Reykjavik in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Reykjavik

4°C (40°F) High Temp

-1°C (31°F) Low Temp

86mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Northern Lights season reaches peak visibility with 19+ hours of darkness and clearest skies between November storms - 70% better viewing odds than October
Tourist crowds drop 60% after October peak, meaning no queues at Blue Lagoon, easier restaurant bookings, and locals actually have time to chat
Winter activity season launches with fresh snow for glacier hiking, ice cave access opening, and Northern Lights tours running nightly instead of sporadically
Hotel prices drop 40% from summer peaks while heating costs are included - luxury stays become accessible without summer's astronomical rates

Considerations

Daylight shrinks to just 5 hours (10:30am-3:30pm) making outdoor sightseeing a tight window - you'll plan everything around these precious hours
Weather swings wildly from 8°C (46°F) sunny mornings to -5°C (23°F) blizzards by afternoon - Icelanders joke 'if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes'
Highland roads (F-roads) close completely, blocking access to Landmannalaugar, Askja, and interior attractions until May - your Instagram inspiration list shrinks significantly

Best Activities in November

Northern Lights Photography Tours

November offers the sweet spot of Northern Lights season - peak solar activity meets maximum darkness hours (19+ per night). Weather systems move quickly, creating clear sky windows between storms. Aurora activity peaks between 10pm-2am when tourist buses have returned, leaving serious photographers with prime viewing spots along the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Booking Tip: Book same-day or 24 hours ahead - local operators check aurora forecasts and cloud cover hourly. Tours cost ISK 8,000-12,000 ($60-90) and include pickup from Reykjavik hotels. Look for operators offering free rebooking if clouds block viewing.

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Experience

November transforms Blue Lagoon into a steamy oasis - the 39°C (102°F) mineral-rich water feels incredible when air temperatures hover near freezing. Morning slots (8-10am) offer ethereal mist effects as geothermal water meets cold air. Crowds thin dramatically after Halloween week.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for standard entry (ISK 7,990/$60). Premium packages (ISK 12,990/$95) include silica mud masks and algae treatments. Morning entries provide best photography light and fewer crowds. Check current availability in booking section below.

Golden Circle Winter Tours

November weather creates dramatic conditions at Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir - steam rises from hot springs while frost covers surrounding landscapes. Gullfoss partially freezes, creating ice formations impossible in summer. Tours maximize the 5-hour daylight window with strategic timing.

Booking Tip: Small group tours (8-12 people, ISK 15,000-20,000/$115-150) provide better access than large buses during limited daylight. Book 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically run 9am-4pm to capture maximum light. Look for operators including crampons for icy walkways.

Reykjavik Food Tours and Cooking Classes

November ushers in winter comfort food season - restaurants feature fermented shark, smoked lamb, and traditional rye bread baked in geothermal springs. Indoor food tours become essential as outdoor markets close. Local chefs focus on Nordic preservation techniques passed down through harsh winters.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours (6-9pm, ISK 12,000-18,000/$90-135) work perfectly with early sunset timing. Book 2-3 days ahead. Tours include 6-8 tastings plus local beer or brennivín schnapps. Look for tours featuring traditional winter preparations at multiple venues.

Glacier Hiking Adventures

November marks prime glacier hiking season as summer melt ends and ice formations stabilize. Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell glaciers develop impressive blue ice caves accessible only in winter months. Fresh snow provides better grip for crampons while creating dramatic white-on-blue contrasts.

Booking Tip: Full-day glacier tours cost ISK 18,000-25,000 ($135-190) including equipment and transportation from Reykjavik. Book 7-10 days ahead as groups stay small (6-8 people) for safety. Tours require moderate fitness for 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mile) hikes on ice.

Reykjavik Museum and Cultural Experiences

November's limited daylight makes this perfect for exploring Reykjavik's busy indoor cultural scene. Museums extend hours, galleries host winter exhibitions, and the Banjul features Viking artifacts illuminated dramatically during dark months. Locals spend more time in cultural spaces, creating authentic atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Reykjavik City Card (ISK 4,950/$37 for 24 hours) provides access to 15+ museums plus free bus transport. Many museums offer guided tours at 2pm during November. Purchase at tourist information or participating museums. Best value for 2-3 museum visits per day.

November Events & Festivals

Early November (typically first weekend)

Iceland Airwaves Music Festival

Reykjavik's premier music festival transforms the city's venues into concert spaces featuring 200+ artists from indie rock to electronic. Off-venue concerts happen in record shops, bars, and cafes throughout the city, creating an intimate music discovery experience impossible to replicate.

Mid to Late November

Winter Light Festival (Vetrarhátíð)

Local neighborhoods illuminate streets, buildings, and public spaces with artistic light installations to combat November darkness. Residents host light-themed events in community centers, and downtown areas extend shopping hours with special winter lighting displays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated for -10°C (14°F) with deep treads - Reykjavik sidewalks freeze overnight and morning ice persists until 11am

Lightweight down jacket that compresses small - indoor spaces heat to 22°C (72°F) so you'll constantly layer on/off

Merino wool base layers (2-3 sets) - synthetic fabrics trap moisture in 70% humidity and become uncomfortable quickly

Waterproof outer shell with hood - November brings sudden rain/sleet showers lasting 15-45 minutes

Warm hat covering ears plus lightweight beanie - strong winds (50+ km/h) make regular hats useless

Insulated gloves plus liner gloves for phone use - touchscreens don't work with thick gloves during Northern Lights photography

Wool socks (4-5 pairs) and moisture-wicking liner socks - boots stay on 12+ hours during long tour days

Portable phone charger/power bank - cold drains batteries 40% faster and you'll use GPS/camera constantly

Sunglasses for glacier tours - snow reflection during limited daylight creates surprising glare

Small daypack (20-30L) for tour days - carries extra layers, snacks, and camera gear during 8-10 hour excursions

Insider Knowledge

Download the Aurora app (Icelandic Met Office) for real-time Northern Lights predictions - locals check it hourly and plan evening activities around KP-index forecasts

Shop for groceries at Bónus (pink pig logo) before 6pm - Iceland's cheapest supermarket with prices 30-40% lower than Netto or 10-11, crucial for expensive Reykjavik dining

Book restaurant dinners before 7pm or after 9:30pm - locals dine 7-9pm and many restaurants don't take walk-ins during this window, especially in November's limited evening hours

Use city buses instead of taxis - Strætó bus system costs ISK 490 ($3.70) per ride vs ISK 2,000+ ($15+) taxi fares, and buses run heated shelters at every stop during winter months

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities without checking weather forecasts - November storms can cancel tours with 2-hour notice, always have indoor backup plans and flexible booking policies

Underestimating how early darkness falls - sunset at 3:30pm means dinner plans, shopping, and sightseeing must finish by 4pm unless specifically designed for darkness

Packing only heavy winter gear - indoor temperatures reach 22°C (72°F) in all buildings, buses, and restaurants, making layers essential for comfort