When to visit Iceland
Iceland in November
Low visitor season with northern lights and natural ice caves.
At a glance
Temperature
High 4.7 °C, low -0.1 °C, mean 2.2 °C
Precipitation
86.5 mm across 13.7 rainy days
Sunshine
39.7 sunshine hours
Mid-month daylight
6h 33m, sunrise 09:56, sunset 16:29
These figures are Reykjavík normals for 1991-2020, sourced from Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands). North, East and highland areas run colder than Reykjavík. Iceland remains on GMT and UTC throughout the year without daylight saving.
What it is like
November begins the typical natural ice cave season and falls within the peak northern lights period. It is also part of the low season, with the fewest visitors of the year.
- Northern lights are typically visible when conditions are clear and dark.
- Natural ice caves are typically in season.
- Glacier hikes run year-round.
- Whale watching runs year-round from Reykjavík.
What to do
These tour hubs match activities and regions that operate or are typically accessible during November.
Planning notes
Pack insulated, waterproof layers with warm accessories, and footwear with grip for icy ground. Use the Iceland packing list for a structured checklist.
Check other dates and locations with the Iceland daylight tool.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the weather like in Iceland in November?
- Reykjavík has a normal high of 4.7 °C, a mean of 2.2 °C and a normal low of -0.1 °C. Normal precipitation is 86.5 mm.
- How much daylight does Iceland have in November?
- Around the middle of November, Reykjavík has 6h 33m of daylight. Sunrise is 09:56 and sunset is 16:29.
- Can northern lights be seen in Iceland in November?
- November falls within the period when northern lights are typically visible. Clear, dark conditions are required.