What to Do in Iceland in November

Throw on your balaclava and trek across the glaciers to visit Iceland’s spectacular ice caves. 

Glaciers and ice caves are fleeting natural phenomena. Temperature changes and geothermal activity cause new caves to form every year, so catch them while you can!

Visits to the ice caves allow you to take in the diverse landscapes of Iceland. After your ice cave tour, speed across the glaciers on a snowmobile or lace up your boots for a glacier hike!

Glittering blue ice caves aren’t the only natural wonders in Iceland. One of the most active volcanoes in the country, Mt. Katla, sits beneath the expansive Kötlujökull Glacier. You can hike across the volcano and explore the blue-and-black striped lava cave beneath the glacier as part of our Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik.

Marvel at the ash-covered caves inside the glacier, a complete contrast to the translucent ice caves. Take a ride across the land of fire and ice and explore this natural masterpiece!

At the top of any Iceland bucket list is the spectacular celestial phenomenon of the aurora borealis. Grab your camera and ride out into the frozen wilderness on a snowmobile to see one of Mother Nature's unmatched wonders. 

Winter is the best time to hunt for these emerald auroras, making November in Iceland one of the best times to chase the Northern Lights! Join a Northern Lights tour with an expert aurora guide to find the best viewing spots.

If you are visiting Iceland in November, try one of our shorter multi-day tour options. A ride along the South Coast is a great chance to explore Iceland’s best-known sights during the day. 

Quick Tips: The Northern Lights In Iceland

• Check the aurora forecast (the stronger the aurora, the brighter the colors);
• Wait for clear skies;
• Leave the city to avoid light pollution;
• Ditch the roads for darker skies;
• Join a Northern Lights tour with an experienced aurora guide!

Iceland Airwaves Festival: November 6-9 / Reykjavik —  For four days in Reykjavik in November, this iconic alternative music festival takes center stage. The country's longest-running and festival of its kind, Iceland Airwaves attracts people from across the country and abroad. During the music fest, Icelandic and international headliners play venues around the city, from cozy record shops to large concert halls. 

Icelandic Airwaves Pro: November 7-8 / Reykjavik — This cultural event is the newest addition to the Icelandic Airwaves Festival. During the two-day program, music lovers can attend panels, seminars,  keynotes, and networking sessions.

Dagur íslenskrar tungu (Icelandic Language Day): November 16 / Iceland — This annual holiday spotlights the history of the Icelandic language. A true linguistic celebration, the day is shared with the birthday of beloved Icelandic poet Jónas Hallgrímsson. Icelandic is the closest living relative to Old Norse, the language of the Vikings. To preserve the tongue, an effort has been made to repurpose outdated terms. Want to participate in the festivities? Try pronouncing “Vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúraútidyralyklakippuhringur” — the longest Icelandic word. 

In November the temperature in Iceland starts to really cool down. The month transitions from fall to winter, so the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable. Don’t be surprised if you experience snow, rain, fog, and sun all within the same day.

The average temperature of Iceland in November is about 38-40°F (3-4°C). That’s a pretty mild November compared to Canada! Before you travel, be sure to check out the weather forecast for your trip. 

If you’re traveling to Iceland in November, you’ll want to bundle up. Here are some packing recommendations to keep you warm and dry! 

• Waterproof gloves, a hat, and a scarf 
• Warm layers 
• Waterproof and windproof jacket 
• Swimsuit (hot springs are warm year-round)
• Polarized sunglasses
• Winter boots 

Iceland’s temperature in November is pretty mild. Still, layers are essential to keep yourself toasty as the Icelandic winter creeps in.

Whether you’re looking for the Northern lights, crystal ice caves or exciting music festivals, November in Iceland has something for you!

Ready to see the Northern Lights? There's no shortage of seasonal fun to enjoy, so book a winter tour today!