21-08-2024
Visiting Iceland in November is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with a unique blend of natural beauty, amazing cultural experiences and adventurous outdoor activities to enjoy. As the winter season begins to set in, the Land of Ice and Fire transforms into a serene and mystical winter wonderland with the Northern Lights dancing across the sky – magical!
Let’s learn more about visiting Iceland in November, including the pros and cons of visiting Iceland at this time of year, things to do in Iceland in November, average weather conditions, top tips for driving and what to pack for your vacation.
So, what are the pros and cons of visiting Iceland in November? Well, on the positive side, November is an excellent time for those looking to experience Iceland's winter activities and explore the country’s iconic landscapes without the peak season crowds.
The opportunity to see the Northern Lights is one of the best things about visiting Iceland in November, as the skies are dark enough and the nights long enough to give you a good chance of viewing these beautiful dancing lights for yourself. Many tours, such as ice caving and glacier hiking, are in full swing in Iceland in November and travel costs are generally lower, with cheaper flights and accommodation options available.
However, travelers should be prepared for shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather, which can include rain, snow, and sleet. Driving conditions can be challenging, particularly outside the main roads, and some remote areas (like the Icelandic Highlands) aren’t accessible in November.
Keep in mind, also, that the Midnight Sun is not visible in November, as this phenomenon only occurs during the summer months.
If you’re wondering about Iceland in October vs November, our complete travel guide to Iceland in October should help you weigh up the pros and cons of visiting in each month.
Iceland’s weather is famously changeable and November is no exception. The weather in Iceland in November can vary between rain, snow and sleet, with fairly chilly temperatures and mostly cloudy conditions, although the sun may appear from time to time. It's essential to always be prepared for wet and cold conditions, as these can seemingly come out of nowhere, so we recommend bringing your waterproofs with you all the time.
In November, temperatures in Iceland range from 1°C to 8°C (33°F to 46°F). The average Iceland November temperature is around 4ºC (40ºF), which stays relatively the same throughout the month. If you venture towards the north of the island, you’ll find temperatures are slightly lower, though, with lows of around 0ºC (32ºF).
With winter fast approaching, daylight hours in Iceland in November are much shorter than in the summer and decrease quickly throughout the month. At the start of November, daylight hours are around 8 hours, decreasing to about 5 hours by the end of the month. The limited daylight at the end of November can affect travel plans, so we highly recommend scheduling your trips ahead of time to make sure you’re making the most of each day.
Due to the long nights and dark skies at this time of year, November is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. You’ll need clear skies without too much cloud cover to increase your chances of witnessing this amazing natural phenomenon, plus a high enough level of solar activity. Check out the official Aurora Forecast in Iceland here to find out your chances of spotting the Northern Lights on a particular day.
When packing for Iceland in November, don’t forget the following essentials:
You’ll also need the basics, of course, such as underwear, pjs, medication, toiletries, basic clothes etc. As long as you have several warm clothing items, you can layer up to keep warm!
Driving in Iceland in November requires caution due to potential snow and ice on the roads. The main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1) is well-maintained, but conditions can vary in more remote areas. Many of the mountainous F-roads in Iceland are closed in November, as harsh weather conditions make them inaccessible.
In general, driving in Iceland can be quite different to driving in your home country, as the unique geological features of the island and weather conditions can affect your experience on the road.
We recommend talking with your rental agent about the particular places you wish to visit and routes you want to drive, as they can advise you on the type of vehicle you’ll need, such as a 4x4, and insurance that’s required or recommended, as well as add-ons for winter weather like snow tires.
You can check out the up-to-date, local road conditions in Iceland here before you set off on your day trip, just to make sure that your route remains open and safe to drive.
Looking for a go-to list of all the best things to do in Iceland in November? Look no further! Here’s a selection of all the top activities you can enjoy and unmissable sights to see, giving you the lowdown on what to do in Iceland in November.
Ice caving is a must-do activity in Iceland in November, with many ice caves only accessible in the colder months. Being inside one of Iceland’s glaciers, walking through an ice cave, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget! Join a guided ice cave tour to explore the stunning blue ice formations and experience the beauty of Iceland's glaciers up close.
Of course, the chance to witness the magical spectacle that is the Northern Lights is one of the best things about visiting Iceland in November. Watching the colorful aurora dance across the sky is the highlight of many visitors’ Iceland vacation, and for good reason! Joining an Iceland in November Northern Lights tour will maximize your chances of seeing this incredible natural phenomenon, as tours often include expert guides who know the best viewing spots.
Soaking in Iceland's geothermal hot springs is the perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring the incredible natural wonders all across the island. Popular spots include the Blue Lagoon, Hrunalaug Hot Springs and Myvatn Nature Baths. Simply sit back and relax in the mineral-rich waters, bathing in water heated by the Earth itself – ah, bliss!
Experience the thrill of hiking on a glacier by taking a tour with an expert guide, such as this Skaftafell Glacier guided hiking tour. Walking on a glacier allows you to experience the vast icy structure up close, marveling at the beautiful blues and whites of the breathtaking landscape. Please note, you do need a guide when exploring glaciers due to safety reasons.
Iceland's waterfalls are stunning all year round, but, in November, you may even see the incredible sight of frozen waterfalls and icy formations if temperatures get low enough. With over 10,000 waterfalls all across the island, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Some stand-out, must-visit waterfalls include Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Gullfoss.
Although the best time to see whales in Iceland is from April to October, you can often still spot some of these majestic sea mammals swimming in Iceland’s coastal waters in November. There are many whale watching boat tours you can take, either from the capital region of Reykjavik, or from Akureyri in North Iceland, which is known as one of the best whale watching spots on the island.
Exploring Iceland's landscapes on horseback is a dream come true for horse enthusiasts, with the wind whipping through your hair and spectacular natural landscapes all around. Horseback riding tours in Iceland are available even in winter, giving you the unique chance to ride a special Icelandic horse, which are native only to Iceland and are known for their unique gait and friendly nature.
Discover Iceland's volcanic history by exploring its lava tunnels and lava caves. Often thousands of years old, the lava tunnels and caves around Iceland offer a fascinating glimpse into the island's geological past and a reminder of just how unique Iceland is!
Don’t forget to set aside some time to spend in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, exploring its vibrant culture, architecture and culinary scene. The city offers a brilliant range of museums and galleries where you can explore Iceland’s cultural heritage, Viking past and maritime history, such as The Settlement Exhibition and National Museum of Iceland. We also highly recommend Perlan, where you can walk in the world’s first indoor ice cave!
In Iceland in November, you can experience the thrill of dog sledding across Iceland's snowy landscapes. Available in several locations, including close to Reykjavik and North Iceland, dog sledding tours in Iceland provide a unique way to explore Iceland’s countryside.
For the most adventurous travelers out there, you’ll love snorkeling or diving in the Silfra Fissure, which is Iceland’s most famous diving site due to its crystal-clear water and location between two tectonic plates. A rift in the mid-Atlantic ridge, between the Eurasian and North American plates, the Silfra Fissure is a truly unique geological site that you can discover for yourself on a snorkeling Silfra tour.
Explore Iceland's glaciers on a snowmobile tour, combining speed and adventure with stunning views of the icy terrain. This snowmobile adventure on Myrdalsjokull Glacier is the perfect one for intrepid explorers, allowing you to speed across the ice and soak in the expansive glacier views from horizon to horizon.
One of the most otherworldly experiences you can have in Iceland is visiting a volcanic black sand beach, particularly the world-famous Reynisfjara beach on the island’s south coast. Framed with striking basalt rock columns, this beautiful black sand beach is the perfect place for a brisk beach walk to watch the big waves crashing ashore (from a safe distance!).
While at Reynisfjara, definitely take the time to go visit the picturesque coastal village of Vik just next door. This tiny Icelandic village with a population of just over 300 people is home to quaint, colorful houses and a historic red and white church atop a hill. Beautiful views of the town and coastline await from the hilltop!
One of Iceland’s most popular road trip routes is the Golden Circle, which is a loop near Reykjavik taking you to some of the island’s most famous natural wonders and attractions. On this loop, you can see the historic Thingvellir National Park, vibrant Geysir geothermal area, Kerid volcanic crater, Gullfoss Waterfall, Hrunalaug Hot Spring and more!
Looking to experience a slice of Icelandic culture during November? Here are a few of the top festivals and cultural events we recommend taking part in.
Reykjavik in November transforms into a music lovers paradise for a weekend during the multi-genre Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. A renowned music festival held in Reykjavik with a lineup of local and international artists, Iceland Airwaves sees multiple venues across the city come alive with musical performances.
Celebrated on November 16th each year, Icelandic Language Day honors the unique and well-preserved Icelandic language and the country's linguistic heritage. Started in 1995, the 16th of the month was chosen as Icelandic Language Day as this is the birthday of Jónas Hallgrímsson's, one of Iceland’s most famous poets and writers. You can join in with fun events and activities across Iceland that are held to promote and celebrate the language.
Held for a weekend towards the end of November, the Reykjavik Book Fair is a free-to-enter literary event where you can browse a selection of Icelandic literature and participate in the local tradition of book gifting. As it’s traditional for Icelanders to give each other books for Christmas, publishers often release new books in November for the holiday season, so you can be the first to get your hands on them at Reykjavik Book Fair!
Ready to explore Iceland for yourself? Get yourself a rental car in Iceland, ready for the trip of a lifetime! Having your own car allows you to travel around the island on your own schedule, exploring wherever your heart desires. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and our friendly team will be happy to help. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!