Exploring Iceland in November is like watching a film in your own private movie theater. You can choose the best seats, there’s no waiting in line for snacks, and the whole show is just for you!
It’s quieter and colder and the contrasting landscapes have a whole new appeal.
While it’s still technically autumn, November in Iceland pretty much feels like winter!
If you haven’t thought about traveling here in the colder months, this is your sign to reconsider.😉
Ever wonder what holidaying in Iceland in November is like?
Let’s get into it!
Is November a Good Time to Visit Iceland?
Yes! There is something incredibly charming about visiting Iceland in November.
The winter landscapes are already snow-kissed and the black sand beaches provide a beautiful contrast against the white.
Pros
Less crowded: November is considered an off-peak season, meaning fewer tourists at major sites.
It’s cheaper: November is a wonderful time to visit while avoiding the Christmas crowds (and higher prices!). For that reason, you’ll probably get good deals on accommodation, tours, and rentals.
Northern Lights: They’re out, and glorious and in full display for all to see!
Glaciers and Ice Caves: Winter-specific activities like exploring Iceland’s ice caves are finally open and safe to visit. And popular areas like the Ring Road and Golden Circle are totally open for exploring!
Cons
Fewer daylight hours: When you have fewer daylight hours, you need to be intentional about how you plan your days. Now’s not the time to wing it!
Driving conditions: The weather conditions are definitely more challenging, and if you’re not used to it, driving can be difficult.
Accessibility: Some areas of the country are only accessible during the summer months. That means the F-Roads and Highlands are a no-go without taking a tour.
Overall, November is still a great time to visit Iceland if you’re prepared for winter conditions.
The pace is slower, and it’s incredibly beautiful to see the icy landscapes. Plus, you’ll get all the seasonal experiences that make a winter trip so special.
November Weather in Iceland
If you plan on spending time in the capital, it’s good to know that the weather in Reykjavík in November is slightly milder than in the inland and northern parts of Iceland.
This is because it’s located on the southwestern coast. But let’s be real, wherever you roam in Iceland, it’s going to be chilly!
In November, it’s possible to experience all four seasons in a day, so you never really know what to expect!
The weather in Iceland in November is marked by snow, rain, and grey skies.
Dressing appropriately and being comfortable is key while you’re out exploring – but more on that in a minute.
Temperatures In Iceland In November
Alright, so the temperatures in Iceland in November can dip to between 46 and 33 °Fahrenheit, that’s 8 and 1°Celsius.
It’s cold, and the temperatures can shift throughout the day, so layers are gonna be your best friend here!
➡️ READ: How Cold Is Iceland? What the Temperature Says vs What It Actually Feels Like
Daylight Hours in Iceland in November
The number one thing to consider when planning your itinerary is how many daylight hours you have to work with. This is especially true of a winter trip to Iceland! (And yes…November is considered winter in Iceland!)
At the beginning of the month, you’ll get around eight hours of sunlight, but as the month progresses, daylight in Iceland in late November dwindles to just about five hours.
Yep, only FIVE!
It can feel like you’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet of delicious sights but the sun isn’t willing to stick around for you to see it all!
So, you’ll need to plan your schedule carefully to make the most of your time exploring.
Sunrise in Iceland in November: Early in the month, sunrise is usually just after 9:00 A.M. By the end of the month, it’s closer to 11 A.M.
Sunset in Iceland in November: At the start of the month, sunsets happen around 5:00 P.M. By the end of the month, it’s just before 4:00 P.M.
One of the biggest challenges visitors run into when visiting Iceland in the colder months is figuring out how much they can fit into a day.
That’s why I created my 👉 Iceland Winter Itineraries. There’s a detailed daily plan of what to do with realistic winter driving times and conditions in mind, so you can experience the best of Iceland without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
I’ve also made them flexible enough that you can easily swap things around and customize your trip if you want to.
So if planning your Iceland November itinerary feels a little intimidating right now, these done-for-you plans make the whole process SO much easier!
Here’s what one traveler had to say about the 7 Day Winter Itinerary.
This itinerary was absolutely fabulous. It ensured that our family had a wonderful winter trip to Iceland, and one of the best trips we’ve ever taken anywhere. We followed the itinerary exactly, but reserved one extra “free” day just in case of unexpected weather issues. We ended up needing that day since a winter storm shut down the roads for one day. Not a problem, though, and once the snow was quickly cleared, we were back on our way. All the driving, hotel, restaurant, and destination recommendations in the itinerary were right on target. There’s no way we could have put together such an activity-packed, but totally doable itinerary if we had tried to do it on our own just by reading guidebooks and info available on the internet. We’re eager to return to Iceland for another trip, and when we do so, we’ll surely use another “Iceland with a View” itinerary. Can’t wait!
Sightseeing Availability
As November is the low season in Iceland, it’s a great time to score deals on tours and accommodation when you’re sightseeing around the country.
Reykjavík, Golden Circle, Ring Road: You’ll be able to travel to these areas. Just remember that the roads in the East, North, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula can be more slippery and dangerous.
The Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South get a lot more TLC because of tourist traffic. However, the higher North you go, you’ll notice that getting around can be trickier.
Highlands and Westfjords: 🚫 Iceland’s weather in November is NOT the ideal time to visit these places. They get a lot more snow, and it’s quite difficult to drive, even if the roads are open. I’d give these areas a hard pass for November’s itinerary.
Because weather and road conditions can change so quickly, downloading a few helpful apps before you arrive can make your trip a whole lot easier. Safetravel Iceland and Veður (the official weather app) have kept me from heading out on more than one trip I had no business taking!
Check out more apps here. 👇
➡️ READ: The 13 Best Apps for Iceland You Can’t Travel Without!
The Northern Lights in Iceland in November
Oh, how the Northern Lights speak to my soul!
If you know me, you’ll know that this is one of my favorite 👏 experiences👏 EVER!👏
Iceland in November has longer nights and extended daylight hours, which means this is typically a good time to spot the Northern Lights.
Thankfully, I’ve got a blog post where I cover the best places to see them if you’re curious! 👇
➡️ READ: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland: Best Viewing Spots, When To Go And MORE
Driving in Iceland in November
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, driving in Iceland in November is challenging, to say the least.
It’s snowy, roads are slippery, and there are strong winds, so if you don’t have experience driving in these conditions, I would not recommend renting a car.
But if you’re confident in your driving skills and up for a challenge, renting a 4WD is absolutely the way to go.
Before heading out for the day, make sure you check road.is. They offer daily updates on road conditions across Iceland, so you can see if roads are slippery or closed, especially in November when the snowstorms start rolling in.
Remember to always listen to the travel warnings when they’re issued. Iceland is not the place to risk it. Even if you have to miss out on a tour or hotel reservation. Staying safe should always be the number one priority.
I personally recommend using Blue Car Rental because they’re one of the most trusted rental companies in Iceland and offer a large selection of 4WD vehicles that are well-suited for winter driving conditions.
Book using this 👉 VIP LINK and get an automatic 5% off at checkout. NO CODE NEED!
Things To Do In Iceland In November
If you’re visiting Iceland in November, you’ll be happy to know that there are tours and experiences available that are unique to this time of year.
Get ready to fill your diary!
Tour the Golden Circle & Ring Road
There are some seriously amazing sites to visit on these popular routes, even in November!
Along the Golden Circle, there are places like Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
And if you’re driving the Ring Road, you can visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, (one of my favorite places, btw!), go hiking in Iceland in November at Skaftafell National Park and a whole lot more!
Catch the Northern Lights
November is a prime month to witness this stunning natural display.
So if you’re wondering what to do in Iceland in November, this is something you can do on your own, you just need to know where to look!
However, if you’d rather have someone else plan it all out for you, then check out all of these tours. 👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Northern Lights Tours
Hiking & Waterfalls in Iceland
If there are two things Iceland does exceptionally well, it’s waterfalls and hiking trails.
Brownie points if you can combine the two!
Skógafoss waterfall is accessible year-round, and right by it, you have the Waterfall Way Hike that has 26 waterfalls. Whaaat?!
A few more waterfalls accessible in the fall are Brúarfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Goðafoss. But, if you want the full breakdown of some of the best waterfalls in the country, you’ve got to check out this post. 👇
➡️ READ: 21 Unforgettable Waterfalls in Iceland You Don’t Want to Miss
Visit a Geothermal Pool or Spa
Hanging out at a geothermal pool or spa is such a big part of Icelandic culture.
Opt to go to public pool (these are the 👉 pools in Reykjavík I recommend) or splurge a little at one of the more famous spas in Iceland.
I know a lot of people want to visit the Blue Lagoon, and you can unwind in the geothermal waters all year round. But personally, I recommend the Sky Lagoon. They have their signature 7-Step Ritual, which takes you through a circuit including a salt scrub, mist room, hot sauna, and more. It feels like you get a bit more bang for your buck here.
While Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon in November aren’t quite as busy as in the summer months, they’re both popular attractions year-round. Make sure you book your tickets in advance!
If you’re still deciding which one of the two to visit, this post might help. 👇
➡️ READ: Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Which One is Better?
Book Iceland Tours in November
One of the things I love about Iceland is how much you can see on your own. For me, there’s nothing better than hitting the road, putting on my favorite playlist and exploiting!
But I know others often enjoy the structure of a tour. And in November, there are certain adventures that are best (and sometimes only) done with a guide for safety reasons.
Here are a few unforgettable winter tours worth adding to your trip:
Ice Caves
Natural crystal caves formed underneath the glaciers that were previously closed in summer are now safe to visit. However, if you plan to visit the ice caves in Iceland, you need to go with a professional guide. Víðgelmir Cave is one of Iceland’s largest lava caves.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Ice Cave Discovery
Glacier Hikes
Sólheimajökull Glacier is accessible from the Ring Road, and you can find guided glacier hikes in November as well.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Exploration
Snorkeling the Silfra
I’ll be honest with you, this was one of those experiences that terrified me! I know it was all in my head, but overcoming it was something I wanted to prove to myself.
So I did it, and I’m really glad I did because it was an amazing experience.
And the best part is that you can do it year-round in Iceland. Who would have thought?
Want to tick snorkeling between two continents off your “things I never thought I’d do” list?
Here’s what you need to know. 👇
➡️ READ: Silfra in Iceland: The Coolest Snorkeling Spot You’ll Ever Visit
Dog Sledding
Looking for fun for the whole family? There are dog sledding tours available, but if canine-driven travel isn’t your thing, you can also try snowmobiling instead!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Siberian Husky Dog Sledding
Best Things to Do in Reykjavík in November
There’s always something fun to do in Reykjavík, here are some ideas to add to your itinerary:
Go Shopping
You have to pick up a souvenir or two from your trip, right?!
Reykjavík’s main shopping street is Laugavegur, where you’ll find plenty of shops and gift stores there. You’re bound to find something you love.
Relax in a Coffee Shop
There are a number of cafes and coffee shops in Reykjavík worth writing home about! The coffee here is SERIOUSLY divine, and if you ask me, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a few pastries while you’re at it.
If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like myself, and love exploring local cuisine, you’re going to love the Reykjavík Food Walk Tour!
You’ll visit five top restaurants around the city and get to try some incredible Icelandic dishes along the way. Plus, the local guides make the whole experience so much fun!
Ready for more discounts? Get 10% off when you book with Reykjavík Food Walk using this code 👉 ICEVIEW.
Here’s what you can expect:
Spend Time at Museums in Reykjavík
Iceland’s museums are a fun way to learn about the country, and Reykavík has plenty of them.
Whether you want to watch an award-winning live lava show or explore Perlan Wonders of Iceland with all their incredible exhibits, you will not be bored!
Check out some of the best museums in the country here. 👇
➡️ READ: The 16 Best Museums in Iceland You Need to Experience on Your Trip!
Check Out Reykjavík’s Popular Landmarks
Spots like the Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja and the Sun Voyager Sculpture are a must visit when you’re in the city!
And remember, bad weather doesn’t have to derail your plans. A little flexibility goes a LONG way.
I’ve got some great tips for you on how to adjust your plans when icky weather hits. 👇
➡️ READ: Bad Weather in Iceland: How to Adjust Your Plans Without Stress
November Festivals + Events
Let’s take a look at the events and festivals taking place in Reykjavík in November:
Iceland Airwaves
If you love music festivals, you’re going to love this one! This festival takes place in Reykjavík and features renowned music artists.
Some of the concerts are held in big venues that charge a fee, but if you happen to be walking around the city and hear music, follow it! You’ll likely come across musicians performing in smaller venues (like 66°North Shop) that you can enjoy for FREE!
Christmas Preparations
Icelanders don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but they start prepping for Christmas early. (Seriously, decorations start going up in October already!)
Christmas markets tend to pop up by the end of November. There are tons of delicious food stalls as well as great spots to pick up an Icelandic souvenir.
It’s not peak Christmas crowds yet, which makes it a nice time to experience the festive season before the December rush kicks in.
Ice skating at Ingólfstorg square usually starts at the end of November.
You’ll also start hearing more about the famous Icelandic Yule Lads as the Christmas folklore starts to take over shops and decorations.
It’s such a fun time of year, and you can feel the festive season in the air!
➡️ READ: Christmas in Iceland: Your Go-To Guide to Planning the Perfect Trip
Imagine Peace Tower
This tribute to John Lennon by his wife is still visible. It’s lit on his birthday and remains until the date he died. The tower is still shining in November and it’s visible from pretty much everywhere around Reykjavík.
Icelandic Language Day
November 16th is a day to celebrate Icelandic culture and language. Did you know that Icelandic has remained relatively unchanged since Viking times?!
There are some pretty fascinating facts about the Icelandic language you can read about here. 👇
➡️ READ: Icelandic Language: Fun Facts, Quick Phrases, and Tips for Travelers
What To Wear in Iceland in November
Here’s the rule of thumb on what to wear in November:
Layers, waterproof, and waterproof layers!
Temperatures are cold, and with the weather in Iceland acting like a moody teen, it isn’t always predictable.
It can be dry, rainy, with some snow or none at all, so you have to be prepared for anything and everything when traveling to Iceland during this volatile month.
Focus on staying dry and comfortable. Now is not the time to worry about looking cute! 😅
This means waterproof layers, insulated boots, base layers, and thermal leggings. When you’re packing clothing for Iceland in November, don’t forget accessories like hats, scarves and gloves.
Pro tip: When you’re packing for your November trip, you have to pack crampons!
Crampons are traction devices you attach to your footwear to improve your mobility on icy surfaces.
Everything, and I do mean everything in Iceland in November is super icy. From sidewalks to hiking trails, there is a thick layer of ice, and it can be really slippery and dangerous.
Crampons aren’t expensive, and if you don’t have them, you risk serious injury or missing out on the full experience because your regular hiking boots just won’t cut it.
I’ve linked my favorite pair of crampons here. You can’t leave home without them, trust me!
👉 If you’re traveling to Iceland in November and want to know exactly what you’ll need, check out my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
I’ve included monthly weather averages, a layering cheat sheet, packing checklists and season-specific gear and shopping lists so you know you’ll be fully prepared.
Download your FREE PDF below:
FAQs
There’s a lot to think about when planning a November trip, so I’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare.
Does it Snow in Iceland in November?
Yes, in Iceland, snow in November is expected. There is usually around 3 inches (8 centimeters) of snow in Reykjavík this month.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland in November?
Yes, it’s possible to see the aurora borealis in Iceland in November. The shorter daylight hours and darker nights make November a great time of year for northern lights hunting. Just keep in mind that the skies need to be clear.
Is it Safe to Drive in Iceland in November?
Yes, if you’re prepared and comfortable driving in challenging weather conditions. You must keep a regular eye on weather and road conditions. Oh, and you’ll absolutely need a 4WD!.
How Cold is Iceland in November?
The average temperature in November is 30-39°F (-1 – 4°C).
More Iceland Seasonal Guides
Want to take a peek at my seasonal guides? I’ve put together detailed breakdowns for every season in Iceland so you can figure out the best time to visit based on the kind of trip you want to have!
👉 Spring: Visit Iceland in Spring & Experience Iceland’s Quiet, Magical Shoulder Season
👉 Summer: Ready for Summer in Iceland? Unlimited Hours to Explore, Amazing Sites & More
👉 Fall: Fall in Iceland: Why This Underrated Season Might Be the Best Time to Visit
👉 Winter: Iceland in Winter: Must-See Attractions, Driving, Weather, Packing And MORE
If you prefer an overview of the major differences between the seasons as well as pros and cons of each it’s all in here. 👇
➡️ READ: Best Time to Visit Iceland: How to Pick the Perfect Month & Season for Your Trip
Make Planning Your November Iceland Trip Easy
Taking a trip to Iceland in November has its own set of perks – despite the colder weather and certain areas being less accessible – there are still plenty of things to experience!
You’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect trip with my 👉 Iceland Travel Map & Guide.
It’s crammed with information on what to pack, where to eat, and more.
The digital map has over 1,500 pinned locations, saving you time searching for gas stations, clinics, and hidden gems that no one tells you about.
So layer up and fasten those crampons – it’s time for your next trip!
Happy Planning!
