Well, the short answer is yes. I feel like I say this about every destination I’ve traveled to, but Iceland truly earns a spot in my Top 3. Despite being small compared to other massive islands, this country is packed with unexplainable beauty around every corner. Iceland feels like it belongs on another planet.
I visited in November, and to be honest, I was a bit skeptical about going in late autumn/early winter. Everyone says summer is the best time to visit because of the more bearable weather. But I have no regrets – and not just because I spent my birthday in one of the most beautiful places on Earth – but because Northern countries have their own kind of magic during the winter months. Let me tell you all about it.
Yes, daylight is short in November – around 6-7 hours a day compared to the 20 hours of daylight in summer. But here’s the thing: Iceland sits at the perfect angle with the sun, so the entire day feels like one long golden hour. The sun stays just below the horizon, never rising too high, making the lighting absolutely stunning – perfect for your next Instagram shot!
How Cold is Iceland in November?
If you’re wondering about the weather – yes, it’s cold. But unless you’re coming from super warm places like Florida or California, you’ll probably be fine. Just remember to bundle up with warm, windproof clothing on both the top and bottom. Do not come in jeans! 😊 Also, be prepared to shed layers if the sun warms up during the day, especially if there's no wind.
The only time I really felt the cold was at Diamond Beach – the east side of the island is definitely the coldest. But it’s also one of the most breathtaking. It was my first time seeing icebergs floating in a glacier lagoon. Diamond Beach, with its pieces of ice scattered along the shore, is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. One of those moments where you think, "How is this even real?"
And I asked myself that same question many times on this trip. Every new corner we turned was more stunning than the last. Although, I don’t think it was because each place was “more” beautiful – no matter what order you visit the sights, you’ll be blown away by each one. Iceland is just that full of wonders. It’s impossible not to be dazzled.
Looking for a detailed itinerary to help plan your trip? Check out my other blog post where I share the 5-Day Iceland Itinerary guide to exploring Iceland!
Is Iceland Really That Expensive?
Now, let’s talk prices. Everyone says Iceland is expensive, but honestly, I didn’t find it that bad, at least compared to Europe and the U.S. Hotels were around $150 a night – pretty comparable to prices in major U.S. cities or Europe like Paris, Amsterdam, or London. As for food, we found meals for about $15 per person, which was a pleasant surprise! Of course, we didn’t dine at fancy restaurants or order steak and lobster, but I’d rather spend my money on experiences than food, anyway. Though, if my budget allowed, I wouldn’t say no to the occasional splurge!
Renting a Car in Iceland – My Best Tip
One thing I definitely recommend: rent a car. Tours in Iceland can be pricey, and nothing beats the freedom of exploring the island on your own terms. You can spend as much time as you like at each destination, visit less touristy spots, and plan your route however you want. For example, we visited the Secret Lagoon, which was much less crowded than the Blue Lagoon.
One thing to note – when you refuel your car, some gas stations may deduct a fixed amount from your credit card as a sort of “hold” to guarantee the transaction. At one station, I was charged $500 upfront even though my total was only $60! I freaked out and called my bank, but after talking to the gas station support, they explained that they release the difference within a few days. Sure enough, I got the money back in 2-4 days. So, just make sure you have enough in your account to cover that temporary hold if you're paying with an international card.
Driving in Iceland in November
We were lucky with the weather – the roads were clear and not slippery at all. I’ve heard it can get dangerous in winter, but with good tires and cautious driving, you should be fine. Plus, once you get out of Reykjavik, the roads are nearly empty, so if you’re nervous, just go at your own pace and pull over if someone wants to pass.
Visiting Iceland in November was a beautiful experience, and I’d love to see the magic of the island in summer too. On this trip, we focused on the southern part of the island, but next time, I’m heading north! And if you were to ask me whether Iceland is worth visiting, I would say without a doubt – absolutely, yes!
Comments