| What | November in Iceland | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Daylight | About 8 hours at the start, about 5 by month's end | Reykjavík |
| Temperatures | 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F) in Reykjavík and on the south coast | Colder inland and in the north |
| Weather | Rain, sleet, snow and sun within a few hours | Strong winds make it feel colder |
| Northern lights | More dark hours | Allow several nights |
| Ice caves | Natural season typically starts | Guide with glacier training recommended |
| Event | Iceland Airwaves | Reykjavík, early November |
Weather and daylight
Reykjavík and the southern coast typically range from 0°C to 5°C, and it is generally colder inland and in the north. Rain, sleet, snow and sunshine can all occur within a few hours, and strong winds make it feel colder. Daylight is the main limit: about 8 hours at the start of the month and about 5 by its end, so schedule one region per day and start when it gets light. Visit Iceland adds that late autumn and winter often have lower accommodation, car rental and flight prices than summer, though costs vary. For the music festival, see Iceland Airwaves.
Northern lights
November offers more dark hours for viewing, but sightings still need dark skies, little cloud and solar activity. The Icelandic Met Office publishes aurora and cloud-cover forecasts, and Visit Iceland advises getting away from town lights and allowing several nights. A guided evening removes the driving: see northern lights tours. For the long nights that follow, read Iceland in December.
Roads and driving
The Ring Road is possible, but closures due to weather can occur, so check road conditions, forecasts and SafeTravel alerts. Roads can be icy, winds can be strong and daylight is limited; some Westfjords routes may be affected by snow and ice. Safe Travel Iceland advises winter equipment such as winter tires, notes that a 4x4 helps in some conditions but does not prevent skidding on ice, and recommends checking the forecast at least once a day. Emergency number: 112. See how to get around Iceland.
What to do
- Ice caves: November typically marks the start of the natural ice cave season, as caves become accessible when meltwater subsides. A qualified glacier guide is recommended; see ice cave tours.
- Glacier hikes and snowmobiling: both operate in November when weather and ice conditions permit; see glacier hikes.
- Jökulsárlón: boat tours wind down as winter approaches, though some amphibian tours may continue into early November depending on conditions.
- Horse riding: many stables offer guided tours year-round; see horse riding.
- Pools: Laugardalslaug, Vesturbæjarlaug and Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík, plus Forest Lagoon in Akureyri and Earth Lagoon at Mývatn. Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík offers sea swimming with changing rooms, showers and a hot tub nearby.
- Museums: the National Museum of Iceland, Perlan, Reykjavík Art Museum and Skógar Museum are indoor options on stormy days.
- Skiing: the Icelandic ski season runs from November to April, with the best snow usually in the north (Visit Iceland), and dog sledding tours at Mývatn run November to May.
Events
Iceland Airwaves, a music festival in Reykjavík, takes place in early November. Visit Iceland's events calendar lists it as the only November event.
A tour to book
In a month with five to eight hours of light, a guided day removes the driving and the weather decisions, so we recommend the South Coast waterfalls, black sand and glacier tour: 4.8 out of 5 from 12,990 reviews, from €107 on 6 November 2026. See South Coast tours.
Trip length
Visit Iceland suggests 5 to 7 days for Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and the South Coast, 8 to 10 days for North or West Iceland, and 10 to 14 days or more for a full winter Ring Road trip. For hotels see where to stay in Reykjavík.
Mistakes to avoid
- Planning a long drive: five to eight hours of light is all you get.
- Counting on a 4x4 alone: it helps in some conditions but does not prevent skidding on ice.
- Waiting for the Jökulsárlón boat in late November: boat tours wind down.
- Dressing for one weather: rain, sleet, snow and sun can arrive within hours.
FAQ
How much daylight is there in Iceland in November?
About 8 hours at the start of the month and about 5 by the end.
Can you see the northern lights in November?
Yes, with dark skies, little cloud and solar activity; allow several nights.
Are ice caves open in November?
The natural ice cave season typically starts in November; a qualified guide is recommended.
Is November cheaper?
Visit Iceland notes lower accommodation, car rental and flight prices than in summer, though costs vary.
What is Iceland Airwaves?
A music festival in Reykjavík in early November.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
