Guide to Iceland Weather in November
The Iceland weather in November is well on its way to the winter wonderland you get to experience over the festive season. In this article, we tell you what to expect as well as what to pack.
Whilst things have definitely cooled down on the Iceland weather front, you won’t find this island with its hustle and bustle slowing down any time soon. And with November falling outside of the Iceland peak season, you might want to take advantage of lower prices. But that's not all, you can also enjoy all the activities and attractions the Iceland weather in November actually makes possible.
The Iceland Weather in November
As we already mentioned, the temperature in Iceland in November is well on its way to full-blown winter levels. The average temperature in Iceland in November ranges between 1-4 degrees Celsius.
You can expect every type of weather (sunshine, rain, snow, etc.), making the local saying about “experiencing all four seasons in a day in Iceland” a very real reality you need to be prepared for. By dressing in layers, and keeping an eye on the weather forecast and the Iceland road conditions, you can still have the holiday of a lifetime. And the cherry of the cake, at a fraction of the price peak season tourists pay.
The cities offer a certain amount of shelter against the elements, so it’s often falsely believed that it’s somehow warmer there. But we can assure you that if it wasn’t for insulation and comfy indoor heating, the Reykjavík weather in November would be the same as on its outskirts.
Benefits of the Iceland Weather in November
The Iceland weather in November has many more benefits to it than just cozying up inside with a cup of hot chocolate. The temperature in Iceland in November makes it the perfect time to visit the glaciers or the ice caves, as these activities can be restricted during the warmer months due to safety concerns (ice melts in warm weather, remember?).
Daylight hours have also dwindled to under 8 hours a day. Whilst this still gives you enough time to plan a jam-packed itinerary every day, it also allows you to see the Northern Lights. Word of advice, though, if the Aurora Borealis is indeed on your Iceland bucket list, you’ll need to avoid the bright city lights to truly experience the full splendor of this phenomenon.
What to Pack When Taking the Iceland Weather in November Into Account
Even though it's obvious that a trip to Iceland in November is going to be on the colder side, many do feel a little confused as to what to pack. That's especially true when hearing locals warn against the “all four seasons in a day” thing.
The secret to dressing in Iceland will always be layering, no matter which season you come to visit the island. To make your life just a little easier, we have created a nifty packing list for Iceland in November that you can use as a guide:
Long waterproof winter coat
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof hiking boots
Underwear
Thermal vests
Thermal leggings
T-shirts & long-sleeved shirts
Bathing suit (for the hot springs)
Quick drying towel (as not to walk around with wet, icy towels)
Warm gloves
Warm hat (beanies work well)
Warm scarf
Toiletries & medication
Electronics: adaptor, cables, chargers, power bank, etc.
Make Your Iceland Trip in November the Best Budget-Friendly Trip!
Although things are on the cooler side, Iceland weather in November shouldn’t be a deterrent to coming to visit the island. In fact, the weather and the temperature in Iceland in the fall bring their own unique experiences and opportunities that the summer crowds usually miss out on.
To make your Iceland trip even more budget-friendly and cozy, you can rent a campervan in Reykjavík to explore the rest of the island at your leisure.