Iceland's Weather in November: What to Expect in 2025
Iceland in November sits between fall and winter. The weather gets colder and darker, creating landscapes covered in frost under a low sun. As winter takes hold, both the weather and travel experiences become more intense.
Here's what to know about Iceland's November weather for planning a safe trip.
Key Takeaways
- Temperatures hover around freezing (1-4°C in the south, colder in the north), and feel much colder with the wind.
- Rain/snow on 15-20 days; precipitation transitions from rain to snow as the month progresses
- Daylight drops from 8 hours to just 5 hours by month-end
- South/west: milder but windier; north/east: colder with more snow
- Pack layers, waterproof gear, and good boots; check weather forecasts daily
- Great for Northern Lights, ice caves, and hot springs with fewer tourists
Overview of the weather in Iceland in November
November marks Iceland's shift from fall to winter. The island becomes colder, darker, and snowier as the month goes on.
Weather can vary significantly from year to year, but November typically brings lower temperatures, more rain and snow, and much shorter days. The weather often changes quickly. You might see sun, rain, snow, and strong winds on the same day.
Let's look at the details:
Temperature in Iceland During November
November temperatures hover near freezing and continue to drop as the month progresses. In Reykjavík and coastal areas, daytime temperatures usually range from 1°C to 4°C (34-39°F), while nights drop to around 0°C (32°F) or slightly below.
Northern and inland areas are colder, with daytime temperatures between -2°C and 2°C (28-36°F) and nights well below freezing. By late November, lows of -5°C (23°F) or colder are normal in these areas.
The thermometer doesn't tell the whole story, though. Damp air and constant winds make it feel much colder than the numbers show. Wind chill can make a 0°C day feel like -10°C, so dressing in layers matters.
Recent years show bigger temperature swings. November 2024 had two distinct parts: the first half had record warmth with temperatures reaching 23.8°C (74.8°F) in some places, followed by a cold period with temperatures down to -24.1°C (-11.4°F) in the northeast.
Rain & Snow During November in Iceland
November is one of Iceland's wettest months, with rain or snow falling on 15-20 days. You'll likely see a mix of cold rain, sleet, and increasingly, snow.
Total precipitation averages 73-80 mm (2.9-3.1 inches) in Reykjavík, with regional differences. The coastal areas in the south and west get more rain than the drier north and east. When precipitation reaches northern regions, it usually falls as snow rather than rain.
Snowfall increases as the month goes on. Reykjavík typically gets about 8-9 cm (3-4 inches) of snow in November, six times more than in October but only half of December's amount. By mid-to-late November, snow begins to accumulate, especially in northern Iceland and higher elevations.
The Highlands and the north get much more snow than the coastal regions. While Reykjavík might see rain turn to wet snow overnight, places like Akureyri and the northern fjords often have deep snow by the end of the month.
Daylight Hours and Northern Lights Opportunities
November's most dramatic change is the rapid decrease in daylight. Early in the month, Iceland gets about 7-8 hours of daylight, with the sun rising around 9:30 AM and setting by 4:00 PM in Reykjavík.
By mid-November, daylight shrinks to about 6 hours, with sunrise around 10:00 AM and sunset by 4:00 PM. The end of the month has just 4-5 hours of weak daylight: the sun rises around 10:30 AM and sets as early as 3:30 PM.
This limited daylight means you need to plan for sightseeing and outdoor activities more carefully. The upside is that long, dark nights create great conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. November falls in Iceland's aurora season (September through March), and with 15-20 hours of darkness, your chances of seeing this light show increase (if skies are clear).
The sun stays very low during November, creating long golden hours with soft light that photographers like.
Weather by Region in November
Iceland's weather varies by region, especially in transition months like November. Here's what to expect in different parts of the country:
Reykjavík and Southwest Iceland
The capital region has milder conditions than most of Iceland, with daytime temperatures typically between 1-4°C (34-39°F). The ocean keeps coastal areas from getting too cold, but it also brings more rain and wind.
Southwest Iceland often gets a mix of rain and snow in November, with wet snow becoming more common later in the month. Strong winds often come with weather systems, making it feel colder than thermometers show.
Reykjavík averages about 13 days with measurable precipitation in November, totaling around 78 mm (3 inches). Snow doesn't usually stick around in the early part of the month, but by late November, snow cover lasts longer.
North Iceland and Akureyri
Northern Iceland is colder and snowier than the south in November. Akureyri and the surrounding areas experience daytime temperatures ranging from -2°C to 2°C (28-36°F), with nighttime temperatures dropping well below freezing.
The north receives less precipitation overall, but it typically falls as snow rather than rain. By mid-November, northern towns often have lots of snow. Recently, Akureyri has averaged about 15 fully snow-covered days in November, three more than the long-term average.
North Iceland can also have calm, clear, and very cold days when high pressure settles over the region. These conditions are perfect for Northern Lights, but require serious winter clothing.
South Coast and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The South Coast has similar temperatures to Reykjavík but tends to be windier and wetter. The areas near glaciers like Jökulsárlón have colder temperatures with more snow.
This region gets some of Iceland's highest precipitation. The landscapes change a lot during November as snow covers mountains and ice forms along glacier edges and black sand beaches.
Weather changes on the South Coast can be sudden. A sunny morning can quickly turn to heavy snow or rain, making good clothing essential.
East Iceland
The East Fjords become more wintry during November. Temperatures usually stay slightly below freezing, with more snow than in coastal areas to the south and west.
Mountain passes in East Iceland can get significant snow, sometimes causing temporary road closures. The fjords offer some shelter from Atlantic storms, but strong local winds can funnel through the valleys.
By late November, much of East Iceland has transitioned to winter conditions, with landscapes covered in snow and icy roads becoming the norm.
Icelandic Highlands and Ring Road Conditions
The Highlands are closed to regular traffic by November. F-roads (mountain roads) typically close in September or October and remain closed until the following summer due to heavy snow and hazardous conditions.
The Ring Road (Route 1), which circles the island, remains open year-round but may close temporarily during storms. By November, sections at higher elevations may require winter driving skills and proper vehicles.
Conditions vary along different sections of the Ring Road. The southern and western parts typically experience less snow, while the northern and eastern sections can be fully winter-like, with snow and ice by mid-to-late November.
November 2024 Weather Review
November 2024 in Iceland was a tale of two seasons. The first half brought record warmth, with temperatures reaching 23.8°C in Kvísker (Öræfi), while the second half shifted to winter with temperatures falling to -24.1°C in northeastern Iceland. Reykjavík averaged 1.7°C (below normal) with 77.7mm of precipitation and no days fully covered in snow, while Akureyri averaged 0.9°C with 15 snow-covered days. The month was windier than normal across Iceland, with several stormy days affecting travel.
Regional differences were clear: South and west Iceland had heavy rain early in the month, followed by drier conditions, while the north and east had the opposite pattern with significant snowfall in the latter half. This extreme variability highlights the importance of preparing for all conditions when visiting Iceland in November, as temperatures can range from unexpected warmth to deep winter cold, sometimes within the same week.
What to Pack for Iceland in November
Packing for Iceland's weather in November means preparing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Here's what to bring:
Clothing Layers
The key to comfort in Iceland's changing conditions is layering:
- Base layers: Pack thermal underwear and moisture-wicking shirts that keep heat close to your body.
- Mid layers: Bring fleece jackets or wool sweaters for insulation.
- Outer layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood is essential. Waterproof pants help for longer outdoor trips.
Cold-Weather Accessories
- Hat, gloves, and scarf: These are must-haves. Your hands, head, and neck will feel cold first, so protect them.
- Warm socks: Bring several pairs of thick, wool socks to keep feet warm and dry.
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots: These help with comfort and safety. Find insulated boots with a good grip for icy surfaces.
- Ice grips/crampons: Traction devices that attach to your boots help on icy sidewalks and paths.
Other Essentials
- Swimwear: Bring it for hot springs and pools, which are better in cold weather.
- Sunglasses: Low-angle sun causes glare, especially on snow or wet surfaces.
- Headlamp or flashlight: With few daylight hours, you'll need light for mornings and evenings.
- Camera tripod: This helps with Northern Lights photography, which needs long exposures.
- Portable phone charger: Cold drains batteries faster, so bring backup power.
You'll need to adjust layers throughout the day as you move between outdoor activities and heated indoor spaces.
Best Activities for Iceland's November Weather
Despite challenging weather, November offers unique experiences not available in warmer months:
- Northern Lights Hunting: Long, dark nights make November an ideal time for aurora viewing. Join a tour or drive away from city lights on clear nights.
- Ice cave exploration: Natural ice caves form and open in November, showing the blue world inside glaciers.
- Hot spring soaking: Sitting in warm water while surrounded by frost and snow is a classic Icelandic experience. Try the Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, or natural hot spots, such as Seljavallalaug.
- Glacier hiking: With guides and proper gear, November works well for exploring glaciers.
- Winter photography: Snow, ice, and low-angle sun create interesting lighting for photos.
- Museums and culture: When the weather turns bad, museums, galleries, and cafés offer warm shelter.
- Icelandic horse riding: These sturdy horses excel in winter, and tours are available year-round.
- Snowmobiling: As snow builds up, especially in the north, snowmobiling becomes a fun option.
- Whale watching: Some whale species stay near Iceland in November, with tours operating from coastal towns despite rougher seas.
Conclusion
Iceland in November offers a transition to winter that rewards prepared travelers with unique experiences and fewer crowds. The weather needs respect and flexibility, but with good planning and equipment, you can enjoy Northern Lights, ice caves, and cozy cultural experiences.
For a successful November trip, come prepared, stay flexible, and accept Iceland's dramatic weather rather than fighting it. Check forecasts daily, adjust plans as needed, and put safety before rigid schedules.