Tips for driving in Iceland in November

September and October are usually OK for driving outside of Reykjavík, although you can expect icy roads, particularly in the morning and evenings. But in November you should expect to see more snow and sleet on the roads on top of the ice. The volume of snow usually differs a bit depending on which part of the country you’re in. The West fjords can get snow heavy during winter and the same goes for the Northern part, but that’s more likely to happen in January/February.

• If you aren’t confident with winter driving or don’t feel safe in a certain situation, park the car away from traffic and seek assistance.
• Drive carefully. Even when the road signs indicate a certain speed limit, the road conditions may not reflect that. The road administration does its best to keep roads clear of snow and ice, but show caution when meeting and passing other vehicles since the edges of the roads can be icy.

November in Iceland is dark

There will be darkness in November since the days are very short this time of year. In fact, they get increasingly shorter in November. On November 1^st you´ll get around 8 hours of daylight, but by November 30^th it´ll be 5 hours. So be prepared to drive in darkness. In Reykjavík and other densely populated areas you´ll have street lamps, but as soon as you drive out of the city you´ll need to use your high beams to see the road properly. Please show other drivers the courtesy of turning off the high beams well in advance when the cars meet or when they pass you.

November in Iceland is cold

During November, Iceland normally has a drop in temperatures, with an average of around 3-5 °C (38-41 °F). Of course, you might get mild and clear days but be prepared for rain, snow, sleet, fog, and wind. Always check road conditions on www.road.is before heading out of the city.

Don't forget to check out some excellent tours and activities, most of which are available in November!

Also, don´t forget to check out our other blogs about driving in Iceland as well as other fantastic articles with practical information about traveling in Iceland. 

At last, remember to make your booking with Blue Car Rental, and rent the perfect car for your Iceland trip.