What to wear in November in Iceland

added July 15th, 2024

First, let’s talk about the Weather

While it does not seem too cold in March looking at the average temperature in the 30’s, it is not the whole story. What makes it seem colder at times can be a relentless wind. Yes, there are periods without wind, but wind is to be expected when you are on an island on the northern outskirt of the North Atlantic Ocean in March. On top of that at any given month, there will be precipitation for about 1/2 the days of the month. We will likely encounter some rain, and see snow in the higher elevation while there. We will probably not drive or walk on any snow.  Be aware that the the weather is constantly changing, and we expect to see some awesome sunrises, sunsets, and days with beautiful blue skies and fluffy clouds. There's a saying in Iceland that goes if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes. And having been several times including March, April, May, October, and November, I can affirm that notion wholeheartedly.

Packing List - Clothing

Staying comfortably warm in Iceland is not difficult with the right clothing.

1) Base Layer
The layer closest to your skin. It should be warm and snug. The warmest base layers are probably merino wool, but synthetic materials that perform just as well exist and may be better priced. For the colder weather look for mid-weight base layers. Here are links to search results REI and Amazon list.

2) Middle Layer
The middle layer is something thicker that will keep you warm. Think your favorite sweater or warm fleece jacket you like to wear. A thick sweatshirt may also be a suitable middle layer. In recent years heated clothing has become more popular with a number of companies now offering heated vests that run on rechargeable batteries. If you want to consider using one of these, www.ororowear.com has many options available, and it may be a good site to start your research into these products.

3) Outer Layer
An insulated warm jacket with a hood and insulated pants are a must. Here are a couple links to the top rated insulated waterproof jackets and pants on REI. Prices vary widely, and with all products if you find something you like, we recommend looking up additional online reviews from users.

4) Additional Layers
Layers can always be added for additional insulation, but at one point it can become bulky. I have not experienced really cold weather in Switzerland that time of the year, but depending on the forecast we may be out and about before sunrise and it can be a bit chilly for sure.

5) Softshell and Hardshell Jackets and Pants
These can be packed for extra layering in addition to what is listed above to provide an additional layer if needed. The difference is the material feel, where softshell clothing is softer and a bit more breathable. A lightweight hardshell that I can easily pack and carry along while out and about has come in handy before as rain moved in. A great hardshell raincoat and pants can make a big difference.

6) Socks - Keep your Feet warm
Midweight or heavyweight merino wool socks will keep your feet warmer than many other options available, but they get pricey. In the spring and summer you may be able to find these on sale. How warm your feet stay will also depend on your boots. DarnTough Vermont is a brand that has become more popular recently and you may find some awesome socks on their site.

7) Hiking Boots (insulated and water resistant)
Keep your feet warm with a good pair of insulated hiking boots. There are countless models available; if you need a new pair, we recommend doing some additional research on the ones you find before making a purchase.

8) A warm Hat
Your jacket should come with a hood to protect you from the wind and rain; in addition, keep your head warm with a warm winter hat as needed.

9) Gloves and Handwarmers
Photographers like to have warm hands to use the camera, and several manufacturers make gloves for photographers for the wintertime. You can start your research on Vallerret’s website and their large selection of photography gloves.
Personally, I am a big fan of the rechargeable hand warmers and will probably bring a couple of those along; if you do the same, remember that they can’t go into your checked luggage.

10) Scarf and Neck Gaiter
Probably not needed unless you get cold and prefer to wear a scarf or gaiter. You may already have them, and they do not take up much room; bring them along.

4 sec, f/1.4, ISO 12800

Our itinerary also includes stays near Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon with a northern view, a hotel about 30 minutes from Stokksnes Beach and Vestrahorn mountain, and a hotel in Vik, where several Aurora-friendly locations are nearby.

A number of apps are available that can assist in forecasting the Northern Lights. The screenshot displays three apps I use in Iceland. Additionally, a popular Icelandic weather website frequently used by photographers for planning is https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora.

Camera Settings

The best Aurora photography requires complete darkness. This means finding our locations when we can’t see much, avoiding car lights, and minimizing light exposure. A low-intensity red light headlamp is ideal for the camera setup.

Equipment:

• Camera equipped with a fast lens (2.8 or faster) securely mounted on a stable tripod, with image stabilization turned off, and a fully charged battery.

• Remote control or self-timer.

Recommended Settings (as a starting point):

• Set the camera to RAW shooting mode and Manual Mode.

• Manually focus on a star, utilizing Live View and zooming in for precision.

• Disable noise reduction, as any noise can be addressed during post-processing.

• Choose a specific white balance setting, such as 3100 Kelvin. A range of 2900-3800 Kelvin is often referenced.

• Begin with ISO 1600 and an exposure time of 8 seconds. Adjust ISO and exposure time as necessary to achieve the desired image. Be cautious not to have excessively long exposures, as this can result in the lights appearing as a uniform green blur.

To get the most out of our time photographing - know your camera:

added February 15th, 2025

For your camera make and model:

• Be comfortable shooting in Manual mode and independently adjusting aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, and ISO settings.

• Know how to move your focus point around to get sharp focus on the main subject.

• Display the live view histogram and electronic level in live view (if you have a mirrorless camera).

• If you have a DSLR, know how to check the histogram and highlights on the image preview.

• If you have a mirrorless camera, turn on focus peaking for manual focus. If needed, be familiar with setting a 2-second or 10-second self-timer.

• Be comfortable with these settings in low light and sometimes in the dark when we go out for possible Northern Lights photography.