Torshavn in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Torshavn

12°C (53°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

117mm (4.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak northern lights season begins - September marks the return of aurora activity with 12+ hours of darkness by month's end, offering excellent viewing conditions without the harsh winter cold
Optimal hiking weather with temperatures around 8-12°C (46-53°F) - perfect for the 17 marked trails around Tórshavn without summer's tourist crowds or winter's ice conditions
Traditional harvest festivals and cultural events - September is when locals celebrate the potato harvest and prepare traditional fermented foods, offering authentic cultural experiences unavailable in summer
Sheep roundup season (Fíggjuveiða) - witness this centuries-old tradition as farmers gather free-roaming sheep from the mountains, a spectacle unique to autumn months

Considerations

Rapidly decreasing daylight - from 13 hours on September 1st to just 11 hours by month's end, limiting outdoor activity time compared to endless summer days
Unpredictable weather patterns with sudden storms - Atlantic weather systems can change within hours, requiring flexible itineraries and proper gear
Many seasonal restaurants and tourist services begin closing - summer-only establishments shut down after mid-September, reducing dining and activity options

Best Activities in September

Northern Lights Photography Tours

September marks the beginning of aurora season with darkness returning after summer's white nights. Clear September nights offer 6-8 hours of viewing time with temperatures still manageable at 5-10°C (41-50°F). Early season means fewer crowds at prime viewing spots like Kirkjubøur and less competition for accommodation.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as local guides have limited September availability. Tours typically cost 800-1200 DKK and include thermal clothing. Look for operators offering cloud cover guarantees and multiple viewing locations.

Traditional Village Hiking Circuits

Cool September temperatures make the challenging 5-8km (3-5 mile) village-to-village hikes comfortable without summer's heat or winter's ice. Grass-roof houses are at their greenest after summer growth, and sheep create authentic pastoral scenes before winter housing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided with detailed maps from Tórshavn tourist office (150 DKK). Guided cultural walks cost 400-600 DKK and include stories about traditional architecture. Book guides 10-14 days ahead through certified mountain guides.

Traditional Food Workshops

September is fermentation season when locals prepare ræst (wind-dried mutton) and other traditional preserved foods for winter. Workshops teach centuries-old techniques while ingredients are fresh from harvest. Indoor activities perfect for rainy September days.

Booking Tip: Cultural centers offer 3-4 hour workshops for 600-900 DKK including ingredients and meal. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as class sizes limited to 8-12 people. Some workshops include home visits with local families.

Coastal Storm Watching

September Atlantic storms create dramatic coastal scenes with waves reaching 8-12m (26-40 feet) at exposed locations like Kallur lighthouse. Safer viewing from clifftops offers spectacular photography opportunities unique to autumn weather patterns.

Booking Tip: Join local photography groups for safety and best locations (300-500 DKK for guided sessions). Independent viewing requires proper waterproof gear and local weather app Yr.no. Always check conditions with locals first.

Traditional Boat Harbor Tours

September fishing season brings traditional Faroese boats back to Tórshavn harbor daily. Cooler temperatures make 2-3 hour boat trips comfortable, and rough seas demonstrate traditional seamanship skills. Witness authentic fishing culture before winter.

Booking Tip: Harbor tours cost 450-700 DKK through licensed operators. Book Easttimor-day based on weather conditions - local captains decide morning sailing based on wind speed and wave height. Look for operators offering foul weather gear.

Mountain Sheep Tracking

September sheep roundup season offers unique wildlife viewing as farmers gather free-roaming sheep from summer mountain pastures. Witness traditional herding methods unchanged for centuries while hiking mountain trails with excellent visibility in clear autumn air.

Booking Tip: Contact local farmers through tourist office for roundup schedules - typically mid-to-late September depending on weather. Participation experiences cost 300-500 DKK. Requires good hiking boots and ability to walk 8-12km (5-7 miles) on rough terrain.

September Events & Festivals

Late July/Early August (Note: This actually occurs in summer, not September)

Ólavsøka National Festival

The Faroe Islands' largest cultural celebration featuring traditional chain dancing, rowing competitions, and local food markets. Three-day festival showcasing centuries-old traditions with participants wearing traditional Faroese costumes and performing ancient ballads.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - essential for wet grass and rocky terrain that becomes slippery with 117mm (4.6 inches) of September rainfall

High-quality rain jacket and pants - not just water-resistant but fully waterproof as September storms can last 3-6 hours with horizontal rain

Merino wool base layers - maintain warmth when wet and don't retain odors during multi-day wear in 70% humidity conditions

Windproof fleece or softshell jacket - September winds regularly reach 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) making temperature feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder

Waterproof day pack with dry bags - protect electronics and spare clothes during sudden weather changes throughout 10+ rainy days

Headlamp with extra batteries - daylight decreases from 13 to 11 hours during September, essential for early morning and evening activities

SPF 50+ sunscreen and sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure despite cool temperatures

Quick-dry hiking pants (2 pairs) - cotton stays wet for hours in high humidity, synthetic materials dry within 2-3 hours

Thermal gloves and wool hat - essential for northern lights viewing and early morning activities when temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F)

Microspikes or light traction devices - September frost can create icy patches on mountain trails, especially early morning

Insider Knowledge

Download the local weather app Yr.no and check it every 2-3 hours - Faroese weather changes rapidly and locals cancel outdoor plans based on hourly forecasts, not daily predictions

Shop at SMS grocery stores before 6pm - most close early in September as tourist season ends, and Sunday shopping options become extremely limited compared to summer months

Book accommodations with kitchen access - many restaurants reduce hours or close entirely after mid-September, and grocery shopping becomes essential for dinner options

Learn basic Faroese greetings like 'Takk fyri' (thank you) - September is when locals appreciate tourists who make cultural effort as the islands return to local rhythms after summer crowds

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather gear needs - tourists often bring summer rain jackets that fail in September's horizontal rain and 40+ km/h (25+ mph) winds, requiring expensive local purchases

Planning rigid daily itineraries - September weather can force complete plan changes within hours, successful visitors maintain 2-3 backup indoor activities per day

Expecting summer opening hours - many attractions, restaurants, and shops reduce hours significantly after early September, leaving tourists without dinner options or blocked from planned activities