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November is a great time to experience Iceland as it transitions into winter. The crowds are smaller, giving you more space to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. The days are shorter, which increases your chances of seeing the northern lights, one of the top reasons to visit during this time of year.
The landscape begins to shift as the first snow covers the ground, creating a beautiful contrast with Iceland’s black volcanic rocks and autumn’s fading colors. This mix of early winter and the country’s raw natural beauty makes November a unique time to explore.
Whether you prefer driving yourself, joining guided tours, or booking a full vacation package, November offers plenty of opportunities for unforgettable adventures, from ice caving to relaxing in hot springs.
Day tours are ideal for exploring Iceland’s wonders with the help of knowledgeable guides, giving you insight into the country’s history and nature.
The Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik: Explore the Golden Circle route and its iconic sights, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area. This classic tour is perfect for a full day of sightseeing.
Small-Group Golden Circle Minibus Tour from Reykjavik with Bruarfoss Waterfall & Kerid Crater: Enjoy a personalized Golden Circle experience, with added stops at the striking blue Bruarfoss Waterfall and the volcanic Kerid Crater.
The South Coast of Iceland Tour from Reykjavik: Discover the beauty of the South Coast, including the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and breathtaking glacier views.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik: This highly rated tour covers the diverse landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, sometimes called "Iceland in Miniature," including lava fields, charming villages, and coastal cliffs.
12-Hour Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Transfer from Reykjavik: This small-group tour provides an in-depth exploration of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, including Kirkjufell Mountain and Budakirkja Church.
November brings opportunities for winter-specific activities, from glacier hiking to northern lights tours, offering unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier: The best thing to do in winter in Iceland is to visit the blue crystal ice caves of the Vatnajokull Glacier. Explore the Western or Eastern Ice Cave, depending on daily conditions.
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour: Experience the beauty of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with a boat tour, where you’ll glide past icebergs of all shapes and sizes.
The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour: Enjoy a guided hike on the Skaftafell Glacier, perfect for nature lovers as you explore dramatic ice formations with beautiful views.
Snowmobile Tour on Langjokull Glacier from Gullfoss Waterfall: Explore the icy landscapes of the Langjokull glacier with a snowmobile. This popular tour starts from the Gullfoss waterfall.
Silfra Snorkeling Tour Between Continents with Free Photos & Snacks: Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra between two tectonic plates. You can also book your Silfra snorkeling tour with a transfer from Reykjavik.
November is a great time to head out and hunt for the northern lights. These are the best aurora tours to include in your Iceland itinerary.
Northern Lights Tour With Free Photos & Refreshments: Travel comfortably in a small group as expert guides take you to prime locations for aurora viewing. Enjoy hot drinks and complimentary photos to capture your magical experience.
The Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik: Chase the aurora borealis with expert guides who’ll take you to the best viewing spots, ensuring a magical night under the northern lights.
The Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour from Reykjavik with Free Photos: Hunt for the northern lights with a thrilling Super Jeep ride. This highly rated tour includes hotel pickup and free photos.
The Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik: This budget-friendly northern lights tour brings you to excellent viewing spots with the convenience of a coach bus. It's a great way to experience winter in Iceland.
The Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik: Set sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and enjoy a unique perspective of the northern lights from the sea. Escape the city lights and marvel at the auroras dancing above the open waters.
Bathing in geothermal waters is one of the best experiences to have in Iceland, and there are many different hot spring tours to choose from. Here are the best spots to visit in November, where you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights from the water!
Visit the Blue Lagoon: Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, famous for its milky blue color and stunning surroundings. It's easy to visit with a Blue Lagoon bus transfer from Reykjavik or a transfer from Keflavik International Airport.
Experience the Sky Lagoon: Indulge in one of Iceland's most popular geothermal spas, where you can enjoy a luxurious seven-step ritual and soak in an infinity-edge pool with panoramic ocean views. It's easily accessible by transfer, public bus, or rental car from Reykjavik.
Unwind at the Hvammsvik Hot Springs: These natural hot springs with eight pools blend into the quiet nature of the Hvalfjordur Fjord, a 40-minute drive from the capital. You can also book your Hvammsvik Hot Spring admission with a transfer from Reykjavik.
Relax at the Myvatn Nature Baths: Sometimes called the "Blue Lagoon of the North," the Myvatn Nature Baths are a quieter alternative where you can enjoy warm, soothing waters while taking in stunning views of the surrounding lava fields and Lake Myvatn.
Soak in the Secret Lagoon; Located in the Golden Circle area, this charming hot spring is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. The Secret Lagoon offers a more rustic and authentic experience, surrounded by steaming geothermal vents and bubbling hot springs.
Self-driving in November allows you to experience Iceland’s winter landscapes at your own pace. With proper preparation, you can easily navigate well-maintained roads like the Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South Coast and enjoy the highlights of the season with a flexible itinerary.
7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour Through the Golden Circle and South Iceland: Take a week to explore Iceland's iconic sights with a rental car, including the Golden Circle, South Coast, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and black sand beaches. This itinerary is designed with optimal northern lights viewing opportunities in mind.
Magical 6-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in the South Coast of Iceland with Ice Caving: This 6-day itinerary focuses on the South Coast, combining visits to the Golden Circle, Vatnajokull National Park, and a guided ice cave tour. It’s perfect for travelers looking to experience the region’s highlights in less than a week.
5-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with the Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: A compact and efficient tour, this option takes you through the Golden Circle and along the South Coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the aurora borealis.
One-Week Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in Winter of South & West Iceland with Ice Caving: Explore both the South Coast and the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this comprehensive one-week tour, featuring ice caving, glacier hiking, and visits to iconic landmarks.
Full 10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland: For those wanting to experience Iceland in its entirety, this 10-day journey covers the full Ring Road, including the Eastfjords and North Iceland, with great chances to witness the northern lights.
Vacation packages are perfect for those seeking a stress-free travel experience. These packages include accommodations, transportation, and expertly curated activities tailored for the season.
Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon: This itinerary combines northern lights hunting, a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon, and an unforgettable ice-caving experience in just five days.
6-Day Northern Lights Adventure Package in Iceland with Ice Caving: Enjoy six days of winter adventure in Iceland. Explore the Golden Circle, South Coast, Vatnajokull Ice Cave, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with multiple opportunities to see the northern lights.
One-Week Northern Lights Winter Package with Ice Caving & National Parks: Spend a week discovering Iceland’s top national parks, visiting glacier lagoons, and taking part in seasonal activities like ice caving, all while staying in comfortable accommodations.
Small Group 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Golden Circle & South Coast: Ideal for a short getaway, this four-day package offers an intimate, guided experience of Iceland’s Golden Circle, South Coast, and aurora borealis hotspots.
Scenic 4-Day Northern Lights Tour of Vatnajokull Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & the South Coast: This guided tour in winter focuses on Iceland’s southern attractions, including the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and a visit to the breathtaking Vatnajokull Ice Cave.
Multi-day tours are ideal for travelers who prefer to leave the driving to experts while enjoying a fully arranged itinerary. Guided by knowledgeable professionals, these tours ensure a stress-free experience as you explore Iceland’s highlights.
3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon: Experience the best of Iceland’s South Coast in just three days with a guide. The tour features ice caves, glacier lagoons, and the northern lights.
8-Day Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland With Top Activities: This comprehensive guided journey around the Ring Road covers all of Iceland’s most iconic sights, with activities like glacier hiking and northern lights hunting included.
2-Day Ice Cave & South Coast Trip to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Perfect for a short adventure, this guided tour features the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, an ice cave visit, and breathtaking waterfalls along the South Coast in just two days.
6-Day Guided Small Group Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland: Travel the entire Ring Road with a small group and expert guide, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience of Iceland’s diverse landscapes.
2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: This exciting two-day adventure combines ice caving, glacier hiking, and aurora hunting, making it a compact yet unforgettable Icelandic experience.
Visiting Iceland in November offers a mix of winter activities, natural beauty, and opportunities to see the northern lights. The landscape begins to shift into winter, with snow on the mountains and icy waterfalls.
Popular attractions like the Golden Circle and South Coast are still accessible in November. You can also travel the Ring Road with proper planning, although roads to more remote areas may be closed due to snow.
November is a great time to visit geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, where you can relax in warm waters surrounded by crisp winter air. Seasonal tours like ice caving operate in November, giving you the chance to explore Iceland’s stunning natural wonders up close.
The northern lights season in Iceland is in full swing during November. The year 2025 marks a peak in the solar maximum, a period of increased solar activity. As a result, the aurora borealis is expected to be especially bright and frequent.
You can join a guided northern lights tour to see this natural phenomenon or plan a self-drive trip to areas with little light pollution for the best viewing experience. Keep an eye out for the Iceland aurora forecast and the cloud cover forecast to find the best places to go.
Driving in Iceland in November requires preparation and caution due to winter conditions. Main roads like the Ring Road and routes to popular attractions are usually well-maintained, but snow and ice can make driving challenging if you're not used to those conditions.
The F-roads leading to the Highlands are typically closed by November, but you can still visit many beautiful locations like the South Coast, Golden Circle, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, and remember to check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s website for updates on road conditions and closures.
When driving, pack essentials and keep an eye on the weather forecast for Iceland. Bring warm clothes, snacks, water, and a fully charged phone. Fill up your fuel tank regularly, as gas stations can be far apart in rural areas. Make sure to stick to marked roads to protect Iceland’s nature, as off-road driving is illegal and causes damage to the environment.
With proper planning, self-driving in November can be a great way to explore Iceland at your own pace. For more tips, check out the guide to driving in Iceland in November.
November in Iceland is the start of winter, with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 39°F (-2°C to 4°C). While the weather is colder, it’s still good for exploring.
Snow is common in the north, east, and higher elevations, while the south and coastal areas often experience rain and wind. Be ready for changing weather by packing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, and layers.
Daylight hours are shorter, with around eight hours at the start of the month and only around five towards the end. Shorter daylight hours mean planning is key.
Start early to explore popular attractions and use the evenings for indoor activities, such as enjoying Reykjavik’s cultural scene or relaxing in geothermal pools. Guided northern lights tours are ideal for nighttime adventures, offering expert guidance and the best chances of seeing the auroras.
With its mix of early winter scenery, exciting activities, and the chance to see the northern lights, November is a great time to visit Iceland. Explore the selection of Iceland November tours to start planning your trip.
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