November brings long aurora nights, the start of the ice cave season and some of the lowest prices of the year. Here is what the weather and daylight are really like, and how to plan a November trip.
In November, the sun rises around 10 in the morning, and the light stays low and golden until it sets in the middle of the afternoon. The first snow settles on the mountains, the ice caves under Vatnajökull start to open, and the northern lights have long, dark nights to fill. November is one of the quietest months in Iceland, and for travelers who come prepared, it offers winter scenery at some of the lowest prices of the year.
Is November a good time to visit Iceland?
Yes, for the right traveler. November is a good time to visit Iceland if you want the northern lights, the start of the ice cave season and low prices with few crowds. Daylight drops from about 8 hours at the start of the month to about 5 hours by the end, and the weather is often wet, windy and unpredictable. The highlands are closed, and some rural roads can be affected by snow or ice.
November suits travelers who are happy to stay flexible, focus on the south and west, and fill the long evenings with aurora hunting, hot pools and Reykjavík's restaurants and music.
Early November vs late November
Early November often feels like late fall, with rain more likely than snow in the lowlands and about 8 hours of daylight. By late November, days are only about 5 hours long, snow is more common, and the ice cave season is usually in full swing. Christmas decorations start to appear in Reykjavík toward the end of the month.
Weather in Iceland in November
November is cold, wet and windy, but usually not extremely cold near the coast. In Reykjavík, the average high is about 5°C (40°F) and the average low is about 0°C (32°F), based on Icelandic Met Office climate data for 1991 to 2020. The north and the interior are colder, and frost is common at night.
Reykjavík gets about 87 mm (3.4 inches) of precipitation over roughly 14 days in November. It can fall as rain, sleet or snow, often in the same week. November is also one of the darkest and cloudiest months, with only about 40 hours of sunshine in the capital.
Storms and wind
Wind is the biggest weather challenge in November. Deep low-pressure systems can bring gales, heavy rain and snow, and the Icelandic Met Office often issues yellow or orange warnings. Strong gusts can make driving dangerous, especially on the south coast and around mountains. Check the forecast every day and be ready to rearrange your plans.
Does it snow in Iceland in November?
Yes, but not every day. Snow is common in the north, the east, the Westfjords and the mountains. In Reykjavík and along the south coast, early November is often snow-free, but snow becomes more likely later in the month.
Daylight hours in Iceland in November
November brings a fast drop in daylight. In Reykjavík:
November 1: sunrise around 9:10 and sunset around 17:15, about 8 hours of daylight
November 15: sunrise around 9:55 and sunset around 16:30, about 6 hours 35 minutes
November 30: sunrise around 10:40 and sunset around 15:50, about 5 hours 10 minutes
Twilight adds about an hour of usable light on each side, so you can usually sightsee from about 9:00 to 17:00 in early November, and from about 10:00 to 16:30 at the end of the month. The low sun creates beautiful, soft light all day, which is ideal for photography.
Northern lights in Iceland in November
November is one of the best months for the northern lights, with long nights that start in the early evening. On clear nights, you can look for the aurora from about 18:00 until the early morning.
As always, cloud cover is the biggest factor. Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast for both activity and clouds, and be ready to drive to wherever the sky is clearest.
A November aurora tour from Reykjavík takes care of the driving and the forecast, and most tours offer a free second try if the lights do not appear. You can also look for the aurora from the water on a northern lights cruise from the Old Harbour.
Things to do in Iceland in November
Explore an ice cave
November is the start of the natural ice cave season in Vatnajökull National Park. Once temperatures drop and the meltwater stops flowing, guides search the glacier for safe caves and begin running tours, usually from November to March. Early in the month, the season may not have started yet, so check with operators before you book.
The first ice cave tours of the winter run from the Jökulsárlón area, about five hours from Reykjavík. Most visitors spend a night on the south coast to break up the drive.
Hike on a glacier
Glacier hiking runs all year, and November is a good month for it, with firmer ice than in summer and fewer people on the trails. Sólheimajökull on the south coast and Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park are the most popular places. Guides provide crampons, ice axes and helmets.
See the Golden Circle and the South Coast
The Golden Circle and South Coast are open all year, and November usually gives them a light dusting of snow. Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss are all within a day trip of Reykjavík. On the South Coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are often edged with ice, and the black sand beaches look dramatic against the winter sky.
Remember that winter waves at Reynisfjara are especially dangerous. Stay well back from the water at all times.
Ride a super jeep or snowmobile
Super jeep tours use modified 4x4 vehicles with huge tires to reach snowy landscapes and glaciers that ordinary cars cannot. Snowmobile tours on Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull run most of the year, and November snow makes for good riding conditions.
Soak in a hot spring or lagoon
Warm water and cold air make November the perfect month for a soak. Reykjavík's public pools are open year-round, and lagoons such as Sky Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon are open all winter.
A Sky Lagoon visit with transport from your hotel makes for an easy evening in the city, with ocean views from the infinity edge. If you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon, check its website first, as volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula has caused temporary closures in recent years.
Watch real lava in Reykjavík
Even when no volcano is erupting, you can see molten lava up close in Reykjavík. At the Lava Show, real lava is heated to about 1,100°C (2,000°F) and poured into a room in front of the audience. A live lava demonstration in Reykjavík is a good indoor activity for a stormy November afternoon.
Enjoy Reykjavík in winter
Reykjavík is cozy in November, with candlelit cafés, live music and long evenings. Visit the museums, browse the shops on Laugavegur, try a hot dog from the famous stand near the harbor and see the Harpa concert hall lit up after dark. Our guide to things to do in Reykjavík has more ideas for short days in the capital.
Events in Iceland in November
Iceland Airwaves
Iceland Airwaves is Reykjavík's best-known music festival, usually held in early November. It brings Icelandic and international artists to venues across the city, from Harpa to small bars and record shops. Check the festival's website for this year's dates and lineup, and book accommodation early if you plan to go.
Icelandic Language Day
November 16 is Icelandic Language Day, celebrating the birthday of the 19th-century poet Jónas Hallgrímsson. Schools and cultural institutions hold readings and events, though most are in Icelandic.
The start of the Christmas season
Christmas starts early in Iceland. Lights and decorations go up in Reykjavík in late November, and some Christmas markets and concerts begin toward the end of the month. The 13 Yule Lads start arriving on December 12. Check Visit Reykjavík for this year's events.
Driving in Iceland in November
You can drive in Iceland in November, but you need to plan carefully. The Ring Road is open, but conditions vary from wet and windy in the south to snowy and icy in the north and east. All highland F-roads are closed.
Winter tires are fitted on rental cars from about November, and studded tires are allowed from November 1. Check umferdin.is for road conditions every morning.
Winter driving tips for November
Rent a 4x4 if you plan to leave the main roads or drive in the north
Plan driving days around the short daylight, and avoid long night drives
Watch for black ice, especially in the morning and evening
Keep the fuel tank at least half full and carry warm layers, snacks and water
Never stop on the road to take photos
Follow warnings and closures on SafeTravel.is
A sample 5-day November itinerary
Five days is enough to see the highlights of the south and west in November without rushing the short days:
Arrive in Reykjavík, visit a geothermal pool and explore the old town, then join an evening aurora tour
Drive or tour the Golden Circle, and spend the night in the countryside for darker skies
Follow the South Coast to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Vík
Take an ice cave tour or a glacier hike from the Jökulsárlón area, then visit Diamond Beach
Drive back to Reykjavík, with a stop at a lagoon before your flight
With more time, add the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or a few days in Akureyri and around Lake Mývatn, but watch the forecast for the mountain roads.
Photography tips for Iceland in November
November light is soft and low all day, which suits landscape photography. A few tips:
Plan your shots around the short window between sunrise and sunset, which often blend into one long golden hour
Carry spare batteries in an inside pocket, as the cold drains them quickly
Use a sturdy tripod for the aurora and for low-light waterfall shots
Wipe spray and rain off your lens often, especially near waterfalls and the sea
Crowds and prices in Iceland in November
November is low season and one of the quietest months of the year. You will share most sights with far fewer people than in summer, and you can often visit popular places such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss with only a handful of other visitors.
Prices for flights, rental cars and accommodation are among the lowest of the year, except during Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavík. Some rural hotels and seasonal businesses close for the winter, so book ahead and check opening dates.
Where to stay in November
In November, it is best to choose one or two bases rather than moving every night. Good options include:
Reykjavík, which has the widest choice of tours and restaurants
The Golden Circle area, around Selfoss, Flúðir or Laugarvatn
The South Coast, around Hella, Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur, for ice caves and glacier hikes
Countryside hotels with little light pollution, which are ideal for aurora watching
Iceland in October vs November vs December
October still has 9 to 11 hours of daylight and fall colors, with a growing chance of the aurora and wet, windy weather. November is darker and quieter, with the ice cave season starting and some of the lowest prices of the year. December has the least daylight, Christmas markets and festive lights, but it is busier and pricier around the holidays.
For a broader look at how the seasons differ, read how winter and summer compare in Iceland.
What to wear in Iceland in November
November weather is wet, windy and cold, so dress in layers and focus on waterproof gear. Pack:
A thermal base layer, ideally merino wool
A warm fleece or wool sweater
A waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood
Waterproof pants
Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip
Ice cleats for slippery paths
A warm hat, gloves and a scarf or buff
A swimsuit for the pools and lagoons
A headlamp for short days and aurora hunting
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit Iceland?
Yes, if you want the northern lights, ice caves and low prices with few crowds. Expect short days, wet and windy weather, and closed highland roads.
What is the weather like in Iceland in November?
In Reykjavík, the average high is about 5°C (40°F) and the average low is about 0°C (32°F). Rain, sleet, snow and strong wind are all common.
How many hours of daylight are there in Iceland in November?
Reykjavík has about 8 hours of daylight on November 1, falling to about 5 hours by November 30. North Iceland has less.
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in November?
Yes. November has long, dark nights, which gives you plenty of time to see the aurora. Clear skies are the main factor.
Are ice caves open in November?
Usually, yes. The natural ice cave season in Vatnajökull typically starts in November, once temperatures drop. Early in the month, check with operators before booking.
Is it safe to drive in Iceland in November?
It can be, with winter tires, careful planning and daily checks of road conditions. Storms and icy roads are common, so many visitors prefer guided tours.
Is November a cheap time to visit Iceland?
Yes. November is one of the cheapest months to visit Iceland, with lower prices for flights, cars and hotels, except during Iceland Airwaves.
