Visiting Iceland in November offers the perfect mix of early winter beauty, fewer crowds, and exciting seasonal adventures. With 2025 and 2026 expected to bring especially vibrant aurora displays thanks to increased solar activity, there's no better time to plan your Iceland tours in November, a prime season for northern lights hunting and winter adventures.
November is also a great time to join ice cave tours and step inside Iceland's shimmering blue glaciers for an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, unwind in geothermal spas on the best hot spring tours in Iceland, where warm, mineral-rich waters offer a soothing escape from the crisp winter air.
As snow begins to dusk black sand beaches, lava fields, and waterfalls, Iceland's landscapes take on a dramatic contrast that makes this month ideal for photography and sightseeing. Major routes like the Golden Circle and South Coast remain open, and with good planning, you can even explore parts of the Ring Road before deep winter sets in.
Here's everything you need to know about the best tours in Iceland in November, with top recommendations, travel tips, and ideas for where to go, what to pack, and how to make the most of your trip.
What To Know Before You Book Iceland Tours in November
November is a unique time to explore Iceland, with early winter landscapes, fewer crowds, and prime conditions for seasonal activities like ice caving and northern lights hunting. Understanding the weather, road condition, and daylight hours will help you choose the right type of tour so you can make the most of your Iceland trip safely and comfortably.
Top 5 Must-Do November Activities in Iceland
Make the most of your Iceland trip in November with these must-do seasonal activities, from glacier hiking to ice cave exploration and northern lights tours. Perfect for travelers who want to fill their itineraries with unforgettable experiences, some of these adventures are only available in the winter season, so you won't want to miss out.
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The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier: Step inside the stunning blue ice caves of Vatnajokull Glacier, a winter-only adventure available from October through April, with safety gear included.
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The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour: Glide past icebergs and spot playful seals on this family-friendly boat tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, available only until mid-November.
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The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour: Hike across Europe's largest ice cap at Skaftafell Glacier, with an easy, guided route that includes safety gear and is suitable for visitors aged 8 and above.
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Snowmobile Tour on Langjokull Glacier from Gullfoss Waterfall: Zoom across Langjokull Glacier on a moderately challenging snowmobile tour, equipped with insulated coveralls, helmets, face masks, and gloves.
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The Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Adventure: Snorkel between two tectonic plates in a drysuit, guided by a PADI Divemaster, with all gear provided, underwater photos included, and snacks to enjoy afterward.
Top 5 Best Iceland Day Tours in November
If you're short on time or prefer a stress-free way to explore Iceland, day tours in November are an ideal choice. These fully guided tours include transportation and itineraries covering many of Iceland's top sights, from waterfalls and glaciers to volcanic craters and coastal landscapes.
Perfect for families, friends, small groups, or budget-conscious travelers, day tours let you see the highlights of Iceland without the hassle of planning, driving, or organizing accommodations. Here are some of the best day tours in Iceland in November, offering a perfect introduction to the country's stunning landscapes and seasonal experiences.
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The Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik: Explore the Golden Circle with guides who share their knowledge of the sites, recommend local food and music, and provide ample stops for snacks and bathroom breaks.
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Golden Circle Tour with Kerid Crater & Fridheimar Farm: Discover the Golden Circle and bonus stops on a family-friendly tour guided by experts loved for their insights and attentiveness.
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The South Coast of Iceland Tour from Reykjavik: Experience the South Coast's waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches with hotel pick-up included, while enjoying expert commentary and Icelandic music along the way.
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The Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik: Travel the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on a well-organized, well-paced itinerary from pick-up to drop-off with outstanding guides sharing local knowledge.
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Small Group Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Tour from Reykjavik: Enjoy a flexible, small-group Snaefellsness tour in a counterclockwise route with excellent guides for a personalized and memorable experience.
Top 5 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland in November
These handpicked November northern lights tours are chosen for their popularity, unique experiences, and added value, whether through personalized service, extra amenities, or small-group settings. Perfect for travelers looking to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora, each tour offers expert guidance ad a memorable winter adventure under Iceland's dancing lights.
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Northern Lights Minibus Tour With Free Photos & Refreshments: Travel from Reykjavik in a comfortable minibus with expert guides, warm blankets, and optional infant seats.
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The Northern Lights Tour Bus Tour with Audio Guides from Reykjavik: Experience a sustainable, carbon-neutral tour on modern coaches equipped with free Wi-Fi and audio guides in English and Spanish.
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The Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with Free Photos: Hunt for the aurora in a 4x4 Super Jeep, reaching remote locations for the best views while your guide captures professional photos.
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The Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik: See the northern lights on a convenient coach tour, with the option to upgrade for entry to the Aurora Reykjavik Museum for an immersive experience.
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The Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik: Sail from Reykjavik's Harbor on a family-friendly boat with a bar onboard, customizable add-ons, and a free voucher if the northern lights are not visible.
Visiting Iceland's Top Hot Springs in November
Bathing in geothermal waters is one of Iceland's most iconic experiences, and November offers a quieter, more serene time to visit. Most of Iceland's top geothermal pools and hot springs remain open throughout the winter, making them ideal for a relaxing soak after a day of adventures. They are accessible via tours or transfers from Reykjavik, and some even offer a chance to soak under the northern lights.
Here are the top geothermal baths to include in your November itinerary:
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Blue Lagoon: Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the iconic Blue Lagoon. Choose from Comfort or Premium tickets for access, or book Blue Lagoon tours to combine your visit with other top Icelandic attractions.
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Sky Lagoon: Soak in the luxurious Sky Lagoon to enjoy panoramic ocean views and the signature seven-step spa ritual. Choose between the Saman Pass for a classic experience of the Ser Pass for a more exclusive visit.
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Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Unwind in Hvammsvik Hot Springs, featuring eight natural pools with views of Hvalfjordur Fjord. Book your Hvammsvik admission with a transfer from Reykjavik for added convenience.
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Earth Lagoon Myvatn: Enjoy a tranquil soak at the "Blue Lagoon of the North." Secure an Earth Lagoon admission ticket and relax in warm, soothing waters surrounded by lava fields and the stunning landscape of Lake Myvatn.
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Laugaras Lagoon: Relax in the new Laugaras Lagoon, a modern, family-friendly geothermal spa. Choose from the Birki Pass, Lerki Pass, or Osp Pass to be among the early visitors.
Top 5 Iceland Self-Drive Tours in November
Self-drive tours in Iceland during November let you explore the country's dramatic winter landscapes at your own pace. The packages include a rental car, a customizable itinerary, and a curated selection of accommodations, so you can focus on enjoying the journey rather than planning every stop.
Available from September to April, these winter self-drive tours are designed to help you make the most of Iceland's winter wonders. Travel scenic routes such as the Golden Circle, South Coast, and parts of the Ring Road, while enhancing your itinerary with seasonal experiences like northern lights viewing, ice caving adventures, and relaxing in geothermal spas.
1. 7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of South Iceland, the Golden Circle & Snaefellsnes Peninsula:
See over 40 attractions in a week, including the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, black sand beaches, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and the Snaefellsness Peninsula. This route balances Iceland's top natural wonders with plenty of northern lights viewing opportunities.
2. 6-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour in the South Coast of Iceland with Ice Caving:
Discover more than 30 highlights along the Golden Circle and South Coast, from Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls to the Diamond Beach. This tour package includes a guided ice cave tour in Vatnajokull National Park and nightly chances to see the aurora.
3. 5-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon:
Explore around 30 must-see sites of this short and scenic road trip. Visit Gulfoss Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, Reynisfjara Beach, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, with evenings free for aurora chasing.
4. One-Week Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of South & West Iceland with Ice Caving:
Visit over 40 landmarks from the Golden Circle and South Coast to the dramatic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This weeklong journey includes ice caving, glacier hikes, and the chance to soak in geothermal spas under the northern lights.
5. 10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland:
Experience over 50 attractions as you circle Iceland's entire Ring Road, from waterfalls and lava fields in the south to fjords and volcanic landscapes in the east and north. This ultimate itinerary blends sightseeing, adventure, and northern lights viewing across every region.
Top 5 Best November Vacation Packages in Iceland
If you'd rather skip the logistics and dive straight into Iceland's winter beauty, vacation packages are your best option. November brings smaller crowds and prime northern lights conditions, and these curated itineraries combine the country's top sights with cozy stays, comfortable transport, and unique seasonal experiences, all arranged for you.
1. Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon:
Experience Iceland's highlights in five days with guided Golden Circle and South Coast tours, a visit to the Blue Lagoon, a stunning ice cave adventure, and nightly opportunities to chase the northern lights.
2. 6-Day Northern Lights Adventure Package in Iceland with Ice Caving:
Enjoy six days of exploration with small-group tours of the Golden Circle and South Coast, a guided ice caving experience, and multiple nights for northern lights hunting.
3. One-Week Northern Lights Winter Package with Ice Caving & National Parks:
Spend a week discovering Iceland’s top national parks, from Snaefellsnes to Vatnajokull, combining scenic sightseeing tours, ice caving, and guided northern lights excursions.
4. 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Golden Circle & South Coast:
Perfect for a shorter stay, this four-day trip includes guided tours of the Golden Circle and South Coast, plus the chance to see the northern lights in comfort and style.
5. Scenic 4-Day Northern Lights Tour of Vatnajokull Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & the South Coast:
Explore Iceland's South Coast on this four-day winter escape featuring a guided ice cave tour, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and dedicated northern lights outings.
Top 5 Best Iceland Multi-Day Tours in November
Multi-day tours in Iceland let you leave the driving and planning to professional guides while fully immersing yourself in the country's winter landscapes. With curated accommodations, comfortable group transport, and expert-led sightseeing, these tours allow you to explore iconic destinations in depth. November's long nights and winter scenery also make them ideal for a stress-free yet immersive winter experience.
1. 3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon:
Explore Iceland's South Coast with expert guides on this three-day adventure featuring ice caves, glacier lagoons, and iconic waterfalls.
2. Complete 7-Day Tour Around Iceland's Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula:
Travel the full Ring Road and Snaefellsness Peninsula in a week, enjoying glacier hikes, scenic sightseeing, and guided northern lights excursions.
3. 2-Day South Coast Winter Trip to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Crystal Ice Cave:
Take a short but immersive two-day adventure along Iceland's South Coast with guided visits to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a crystal ice cave, and breathtaking waterfalls.
4. 6-Day Guided Adventure Trip Around Iceland's Full Ring Road:
Embark on a small-group journey around Iceland's entire Ring Road, exploring glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and seasonal highlights with expert guides.
5. 2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon:
Combine ice caving, glacier hiking, and northern lights hunting in this compact two-day guided adventure.
Experience Iceland in November Like Never Before!
Browse the largest selection of November tours in Iceland and start planning your winter adventure. Chase the northern lights, explore dazzling ice caves, and relax in geothermal spas. Experience the best winter landscapes the country has to offer with the top Iceland November tours!