Visiting Iceland in November is like stepping into a quiet, cinematic version of the country—fewer crowds, softer light, and a real sense that winter is just beginning to wrap itself around the landscape. If you’re planning a trip at this time of year, a bit of preparation goes a long way toward making it unforgettable.
November is shoulder season in Iceland, which means better prices, more availability, and a more relaxed pace of travel. At Ourhotels.is, we see many guests choosing this month specifically to experience the early winter atmosphere without the peak-season rush. With comfortable bases like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can explore some of the country’s most dramatic regions while still coming “home” to a warm, welcoming place each night.
One of the biggest questions about November is the weather. Expect a mix of crisp, clear days, rain, sleet, and sometimes snow. Temperatures usually hover around freezing, especially in the west and north. The key is layering: a thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer (like fleece or wool), and a waterproof, windproof outer shell. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, scarf, and good waterproof boots with decent grip. This is especially important if you’re staying in more rural areas like near Borgarnes or heading out to the Westfjords, where conditions can change quickly.
Daylight is limited in November, but that’s part of the charm. In the west of Iceland, you’ll typically have around 6–8 hours of usable daylight, which is plenty for sightseeing if you plan your days well. Many of our guests at Hvítá Inn like to start early, explore Borgarfjörður’s waterfalls and hot springs during the brightest hours, and then settle in for a cozy evening. The shorter days also mean longer nights—perfect for northern lights hunting.
November is an excellent month for seeing the aurora borealis. With darker skies and often clearer, colder nights, your chances are good if the solar activity cooperates. Staying in smaller towns and countryside locations can really help. Hvítá Inn, set in the Borgarfjörður countryside, offers relatively dark skies just a short drive from Borgarnes. Stykkishólmur Inn, overlooking the Breiðafjörður bay, gives you a beautiful coastal backdrop if the lights appear. Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn places you in a dramatic fjord landscape where the aurora can dance above mountains and sea. Always check the aurora forecast and cloud cover, dress warmly, and be ready to step outside at short notice.
Driving in Iceland in November is very doable, but it requires respect for the conditions. Roads can be wet, icy, or snowy, especially in the mornings and evenings. If you’re planning a self-drive trip, choose a rental car with good winter tires and consider a 4×4 if you’re heading to the Westfjords or more remote areas. Check road conditions daily on official websites before setting out. Many travelers like to base themselves in one region at a time: for example, a few nights at Hvítá Inn to explore Borgarfjörður and the west, then a couple of nights at Stykkishólmur Inn to discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and finally a stay at Ísafjörður Inn to experience the wild beauty of the Westfjords. This approach keeps driving times manageable and lets you adapt plans if the weather shifts.
In terms of what to see, November is fantastic for a more intimate experience of Iceland’s natural highlights. From Hvítá Inn, you’re well placed to explore Borgarfjörður’s lava fields, hot springs, and waterfalls like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, which can look especially striking with early snow and icy edges. The area is also known for geothermal baths, ideal for warming up after a day outside.
Stykkishólmur Inn is a great base for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature” because it has a bit of everything: mountains, black sand beaches, cliffs, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull. In November, the peninsula feels wonderfully quiet. You can photograph iconic spots like Kirkjufell with fewer people around and enjoy the moody, low-angle light that makes the landscapes look almost otherworldly.
If you venture farther to Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll experience a different side of Iceland altogether. The Westfjords in November are peaceful, dramatic, and deeply atmospheric. Steep mountains, narrow fjords, and small fishing villages create a sense of remoteness that many travelers fall in love with. While some highland roads and remote tracks may be closed, the main routes to and around Ísafjörður are usually open and maintained. This is a great time to enjoy local culture, seafood, and the feeling of being at the edge of the world.
Packing smartly will make your November trip much more comfortable. In addition to warm clothing, bring swimwear for hot springs and local pools—almost every town has one, and soaking in hot water while the air is cold is a classic Icelandic experience. A headlamp or small flashlight is useful for early mornings or late evenings, especially in smaller towns. Microspikes for your shoes can be helpful if you plan to walk on icy paths near waterfalls or viewpoints. And don’t forget a good camera or smartphone with plenty of storage; the combination of winter light, snow-dusted landscapes, and possible northern lights is incredibly photogenic.
One of the joys of traveling in November is the atmosphere inside as much as outside. After a day of exploring, many guests appreciate coming back to a warm inn, hot drinks, and a relaxed setting. Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn are designed to be comfortable bases where you can unwind, plan the next day’s adventures, and enjoy the slower rhythm of the season. You’ll often find that staff have up-to-date local knowledge about road conditions, weather, and the best spots to visit that day, which can be invaluable when planning in shoulder season.
Finally, be flexible. November in Iceland rewards travelers who are willing to adjust plans based on the weather and daylight. Maybe you swap a long drive for a shorter local hike, or trade a cloudy night of aurora hunting for a long soak in a hot pool. With the right mindset, this is one of the most rewarding times of year to visit: quieter, more atmospheric, and full of small, memorable moments.
By choosing comfortable, well-located bases like those offered by Ourhotels.is in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður, you can experience the best of Iceland in November—northern lights, early winter landscapes, and authentic local life—while always having a warm, welcoming place to return to at the end of the day.
