Iceland in November and December? Really? I saw an Icelandair promotion on Instagram which I couldn’t resist. The catch? It had to be late November to the start of December 2022. But I could – easily – enthuse Oriol to come along for a road trip in the South and West of Iceland. 

We travelled in Iceland from 26 November to 4 December 2022. Why? because a) that’s when I was – almost – certain to have a week off and b) that’s when the discount on the Icelandair flights were the best. 

So November. Google has the answer. “Visiting Iceland in November is always a good idea. It might be colder, but it is the perfect month to skip the high-season crowds and see the beautiful colorful Northern Lights! If the weather gets to be too chilly, you can always jump in for hot cocoa or a warm cup of tea.”

Exactly. November is low season which means better prices and fewer people in your frame when taking photos. Iceland in November is not warm, but not icy cold. Day temperatures vary from 1° to 8° Celsius. Nothing a decent coat, a scarf, a beanie and gloves can’t help.

Summer and real real winter are more popular for tourism in Iceland. But getting time off in the summer school vacation is close to impossible for me and if you go in real winter, you get other challenges such as icy roads, hikes and footpaths. Which slows you down and daylight hours are too precious for that. 

We wouldn’t have done what we did in late December, January or February. 

No such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing

But you can expect rain, sleet and hail, combined with strong wind. So go to your outerwear, adventure and sporting shop and buy yourself wind and water resistant clothing. Sturdy hiking boots which will keep your feet dry, warm and can handle are imperative. 

So? The weather should not put you off to travel to Iceland in November. And yes, getting dressed properly every time you go outside is a bit of hassle, but it’s even worse in actual winter. 

Daylight hours

A real issue is daylight hours. In the week we were in Iceland, sunrise was around 10.30AM and sunset around 4PM. 

But! You can count an hour before and after for dawn and dusk respectively to provide light. So in the morning you can start early knowing it will get better. Starting a big activity after 3.30PM can be more tricky, as it gets darker and darker. 

If you do a road trip as so many tourists do, you have to take into account you will lose precious daytime driving from one place another. The maximum speed in Iceland is 90 kph and the roads don’t invite to go (much) faster anyway.

Although we did see locals driving faster. They obviously know the roads. 

Aurora Borealis

In November, you cab already witness Aurora Borealis. There are enough night hours and when the sky is clear… 

We were lucky to have a great display one night. Our photos with iPhone don’t do the Northern Lights justice. Our own eyes were the real cameras. 

Actually given I don’t use a DSLR camera I am happy with the results. 

In conclusion

Pro November

• Better prices.
• Fewer crowds.
• Opportunity to see Aurora Borealis.
• Feasible temperatures.

Con November

• Few precious daylight hours.
• Getting dressed and undressed properly can be hassle.
• Capricious weather.
• Neither fish nor fowl. 

I’d say: just do it. 

Iceland, November & December 2022

1. REVIEW | Icelandair Brussels Airport (Zaventem) to Reykjavík (Keflavík International Airport) on Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Economy.
2. ICELAND | Kevlavík – Bridge Between Continents – Reykjanesviti Lighthouse – Reykjanestá – Gunnuhver Hot Springs – Grindavík – Reykjavík.
3. REVIEW | Hotel Cabin in Reykjavík.
4. ICELAND | Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – Skógafoss – Sólheimajökull – Dyrhólaeyjarviti – Reynisfjara – Vík.
5. REVIEW | Hotel Katla in Vík.
6. ICELAND | Skeiðará Bridge – Diamond Beach – Jökulsárlón – Skaftafellsjökull – Dverghamrar – Kirkjugólf – Fjaðrárgljúlfur – Skaftáreldahraun.
7. ICELAND | Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach near Vík.
8. ICELAND | Fjaðrárgljúlfur – DC-3 Plane Wreck at Sólheimasandur – Geysir – Gullfoss.
9. ICELAND | Secret Lagoon in Flúðir.
10. REVIEW | Guesthouse Flúðir.
11. ICELAND | Þingvellir or Thingvellir National Park – Hvalfjörður Fjord – Húsafell.
12. REVIEW | Guesthouse Bjarg in Borgarnes.
13. ICELAND | Eldborg Crater – Bjarnarfoss – Búðakirkja – Arnarstapi – Hellnar – Djúpalónssandur – Kirkjufell – Stykkishólmur.
14. ICELAND | Esja(n) – Úlfarsfell – Krýsuvík – Seltún Geothermal Hot Springs.
15. ICELAND | Blue Lagoon hot pool.
16. Queer Iceland & Rainbow(baiting) Reykjavík.
17. REYKJAVÍK | The Icelandic Phallological Museum.
18. ICELAND | A day in Reykjavík.