Iceland Weather in November
November needs a winter travel plan even when Reykjavík is above freezing. The station’s average daily minimum is -0.1°C, and a monthly average cannot describe the surface of the next road or footpath.
November compared with the adjacent months
| Month | Average daily maximum | Average daily minimum | Monthly precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 7.6°C | 2.7°C | 79.8 mm |
| November | 4.7°C | -0.1°C | 86.5 mm |
| December | 3.3°C | -1.6°C | 94.9 mm |
Source: WMO normals archived by NOAA (CSV), checked September 10, 2026. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows, not extremes. Precipitation is a monthly total, not the number of rainy days. This Reykjavík station does not represent every region or elevation.
Winter preparation before departure
Before committing to a long self-drive day, compare the driver’s experience, daylight and current conditions with a shorter route or guided outing. A vehicle category alone does not make the decision.
If a concert or festival is your anchor, check the organizer’s current dates first. Build outdoor excursions around that fixed commitment, and keep their cancellation terms separate from your accommodation terms.
What to keep within reach
Pack warm layers, waterproof footwear and gloves you can use while handling a phone or camera. Put a spare dry layer in the excursion bag so it remains available away from the hotel.
Check the conditions for your day
- IMO weather forecasts: choose the region and forecast time.
- Road conditions and SafeTravel alerts: check the actual route and destination before departure.
- IMO aurora page: darkness and cloud cover matter alongside activity. Its sun-time panel is for Reykjavík.
For the wider comparison, see Iceland’s climate, October and December.
Planning help
November weather questions
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How cold is Iceland in November?
Reykjavík’s 1991–2020 average daily maximum is 4.7°C and average daily minimum -0.1°C. These station normals describe historical averages, not the full range of possible temperatures or a forecast for all Iceland.
Is this a forecast for November 2026?
No. The table uses 1991–2020 climate normals. Check the Icelandic Meteorological Office forecast for the actual place and dates of your trip.
For monthly temperature and rainfall averages, explore the climate data in our Iceland statistics.