Driving in Iceland in November: Guide to a Campervan Road Trip
- Campervan Reykjavik
- Sep 15
- 12 min read
Road-tripping the island in November promises to be the adventure of a lifetime, and doing so in a campervan comes with added benefits and convenience. But driving in Iceland in November requires a bit of local insight and preparation (we are heading toward winter, after all), and your road trip will need a little bit of extra planning.
But don’t worry! That’s precisely why we created this comprehensive guide, so you’ll have the inside scoop on everything from the weather, road conditions, choosing the right campervan, what to pack, as well as reveal some of the must-visit stops along the way when driving in Iceland in November. So, without further ado, let’s get down to it!
What is Iceland Like in November?
November marks the official transition into winter here on the island. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect from conditions during this transformation period:
What’s the Weather Like in Iceland in November?
As you may have guessed, temperatures will be steadily declining as we head towards winter. You can expect daytime averages to hover between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius (34 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit), but, understandably, temperatures may dip a little further once the sun sets.
You may also have heard of our legendary winds that can literally rip a car door off its hinges with staggering speeds of more than 35 kilometers an hour. Well, during November, our winds wouldn’t have reached such extreme levels yet, and you can prepare yourself for average wind speeds of around 22 kilometers an hour (13.7 miles per hour).
While November still has some rainfall, it’s definitely not one of our wettest months, with precipitation clocking in at 72.5 mm (2.8 inches) in total. While you may see some sleet by the end of November, it’s also important to note that there is a big difference between the weather in the south and the north of the country.
The northern regions tend to be much colder, with winter conditions arriving earlier and staying longer, and weather elements being much harsher than in the rest of the island. So, keep that in mind when planning your campervan road trip around Iceland.
Daylight Hours
As winter approaches, daylight hours begin to decrease. Early in November, you can expect roughly 8 hours of daylight, but by the end of November, there will be only 5 hours of daylight each day. So, you’ll need to take this into consideration when planning out your trip itinerary. But along with the dwindling daylight hours come possibility, since the colder conditions and the darkness allow you to start spotting the Northern Lights.
Does It Snow in Iceland in November?
As we already mentioned, you may see some sleet by the end of November, but the only place you’ll get the chance to see an early version of our winter wonderland with some early snowfall is in the northern regions of the country. But this is yet another benefit to visitors planning a campervan road trip, since you don’t need to worry about traversing a big blanket of snow, making driving conditions extremely challenging.
Road Conditions in Iceland in November
The most important factor that will influence your driving in Iceland in November is our road conditions. Here’s what you can expect:
Road Accessibility
Depending on what road trip you’ve dreamed about here in Iceland, road accessibility might turn out to be a fly in the ointment. That’s because we have annual road closures during the colder months of the year, as well as sudden road closures due to the weather.
Annual road closures include the F-roads in Iceland, which are our rough-and-tough roads mostly found in the Highlands, with one, the F570, in the Westfjords. Because of the challenging conditions of these unpaved roads, they are essentially only open during the summer months. They close as early as mid-September and only start opening again from late May.
So, if you wanted to explore the Highlands and the Westfjords specifically, you’d better postpone your trip (or plan another one) for the summertime. As we already mentioned, the northern parts of the country are much colder than the rest, and our more extreme winter weather conditions can arrive earlier and stay longer, which means that you may experience sudden road closures and challenging road conditions while exploring these northernly regions.
The roads and routes that will give you the least hassles are our paved and well-maintained main roads, which include the Ring Road (aka Route 1), the South Coast Way (which is merely a southern part of the larger Ring Road), and the Golden Circle.
Driving Conditions
When driving in Iceland in November, you’ll need to keep an eye out for the following (yes, even on our well-maintained main roads):
Icy patches on the road. Although these can be pretty common in the northern parts all throughout November, you can still find them in the rest of the country, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Although our winds have not yet hit those legendary levels, they’ve still picked up since the summer season, so you might feel the tug while driving here on the island.
Visibility can be affected during those early-onset snow flurries in the north or if there’s fog.
Tips for Monitoring Road Conditions
There is a way that you can always stay on top of our weather and road conditions. During your planning and in the mornings before heading out, please use the following sites for updates and forecasts:
Why Renting a Campervan is Ideal for Iceland in November
A campervan is always a great option when it comes to road-tripping around the island. This is because:
It ensures the most flexible itinerary. Since a campervan means you’ve sorted out both your transport and accommodation (which is pretty much any campsite across the country), you don’t need to rely on the strict schedules of third parties such as public transport or guided tours to get you places or check-in and check-out times of pre-booked accommodation.
It’s a cost-effective way to explore the island. You’re just paying once for both transport and accommodation, and not even our cheapest backpackers can compare to the price for parking at one of our super affordable campsites or campervan parking spots.
It’s incredibly comfortable. A campervan essentially offers all the perks of traditional camping (super affordable, most immersive experience with the Icelandic landscape, etc.), but with none of the discomfort. A campervan is quite literally traveling around in your house with all its creature comforts.
You’ll probably stand a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Since a campervan allows you to stay in places that are further away from all the light pollution brought on by the cities and towns, your odds of spotting those neon lights dancing across the sky increase significantly.
What Kind of Campervan Should You Rent?
Although you’ll probably still be able to manage with a compact 2-wheel drive on our paved and well-maintained main roads, we’d still recommend a 4x4 campervan straight out of the bat. That way, your road trip will be unrestricted, and you can also drive around with peace of mind.
Why Drive a 4x4 in Iceland in November?
Various reasons make a 4x4 the ideal choice. These include the following:
A 4x4 offers the best traction for slippery or icy roads.
It has higher clearance, so you can navigate our more rugged roads stress-free.
A 4x4 gives you more stability and control when our winds think they should be driving.
A campervan road trip can be unpredictable. You often don’t know what exciting things you’ll come across or hear about and want to check out, you don’t always know where you’ll stay overnight, and add on our unpredictable weather and road conditions (especially in the north), and it’s best to opt for a 4x4, which offers you the best and most reliable driving capabilities for any situation or road that may come your way.
Additional Features to Look Out for in a 4x4 Campervan When Driving in Iceland in November
Please take special care that your 4x4 campervan has the following for your road trip around Iceland in November:
Winter, studded tires (a mandatory accessory from November to April).
A reliable built-in heating system.
Good insulation to retain warmth.
Sufficient storage (you don’t want to live out of a suitcase or be clambering over luggage on a daily basis).
Whether it’s easy to maneuver. This will depend on your trip itinerary, but if you’re planning on zipping in and out of parking spots in town or driving our narrow gravel roads, it makes no sense to rent a beast of a campervan.
Is It Safe to Drive in Iceland During November?
Absolutely! Driving in Iceland in November is perfectly safe as long as you keep to the rules, take advice and warnings seriously, and come prepared with some local insights (cue us and this guide!). Here are a few tips on how to make your drive as safe as possible:
Always keep a close eye on the weather and road conditions via the sites and apps mentioned earlier.
Ensure that your essential electric devices are always fully charged and that you have enough chargers, cables, and power banks to keep them charged.
Save our national emergency number on your phone: 112.
KNOW your campervan. You need to know what it’s capable of as well as not capable of, otherwise you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. If there’s anything you’re uncertain of, chat to your rental agent about it.
Always adhere to Iceland’s speed limits (which may be different from what you’re used to back home).
Whenever you hit challenging road conditions, remember that slow and steady wins the race. Drive at a consistent and slow speed.
Take extra precautions, especially on gravel and slippery roads, and keep an additional distance between yourself and other vehicles on the road.
Keep headlights on whenever you’re driving, irrespective of whether it’s day or night. This is not just to ensure your own visibility, but also to ensure that others can clearly see you.
To avoid any potential slipping or skidding, don’t make any sharp turns or brake suddenly, especially on gravel and slippery roads.
When you hit snow, very icy conditions, or some of our more extreme wind speeds, it’s best to be safe than sorry. Instead, keep off the roads, postpone the next leg of your drive, and do some indoor exploring, such as at our incredible museums or art galleries.
When roads are marked as closed, it’s for a good reason. Don’t think that you can Chuck Norris your way through because you’ve got a 4x4 campervan. Either postpone that specific leg of the road trip or amend your plans.
Is November a Good Time to Go to Iceland?
As with most things in life, visiting Iceland in November has both pros and cons, and it will depend on your preferences, budget, and what you want to see and do here on the island, whether November will work for your envisioned road trip here on the island. Check out some of the most important pros and cons below:
Pros of Visiting Iceland in November
With peak season something of the past, the island will be free of peak season crowds, which means that you don’t have to compete for rentals, accommodation, attractions, etc.
Another perk of peak season being in the rearview mirror is that you don’t have to worry about paying any peak season prices.
You’ll have the chance to see one of Iceland’s most famous natural phenomena, the Northern Lights.
You’ll also get the chance to participate in some of our favorite winter activities without actually having to visit during our harsher winter months. This includes activities such as ice cave exploring and skiing.
You’ll get a taster of our magical winter wonderland landscapes without, once again, actually having to face our winter and some of its harsher conditions and drawbacks.
Cons of Visiting Iceland in November
While you still won’t have to face the harsh weather conditions or extreme weather elements that we get during the winter, summer has long since passed, and you will still be faced with colder and windier conditions that could potentially disrupt your plans.
One of the drawbacks of being able to spot the Northern Lights in late November is that it’s due to the few daylight hours. This means shorter driving distances and shorter daily trip itineraries.
Weather conditions can lead to sudden road closures, and annual road closures will be in effect, which may impact your planned road trip.
You’ll be missing out on one of our other famous natural phenomena, the Midnight Sun, since this only occurs over a few days in mid-summer.
Road conditions can become tricky to navigate, especially in the north, where the weather is more extreme and will have a harder-hitting impact.
Packing List for Your Campervan Road Trip in Iceland in November
Whether this is your first time visiting Iceland or just the first time you’ll be visiting in November, this packing list will be very helpful. Here are the essentials you need to remember:
Long, warm, waterproof winter coat.
Wool or fleece sweaters (extra bonus points if you opt to buy a couple of our famous Icelandic sweaters as souvenirs here on the island).
Waterproof clothing, hiking boots, gear, and a raincoat (this is not just to combat possible rainfall, but also to be prepared for our wet and slippery hot spring trails and to keep dry from our powerful waterfalls’ mist and spray.
Thermal underwear and leggings.
Woolen gloves, scarves, socks, and hats (we recommend beanies).
Comfortable pants.
Swimwear.
Quick-drying towels (no one wants to be lugging around a bunch of wet stuff on a road trip).
Sunglasses and sunscreen (these may be counterintuitive, but the reflection off the water and ice will leave you both squinting and with a nasty burn).
Reusable water bottle (Iceland has some of the purest water in the world, so all you have to do here on the island is top up).
Flashlight or headlamp (we prefer a headlamp since your hands remain free).
Vanity and medications (please remember to check flight and country restrictions beforehand).
Essential electronic devices, along with chargers, cables, adapters, and power banks.
A backpack you can use for day outings.
Important documentation such as your driver’s license, travel insurance, etc.
Emergency rations of snacks and water (you can buy these on the island).
Top Things to Do On Your Campervan Road Trip in November in Iceland
Need some inspiration for compiling your trip itinerary? Then check out some of our best things to do below:
Take a Dip in a Natural Hot Spring
Whether you’re taking a dip in one of our natural hot springs still in its original setting or at one of our geothermal pool resorts, it promises to be the ultimate relaxing experience. Some of our most famous hot spots include:
Visit Our Stunning Waterfalls
Iceland has over 10,000 beautiful waterfalls to gawk at. Still, there are a few such as Dettifoss Waterfall, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Godafoss Waterfall, and Gullfoss Waterfall. When you visit in November, you may already catch a few icy tentacles hanging from the waterfall cliffs.
Explore the Ice Caves
Most of the ice caves in Iceland are kept closed throughout the warmer months, so when you visit in November, you’ll finally find these guys open for exploration again. Our ice caves are a magical experience. These icy caverns with their frozen walls still have streaks of black ash from volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago, and you’ll also get to see all sorts of interesting ice formations.
Going Skiing and Snowboarding
November serves as an intro to our official skiing and snowboarding season. Depending on the conditions while you’re on the island, you can already go skiing and snowboarding at ski resorts such as Dalvik, Blafjoll, or Skalafell.
Diving or Snorkeling at Silfra Fissure
You can still dive or snorkel the Silfra Fissure in November, although you will need a dry suit as well as nerves of steel to take on the glacial waters. However, you’ll be glad you did if you do! The glacial water is crystal clear, so you have an exclusive view of an incredible underwater world as you lie suspended between two continents’ tectonic plates.
Visit Our Interesting Museums
Iceland has incredible museums you can visit on days when the weather isn't ideal. Some of the most recommended include the Icelandic Phallological Museum, the Saga Museum, and the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft.
Take a Stroll On Our Black Sand Beaches
Black sand beaches are very characteristic of the island. Not only are these dramatic beaches absolutely breathtaking, but they’re actually like taking a walk into the past since the black sand is merely the lava rock and sediment of past eruptions that have been eroded over thousands of years. Some of our most impressive black sand beaches include Diamond Beach and Reynisfjara.
Go Whale Watching
While our official whale season may be over here in Iceland, which means you’ve missed your chance at spotting a few of our migratory whale species that come to visit the island, you can still go on one of our boat tours to spot a few regulars along our coastline. You can go on whale-watching boat tours in Reykjavik and Akureyri. Still, we always recommend Husavik since it is the so-called whale-watching capital of Iceland.
Check Out Our Erupting Geysers
Volcanoes are not the only things erupting here on the island. If you visit Geyser Geothermal Area, you will not only get to see the OG and the very reason we call geysers geysers, but you’ll also see Stokkur, which shoots hundreds of liters of boiling water meters up in the air at least every 10 minutes!
Shop Till You Drop
If you ever visit Reykjavik’s famous shopping street, Laugavegur, your bank account is bound to feel it. Here you’ll find everything from souvenirs, outdoor gear, and home décor, to clothes and delectable coffee shops and restaurants.
Final Thoughts: Is Driving in Iceland in November for You?
As you can see from our guide, deciding whether driving in Iceland in November is for you will very much depend on your own personal preferences and the type of Icelandic road trip you’ve always dreamed about.
But if a November road trip around the island seems up your alley, just take note of our advise, plan a flexible trip itinerary around closed roads, rent the right campervan in Iceland, and drive safely. Then you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime filled with hot spring soaks, ice cave exploring, the Northern Lights dancing across the skies, and much, much more!