A Local Guide to Visiting Iceland in November 2025

What’s the Weather Like in Iceland in November?

November marks the first true winter month in Iceland - when temperatures drop, daylight hours shrink, and the landscape often gets its first soft dusting of snow.

The average temperature in Reykjavik in November sits around -1 to 4 °C (30–39 °F). What you’ll feel most is the crisp, fresh chill in the air - wonderful on calm mornings, but biting cold when the wind starts howling. Always check both the temperature and the wind forecast before heading out, as wind chill can make it feel much colder than it looks on paper.

As locals like to say: “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” So pack wisely, layer up, and nothing will stop you from enjoying every minute (see What to Pack for Iceland in November below).

That said, Iceland always keeps us on our toes. November 2024 was unusually warm, breaking several heat records across the country: Reykjavík reached 13°C (55°F), Akureyri saw 20°C (68°F), and the highest recorded temperature in the north/east hit a remarkable 24°C (75°F)! It just goes to show: while we’re sharing long-term averages here, anything can happen when it comes to Icelandic weather - and it’s always better to be well prepared than underdressed.

You’ll likely see a touch of snow during your stay, especially outside the city, though Reykjavik itself doesn’t usually get heavy snowfall this early.

Another thing to keep in mind when planning your Iceland in November itinerary is daylight - or rather, the lack of it. November is when the days start shrinking fast as we move toward the winter solstice on December 21st, the shortest day of the year in Iceland.

This happens because the country sits so far north (close to the Arctic Circle) that the Earth’s tilt limits how much sunlight we get each day. The result? Noticeably shorter days - with each passing week.

Early in November, daylight is still generous enough for full sightseeing days, but it fades quickly:

• November 1: about 8 hours and 20 minutes of daylight
• November 30: about 5 hours of daylight

To make the most of your trip, plan your outdoor adventures between 8:30 and 15:30, then enjoy Reykjavik’s cozy cafés, restaurants, hot pools or nightlife once the sun goes down.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect from the weather in Reykjavik during November:

While daylight gets short, don’t let that scare you - November in Iceland is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights & Solar Maximum

We’re currently entering a solar maximum cycle, meaning the Northern Lights activity is at its strongest in over a decade (woohoo!). With long nights and frequent clear skies, November 2025 offers some of the best chances to witness the aurora borealis in years.

Combine that with mild early-winter temperatures (compared to later months), and you’ve got a near-perfect window for aurora hunting. More on that below.

What to Pack for Iceland in November (Packing List + Local Tips)

For a November trip to Iceland, warmth and waterproofing are everything. This is the first true winter month, so pack layers that keep you cozy, dry, and ready for anything - while still looking great for café hopping and dinner in Reykjavik’s restaurants.

Start with thermal base layers to lock in warmth on the coldest days, add comfortable mid-layers for style and flexibility, and top it all off with a windproof, waterproof outer shell that can handle both rain and sleet.

Some travellers also bring ice cleats or microspikes for better grip on frosty mornings or slippery waterfall paths. They’re not essential in downtown Reykjavik, but a smart idea if you’re heading out on nature adventures and want to avoid any slips or falls.

Here’s your “Iceland in November packing list inspiration” (for a 3–5 day trip):

• Insulated jacket or down parka - your best friend for windy days and chilly nights.
• Waterproof outer shell (jacket & pants) - so Icelandic rain or sleet never slows you down.
• Thermal base layers (wool or merino) - to keep that warmth close.
• Mid-layer (wool sweater or fleece) - picking up an Icelandic wool sweater in Reykjavik might just be the coziest (and coolest) souvenir of your trip.
• Winter boots with good grip - sidewalks and trails are often icy this time of year.
• Ice cleats / microspikes - smart if you want extra security on icy days.
• Hat, gloves, and scarf - essential.
• Swimwear & towel - for hot pools and lagoons.

Pro tip: locals dress like onions - layer after layer. Bring a small daypack so you can easily add or remove layers throughout the day as Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather changes.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in November (Top Activities & Must-See Places)

The perfect winter holiday in Iceland is all about balance - a little adventure, a little culture, and plenty of warmth. Spend your days exploring Iceland’s breathtaking nature - waterfalls, glaciers, and steaming hot springs - and your evenings enjoying Reykjavik’s cozy food scene like a local.

We always recommend spending most of your daylight hours out in nature, taking advantage of the short winter days to see as much as possible. Then, as the sun sets, dive into the city’s warm lights, local pools, and great restaurants. And don’t skip Reykjavik entirely - set aside at least one full day in the capital to explore its museums, cafés, and foodie scene (ideally through the Reykjavik Food Walk, our favorite local experience).

Here are our favorite things to do in November - the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and Icelandic flavor:

1. Chase the Northern Lights

November is prime time for the aurora borealis. With long, dark nights and high solar activity, your chances of spotting the northern lights are better than ever.

You might get lucky and see them right from Reykjavik, but for the best experience, join a Northern Lights tour or take a boat cruise from the harbor for a magical view over the ocean.

(Psst: want to learn exactly how to spot them? Check out our full Northern Lights guide.)

2. Soak in Geothermal Hot Springs

There’s nothing more Icelandic than slipping into a steaming pool while the air around you hovers at freezing temperatures. Locals do this daily - not as a luxury, but as a way of life.

You can go casual and local at Sundhöllin, Reykjavik’s oldest swimming pool that opened in 1937, or splash out at one of the country’s spectacular lagoons:

• Sky Lagoon – sleek, oceanfront, and other-worldly.
• Blue Lagoon - world-famous and beautifully atmospheric in winter.
• Sundhöllin – historic, affordable, and filled with locals.

Whichever you choose, this is the ultimate way to warm up after a chilly day of sightseeing.

P.S. If the northern lights are showing, seeing them directly from your jacuzzi is world-class.

3. Enjoy Icelandic Flavors

November is the time for comfort food in Iceland - warm soups, slow-cooked lamb, and fresh fish pans. Our cuisine is simple, hearty, and rooted in tradition, and it truly shines during the colder months.

You can explore Reykjavik’s food scene on your own, but for the best introduction, join the Reykjavik Food Walk - our signature local experience.

It’s a fun, delicious way to discover the highlights of Reykjavik while sampling the best Icelandic dishes, from homemade lamb soup to rye bread ice cream.

Read more about the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik here.

4. Explore Nature - Waterfalls, Glaciers & Ice Caves

You came for the landscapes, and November doesn’t disappoint. With a light dusting of snow and icy contrasts, Iceland’s nature feels extra dramatic.

Here are some amazing routes you can do as day trips from Reykjavik - you really can’t go wrong:

• Golden Circle – Iceland’s iconic loop: Þingvellir, Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall.
• South Coast – mighty waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glacier views.
• Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón) – surreal floating icebergs and the Diamond Beach.
• Ice Caves & Glacier Hikes – November marks the start of the ice cave season - one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring adventures.
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula – dramatic cliffs, lava fields, glacier-topped volcanoes & more.

5. Dive into Icelandic Culture & Quirky Museums

When the weather calls for a slower day, Reykjavik’s museums and galleries offer the perfect indoor escape - cozy, creative, and full of stories.

A few personal favorites:

• Reykjavík Art Museum – Listasafn Reykjavíkur, Iceland’s largest visual-arts institution, featuring both local and international exhibitions.
• Iceland National Gallery – Listasafn Íslands, located by Reykjavík’s Tjörnin lake, home to the country’s greatest art collection.
  • Psst: don’t miss the excellent Kaktus Café inside the museum.
• Reykjavik 871±2 / Settlement Exhibition – a fascinating look at Viking-era Reykjavik, built around real archaeological remains - a true window into life during Iceland’s settlement era.
• Icelandic Phallological Museum – yes, that museum. It’s weird, it’s funny, and it’s part of the charm.
• Kolaportið Flea Market (weekends only) – a Reykjavík classic with food stalls, vintage finds, and quirky treasures.

FAQ

CAN YOU SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND IN NOVEMBER?

Absolutely! The sunset in November is rather early, around 4:30pm. Which makes November one of the best times of year to see the Northern Lights.

IS NOVEMBER A GOOD TIME TO GO TO ICELAND?

November is a great time to visit Iceland. The pricing on accommodations, flights and tours tends to be less expensive than the peak summer season. November is also one of the best times for music festivals, northern lights and much more.

HOW COLD IS IT IN ICELAND IN NOVEMBER?

The weather in November in Iceland ranges from 30-39 fahrenheit. Iceland is a lot warmer then a lot of travelers expect due to the warm gulfstream.

IS THERE SNOW IN ICELAND IN NOVEMBER?

It is rather common for Iceland to get it’s first snowfall towards the end of November. But it really does differ from year to year. The first snowfall can arrive anywhere from early October to late December.

CAN YOU DRIVE IN ICELAND IN NOVEMBER?

Definitely. To be on the safe side, I always recommend getting a 4×4 vehicle if you’re planning on renting a car in Iceland during the winter months. But it’s usually not until January-March when Iceland experiences large snow storms.

WHAT TIME IS SUNSET IN ICELAND IN NOVEMBER?

The sun sets at 5:00pm in the beginning of November. Towards the end of the month the sun will set around 4:00pm.

TO SUM IT UP …

November is simply a WONDERFUL month in Iceland and I hope you will love it here.

I do also hope that this small little blog post of mine helped you with your planning and/or gives you a better idea for what’s coming!

You can find more helpful blogs here.
And here you can find our personally best recommended day tours from Reykjavik.

Also, if I can help you with anything else – Please don’t hesitate to shoot us a line or ask me any questions in the comments below :)