Iceland · November
Low seasonIceland · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 3° (37°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 4° (39°)-3– (27–)8 (46) | 4° (39°)-2– (28–)8 (46) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 9° (48°)5– (41–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)8– (46–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)11– (52–)19 (66) | 13° (55°)10– (50–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)6– (43–)13 (55) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)11 (52) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)9 (48) | 3° (37°)-4– (25–)8 (46) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | -1° (30°)-8– (18–)4 (39) | 0° (32°)-7– (19–)5 (41) | 0° (32°)-7– (19–)5 (41) | 2° (36°)-4– (25–)7 (45) | 4° (39°)0– (32–)8 (46) | 8° (46°)4– (39–)10 (50) | 9° (48°)6– (43–)11 (52) | 9° (48°)5– (41–)11 (52) | 7° (45°)2– (36–)10 (50) | 3° (37°)-2– (28–)8 (46) | 1° (34°)-5– (23–)6 (43) | -1° (30°)-8– (18–)5 (41) |
☀️Sunshine | 1h UV 0 | 3h UV 1 | 5h UV 3 | 7h UV 4 | 9h UV 5 | 8h UV 5 | 8h UV 5 | 7h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 | 4h UV 2 | 2h UV 1 | 1h UV 0 |
🌊Water Temp | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 5° (41°) | 6° (43°) | 8° (46°) | 10° (50°) | 12° (54°) | 12° (54°) | 11° (52°) | 9° (48°) | 7° (45°) | 6° (43°) |
🌧Rain Days | 14d106mm (4.2") | 12d91mm (3.6") | 12d91mm (3.6") | 10d79mm (3.1") | 10d70mm (2.8") | 7d52mm (2.1") | 8d57mm (2.2") | 9d80mm (3.1") | 14d124mm (4.9") | 14d120mm (4.7") | 12d98mm (3.8") | 13d100mm (3.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
November is the coldest winter month in Iceland — with highs of only 5°C (41°F), it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in May, June, July, August, and September.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 5°C (41°F) during the day and drop to 1°C (34°F) at night — warm layers recommended. Peaks reach around 9°C (48°F), the coldest nights around -5°C (23°F) — frost does occur. With 2 sunshine hours per day and 12 rain days (98 mm (3.9 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. At 7°C (45°F), the water is still quite cool in November — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Darkness as the main event: barely 3°C (37°F), under four hours of daylight in December, and the strongest northern-lights season. The Ring Road usually stays passable while the highlands are closed. Reykjavík lives on swimming pools, wool and lit windows.
Events & Festivals
- Iceland Airwavesvaries (early November, 4 days)
One of Europe's best-known indie and alternative music festivals, held in Reykjavík since 1999. Icelandic newcomers play side by side with international acts in concert halls, bars and churches in the city centre. Regarded as the most important showcase for new Icelandic music.
Packing list for Iceland in November
- Winter coat
- Thermal clothing and warm layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm, waterproof shoes
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is November a good time to visit Iceland?
- No — November is not among the recommended months for Iceland (Score: 15/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider May, June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Iceland in November?
- In November, Iceland sees daily highs of 5°C (41°F). Nights cool to 1°C (34°F), with a daily average of 3°C (37°F). Peaks reach around 9°C (48°F), the coldest nights around -5°C (23°F) — frost does occur.
- How much rain falls in Iceland in November?
- In November, Iceland receives an average of 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain over 12 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Iceland get in November?
- Iceland averages 2 sunshine hours per day in November — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Iceland in November?
- Water temperature in Iceland in November averages 7°C (45°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
