Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Jökulsárlón in October
Jökulsárlón cools off: highs slip to 42°F (5°C), from 46°F in September, with lows of 37°F (3°C) and about 9.9 in (251 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 20/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 42°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 37°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 9.9 in (251 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 80%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 17 min
- Comfort score
- 20/100 · Tough
What October feels like
Cool days top out near 42°F (5°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 37°F (3°C).
It's a very wet month, with around 9.9 in (251 mm) of rain, so keep plans flexible and have indoor backups ready.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 80%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 14 mph (6.4 m/s) at ground level.
Only about 9 h 17 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around October
October sits mid-table; the best months are June – August.
- Comfort slips from 30/100 in September to 20/100.
- Our Iceland Ring Road route recommends Jun – Sep, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- Insulated jackethighs only 42°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Windproof shellaverage wind 14 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Jökulsárlón in October
With 9.9 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Jökulsárlón boat tour
Amphibious boat or zodiac trips among the icebergs.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best May–Oct.
Svartifoss
Waterfall framed by black basalt columns, 1.5 km from Skaftafell visitor center.
Þórbergssetur
Hali farm cultural center and restaurant serving local char and lamb.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 9.9 in of rain.
Frost Restaurant
Buffet restaurant at the Fjallsárlón visitor center with glacier views.
Why now Easy to slot in when October's rain moves in.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Lagoon full of icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull.
Nearby in October
- Vík in October~96 mi · highs 45°F, 9.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Mývatn in October~108 mi · highs 36°F, 4.1 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, drier
- Reykjavík in October~172 mi · highs 44°F, 5.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Jökulsárlón in October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Jökulsárlón?
It's middling, scoring 20/100. The best months are June – August, at up to 47. Expect highs of 42°F (5°C) and 9.9 in (251 mm) of rain. Our Iceland Ring Road route recommends Jun – Sep, so October is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Jökulsárlón in October?
Average highs are 42°F (5°C) and average lows 37°F (3°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Jökulsárlón in October?
Yes: about 9.9 in (251 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 93.6 in (2377 mm).
What should I pack for Jökulsárlón in October?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 42°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain), windproof shell (average wind 14 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Jökulsárlón
Planning Jökulsárlón in October?
Share this October plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.