What Driving in Iceland in the Fall Is Like With a Campervan
- Campervan Reykjavik
- Mar 31
- 9 min read
Driving in Iceland in the fall is different. You're not dealing with summer crowds or winter chaos. Just you, the road, and whatever the season decides to throw at you. It's the kind of trip that rewards common sense and a good campervan.
Driving in the fall with your rental camper in Iceland isn't hard, but it's not mindless either. You've got to pay attention, stay flexible, and know what you're signing up for. If you're curious whether fall is the right time to hit the road, you're in the right place. Let's break it down without the sugarcoating.
Why You Should Consider Driving in Iceland in the Fall
Fall doesn't scream road trip season to most people, which is exactly why it's a smart time to go.
Fewer Tourists, More Iceland for You
By mid-September, the tour buses thin out. Parking spots open up. Crowds disappear from big-ticket sights like Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. That means more time to explore and fewer people standing in your photos. If you want Iceland without the chaos, fall delivers.
Campervan Rentals Drop by Up to 40%
Yep, you read that right. Once peak summer ends, prices take a dip. According to market data, campervan rentals in September and October can be 30 to 40 percent cheaper than in July. Fewer bookings mean better deals. You're spending less and getting more freedom. Win-win.
Autumn Colors and Ever-Changing Landscapes
Iceland's landscape is always wild, but in fall, it starts to shift fast. Moss turns golden. Hills get brushed in red. You'll see the seasons shifting right in front of you. One day, the hills glow with warm autumn tones, and the next, snow shows up on the higher ground. It's fast, raw, and completely different from the steady summer vibe. You don't get that in July.
What Are the Weather Conditions Like in the Fall?
Unpredictable. That's the honest answer. September's weather still feels mild, with temps averaging 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), and October in Iceland starts dipping closer to 1 to 7°C (34 to 45°F). Rain is common, wind picks up, and in the Highlands, roads can close overnight. You won't freeze, but you do need to stay alert and pack smart.
How Safe Is Driving in Iceland in the Fall With a Campervan?
Driving around Iceland in autumn isn't dangerous if you know what you're doing. But fall doesn't hold your hand. You've got to prep, stay aware, and respect the conditions. Let's talk about what can trip you up and how to handle it.
Shorter Days Mean Less Wiggle Room
Daylight shrinks fast once the summer months end. That dreamy 24-hour glow? Gone. You'll need to plan each day around limited hours of light.
Here's what daylight looks like:
Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Hours of Daylight |
September | 06:50 AM | 8:00 Pm | 13 Hours |
October | 08:20 AM | 06:10 PM | 9:55 Hours |
November | 09:50 AM | 04:30 PM | 6:40 Hours |
Start early. Wrap up before it gets dark. Simple. You don't want to be navigating black ice in pitch black with tired eyes.
Weather's Wild Card: Wind, Snow, and Ice
Fall can throw all kinds of curveballs. One day, it's calm. Next, your camper door almost rips off.
Snow and Ice
September is usually clear. But come October, especially in the north, east, or Highlands, you can hit ice and even snow. In November, frozen roads are a real possibility.
Wind and Rain
In some parts, the rain doesn't fall, it flies sideways. Visibility drops fast and wind gusts can shove your camper like it's made of cardboard. Sandstorms are also a thing, especially in the south, and they can strip your paint and wreck your windshield.
Wind
This is the big one. Gusts in Iceland don't mess around. We're talking up to 113 km/h (70 mph). That's more than enough to make a tall camper sway or flip a door if you're not careful.
Fall Road Conditions in Iceland: What to Expect and What to Drive
If you're planning to visit Iceland in the fall, don't expect smooth sailing the whole way. The roads can be great for one minute and borderline sketchy for the next. Weather doesn't wait for you to be ready, so the more you know now, the better off you'll be later.
Paved Roads Hold Up, But Stay Alert
Most of Iceland's main roads, including the full Ring Road (Route 1), are paved and kept in good shape. But that doesn't mean you can relax.
Mountain passes can ice up overnight. Bridges and shaded stretches freeze faster than you'd expect. Even paved roads can be slick with snow or rain by October, especially in the north and east.
Drive like the weather could turn at any time (because it can.)
Gravel Roads? That's a Whole Other Game
Once you leave the main routes, it's a mixed bag. Rural and inland roads often turn into gravel, and that's where things get interesting.
You'll hit:
Potholes
Loose gravel that kicks up
Washboard surfaces that shake your teeth
Passing another car? You'll need to slow way down or eat a faceful of flying rocks.
If you're unsure what to expect, check out this guide to driving gravel roads in Iceland. It'll save you stress and maybe your deposit.
Exploring Iceland's Highlands in Fall: Is It Even Possible?
Exploring Iceland's Highlands in fall sounds epic, but it's not as simple as grabbing the keys and heading off. Most F-roads start closing in mid to late September, depending on the weather. Once snow hits or rivers rise, they're done for the season.
Vehicles, especially 2WD models, aren't allowed on F-roads at all. Even if you've got a 4x4, it's only legal while the roads are officially open. So, if Highlands are high on your list, go in the early fall.
Where You Can and Can't Drive When You Visit Iceland in the Fall
Driving in Iceland during the fall isn't just about the vehicle. It's about knowing where you can actually go. Some roads stay open well into the season. Others? Not so much. Here's everything you need to know about where to drive, where not to, and how to work around it.
Where You Can Drive
Ring Road (Route 1) - This is the spine of Iceland's road network. It loops around the island and stays open most of the year. Storms can shut it down for a few hours or a day, but it's usually cleared quickly.
Golden Circle and South Coast - Still totally doable in fall. You'll hit spots like Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss. The roads are paved, plowed, and easy to follow.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula - A great side trip if you're sticking to western Iceland. Roads are in good condition, the scenery is ridiculous, and it's rarely crowded in the fall.
Where You Can't Drive
F-Roads - As we already mentioned, F-roads are off-limits by mid-September. F26, F35, and others leading into the Highlands close once snow or water levels become unsafe. Even if you've got a 4x4, they're legally closed once marked.
The Westfjords - Technically, you can go. Realistically, don't. Snow hits early and hard. Roads aren't maintained as often, and if something goes wrong, help isn't exactly around the corner. Save this one for summer.
Need a Detour?
Stick to the coast, the south, and lower elevation routes. You'll still see glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and more without the risk of getting stuck in some icy nowhere. Fall driving in Iceland gives you a lot (just not everywhere, all at once.)
Should You Rent a 4x4 Campervan in Iceland in the Fall?
If you're trying to plan your trip to Iceland in fall, the 4x4 question comes up fast. Do you really need one? Or is it just a pricey add-on rental companies love to push?
The truth is simple: it depends on where you're going and how much freedom you want.
When You Don't Need a 4x4
If you're sticking to the Ring Road and only checking out the main sights, you can skip the 4x4. Iceland's Route 1 is paved, well-maintained, and usually kept clear in the fall.
Stick to that loop and you'll be fine in a compact front-wheel drive camper like the NV-200, Kangoo, or Doblo. All seats two, come with a heating system (except the Doblo), and give you just enough space without eating your fuel budget.
Want something a little cozier? The VW Caddy Beach Minicamper is a solid pick. It's easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and comes with all the camper basics.
When You Do Need a 4x4
If you're planning to catch a glimpse of the Highlands before they close for winter. Then, yes, get the 4x4.
Even if you're not hitting full-blown F-roads, fall conditions can change fast. Rain, snow, or a little surprise ice can make standard campers struggle. That's where something like the Dacia Duster 4x4 with a roof tent shines. It's tough, compact, and handles Iceland's rougher roads like a champ.
Need more space? The VW Transporter 4x4 gives you room to sleep three, packs in a heating system, and is fully F-road ready. If you're traveling as a group, check out the Renault Master. It sleeps five, runs on diesel, and comes with unlimited mileage, so you can just keep going.
Our Quick Camper Match Guide
Not sure which camper fits your trip? No worries. Here are models of campervans we recommend for different scenarios:
Type of Traveler | Best Camper Option |
Solo or couple on a budget | NV-200, Kangoo, or Doblo (FWD) |
Want compact comfort | VW Caddy Beach Minicamper |
Planning to hit rougher roads | Dacia Duster 4x4 or Subaru Forester 4x4 |
Group of 3 | Renault Trafic or VW Transporter 4x4 |
Group of 4–5 or traveling with kids | Renault Master or Marco Polo 4x4 |
Each one comes with everything you need to cook, sleep, and explore Iceland at your own pace. Most even include heating systems, unlimited mileage, and insurance. We believe a great road trip shouldn't come with fine print.
Ready to hit the road? Rent your campervan in Iceland now and start your fall journey right.
Tips for Fall Driving in Iceland From the Campervan Pros
Fall driving in Iceland isn't rocket science. But it's also not a casual Sunday cruise. If you want a smooth ride and zero drama, you've got to prep like a pro. These fall self-driving tips for Iceland come straight from people who've done the route more times than they can count.
Plan Like the Weather's Out to Get You
Because sometimes it is. Fall weather flips without warning. One minute it's calm, the next it's sideways rain or full whiteout.
Check Vedur.is every morning
Use Safetravel.is for live alerts
Track road conditions at Umferdin.is
Don't guess. Check and adjust your route on the fly.
Check The Tires
Double-check the tires. Winter tires are essential, especially in October and November. Some companies will sneak in a surcharge. At Campervan Reykjavik, we throw them in for free. No fine print. No surprise fees. Just safe driving, because we actually want you to enjoy your trip.
Don't Skimp on Insurance
At the very least, add:
Gravel protection
Sand and ash coverage
Wind damage insurance
Iceland's weather doesn't ask for permission. Better to be covered the proper insurance than call your bank in tears later.
Use Your Headlights. Always!
It's the law. Whether it's sunny, foggy, or midnight, your headlights must stay on at all times. Not just for you, but for everyone else trying to see through the fog and mist.
Heating = Sanity
Fall nights get cold, even if the day felt warm. Make sure your camper has an automatic heating system that works when the engine's off. Most of our campers have it built in, so you can sleep warm without wasting fuel.
If you're going for a roof tent setup, you're still covered. Our campervan tents are made from high-quality, thick fiberglass material, built to handle Iceland's wild weather. You won't wake up freezing or soaked, which is more than we can say for some of the budget setups out there.
Park Smart or Pay Later
Wind can slam your door wide open and wreck the hinges. Always:
Park into the wind
Hold the door when opening
Avoid exposed spots like mountain passes or cliffs
That quick roadside coffee stop? Think it through before you fling the door open.
FAQs About Driving in Iceland in the Fall
How difficult is it to drive in Iceland in October?
It's manageable with caution. Roads may be icy, winds strong, and daylight shorter. Stick to paved routes, check forecasts, and drive slowly in unpredictable weather conditions.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland during fall?
Yes, fall is a great time to see the Northern Lights. Dark skies return in September, and solar activity picks up. Just get away from city lights and hope for clear skies.
Can I sleep in a campervan anywhere in Iceland during fall?
No, wild camping is restricted. You must park overnight in designated campsites, many of which stay open through September and some into October. Always check ahead.
Do campsites stay open in fall?
Many do through September, and a few operate year-round. Facilities may be limited, so plan ahead and bring your own gear just in case.
Will I need snow chains in fall?
Usually not. Roads are gritted, and winter tires are enough for most areas. Only extreme conditions may require chains, but they're rarely needed on main routes.
