Iceland in November: Weather, Daylight and What to Plan For
November is Iceland's in-between month. The autumn colors are gone, deep winter has not quite arrived, and the days get shorter almost week by week. It is also one of the calmer times to visit, with long dark nights for the northern lights and far fewer people at the main sights than in summer. A little planning makes a big difference.
Quick answer: Iceland in November has roughly 7 to 8 hours of daylight at the start of the month and about 5 by the end. Reykjavik temperatures usually sit around freezing, with rain, sleet and early snow all possible. The northern lights season is in full swing, highland F-roads are generally closed by November, and flexible plans work best.
How Much Daylight You Get
Daylight drops quickly through November. Early in the month you have a bit more than 7 hours between sunrise and sunset in Reykjavik. By mid month the sun rises around 10am and sets around 4pm, and by the end of November you are down to about 5 hours. That means a tour on November 2 feels quite different from one on November 28. Early starts matter more as the month goes on, and fewer stops per day is the sensible plan.
What the Weather Is Really Like
The weather in November changes fast. You can have a mild, dry morning, a wet afternoon and snow that evening. Reykjavík temperatures often range from around freezing to a few degrees above it, although colder spells can bring temperatures below freezing. It is colder inland and in the north. Wind often matters more than the number on the thermometer. Waterproof outer layers, warm mid layers and good boots cover most situations. Our guide to winter driving in Iceland explains how early winter conditions affect the roads.
Northern Lights in November
November is one of the stronger months for the aurora. Nights are long, the season is well underway, and you do not have to stay up very late to get a dark sky. Cloud is still the deciding factor, so giving yourself more than one evening improves your chances a lot. Our month by month northern lights guide compares every month of the season, and our guide to northern lights photography in Iceland covers camera settings. If you want a guide to watch the sky and do the driving, a private Northern Lights tour is built for exactly that.
Roads and Access
The mountain F roads in the highlands are closed to normal traffic in November, so the interior is off the table. The main routes around the south and west are usually open, but snow, ice and wind can close sections for a few hours. Check road.is and vedur.is on the morning of any longer drive. On a private tour, your guide watches the conditions for you and changes the plan if a road is affected, which takes a lot of stress out of the day.
Crowds and Prices
The summer rush is over, and November is quieter at the big stops such as Gullfoss, Geysir and the south coast waterfalls. Hotels and restaurants are easier to book than in summer, and flights and rooms usually cost less than around Christmas. It is not empty, but it feels calm, which many travelers prefer.
Good Things to Plan Around
Geothermal pools feel especially good on a cold November evening. Waterfalls often look more dramatic with the first snow and ice. Reykjavik has a lively cultural calendar, including the Iceland Airwaves music festival around the start of the month and Icelandic Language Day on November 16. Exact festival dates change each year, so check them before you book.
How to Plan a Day in November
Pick two or three places you really want to see and give each of them time. Start early, and keep the evening free for the aurora if the forecast is clear. A private Golden Circle tour works well in November because the route is compact and your guide can set the pace around the light. If you would like to mix a day trip with an evening on the lights, a custom private tour can put both in the same day.
Is November a Good Time to Visit?
For travelers who like quiet, dark skies and a real winter feel, yes. If you need long days or highland access, summer is a better match. If you want the lights, fewer crowds and room to enjoy the main sights, November is a very good month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good month to visit Iceland?
Yes, especially for northern lights, lower prices and smaller crowds. The trade offs are short days and changeable weather.
How much daylight does Iceland have in November?
Around 7 to 8 hours at the start of the month, falling to about 5 hours by the end.
How cold is Iceland in November?
Reykjavik usually sees temperatures around freezing, a little warmer or colder depending on the day. It is colder inland and in the north, and wind makes it feel colder still.
Can you see the northern lights in November?
Yes. November is one of the better months for the aurora, though clear skies decide any given night.
Are Iceland's roads open in November?
The main roads are usually open, but the mountain F roads are closed. Weather can close other roads for short periods, so check conditions each morning.