reykjavík. It’s ideal if you want to experience rural Iceland, enjoy quiet evenings, and have a good chance of seeing the northern lights right from your accommodation.
Snæfellsnes in October: stay at Stykkishólmur Inn
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: glaciers, black sand beaches, cliffs, lava fields, and charming fishing towns. October is a great time to visit, with fewer tour buses and more space to explore.
From Stykkishólmur Inn, you can:
– Visit Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains
– Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park with its lava fields, beaches, and coastal viewpoints
– Take coastal walks around Stykkishólmur and enjoy the harbor atmosphere
– Sample local seafood in town after a day of exploring
Stykkishólmur Inn gives you a comfortable, central base on the peninsula. You can spend your days exploring the rugged coastline and your evenings watching for the aurora over the harbor or nearby viewpoints.
Discovering the Westfjords in October: Ísafjörður Inn
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most remote and dramatic regions. In October, they feel especially wild and authentic. While some highland roads and remote tracks may already be closed for the season, the main routes to Ísafjörður are usually still open, weather permitting.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can:
– Explore the town’s cozy cafés, museums, and harbor
– Take scenic drives along steep fjords and through tunnels carved into the mountains
– Enjoy hiking on marked trails (check conditions first)
– Experience the raw, quiet beauty of the Westfjords without summer crowds
Ísafjörður Inn is a great choice if you want to experience a more off-the-beaten-path side of Iceland in October, with dramatic landscapes right outside your door.
What to pack for Iceland in October
To stay comfortable and enjoy your trip fully, pack:
– Warm base layers (top and bottom)
– Wool or fleece sweater
– Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants
– Hat, gloves, and scarf or buff
– Sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots
– Swimsuit and towel for hot springs and pools
– Headlamp or small flashlight (for evening walks and aurora watching)
Having the right gear makes it easier to enjoy everything from short hikes to late-night northern lights sessions outside your hotel.
Why stay with Ourhotels.is in October
Choosing locally rooted accommodation can make your October trip smoother and more memorable. Ourhotels.is offers:
– Strategic locations in West Iceland: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on Snæfellsnes, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords
– Easy access to top natural attractions without the big-city feel
– Comfortable, welcoming stays ideal for autumn and early winter travel
– Great bases for northern lights watching, photography, and road trips
By planning a route that connects these three inns, you can experience some of the best of West Iceland in October: waterfalls and hot springs in Borgarfjörður, diverse landscapes on Snæfellsnes, and the wild beauty of the Westfjords.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more atmospheric Iceland experience with good chances of seeing the northern lights, October is a wonderful month to visit. With Ourhotels.is as your base in West Iceland, you can enjoy the season’s unique charm in comfort, at your own pace.
