Reykjavík in October

October is one of the most underrated months to visit Reykjavík. The summer crowds have gone, the northern lights season has begun, and there is still enough daylight for long walks and day trips. The weather turns more changeable, but rarely severe. For many of our guests it is the ideal balance between light and dark.

Daylight and weather

At the start of October the sun rises around eight in the morning and sets around seven in the evening. By the end of the month it rises closer to nine and sets around five. That is still a full day, and the light is low and golden for much of it.

Temperatures usually sit between a few degrees and around eight or nine. Expect rain, wind and some bright, cold days between them. The first snow sometimes falls on Esja, across the bay, before it reaches the city.

The northern lights return

With properly dark evenings back, October is the start of the season. The weeks around the autumn equinox are often active, and the nights are not yet as cold as they will be in winter. Walk down to the shore on a clear night and keep an eye on the aurora forecast at vedur.is.

The Imagine Peace Tower

Every year on 9 October, John Lennon's birthday, a column of light is switched on on Viðey, the small island just off Reykjavík. Created by Yoko Ono, the Imagine Peace Tower shines up into the sky every night until 8 December. You can see it from much of the city, including the shore path by Harpa, and on a clear night it is quietly moving.

Film and music

The Reykjavík International Film Festival, RIFF, usually runs from late September into early October, with screenings across the city, including at Bíó Paradís. Iceland Airwaves, the city's music festival, usually takes place in early November, and October is when the anticipation builds, with new music in bars and venues across town.

The first day of winter

In the old Icelandic calendar, the year had two seasons, summer and winter. Fyrsti vetrardagur, the first day of winter, falls on a Saturday in late October. It is not a big public celebration, but it is a real marker in the year, and you will hear people mention it.

What to do

October is ideal for walking. The Harbour Walk, from Harpa along the shore past Sólfar and on to Grandi, is at its best on a clear afternoon. So is a walk out to Grótta at the western tip of Seltjarnarnes.

It is also a good month for day trips. The Golden Circle is less crowded than in summer, and the roads are generally still clear, though it is always worth checking road.is before you go.

And it is the start of pool season in earnest. As the air gets colder, the hot pots get better.

What to pack

Layers, a waterproof outer layer, a warm hat and good shoes. Leave space for a wool sweater. You may end up buying one here anyway.

October is a good time to stay a little longer. Our houses are at themuse.is.