Iceland in November - Ice Caves Open, Northern Lights & Best Prices

November marks the start of what Icelanders call "the dark season" (myrkritimabilid). Sunrise shifts from about 9:30 AM on November 1 to nearly 11:00 AM by November 30, while sunset moves from 5:15 PM to 3:30 PM. This means you have a narrow window of useful daylight -- roughly five to seven hours in the middle of the day. The light itself is beautiful when it appears: low on the horizon, golden and soft, casting long shadows across snow-covered landscapes. But you need to plan your sightseeing efficiently. The upside of all this darkness is extraordinary: 17-19 hours of night give the northern lights maximum opportunity to put on a show.

November is when the natural ice caves inside Vatnajokull glacier -- Europe's largest ice cap -- open for the season. These caves form when summer meltwater carves tunnels through the glacier, which then freeze solid as winter temperatures drop. Each year's caves are different, with new chambers, tunnels, and formations appearing in unpredictable locations. The blue ice is breathtaking -- light filters through the glacier above, creating an otherworldly glow of electric blues and whites. Guided tours depart from Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the Skaftafell area, typically lasting 3-4 hours including transport to the cave entrance. Book well in advance, as early-season tours sell out quickly. Expect to pay 20,000-25,000 ISK (140-175 USD) per person.

With 17-19 hours of darkness each night, November is prime territory for northern lights viewing. The aurora can appear anytime after dark, from late afternoon until sunrise. Clear skies are the critical factor -- November's frequent cloud cover can be frustrating, so stay flexible and plan multiple nights for aurora hunting. The best viewing locations are away from Reykjavik's light pollution: the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Thingvellir National Park, the south coast near Vik, and anywhere in rural north Iceland. Many hotels in the countryside offer aurora wake-up calls if the lights appear while you are sleeping. The SkyRoad app provides real-time aurora forecasts and cloud cover maps to help you find clear skies.

Soaking in a geothermal hot spring while snow falls gently around you and the northern lights shimmer overhead is one of Iceland's signature experiences, and November is when this becomes possible. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik are the most famous options, with the Blue Lagoon costing 9,990-79,990 ISK (70-560 USD) depending on the package. For a more authentic local experience, visit Myvatn Nature Baths in the north (5,500 ISK / 38 USD) or the Reykjadalur hot river near Hveragerdi (free, but the 45-minute hike can be icy in November). Municipal swimming pools in every Icelandic town cost only 1,000-1,200 ISK (7-8 USD) and are where locals actually go to relax, socialize, and soak in outdoor hot tubs.

Iceland's Christmas season begins uniquely early. The first of 13 Yule Lads (Jolasveinar) -- Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod) -- arrives from the mountains on November 12, placing treats in the shoes of good children and rotten potatoes in the shoes of naughty ones. A new Yule Lad arrives each night through December 24. These are not jolly Santa Claus figures -- they are the mischievous sons of the troll Gryla and her husband Leppaludi. Each Yule Lad has a distinctive personality tied to the trouble they cause: Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper) steals leftovers, Hurdaskellir (Door-Slammer) slams doors at night, and so on. Look for Yule Lad decorations and events in Reykjavik from mid-November onward.

November's limited daylight might seem like a drawback, but for photographers it creates exceptional conditions. The sun barely rises above the horizon, producing "golden hour" light that lasts for the entire period of daylight -- two to three hours of soft, warm, directional light at midday. Snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and the dramatic contrast of black volcanic rock against white snow create striking images. Long exposure shots of waterfalls like Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss in winter conditions are dramatically different from their summer counterparts. The northern lights add another dimension to night photography. Bring a sturdy tripod, extra batteries (cold drains batteries fast), and protect your camera from moisture.

November driving in Iceland requires respect and preparation. Winter tires are legally required from November 1 onwards, and a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. The Ring Road is maintained but can be affected by snow, ice, and storm-force winds. Mountain passes in the north and east are particularly prone to closures. Always check road.is before driving and keep your fuel tank above half-full -- gas stations in rural areas can be far apart, and unexpected detours due to road closures can add significant distance. Carry emergency supplies: warm blankets, water, food, a flashlight, and a phone charger. If a storm is forecast, stay put -- Icelandic winter storms are not to be trifled with.

November offers some of the lowest prices of the year for visiting Iceland. Flights from Europe regularly drop to 50-100 EUR round trip with budget carriers like PLAY and Wizz Air. Flights from North America average 250-400 USD round trip. Rental cars cost 5,000-10,000 ISK per day (35-70 USD), compared to 15,000-25,000 ISK in summer. Accommodation prices are 30-50 percent lower than peak season -- a decent guesthouse double room runs 12,000-20,000 ISK (84-140 USD) per night outside Reykjavik. Even Reykjavik hotels offer competitive rates, with mid-range options at 18,000-30,000 ISK (125-210 USD). The overall savings compared to summer can easily reach 40-60 percent, making November one of the best-value months to experience Iceland.

Arrive at Keflavik airport and pick up your rental car. Drive the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park (tectonic plates and winter scenery), Geysir geothermal area (Strokkur erupts every 5-8 minutes regardless of season), and Gullfoss waterfall (spectacular with ice formations in November). Return to Reykjavik by dark. Explore the city center, have dinner on Laugavegur, and watch for aurora from your accommodation or take a guided aurora tour.

Start early to maximize daylight. Drive the south coast to Seljalandsfoss (stunning with ice framing the cascade), Skogafoss (powerful and often partially frozen), and the black sand beach at Reynisfjara -- stay well back from the waves as sneaker waves are deadly year-round. Explore the village of Vik and Dyrholaey promontory if conditions allow. Stay overnight in the Vik area. Aurora hunt before bed.

Drive east to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the Diamond Beach. Join a guided ice cave tour inside Vatnajokull glacier -- book this in advance, as it is one of November's most popular activities. The tour typically takes 3-4 hours including transport from the meeting point. Spend any remaining daylight exploring Skaftafell or the surrounding area. Stay overnight near Jokulsarlon or Hofn.

Drive back toward Reykjavik along the south coast, stopping at any sites you missed. Consider a detour to Fludir for the Secret Lagoon, or stop at a local swimming pool along the way for an authentic Icelandic bathing experience. If time allows, visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon near the airport before your departure flight. Both can be visited as a final stop on the way to Keflavik airport.

• Ice caves open: November marks the start of ice cave season inside Vatnajokull -- one of Iceland's most spectacular experiences
• Best prices: Flights, accommodation, and rental cars at rock-bottom rates, 40-60% cheaper than summer
• Northern lights: Long dark nights (17-19 hours) give the aurora maximum opportunity to appear
• Minimal crowds: Major attractions are nearly empty, with no queues or crowded viewpoints
• Winter atmosphere: Snow-covered landscapes, cozy Reykjavik cafes, and the start of Yule Lad season

• Very short days: Only 5-8 hours of daylight limits sightseeing severely
• Winter storms: Powerful Atlantic storms can disrupt driving and force itinerary changes
• Road conditions: Snow, ice, and wind make driving challenging and sometimes dangerous
• Limited access: Highland roads closed, some rural services shut down, Westfjords difficult to reach
• Cold and dark: Genuinely cold temperatures and pervasive darkness require mental preparation

Yes, November marks the beginning of natural ice cave season. Caves inside Vatnajokull glacier typically open in early to mid-November, once temperatures are consistently cold enough to stabilize the ice. Each year's caves are different -- guides assess conditions daily and lead visitors to the best formations. Tours depart from the Jokulsarlon and Skaftafell area, cost 20,000-25,000 ISK (140-175 USD), and last 3-4 hours. Book well in advance, especially for early-season dates when demand is high.

November is one of the best months for northern lights. With 17-19 hours of darkness, the aurora has plenty of time to appear. The key challenge is cloud cover -- November can be overcast. Stay flexible, plan multiple nights for aurora hunting, and use the SkyRoad app or vedur.is cloud cover forecasts to find clear skies. Head away from Reykjavik's light pollution for the best experience.

November is one of the cheapest months, rivaled only by late January and February. Flights from Europe can cost as little as 50-100 EUR round trip, and accommodation prices drop 40-60 percent compared to summer. Rental cars are dramatically cheaper too. The only November expense that rivals summer is ice cave tours, which are a premium activity year-round. Overall, a week in November can cost less than four days in July.

The Ring Road is maintained year-round, but November driving is genuine winter driving. Snow, ice, black ice, and storm-force winds are all real hazards. A 4WD vehicle with winter tires is essential -- these are legally required from November 1. Check road.is before every drive. Many experienced travelers recommend focusing on the south coast and Golden Circle rather than attempting the full Ring Road in November, as the north and east are more prone to severe weather and road closures. If a storm is forecast, do not drive -- wait it out.