Why November is a Great Time for Iceland

Discover Iceland
Dec 11
3 min read

Travelling to Iceland in November has unique advantages:

· Shorter daylight hours (but enough daylight to explore) help create dramatic light and moodier landscapes.

· Snow and ice begin to settle—glacier lagoons, black-sand beaches, waterfalls with icy edges all get extra atmosphere.

· The chance to see the Northern Lights becomes stronger as nights lengthen.

· Fewer crowds than summer peak season: you’ll feel more of the wild, quiet Icelandic nature.

At the same time, November requires a bit more flexibility: weather can shift, roads may be icy, and some high-altitude or high-land routes may already be closed or require special vehicles.

Why Choose a Private Multi-Day Tour with Discover Iceland

Here’s why using Discover Iceland for a customised multi-day private tour works especially well in November:

· They explicitly offer multi-day private tours, customised to your wishes, with luxury-capable 4×4 vehicles (important in winter conditions).

· The website emphasises they adapt according to your needs, comfort level, and wishes.

· They mention for winter that the tour will include selected accommodations that enhance chances of seeing the northern lights.

· Choosing a private tour means you’re not tied to large group timetables, which helps when daylight is limited and weather may change suddenly.

Sample Tour Outline for November

Here’s a possible 4- or 5-day itinerary you could book via Discover Iceland (or ask them to tailor it). We’ll emphasise what works in November.

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík → South Coast

Land at Keflavík International Airport and meet your guide/driver.
Head south along Iceland’s coast: waterfall stops like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
Black-sand beach at Reynisfjara with sea-stack views.
Overnight at a countryside hotel, perhaps outside the town of Vík — away from city lights for a chance to spot aurora.

Day 2: Glacier Lagoon & Ice-cave Exploration

Drive farther east towards the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby beach of “diamond” ice stones.
Optionally explore an ice-cave (many are accessible from about late October onward) — your guide can select one safe for the season.
Overnight nearby or return partway, depending on daylight and weather.

Day 3: Golden Circle & Northern Lights Hunt

· Travel the iconic Golden Circle route: including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Þingvellir National Park.

· Late evening: after dark, your guide takes you to a dark-sky spot for northern lights viewing — staying flexible is key.

Option Day 4: Snæfellsnes or Westfjords (depending on interest)

· If you have extra days, you might head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or even the more remote Westfjords. Discover’s 8-day “Ring Road” style tour mentions these regions.

· Because of November’s daylight limits, consider the drive times and maybe stay in regional accommodation to break up long legs.

Departure Day

· Return to Reykjavík, enjoy a relaxing final morning (maybe a geothermal pool visit) and head to the airport.

November-Specific Travel Tips

· Daylight: In early November daylight in Iceland might be ~9-10 hours; plan key outdoor stops during those hours.

· Weather & Roads: Winter conditions start to dominate. Even if you use a capable vehicle, expect snow, ice, limited high-land roads. Private tour gives you an advantage.

· Northern Lights: While no guarantee, staying in less-light-polluted countryside accommodations (as Discover hint at) improves your odds

· Clothing & Gear: Waterproof outerwear, warm layers, good boots, headwear/gloves – essential. If you plan ice-caving or glacier walking, bring or rent crampons as needed.

· Accommodation: Book early, especially for countryside hotels that may be fewer in number in November.

· Flexibility: Your guide may need to adjust schedule/day’s start depending on weather, road closures or daylight – one of the major benefits of private tours.