November in Iceland is usually when the temperatures begin to drop. November in Iceland is also usually a fantastic month for the northern lights. The days are getting shorter which means even more time to hunt for the aurora.
Feeling frosty
Brrrr… it’s cold in here – it must be November in the atmosphere!
That’s right, we are dipping into freezing temperatures this month. It’s still not time to snowsuit up unless you are headed up the mountains. However, you should pack a warm winter jacket, sweaters, scarves, beanies, gloves – the works!
November in Iceland: Check the forecast
As always, you will want to check the weather forecast each morning before leaving the hotel. On occasion, November in Iceland can unseasonably warm. However, even for the warmer days, it is good idea to bring an extra layer along. You never know what those pesky Icelandic weather gods are going to throw at you.
And remember, you are not just dressing for the day time. November in Iceland is often a time for amazing northern lights. Dress warmly, because the northern lights are best enjoyed outside in the cold night air. Don’t fret if your jacket doesn’t quite cut it, we have snowsuits on hand for those in need.
Ride the wave
The music festival Iceland Airwaves is in full swing this weekend. There are numerous off-venue events in Reykjavik but you can also find the Iceland Airwaves 2018 playlist on Spotify. It boasts a great mix of Icelandic and foreign acts, just like the festival itself and is the perfect soundtrack for a road trip on the south coast, combining culture and nature in the best way.
November in Iceland: Eat your heart out
In the darkness of winter, the human body craves comfort food and there is nothing quite as comforting as a hot beverage and some kleinur. This fried pastry is a kind of Icelandic doughnut, and they are absolutely delicious – especially when homemade.
In other countries in northern Europe, kleinur are most commonly enjoyed around Christmas time but us Icelanders love them all year round. Dip them in hot chocolate or coffee and feel the crunchy buttery crust make way for the soft, full goodness inside.
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Soak it in
There’s nothing quite as exemplary of that quintessential Icelandic lifestyle as the geothermal heated swimming pools. Our ancestors bathed in natural hot springs surrounded by nature and modern day Icelanders found a way to make it a part of urban life.
Even some of the smallest villages in the countryside have their own outdoor community pool. There, people of all ages gather to exercise and play or relax in the hot tubs. There are two lovely community pools in our neighboring towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur. We also have several geothermal hot tubs surrounding Hotel Rangá. These are the perfect spot to relax while you look for the northern lights.
Having a warm soak in freezing temperatures is a must when visiting Iceland in the winter – but we do recommend drying your hair thoroughly in the changing room before heading back out into the cold.
What to do in Iceland during winter?
- Rangá Recommends: December travels to Iceland
- Rangá Recommends: January travels to Iceland
- Rangá Recommends: February travels to Iceland
