Yes, November works in Reykjavik for travelers who like cold, dark evenings and warm water. Geothermal pools, northern lights cruises and museums fill the days, and the afternoon high is 41°F (5°C).
Sunshine is scarce, with about an hour a day on average. Plan outdoor sights for the brightest part of the day and keep the evenings for pools and restaurants.
At a glance
- Afternoon high: 41°F (5°C)
- Night low: 32°F (0°C)
- Rainy days: 14 in the month
- Sunshine: 1 hour a day on average
- Sea temperature: 44°F (7°C)
- Organ concerts: noon, first Saturday of the month
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in November?
| Month | Average high | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 3.1 in (80 mm) | 13 | 3.0 h | 47°F (8°C) |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 3.4 in (87 mm) | 14 | 1.3 h | 44°F (7°C) |
| December | 38°F (3°C) | 3.7 in (95 mm) | 15 | 0.4 h | 42°F (6°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
November in Reykjavik is cold and gray, with an afternoon high of 41°F (5°C) and a night low of 32°F (0°C). Mornings start right at freezing, so a walk before breakfast needs real layers.
Rain or at least 1 mm of precipitation falls on 14 days of the month, and the sun shows for only about an hour a day. Put outdoor sights in the middle of the day, when it is brightest, and keep a waterproof shell in your daypack.
October was a little milder, with a high of 46°F (8°C) and 3 hours of sun a day. December is colder still, with a high of 38°F (3°C) and under half an hour of sun a day. November sits between the two, closer to winter than to autumn.
What to do in Reykjavik in November
Northern lights cruise from the Old Harbour
Reykjavík Sailors runs a northern lights cruise that lasts 2 hours, and Special Tours and Elding run similar northern lights tours from the Old Harbour. Long nights in November make evening departures the natural choice.
Whale watching tours spend 3 to 3.5 hours on the water, and the peak season for whale watching runs from April to October. November comes after that peak, so check with the operator before booking a whale tour. Dress warmly for any trip out on the bay.
Perlan and its view from Öskjuhlíð
Perlan stands on Reykjavik’s highest hill, close to the center, at Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík.
With so little sun in November, a clear midday is the time to go up.
Hallgrímskirkja and Skólavörðustígur
Hallgrímskirkja is at Hallgrímstorg, 101 Reykjavík, and it is one of the most visited places by tourists in Iceland.
Skólavörðustígur leads up to the church and is one of the city’s liveliest streets, with cafés, shops and galleries. It is an easy way to warm up between the cold square and the church. The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum and garden is at the southwest corner of the square.
Geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon
Reykjavík has geothermal pools to unwind in, and November’s freezing mornings are a good reason to use them. Sky Lagoon offers entry to a geothermal lagoon by the sea, with an optional seven-step ritual.
The sea outside averages 44°F (7°C), so the heated water is the point. Bring a swimsuit and a towel for either choice.
Harpa and the National Museum of Iceland
Harpa sits on the waterfront in the heart of downtown at the old harbour, at Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík. It offers panoramic views of Faxaflói Bay and the Esjan mountain range. Its architecture has attracted millions of guests since it opened in May 2011.
The National Museum of Iceland shows the country’s cultural and historical heritage, and its permanent exhibition is Making of a Nation. Audio guides come in 10 languages. Reykjavík City Museum adds five more museums and exhibitions, which gives plenty of indoor time for the rainy days.
Is Reykjavik busy in November?
Reykjavík is busy with festivals and seasonal events all year round.
That area is within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points. Book a room there ahead of time, especially if your dates are fixed around a northern lights tour.
Central options include Sand Hotel, a luxury property downtown, and Hotel Reykjavík Saga, a 4-star hotel near Lake Tjörnin. Storm Hotel is in the eastern part of the center, within walking distance of Laugavegur. Hilton Reykjavík is a four-star hotel a little outside, with Laugardalur’s recreational areas nearby.
Can you swim in Reykjavik in November?
The sea near Reykjavik averages 44°F (7°C) in November, and that is a monthly average. It is far too cold for a casual dip, and a warmer sea is only a few weeks behind, with 47°F (8°C) in October.
Warm water here means the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon, a geothermal lagoon by the sea.
What to pack for Reykjavik in November
November asks for warm layers and rain protection, plus a swimsuit for the pools.
- A waterproof jacket, because 14 days of the month bring at least 1 mm of rain
- A warm hat and gloves for mornings that start at 32°F (0°C)
- Insulated layers for a northern lights cruise of 2 hours on the water
- Shoes with grip for wet pavement and the slopes up Skólavörðustígur
- A swimsuit and towel for the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon
- A headlamp or phone light for the dark afternoons, with about an hour of sun a day
What to know before visiting Reykjavik in November
Perlan is at Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík, and Hallgrímskirkja is at Hallgrímstorg, 101 Reykjavík. Harpa is at Austurbakka 2, 101 Reykjavík.
Bars, clubs and restaurants on Laugavegur open in the evenings, so plan dinner around that.
Is November a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Yes, November suits travelers who want northern lights, geothermal water and museums over sun and hiking. It does not suit anyone who needs bright days.
Compared with October, the month gives up 5°F (3°C) of afternoon warmth and two hours of sun a day. Waiting until December brings no gain on the weather.
If you want to swim, plan on the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon. For sightseeing, go to Perlan or Hallgrímskirkja around midday, and keep museums and Harpa for the wet days.
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/why-choose-reykjavik), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/service/hallgrimskirkja-church-tower), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/reykjavik-sailors/), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=accommodation&page=1), checked 2026-10-30
- perlan.is (https://perlan.is/visit?msclkid=c2a46990c64e17466ba601eeea04dae2), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=reykjavik+city+museum+officially+opened), checked 2026-10-30
- northiceland.is (https://www.northiceland.is/is/upplifun/afthreying/sjo-og-vatna-afthreying/bataferdir/), checked 2026-10-30