Are you planning a trip to Iceland in November? Or maybe you’re simply trying to decide on the best month to go. Either way, it helps to know the average temperatures, daylight hours, and what to expect in terms of rain and snow for what is one of the colder months in Iceland. You’ll need to dress warmly, that’s for sure. November is considered to be a winter month, as temperatures are already at or near freezing. You’ll also see snowfall towards the end of the month. This is a great time to visit because not only can you see Iceland’s famous Northern Lights, prices will also be lower than during the summer months. Here is Iceland’s Weather in November:
Average November Temperatures in Iceland
The cold has started creeping in, and temperatures began their descent back in October. By November, winter has officially arrived in Iceland (even though Christmas is still several weeks away)! The historical averages for this month usually have a high of 5 ºC (41 ºF) and a low of 0 or 1 ºC (32-34 ºF). Keep in mind that certain areas of the country are warmer than others. The South Coast is where you will find the warmest temperatures on the island. Regardless of where you go, you’ll need to bundle up. Some of Iceland’s coolest activities like glacier hikes and ice cave exploration are available at this time of year.
Daylight Hours In Iceland in November
Iceland’s average daily sunshine slowly moves from eight hours a day at the beginning of the month to a mere five hours a day at the end. A good rule of thumb is that you’ll lose six minutes of daylight per day and you inch closer and closer toward the winter equinox. You’ll need to plan your itinerary of activities well, as you won’t have the endless days of summer’s midnight sun. Additionally, some people don’t enjoy driving at night. As exploring the island by car is the primary way of traveling around Iceland, sunrise and sunset times are something to keep in mind when planning your trip. If you plan on hiking or walking somewhere, such as the Eldborg crater or the Sólheimasandur plane crash site, be sure to factor in walking times to and from these popular attractions. The last thing you want is to be forced to walk back to your car on unmarked paths in the dark.
Beginning of the Month
Sunrise: 9:10 am (November 1st)
Sunset: 5:10 pm (November 1st)
Middle of the Month
Sunrise: 9:56 am (November 15th)
Sunset: 4:27 pm (November 15th)
End of the Month
Sunrise: 10:42 am (November 30th)
Sunset: 3:49 pm (November 30th)
Rainfall and Snowfall
Iceland has rain all year along, especially during the months of September of October. Lucky for you, November is not as wet as these two months, but you should still bring a good rain jacket with you in your suitcase. Towards the end of the month, it starts to snow more frequently. Eventually, the country’s winding roads and breathtaking landscapes are blanketed in snow. You’ll want to bring plenty of layers in order to stay warm, whether rain, fog, snow, or sunshine. Iceland has been known to experience all four seasons in one day. You’d be surprised how quickly the weather can change, even within the span of an hour. As we say in Iceland, if you don’t like the weather, just wait a bit, and it will change.
Iceland has about ten days of precipitation per month, making it one of the drier months in the country. The average is 80 mm (3 inches) in some form of rain, snow, or sleet.
Iceland’s Weather in November
November is one of the best times of the year to visit Iceland. Not only can you see the Northern Lights, but prices are lower all over the country, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. You’ll save both time and money, but the tradeoff is that you’ll have fewer hours of daylight to do all of the outdoor activities available. You’ll also want to make sure that you dress correctly as the island can get quite chilly in November. Follow our tips for what to pack and wear in the winter in Iceland, and you’ll be well on your way to the trip of a lifetime.
Iceland24
© All rights reserved
