Surfing in Iceland in November

Surfing in Iceland in November

November has as much swell as the Icelandic year produces, and the daylight drops from nine hours to six across the month.

  • Water temp.
    8 °C
  • The month
    Excellent

Conditions in November

  • Water temp. : 8 °C
  • Wetsuit : 5/4 mm, hood, gloves and boots

November is the middle of the storm season and the depressions are at their most frequent. Over the course of the month every side of Reykjanes gets something, which is as close to a guarantee as this coast offers.

What it costs is margin. The day holds one usable block instead of three, so the wind has to be right at the same time the swell is, and if it is not you wait until tomorrow. The water is down to 8°C on its way to the winter floor. A week here gives five or six real chances and the discipline is to be ready for all of them, because the one you skip is the one that was good.

Learning in November

Out of reach for a first trip. Six hours of light, water heading for its coldest and the year's heaviest swell is not where anyone learns.

For an experienced surfer

  • Surf : Excellent

Peak season, and the point where preparation replaces choice. Wetsuit dry by morning, tank full, boards waxed the night before.

Where these figures come from

Air, rain and sunshine: WMO / NOAA 1991-2020 normals for Agadir Al Massira, a station some twenty kilometres inland and so a little warmer than the coast in summer. Swell, period and share of workable wind: Swell Archive and surf-forecast. Water temperature: seatemperature.org and weather-and-climate. Crowds and prices are an editorial judgement, not a measurement.

Join the Bookawave adventure

Get our exclusive guides, good deals and surf trip inspiration.

No spam, just surf.