Guide to Driving in Iceland’s Fall

Preparing for a trip to Iceland in the fall months of September and October can be tricky. Most people who plan to drive in Iceland during those months wonder what the conditions will be like when driving around in the fall. 

Whilst there are so many activities to indulge in, the weather in Iceland is highly unpredictable. With so many people discovering the benefits of driving in Iceland, it is important to understand how the autumn weather may impact your journey.

Photo by www.eyeandpen.com.

October In Iceland: Iceland’s Fall

Iceland’s fall months start in August and continue through to October. Early August is still fairly warm in Iceland, however, the temperatures can fall in a matter of days. Icelandic weather is unpredictable which means that you can have snow in August and really nice weather in November. If all things run smoothly, you should be able to drive any type of car anywhere in Iceland in September and well into October. 

Why Visit Iceland In October?

With cooler air and a slight frosty chill, Iceland truly flourishes in fall. The mild climate makes great weather for wrapping up warm and exploring everything this beautiful country has to offer; whether that is exploring the highlands or glimpsing the Northern Lights. You can even melt away the wintry chills in a natural geothermal hot spa! 

Weather in Iceland in the Fall

At the beginning of September, the weather is typically fair all over the country. Temperatures should be between 10-20 degrees Celsius and normally there is no snow on the ground. You should, however, be prepared for colder weather, even down to 0 degrees at this time of the year, especially in the North and the Highlands, where the conditions are colder and can be harsher.

Fall in the North, Westfjords, and Eastfjords     

Autumn and winter come sooner to the North, Western fjords, and Eastern fjords. If you plan to drive to these parts of the country in the fall month of October, we definitely recommend an AWD or 4x4 vehicle. If you are travelling to the North you will have to cross Holtavörðuheiði heath. If you go on to the Western fjords you will most likely drive either Þröskuldar or Steingrímsfjarðarheiði heaths (or both). 

Fall in the South & West

Winter often comes a little later to the South and the West which only means that the roads are clear of ice and snow for a little longer. In order to go to the South, you will have to cross either Hellisheiði heath which is a part of the Ring Road, or other heaths if you are on the Golden Circle. Hellisheiði is usually fine to drive in the fall but can be dangerous in the wintertime.

Driving in Iceland in Autumn

The autumn months of September and October can be beautiful months, with calm winds and low sun. However, typical fall weather in Iceland includes heavy wind and horizontal rain. However, wind and rain should not affect your ability to drive a small car. What really affects your decision is the ice and snow on the roads. Let’s take a look at a few of our top tips for driving during September, October, and November in Iceland.

1. Check Conditions Before Passing Heaths or Passages

When driving on the Ring Road or between parts of Iceland, you have to cross heaths or mountain passages. You see, you are crossing a mountain and although our mountains are not very high, the weather up there can be very different from down below and sometimes much worse. There can be ice and snow on the roads up in the mountains, even if there is none in sight where you are. 

Therefore it is always vital to check the road conditions when passing heaths in Iceland in fall or winter. If you are not sure if you can cross, we suggest you stop at the gas station before the heath. The locals usually know if the roads are open or not and can offer you advice on the matter.

2. Remember Your Daylight Is Limited

One aspect of driving around Iceland during fall months that might surprise you is the daylight hours beginning to dwindle. During the month of October, huge changes in the amount of light you’ll see happen. At the beginning of the month, 11-12 hours is common, however this lowers to around 8 hours by the 31st. In November, this decreases further.

It’s crucial not to get caught out by encroaching darkness. Don’t leave day trips too late and find yourself on treacherous terrain with minimal light. This is easy to factor into your itinerary in the planning stages, so stick to your plans and you’re in no danger of getting caught out.

3. Be Prepared With Information You Might Need

It is important to always check the weather forecast and road conditions before starting your journey in Iceland, even in the fall months. Here are some useful websites and resources you should check ahead of your journey in Iceland:

• Icelandic Met Office for the weather forecast. 
• Icelandic Road Administration for road conditions and webcams all over the country.
• Iceland Car Rental Safety Information.

You can also call 1777 (if problems use +354 522 1100). Open 8-16 in summer and 6:30-22 in winter. An English answering machine with similar road information is in phone number 1778.

Whatever your fall road trip might entail, we have the rental car for you. Browse our models today and begin planning your time in Iceland’s charming Autumn months!