Stay in Reykjavik in November
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November in Reykjavik means darkness. By the end of the month, the sun clears the horizon after 10:30 and drops below it before 15:30, leaving roughly 5 hours of weak, low-angled daylight. Temperatures hover around 4°C (39°F) during the day and slip to freezing at night, while the wind off Faxaflói bay adds a persistent bite that makes the air feel several degrees colder. Rain, sleet, or wet snow shows up on about 15 of the month's 30 days.
Iceland Airwaves changes the equation in the first week. The city's internationally recognized music festival fills Harpa concert hall and a constellation of bars, churches, and record shops across Miðborg. The live-music scene in 101 Reykjavik runs harder during those few nights than at any other point in the off-season. Beyond the festival, this is prime northern lights season. The same long darkness that limits daytime sightseeing opens a nightly aurora window that starts before 16:00 and stretches past 10:00 the next morning. You can spot them from within city limits on clear nights, particularly from Grótta lighthouse out on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula.
If you can handle the cold and the short days, November shows a Reykjavik that summer visitors never encounter. The geothermal pools in Laugardalur feel entirely different when steam rises into a black sky overhead. Tourist crowds thin to a fraction of peak-season numbers. Accommodation rates drop well below the June-through-August highs. Mind you, this is still Iceland, so 'affordable' remains relative to mainland Scandinavia.
Why visit in November
- Peak northern lights season with 18+ hours of darkness per day by late November, creating extended aurora viewing windows on clear nights
- Iceland Airwaves in early November draws Nordic music fans and international acts to Reykjavik, making the first week the liveliest stretch of the off-season
- Tourist numbers drop to a fraction of summer levels, meaning shorter waits at Hallgrímskirkja's tower, easier restaurant bookings, and a more local atmosphere along Laugavegur
- Accommodation rates fall noticeably from the summer peak, offering better value on guesthouses and hotels in Vesturbær and the city center
Worth knowing
- Daylight shrinks to as few as 5 hours by month's end, severely limiting outdoor sightseeing to a narrow midday window
- Persistent wind chill pushes the perceived temperature well below freezing, even when the thermometer reads a few degrees above zero
- Precipitation falls on roughly half the days, alternating between cold rain, sleet, and wet snow, and sudden gusts render umbrellas useless
- Most highland F-roads close for winter by November, cutting off interior Iceland and many remote natural attractions entirely
Best for
Think twice if
The first half of November tends to feel like raw, windy autumn with temperatures sitting above freezing most days. By the second half, overnight frost becomes routine and wet snow replaces rain more often. Overcast skies dominate, though clear spells bring the sharpest cold and the best aurora conditions. North Atlantic winds regularly gust above 50 km/h (31 mph), particularly along the exposed coastline at Ægisíðu and the harbor walk. The damp Atlantic air seeps through anything that is not windproof.
Seasonal caution
- Wind chill regularly pushes the perceived temperature below -5°C (23°F), especially near the harbor and along the exposed coastal paths at Seltjarnarnes
- Icy sidewalks become common by mid-November, particularly on sloped lanes like Skólavörðustígur and older streets around Miðborg. Locals attach clip-on ice grippers (broddar) to their boots from November onward
- Sudden North Atlantic storms with wind gusts exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph) can develop within a few hours. Check vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office) each morning before heading out
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 | -3 | 166 |
| Feb | 3 | -2 | 162 |
| Mar | 4 | -1 | 146 |
| Apr | 7 | 1 | 118 |
| May | 9 | 4 | 132 |
| Jun | 11 | 7 | 106 |
| Jul | 13 | 9 | 87 |
| Aug | 13 | 9 | 124 |
| Sep | 10 | 6 | 146 |
| Oct | 6 | 2 | 147 |
| Nov | 4 | 0 | 121 |
| Dec | 2 | -3 | 129 |
Holidays and festivals in November
Is Christmas season celebrated in Reykjavik?
27 November to 26 December 2026
Christmas season is an imported celebration in Reykjavik rather than a local tradition, and the city marks it visibly. Our catalog lists 9 bookable Christmas season activities around the date.
Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
3-Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik
- 3 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Iceland's Christmas Myths and Traditions - Reykjavík walking tour
- 1.5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Headline events
Iceland Airwaves
First full week of November (typically Wednesday through Saturday)
Reykjavik's flagship music festival, running since 1999, takes over Harpa and a network of bars, churches, and record shops across the city center. Over 200 Icelandic and international acts play across four to five nights. The off-venue program includes free performances in unexpected spaces around Miðborg. Airwaves has a reputation for breaking Nordic artists to wider audiences and fills the 101 Reykjavik bar district every evening of the run.
Best things to do in November
Northern lights viewing from Grótta
natureThe Grótta lighthouse area on the western tip of Seltjarnarnes sits far enough from downtown light pollution to give decent aurora visibility without leaving the greater Reykjavik area. On clear nights with strong solar activity, the display can stretch across the northern horizon in greens and occasional purples. Dress for sustained wind exposure and bring a tripod for long-exposure photographs.
November offers the best balance of long nightly darkness and tolerable cold compared to January or February. Clear-sky nights, while less common, tend to reward patience with strong aurora activity.Booking tipNo booking needed. Drive or take bus 11 to Grótta. Check the vedur.is aurora forecast and cloud-cover map before heading out.
Iceland Airwaves festival
musicThe official program ranges from arena-scale headliners in Harpa to 50-person shows in neighborhood churches. Between sets, the off-venue schedule sends you into record shops, bookshops, and café basements for unannounced performances. The crowd mixes Icelanders with Nordic and international music fans, and the atmosphere spills from venues onto Laugavegur between shows.
Airwaves happens only in early November. There is no equivalent cultural event in Reykjavik's off-season calendar.Booking tipBuy wristbands well in advance. Central hotels fill during Airwaves week, so book accommodation at least a month ahead if you want to stay in 101 Reykjavik.
Geothermal pool hopping after dark
relaxationReykjavik's municipal geothermal pools stay open into the evening. Laugardalslaug, the largest complex in Laugardalur, has multiple hot pots at different temperatures plus a steam room and a 50-meter outdoor pool. Vesturbæjarlaug in Vesturbær is smaller and draws a neighborhood crowd. The sensation of sitting in 38-42°C water while cold air prickles your face and steam rises into blackness overhead is difficult to replicate anywhere else.
The contrast between pool water and near-freezing November air produces the thickest steam clouds and the most atmospheric soaking conditions of the yearBooking tipNo booking required. Bring your own towel to avoid the rental fee. Weekday mornings before 10:00 are the quietest.
Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey island
cultureYoko Ono's memorial to John Lennon, inaugurated in 2007, projects a column of light from Viðey island into the night sky. The tower is illuminated nightly from October 9 through December 8 each year, marking the period between Lennon's birthday and the anniversary of his death. A short ferry ride from Skarfabakki harbour takes you to the island, which is small, windswept, and quiet.
November sits in the middle of the annual illumination window, and the early darkness means the light column becomes visible from around 16:00 onwardBooking tipCheck the Viðey ferry schedule in advance. Winter departures are limited to specific days, and the last return boat leaves early.
Golden Circle in low season
sightseeingThe 300 km (186 mi) loop through Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall runs year-round. Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes regardless of season. Gullfoss partially freezes in some Novembers, adding an ice-rimmed dimension that summer visitors never see. The low-angled light and frost give the whole landscape a different visual character.
Tour bus traffic drops sharply from summer peaks, giving smaller groups and more space at each stop. The winter light and occasional frost add a raw edge to the scenery.Booking tipBook at least a week ahead during Airwaves week when demand briefly spikes. For the rest of the month, 2-3 days' notice is typically enough.
Reykjavik's museum circuit on dark afternoons
cultureThe National Museum of Iceland, founded in 1863, covers settlement-era artifacts through modern independence. Perlan, converted from the city's hot-water storage tanks in 1991, houses an indoor ice cave replica and a planetarium with aurora films. The Icelandic Phallological Museum, opened in 1997, is exactly what it sounds like and worth the visit for sheer oddity. These three sit within 3 km (1.9 mi) of each other and together fill a full afternoon.
Short daylight makes indoor cultural attractions more appealing than in summer, and November's sparse crowds mean you will likely have most exhibition halls largely to yourselfBooking tipMost museums close by 17:00 in winter. Start your circuit by early afternoon. Check individual websites for exact November hours.
Laufabrauð workshop
foodSeveral cultural centers and bakeries in Reykjavik offer hands-on sessions where you learn to cut intricate geometric patterns into thin dough and deep-fry the traditional Christmas bread. You leave with a stack of your own laufabrauð and a new appreciation for how tricky the knife work can be.
Laufabrauð preparation is a November and December tradition in Icelandic homes. The workshops run only during this narrow seasonal window.Booking tipSessions fill quickly. Book at least two weeks ahead. Check local listings and social media for pop-up workshops at bakeries around Miðborg.
What to eat in November
On menus now
Kjötsúpa
Traditional Icelandic lamb soup made with root vegetables, typically turnip, carrot, and potato. The lamb from the autumn réttir (the September sheep roundup) is at its freshest through November. Nearly every café in the city center serves a version, usually alongside a thick slice of homemade bread. The grass-fed Icelandic lamb has a distinct gaminess from hillside grazing that differs noticeably from imported varieties.
Hangikjöt
Smoked lamb that appears more prominently on restaurant and deli menus from November onward as Christmas preparation ramps up. Thinly sliced over rúgbrauð (dark rye bread) with cold butter, hangikjöt has a dense, birch-tinged smokiness that lingers. Delis near Hlemmur and in the Grandi harbor area tend to stock it through the winter months.
Street food peaks
Harðfiskur with smjör
Wind-dried haddock or cod torn into strips and eaten with cold Icelandic salted butter. A high-protein, low-fuss snack available at grocery stores and the weekend Kolaportið market near the harbor. The texture sits somewhere between jerky and a cracker, and the salt-and-fat combination is surprisingly filling fuel before a cold November walk.
What to drink
Brennivín
Iceland's caraway-flavored schnapps goes by the local nickname 'Black Death.' Consumption picks up through the colder months, paired with cured fish and smoked lamb. A small ice-cold glass delivers a sharp, herbaceous kick that clears the sinuses. The Vínbúðin state liquor stores on Laugavegur carry the standard label.
Festival food
Laufabrauð
Thin, deep-fried bread with hand-cut geometric patterns, traditionally made at family gatherings in November and December for the Christmas table. Some cultural centers and bakeries in Reykjavik host workshops where visitors try cutting and frying their own. Each family tends to have a signature pattern passed between generations.
Regular events in November
Imagine Peace Tower illuminationFree
Yoko Ono's light memorial on Viðey island, visible from the Reykjavik waterfront on clear evenings throughout the month. The beam cuts into the sky at dusk and stays lit until midnight.
Nightly throughout NovemberDagur íslenskrar tungu (Icelandic Language Day)Free
National celebration on the birthday of poet Jónas Hallgrímsson (born 1807). Libraries, bookshops, and cultural institutions across Reykjavik host readings, lectures, and events honoring Icelandic literature. Several bookshops along Laugavegur run promotions and author signings.
November 16First Sunday of Advent celebrationsFree
Marks the unofficial start of the Reykjavik Christmas season. Stores along Laugavegur extend hours, city holiday lights go up, and the first seasonal markets begin appearing. Families gather for hot chocolate and kleinur (twisted Icelandic doughnuts).
Last Sunday of November or first Sunday of December (varies by year)Best places this November
Laugardalslaug
poolReykjavik's largest geothermal pool complex, with a 50-meter outdoor pool, several hot pots at varying temperatures, a steam room, and a waterslide. In November, the hot pots after dark are the main draw. Steam hangs thick in the cold air, and locals come for the social ritual as much as the warmth. The pool opened in 1968 and remains the city's most popular bathing spot.
LaugardalurPerlan
museumThe observation deck on top of the former hot-water tanks offers 360-degree views across the harbor to Esja mountain on clear days. November's low sun angle produces dramatic light in the late-morning window. Inside, the ice cave replica maintains a constant -10°C year-round, and the planetarium screens northern lights films when overcast skies prevent the real thing. Worth the walk up Öskjuhlíð hill through the wooded path.
ÖskjuhlíðHallgrímskirkja
landmarkThe 74.5-meter concrete church completed in 1986 dominates Reykjavik's skyline from every direction. The tower elevator takes you to an observation platform with views of the harbor, the colored rooftops of Miðborg, and Esja on clear mornings. November's low visitor numbers mean you might have the tower observation level nearly to yourself. The nave columns echo the basalt formations at Svartifoss.
MiðborgKolaportið flea market
marketReykjavik's weekend indoor market near the old harbor sells secondhand clothing, vintage books, and Icelandic wool goods. The food section stocks harðfiskur, hákarl (fermented shark), and other traditional items you will not find in tourist shops. November is when locals begin stocking up on handmade knit goods for winter. The smell of dried fish reaches you before you pass through the doors.
VesturbærHöfði house
historic siteThe 1909 building where Reagan and Gorbachev held the 1986 Reykjavik Summit sits on the shore overlooking the bay. The interior is closed to the public, but the exterior and grounds are freely accessible. On dark November evenings, the lit white facade against the water makes for a quiet, photogenic stop that takes about 15 minutes.
BorgartúnTjörnin
parkThe city-center pond begins to ice over in some Novembers, though it rarely freezes completely until December or January. Swans, ducks, and geese crowd the unfrozen edges, and locals bring bread. Ráðhúsið (City Hall) sits on the northern bank. On still, cold mornings, reflected rooftops and the church tower in the water surface make this Reykjavik's most-photographed calm spot.
Miðborg
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Insider tips
The Flybus from Keflavík International Airport fills up during Airwaves week. Book your seat online before landing, especially for late-evening arrivals when bus frequency drops to every 60-90 minutes.
For northern lights within the city, walk to the west end of Ægisíðu and look north over the bay on nights when vedur.is shows a 3+ aurora forecast. Light pollution is low enough to catch mid-strength displays without driving anywhere.
Bónus (the discount grocery chain with the pig logo) and Krónan offer prices 30-50% below convenience stores and tourist-area shops. The Bónus on Laugavegur closes earlier than the one at Hlemmur, so check hours before heading over.
Pool etiquette is strict and enforced. You are required to shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering any geothermal pool. Attendants will correct you if you skip it. Follow the posted shower procedure, which diagrams exactly which areas to wash. This is standard hygiene practice, not a tourist trap.
The Reykjavik City Card covers pool entry, museum admission, and the Viðey ferry. If you plan to visit two or more museums and use the pools daily, it tends to pay for itself within two days.
Avoid these mistakes
- Planning a full day of outdoor sightseeing and running out of light by 15:30. Front-load outdoor activities into the 10:00-to-14:30 window when daylight is strongest, then shift to museums and pools.
- Bringing an umbrella instead of a proper windproof hood. Reykjavik wind bends umbrellas inside out or rips them from your hands within minutes. Locals do not carry them. Rely on a hooded shell instead.
- Driving the Ring Road in November without winter driving experience. Black ice, single-lane bridges, sudden whiteout conditions, and crosswinds that push cars sideways on exposed stretches make the full circuit genuinely dangerous outside the summer months.
- Skipping the geothermal pools because it seems too cold to be in a swimsuit outdoors. The water is heated to 38-42°C year-round. November is when the experience is at its most atmospheric, not its least comfortable.
Practical tips for November
November sits between Reykjavik's summer high season and the December holiday rush. Book Golden Circle and snorkeling tours at least a week ahead during Airwaves week (typically the first full week), as visitor numbers spike briefly. Many restaurants along Laugavegur and in Grandi shift to reduced winter hours starting November 1, often closing by 21:00 on weeknights. Confirm times before heading out, especially for smaller cafés. The Flybus from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to BSÍ terminal runs regularly but schedule gaps widen outside summer months. Sunset arrives before 16:00 for most of November, so plan outdoor activities for the late-morning window between 10:00 and 14:30. Buildings, buses, and pools are well heated, so dress in removable layers to avoid overheating indoors. Tipping is not customary in Iceland. The Vínbúðin state liquor stores (the only legal retail outlets for alcohol stronger than 2.25% ABV) keep limited hours, closing by 18:00 on weekdays and earlier on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Reykjavik?
November is fair, not ideal. The biggest draws are Iceland Airwaves in the first week and northern lights through the month. Short daylight (shrinking from about 7 hours to 5 hours across the month) and cold, windy weather limit outdoor time considerably. If you want to see the aurora and enjoy a quieter, more affordable version of the city than summer offers, November works. If daylight and mild weather matter to you, June through August is a better fit.
Can you see the northern lights from Reykjavik in November?
Yes. November is one of the stronger aurora months because darkness arrives early and lasts long. You can see them from within city limits on strong-activity nights, though light pollution dims weaker displays. The Seltjarnarnes peninsula offers darker skies without leaving the greater Reykjavik area. Clear skies are the main variable. November is often overcast, so allow at least three or four nights in the city for a reasonable chance of catching a clear display.
How many hours of daylight does Reykjavik get in November?
About 7 hours at the start of November (sunrise near 09:15, sunset near 16:30) and roughly 5 hours by month's end (sunrise after 10:30, sunset before 15:30). The transition happens gradually but noticeably across the month. Late-November midday light sits low on the southern horizon and has a golden quality that photographers appreciate, though the shooting window is short.
Is Reykjavik crowded in November?
No. November is one of the quieter months for tourism in Reykjavik. The exception is Airwaves week, when central hotels fill up, bars and venues are packed in the evenings, and restaurant reservations become harder to secure. Outside that single week, you will find short lines at attractions, available tables at most restaurants, and a distinctly local atmosphere throughout the city center.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in November?
Layer thermal base layers under a windproof, waterproof outer shell. Insulated waterproof boots with traction soles are essential once ice appears on sidewalks mid-month. A wool hat, thick gloves, and a neck gaiter protect against the persistent wind chill. Bring a swimsuit for the geothermal pools, which you will likely use more often than expected. Locals add clip-on ice grippers to their boots from November onward, and you can buy them at outdoor shops along Laugavegur.
Things to Do in Reykjavik in November
Free cancellation Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
City tour: 3 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater
Day trip: 11 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 6.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 8.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation South Coast Day Tour Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
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