Iceland Trip

Iceland Itineraries for November

November is proper winter travel. Daylight drops from about 7 hours to 5 over the month, winter tyres are mandatory on rental cars, snow and ice are routine outside Reykjavík, and the highlands are long closed. It is also the month the natural ice caves fully open, the aurora season is in full swing, and hotels and cars cost the least they will all year.

The November plans here were built by real travelers and picked by our editors for routes that work in short days: Reykjavík and the South Coast with an ice-cave day, overnights within an hour of the day’s stops, and tours that start late enough for the light. Open one, then duplicate it and make it yours.

Picked and reviewed by · Iceland Lead & Content Curator· Updated

2–4 days

5–6 days

Frequently asked questions

Is November a good time to visit Iceland?

For ice caves, northern lights and low prices, yes. For long drives and the north, no. With only 5 to 7 hours of daylight and winter roads, November suits a 4 to 6 day trip based in Reykjavík and along the South Coast, with a crystal ice cave tour from Jökulsárlón as the highlight.

How many hours of daylight does Iceland have in November?

About 7 hours at the start of November, falling to about 5 by the end, with sunrise after 10am and sunset before 4pm late in the month. The low sun makes for beautiful light, but plan on one or two major stops a day and drive in daylight.

Can you drive the South Coast in November?

Yes, with care. The road from Reykjavík to Vík and on to Jökulsárlón is the Ring Road and is kept open and ploughed, but ice, wind and short days make it a slower drive than in summer. A 4x4 with winter tyres is recommended, and you should check road.is and safetravel.is before setting off each morning.

Deeper reading on iceland-trip.com

Our sister site covers every place in depth: access, parking, seasons, what to expect. Written by the same team.

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