Selfoss in November: A Local's Guide to Weather, Events and Where to Stay

November in Selfoss brings dark evenings, cosy geothermal pools and the first real chance of northern lights — here's how to plan around it.

What November actually feels like in Selfoss

November in Selfoss runs about 2–4°C, with around 18–20 hours of darkness early in the month and closer to 17 by the end. Daylight stretches from roughly 09:30 to 17:00 at the start, shrinking to 10:45–16:15 by the 30th. Expect rain, sleet and sudden wind more than deep snow. The town sits on the Ölfusá river, 57 km east of Reykjavík along Route 1, and the drive takes about 50 minutes in good conditions. Roads are usually clear, but check road.is and vedur.is before setting out.

The upside is value: hotel rates in Selfoss drop noticeably compared with July and August, and you are not competing for restaurant tables or pool space. The trade-off is that some tour operators run reduced schedules, and a few cafés and museums cut back to weekends only. If you want the south coast without Reykjavík prices or Reykjavík crowds, November is a sensible month to base yourself here rather than in the capital.

Northern lights, swimming pools and the local scene

Selfoss is small — you can walk from the town centre to the Sundhöll Selfoss swimming pool in about ten minutes. The outdoor pools, hot pots and steam room stay open year-round, and November evenings are ideal: fewer people, steam rising into the dark, and no need to book ahead. The local golf course closes for the season, but the walking path along the Ölfusá riverbank remains usable on dry days, with views toward Ingólfsfjall across the water.

Northern lights viewing from Selfoss is realistic because light pollution is low. Drive ten minutes north toward the bridge over the Ölfusá, or twenty minutes east along Route 1 toward Hella, and pull off at a marked layby. Clear, cold nights between 22:00 and 02:00 give the best odds. Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast — a Kp index of 3 or higher with clear skies is worth staying up for. No tour is required, though guided minibus trips do run from Selfoss hotels.

Day trips that still work in November

The Golden Circle is doable as a self-drive from Selfoss in a long day: Þingvellir is 45 minutes north-west, Geysir another 50 minutes, and Gullfoss a further 10. Daylight is short, so leave by 09:30 and plan to be back before 17:00. Road conditions on the Sprengisandur highland route are not relevant in November — that road is closed — but Route 35 to Geysir stays open in normal weather. The south coast to Vík, 110 km east, takes about 1 hour 45 minutes one way. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are both right off Route 1, and Skógafoss has a car park and café that stays open.

Skip the Westman Islands ferry unless you have a specific reason — the crossing from Landeyjahöfn is often cancelled in November. Skip Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon if snow is forecast; the access road is unpaved and can be icy. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are both about an hour away and need advance booking. For a quieter soak, consider the public pool at Laugarvatn Fontana instead, 40 minutes from Selfoss, which is smaller and less crowded.

Where to stay and what to book

Selfoss has a handful of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments, mostly clustered around Austurvegur and Eyravegur. Expect mid-range doubles from around 18,000–25,000 ISK in November, with budget guesthouses closer to 12,000–16,000 ISK. Book directly with the property where possible — many small places offer better cancellation terms that way. Parking is free at most accommodations. If you are arriving on the Flybus from Keflavík, the journey takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to Selfoss via Reykjavík, and you can buy a through ticket.

I would book a hotel in central Selfoss rather than a rural guesthouse for a November stay. Walking distance to the pool, a supermarket and at least one open restaurant matters when the weather turns. If you have a car and want total dark-sky quiet, a farm stay 15–20 minutes outside town is a fair alternative — just confirm the access road is maintained. Reserve your first and last nights in Iceland close to Keflavík if your flights are early or late; the 57 km drive back to Selfoss in winter darkness is not something to attempt after a red-eye.

Questions, answered

Can you see the northern lights in Selfoss in November?

Yes, November is a good month for aurora viewing from Selfoss because nights are long and light pollution is low. Clear, cold nights between 22:00 and 02:00 give the best odds. Check the Icelandic Met Office forecast; a Kp index of 3 or higher with clear skies is worth staying up for.

Is the Golden Circle doable from Selfoss in November?

Yes, as a self-drive day trip. Þingvellir is about 45 minutes away, Geysir another 50 minutes. Daylight is short, so leave by 09:30 and aim to return before 17:00. Route 35 stays open in normal weather; check road.is before setting out.

What should I pack for Selfoss in November?

Waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, sturdy waterproof boots, gloves, hat and a scarf. Temperatures hover around 2–4°C but wind and rain make it feel colder. Bring a swimsuit for the geothermal pools, and a head torch for dark evening walks.

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