Want to have all of the festive feels in our Icelandic winter wonderland without having to pay an arm and a leg for it? Well, then visiting Iceland in November might be your go-to. As a shoulder month, November has many perks for those visiting the island.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the weather, what to pack, and all the things there are to do and see on the island during this time. We also give you some insights into all the pros and cons of the month to help you decide whether planning a trip to Iceland in November will suit you, your requirements, and what you have on that Icelandic bucket list of yours.
Is November a Good Time to Visit?
As a pre-winter shoulder month, November comes with a few added benefits, but that’s not to say that it’ll necessarily be the right fit for you. Below you will find an overview of some of the biggest pros and cons of visiting Iceland in November to help you make your decision:
Pros
If you’re not one for crowds, November is a great time to visit Iceland. It doesn’t fall into our peak summer season and also falls shy of the festive crowds flocking to the island.
Without any peak season crowds, you also miss out on those pesky peak season prices that can quickly gobble up a vacay budget.
Dwindling daylight hours and the weather conditions make it the perfect time to spot the Northern Lights, yet you still have enough daylight hours to take on a pretty extensive trip itinerary.
A visit in late November means that you can experience everything the festive season here on the island brings but without any of the overcrowded and overpriced pitfalls of the season.
Cons
Iceland looks like a winter wonderland for good reason, and you will need to come prepared for everything from cold temperatures and snow to strong winds and ice.
November is not the time to have a fixed trip itinerary. The weather conditions and sudden road closures may force you to change your plans.
As you can guess, the weather conditions make driving a bit challenging, and you need to think about being snowed in, not slipping on icy patches on the road, and dealing with winds that can sometimes feel like they want to drive your vehicle for you. There are also certain roads and routes such as the F-roads in Iceland that are kept closed throughout the colder months of the year.
Whilst you’ll still have enough daylight hours for an adventure-filled trip itinerary, they won’t be near enough to experience another famous natural phenomenon here on the island; the Midnight Sun.
Driving in Iceland in November
As we already touched on, driving in Iceland in November can become tricky. The overall weather conditions, as well as some pretty harsh weather elements such as snow and winds over 25 kilometers an hour, are just a few things you’ll need to consider before heading out.
It is because of this that we highly recommend that you rent a 4x4 vehicle for your trip and ensure that you have the accessories and gear, such as snow tires, to rise to any potential seasonal challenges. You’ll also need to have a chat with your rental agent to ensure that you have sufficient rental car insurance to cover any additional seasonal risks, such as Sand and Ash Protection.
When planning a road trip on the island, you’ll also need to be well aware of the fact that roads such as the F-roads will be closed, and regions such as the Highlands and the Westfjords will have many road closures, making exploring these areas very difficult. So, if visiting the Highlands and the Westfjords are top priorities on your Iceland trip, we suggest that you reschedule for the warmer months.
The Weather in Iceland in November
It may be cold, but we’ve not quite hit those extreme winter lows here on the island. The temperature in Iceland in November ranges between 1 and 8 degrees Celsius and averages around 4 degrees Celsius. You can look forward to about 8 hours of daylight each day, but by the end of the month, you’ll have just 5 hours to work with.
Whilst you won’t be caught in a raging blizzard when visiting Iceland in November, you are more than likely to encounter snow at one stage during your trip. The same goes for rain. Those legendary Icelandic winds are also revving up for the winter season and quickly picking up speed. They clock in at an average of around 30 kilometers an hour in November.
What to Pack and Wear in Iceland in November
It can be tempting to try and pack your entire wardrobe when visiting a country called Iceland that’s well on its way towards its winter season, but this is completely unnecessary. Simply ensure that you have enough t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts to layer over each other. Bring your thermal undies and a long winter coat.
And remember to bring waterproof clothing and gear such as a raincoat, jacket, pants, and hiking boots (this is essential not just for rainy days but when visiting the Icelandic waterfalls and hot springs). Also, remember to pack your sunglasses and sunscreen – it may be cold, but we still have sun, and when it starts glaring on wet or icy patches, you’re going to feel it.
The Best Things to Do in Iceland in November
Things may be cooling down on the weather side, but things are heating up with exclusive winter-season attractions and activities. Here are a few things to add to your trip itinerary:
Explore the Ice Caves
This is one of our seasonal exclusive activities since most ice caves in Iceland are kept closed during the warmer months for safety reasons. November is the month they finally start opening again, and you can explore these glossy blue caverns. It can only be done via guided tour, though, so remember to book your spot.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in Iceland in november.
Go Skiing
This is another much-loved seasonal exclusive activity. Take on the various slopes across the country, irrespective of your age or experience level, or become part of the audience at one of our local or international skiing competitions or events.
Visit the Museums
In a country that has museums such as the Icelandic Phallological Museum, the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, and the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum, you definitely don’t want to miss out on visiting these interesting places.
Go Snorkeling or Diving (yes, you can still do that)
At the Silfra Fissure, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates push apart, you can now go snorkeling or diving in the gap filled with glacial water. This means that you can literally float between two continents! Just take note that if you want to opt for diving the Silfra, you’ll need a valid diving license and sufficient experience.
Live Your Best Viking Life
Iceland is proud of its Viking heritage, and you’ll find plenty of places here on the island where you can live your best Viking life, whether it’s sailing on an authentic Viking ship, getting dressed up and having your Viking portrait taken, or dining at a feast with your fellow Vikings in an authentic Viking Village.
Admire Some of Our Architectural Highlights
Iceland is a historically-rich country, and Icelanders are one of the most creative nations on the planet. So, it comes as no surprise that the island has some pretty impressive architectural works. If you want to admire some of our architectural highlights during your trip, don’t miss out on Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and The Nordic House.
Check Out Our Waterfalls
Well, maybe not all of them because we have more than 10 000 here on the island! But there are a few, such as Dettifoss (the second most powerful waterfall in Europe!), Seljalandsfoss, and Glymur, that are not to be missed.
Hit Laugavegur
Laugavegur Street is our major shopping street in the capital city of Reykjavik, and this is where your credit card can really take a pounding. You can find everything from clothes and home décor items to traditional Icelandic souvenirs and outdoor gear. You can also take breaks in between your shopping spree at one of the local restaurants and cafes.
Relax in a Hot Spring
Whether you opt to enjoy one of our natural hot springs in its original settings or spend the day at one of our geothermal pools utilizing some of our natural hot spring water – you are in for a treat. Except for the fact that it guarantees a relaxing soak, the waters have also been proven to have healing properties.
To be in a hot spring while it's cold is one of the best experiences you can feel. So this is the reason why relaxing in a hot spring is one of the best things to do in Iceland in November.
Ride on the Back of a Fluffy Icelandic Horse
Exploring the country on horseback here on the island is an incredibly unique experience since you’ll be doing it on the back of the island’s own breed of horse called the Icelandic Horse. They are known for their pony-like stature, friendly nature, and extra gait called the tölt. And when you visit in November, they will start to sport their thick, fluffy winter coats.
Visit One of Our Black Sand Beaches
This is one of the trademarks of the Land of Fire and Ice. Don’t miss out on visiting long, outstretched beaches of black sand – the remnants of past volcanic eruptions. Black sand beaches in Iceland, such as Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach, are not to be missed, the latter glistening in the sunlight with pieces of ice scattered along its shores.
Try to Take a Snapshot of an Erupting Geyser
Speaking of eruptions, there are some that you really do want to witness up close here on the island. These don’t include red, hot lava, but liters of boiling water being shot meters into the air. We have plenty of active geysers here on the island, one of them being Strokkur, and getting a snap mid-eruption makes for incredible photography, but it’s also tricky and requires perfect timing. #challengeaccepted
Iceland in November; the Best of the Winter Season Without the Below-0 Temperatures
The winter weather is creeping closer, but those super-low temperatures will still be kept at bay when you visit Iceland in November. Yet, the combination of the colder weather conditions along with the amount of daylight hours allows you to indulge in a jam-packed trip itinerary with some seasonal exclusive activities and sights - and at a fraction of the festive prices.
Without any peak season crowds around, it’s also a great time to go on a few local Icelandic tours where you can learn more about the main attractions here on the island and the various regions. November is the best time to travel to Iceland if you want the best of the winter season without the below-0 temperatures.
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