Driving a Campervan in Iceland in September: When Summer Turns into Fall

September marks a transition period between seasons here in Iceland. Slowly, you’ll start seeing summer turn into fall. But during this time, the island can offer you the best of both worlds with plenty of other road-tripping perks. In this article, we dive into what makes driving in Iceland in September so special.

We also give you the lowdown on everything from road and weather conditions to some of the most popular road trip routes so you can properly plan and prep for your upcoming Iceland camper rental journey. So, without further ado, let’s get started (or should we say driving?).

Why September is Ideal for Driving in Iceland

There are many factors that make September the ideal time to drive in Iceland. This includes the following:

• It may no longer be ultimate summer weather, but weather conditions are still pretty mild and temperatures are fairly high, so you’ll still get the same pristine road conditions.

• If you visit the island in early September, you’ll still be able to catch the F-roads open for that adventurous road trip before their annual closure for the colder months of the year.

• Although daylight hours have already started decreasing quite dramatically, you’ll still be sitting with more than enough hours to create a jam-packed trip itinerary (from 14 hours in early September to 12 hours in late September).

• Due to the weather and daylight hours still being in your favor, you can still add plenty of outdoor activities to your road trip itinerary. So, check out hiking trails, horse riding tours, boat rentals, etc., along the way.

• September will be your last chance to spot some of our special wildlife sightings here on the island. Our famous Puffins will be leaving the island with their Pufflings by mid-September, and it will also be your last chance to see some of our migratory whale species (they depart in early October).

• Since the busy peak summer season is in your rearview mirror, you also won’t have to deal with so much traffic on the island (both on foot and on the road).

Choosing the Right Campervan for Driving in Iceland in September

Ensure you choose the right campervan for driving in Iceland in September so your road-tripping dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Here’s what you need to consider:

Who’s Coming With

Your campervan needs to fit the size of your party. So don’t try to cram a multi-generational family into a compact camper or rent the largest campervan you can find if you’re traveling solo. Make sure your rental makes sense in regard to who’s coming on this trip.

Where You’re Going

You may need to rent a 4x4, depending on what your itinerary looks like. For example, if you plan on driving Iceland’s F-roads, you’ll be legally required to drive a 4x4. If you’re looking for the freedom of going on impromptu adventures, or you want to explore our more remote regions, we’d also advise you to rather rent a 4x4. However, if you’re planning on just sticking to our urban areas and paved main roads, a 2-wheel drive will be more than sufficient.

What’s in Your Wallet

You’ll need to calculate how much you can afford on a rental as well as gas. Pricing will vary based on make, model, and size, as well as mileage. We highly recommend you stick to your budget so you don’t return home after your Icelandic holiday to extreme financial strain.

Some of the Most Popular Campervan Road Trip Routes When Visiting Iceland in September

If you’ve got a campervan road trip in mind when visiting Iceland in September, the following routes are some of the favorites:

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a short(ish) loop road that begins and ends in the capital city of Reykjavik. This makes it incredibly convenient, especially for those with limited time on the island. The Golden Circle is credited with having many of our famous attractions along the way.

The Ring Road (aka Route 1)

The Ring Road is a long loop road that circles the entire island. It’s the backbone of both logistics and travel here in Iceland since it connects most cities and towns with each other and also boasts an incredible lineup of sights and attractions along the way. The Ring Road, running through many different Icelandic regions, will give you a pretty comprehensive taste of all the island has to offer.

The Diamond Circle

Located in the north of Iceland, the Diamond Circle is best kept for the summer and early fall, also making September one of the last chances to drive it before the route becomes pretty challenging (and even completely inaccessible) during the colder months of the year. But, even in the best of conditions, we recommend taking this route on with a 4x4.

The South Coast Way

Running from Reykjavik down the south coast, the South Coast Way is essentially just a specific part of the Ring Road route. This is yet another shorter route conveniently located near the capital, making it ideal for those with limited time on the island. The South Coast Way is most famous for its waterfalls, beaches, and glacial sites along the way.

The Westfjords Way

The Westfjords is still a somewhat untamed region in Iceland, promising a rugged but breathtaking road trip adventure. As with the Diamond Circle, September also marks the last month we’d recommend tacking on a road trip here due to the weather and road conditions making things extremely difficult during the colder months of the year. This route should also only be taken on with a 4x4.

The Sprengisandur Route

The Sprengisandur Route is essentially the F26 that runs from the north to the south Highlands here in Iceland. Since this is one of our F-roads, early September will be your last chance to experience this incredible route with its untamed wilderness and breathtaking views.

Kjölur Route

Kjölur Route is essentially the F35 running through the Highlands, and the same applies to Sprengisandur; it can only be driven with a 4x4, and early September will be your last chance to explore it. Kjölur is a little less intense and challenging than Sprengisandur, though, so it’s highly recommended for any F-road first-timers.

A Few Helpful Tips for Driving a Campervan in Iceland in September

If it’s your first time to the island or just the first time you’ll be driving in Iceland in September, the following will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey:

• Keep to speed limits. Remember, these may not be what you’re used to back home, so keep your eyes peeled for signs indicating limits.

• Slow down and keep a safe distance from others on gravel roads. This is not just as a general safety precaution and to avoid skidding on loose gravel but also to prevent rocks and other debris from being thrown up by your or other vehicles’ tires, causing unnecessary damage.

• Watch out for our wildlife. Since we have a myriad of free-roaming wildlife here on the island, you never know when a sheep, reindeer, horse, etc., may unexpectedly decide to cross the road.

• Park only in designated parking spots. It is illegal to park outside of designated parking areas here in Iceland, which includes stopping on the side of the road for that quick photo!

• Ensure that everyone is wearing their seatbelts. Everyone is legally required to wear seatbelts the moment a vehicle starts to move.

• Keep headlights on! In Iceland, headlights must be on the moment you start driving, whether day or night.

• Remember the rule of thumb at our one-lane bridges. You’ll find plenty of one-lane bridges in our countryside, so remember to always yield to whoever gets to the bridge first.   

Driving a Campervan in Iceland in September: The Perfect Balance of Adventure and Ease

As summer fades into fall, September is still the ideal time to go driving in Iceland. While popular routes such as the Ring Road and the Golden Circle remain open throughout the year, this might be your last chance to visit our more remote regions and explore our F-roads.

September offers the perfect road trip conditions, with a combination of adventure and ease, allowing you to soak in the island’s stunning scenery while not having to worry about the weather or challenging road conditions. So, what are you waiting for? Follow our guide to plan the road trip of a lifetime, rent a campervan in Iceland, and tick that Icelandic adventure off your bucket list!