Ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life snow globe? Iceland in December is your chance!
December is truly a magical time to experience the land of fire and ice.
It’s a winter wonderland and with Christmas right around the corner, the air is buzzing with excitement and activities.
If you think it’s too cold to experience anything worthwhile, think again, my friend.
Iceland is a remarkable place. Every month offers something truly special – and December is no exception.
Want to find out more?
Let’s get into it!
Is December a Good Time to Visit Iceland?
If you’re captivated by the look of dreamy snow-covered landscapes, straight out of a fairytale book, then Iceland in December will not disappoint.
Pros
Fewer tourists: It’s not as busy as the summer months, and while it does start to pick up in December because of the holidays, you can still enjoy the sights without feeling like you’re in a crowded snow globe!
Winter excursions: You’ll get to experience some of the tours that are only available in the wintertime.
Natural Beauty and Golden Hour: Iceland is famous for its amazing scenery, especially in winter. Because of the limited daylight hours, there’s a beautiful golden light that makes every photo you take look exceptionally stunning. 😍
Cons
Less Daylight Hours: This means less time to be out exploring.
Weather: Yes, it’s cold! You can expect snowstorms and chilly temperatures.
Accessibility: Areas like the Highlands aren’t accessible in December.
Driving: This can be a challenge, even if you’re used to winter driving!
There’s no denying some of the cons, but there’s nothing quite like seeing Iceland in all its winter glory.
So if exploring a magical winter wonderland sounds right up your alley, Iceland in December is calling your name!
Not sure which season in Iceland is right for you? Take a look at this blog post to help you decide:
➡️ READ: Best Time to Visit Iceland: How to Pick the Perfect Month & Season for Your Trip
December Weather in Iceland
Ah, December in Iceland, when winter really shows us what it’s got!
This month can be a real mixed bag – one day you’re walking in a winter wonderland, and the next, you’re bracing against snowstorms and high winds.
Heck, sometimes it’s just a few degrees above freezing, and all that lovely snow turns into a slushy mess. It’s an adventure, to say the least!
So, if you’re visiting, come prepared. Iceland in December definitely keeps you on your toes!
A weather shift in December is pretty much guaranteed, so it helps to be prepared for a change of plans. Here’s what to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate. 👇
➡️ READ: Bad Weather in Iceland: How to Adjust Your Plans Without Stress
Temperatures in Iceland in December
I’m not going to sugarcoat it friends, it is cold!
The temperature in Iceland in December can range from 30-39°Fahrenheit or -1 to 4° Celsius or.
You can also expect it to be colder in North Iceland, so keep this in mind when you’re visiting Akureyri.
Does it Snow in Iceland in December?
Oh yes!
The snow in Iceland in December can be anything from soft snowfall to full-on blizzards, especially in the North.
The weather is notoriously temperamental and rapidly changing.
It’s dramatic – but then again, doesn’t a little drama make life more interesting? 😊
Daylight Hours in Iceland in December
If there was ever a time to keep on top of the daylight hours, it’s now. It’s probably the most important month to plan out your itinerary – because exploring time is extremely limited.
The beginning of the month starts with about five hours of daylight and by the end of the month, it’ll be down to four.
Expect the sun to rise around 11:00 A.M. and set at about 3:30 P.M.
December 21st marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. It’s celebrated because we know that after it, the days start getting longer, bringing us one step closer to summer.
It goes without saying that if you’re visiting Iceland in December, daylight is the number one factor you need to consider when planning your winter itinerary.
Sightseeing Availability
If you’re wondering where to go in Iceland in December, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s accessible this month.
Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and Ring Road: These areas are still easily accessible!
Northern and Eastern Iceland: You’ll have more difficulty getting into these parts of the country, where the weather gets colder, snowier and icier.
Highlands and Westfjords: ❌ You’ll want to remove these from your itinerary in December because it won’t be possible to travel there.
Glacier hikes and ice caves: Vatnajökull and Katla ice cave are accessible in December. This time of year the ice takes on an incredible blue color, be prepared to take amazing photos!
Despite December not being peak season, you may want to consider a few things: People like to come here for Christmas and New Year, so it may be busier than you’d expect.
Pro tip: Make sure to book hotels and excursions in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
➡️ READ: Iceland Accommodation: How to Effortlessly Search for and Book the Perfect Stay
Iceland in December: Northern Lights
Witnessing the northern lights is a truly spectacular sight to behold and one of my all-time favorite Icelandic experiences.
Northern lights season kicks off at the end of August and they’re usually visible until April.
Winter is the time to see them because that’s when Iceland gets its longest nights.
I must warn you though, that seeing the northern lights in December can be a bit of a wildcard, as the weather tends to be stormy and cloud cover may block visibility.
In my personal experience, I’ve had some difficulty spotting them in December, so you’ll want to check local forecasts diligently.
Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the aurora in Iceland. 👇
➡️ READ MORE: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland
Driving in Iceland in December
I’m not going to lie – driving in Iceland in December is difficult!
If you are not used to driving in extremely windy, slippery and snowy conditions, you’ll need to think carefully about renting a car.
Winter driving in Iceland can be risky, even for the most experienced drivers!
Case in point. 👇
How to Stay Safe on the Roads
December is such a stormy month, and the weather can change incredibly fast. You may plan to go out, only to find there was a huge blizzard and now the roads are impossible to navigate.
That’s why it’s so important to always have a plan B in case roads are closed and they issue a travel warning.
Here are a few tips to stay safe on the roads:
- Don’t rush: I know that you may only have 4-5 hours of light for exploring, but if you’re going to be driving, take your time. Conditions can be brutal so you’ll want to take it slow and steady.
- Check weather & road conditions regularly: Sites you need to be checking daily are Road.is and vedur.is. They tell you all about the road conditions, closed roads, and weather in Iceland so that you can safely plan your travels.
- To drive or not to drive?: If you’re nervous about driving in these trickier winter conditions, the best option for you is to opt for a guided tour. But if you’re an experienced driver, make sure you’re renting the safest possible vehicle – a 4WD drive is the way to go.
- Get a reliable rental: What I love about Blue Car Rental is that they make sure their vehicles are properly equipped for Iceland’s winters. All of their cars have studded tires, and they offer 24/7 roadside assistance in case you break down. As a local company, they TOTALLY understand the road and weather conditions and do everything they can to help keep you safe on the road.
💥 Book with Blue Car Rental using this 👉 and automatically get 5% off your rental price! VIP LINK.
Christmas in Iceland
We can’t mention Iceland in December and not mention Christmas! It’s a huge deal here and there are so many events and celebrations happening around this holiday.
Christmas Buffets
Something you might find very strange when you want to eat out in Iceland, is that there aren’t really buffets here.
All-you-can-eat buffets are huge in the U.S.
But in Iceland.. not so much. And for the life of me I can’t understand why, because Icelanders absolutely LOVE them!
Despite not being a regular thing year-round, Christmas buffets start around mid-November.
Everyone looks forward to them, so if you want to indulge, you need to book a table in advance… or be prepared to fight to the death for a table. 😂
The Yule Lads of Iceland
The 13 Yule Lads are like Santa’s mischievous Icelandic cousins, except they’re trolls, and each one has their very own distinctive personality. Throughout December you’ll see holograms of these trolls throughout Reykjavík. It’s a lot of fun for the kids to try and find them all.
In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, children leave a snack out every night with the anticipation that one of these trolls will visit them and leave a gift.
This is definitely a fun Christmas tradition for the whole family to enjoy.
➡️ READ MORE: The Yule Lads of Iceland & Grýla: 13 Quirky Christmas Trolls And A Witch
Christmas Markets in Iceland
You’ll find the locals set up shop in various towns and cities, including in and around Reykjavík. It’s the perfect place to buy local crafts, food and gifts for your friends back home!
Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður: It’s got everything you’d expect to find at a Christmas market: great food, music and dance performances, arts and crafts for sale, and even horse and carriage rides!
Take a look at what it’s like. 👇
Ingólfstorg Square Christmas Village & Ice skating rink: Expect local food vendors serving up delicious street food, Christmas stalls, and a cozy family-friendly atmosphere. You can rent skating equipment on-site or skate for free when you bring your own gear.
Hólmsheiði Forest: Here, you can chop down your very own Christmas tree in the forest. Once you’ve done that, you can reward yourself with a steaming cup of hot chocolate while keeping an eye out for the Yule Lads (apparently this is one of the spots they love to hang out!).
Want to learn more about Iceland’s holiday season? 👇
➡️ READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide To Christmas In Iceland
Festivals & Events
December is one festive month, so buckle up for a whirlwind of vibrant celebrations!
Lighting of the Advent candles: Families get together on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. They add a new candle to a wreath each symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love.
Live concerts and performances: Keeping with the holiday spirit, there are usually various live performances taking place, especially in Reykjavík.
New Year’s Eve: Reykjavík hosts an impressive fireworks display. Locals love to get together and light bonfires to ring in the new year. Check out what else New Year’s in Iceland has in store for you. 👇
➡️ READ MORE: The Best New Year’s Eve in Iceland: Events, Traditions, Fireworks & More
Things to Do in Iceland in December
If you’re worried that there won’t be enough things to do because it’s winter… don’t be! Whether you’re exploring on your own or choosing guided Iceland tours in December, there are a lot of incredible experiences to choose from. Here are a few suggestions of what to do in Iceland in December:
Visit the Waterfalls
It’s spectacular seeing Iceland’s frozen waterfalls this time of year. You do need to know which ones are accessible in winter, though.
Some of my favorite waterfalls to visit in December are Skogafoss, Kirkjufellsfoss and Seljalandsfoss, along with a few closer to Reykjavík on the Golden Circle route like Gullfoss, Öxarárfoss and Brúarfoss.
Pro tip: Please, please don’t forget to bring the proper gear. There’s a lot of spray at the waterfalls and crampons are a must-have item to prevent falling when you visit Iceland in December.
If you’d like to dig in and find out my top waterfalls across the country, this post is a must. 👇
➡️ READ: 21 Unforgettable Waterfalls in Iceland You Don’t Want to Miss
Soak in the Geothermal Spas, Hot Springs & Pools
One of the things you need to experience when you’re here is soaking in a hot spring surrounded by the icy winter scenery.
Yes, it’s as spectacular as it sounds!
I know a lot of you would like to check the Blue Lagoon off your bucket list and the good news is that it’s open year-round, even on Christmas day!
There are, however, a lot of underrated Blue Lagoon alternatives that are amazing and less busy.
Guðrúnarlaug and Seljavallalaug are a couple of free hot spring options, but remember you are out in the open in nature and exposed to the elements, so conditions can be unpredictable.
You can also visit a geothermal pool and still enjoy all the benefits of those naturally heated waters. 👇
➡️ READ: Top 12 Pools in Reykjavík You Need to Visit
Outdoor Skating
I’ve already mentioned the one in Ingólfstorg, but many of the towns take advantage of the cold weather and set up ice skating rinks.
Could it be any more postcard-perfect?
View Icebergs
This is the perfect time to visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and see icebergs floating in the water.
It’s easily accessible from Reykjavík by car and located in the southeastern part of Iceland, near Vatnajökull National Park.
Chasing the Northern Lights
After sightseeing during the light hours, you’ve got about 20 hours left to look for the aurora.
December is the darkest month in Iceland, so technically you should be able to see this incredible natural phenomenon if the weather conditions are good.
Winter Sports
If you like to stay active, there are many winter sports available, including snow tubing, and fat biking – where you rent a bike with thick tires and explore the snowy trails.
Bláfjöll is a mountain range located about 19 miles (30 km) from Reykjavík, and there they offer downhill skiing and snowboarding.
What to Wear in Iceland in December
Now is the time to invest in the proper outdoor gear and warm layers. December in Iceland is no joke, and trust me, a light jacket just won’t cut it.
Wondering what to wear in Iceland in December? Warm fleece layers are your friend and a waterproof jacket is non-negotiable. Pack good quality hiking boots and again, everything should be waterproof.
If you’d rather not look like a forgotten potato in the pantry, don’t forget to pack moisturizer. The cold air can really dry out your skin. You’ll thank me later.
That being said, add your swimsuit to your winter packing list if you plan on visiting the natural hot springs. Which, let’s be real, you are.
Pro tip: If there’s one thing you NEED to bring with you that could easily be overlooked, it’s crampons.
Not sure what they are? Imagine your boots wearing braces – that’s what crampons look like! They’ll help you grip the ice and avoid any slips or falls.
They could mean the difference between having a trip of a lifetime or quite literally breaking a bone or two.
There will be ice everywhere, whether you’re exploring the waterfalls or strolling along the sidewalks. They don’t always get to salting the ice, so come prepared.
Two of my favorite types of crampons are:
- The YakTrax type, where the coil stretches over your boot (these are perfect for walking around Reykjavík! )
- And the more heavy-duty hiking spike, which you can easily attach to your boot for winter sightseeing and hiking.
So, don’t leave home without them, kuh-peesh?!
If you want to avoid over or underpacking and make sure you’ve covered all the bases by downloading my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
It includes a simple layering cheat sheet, insider packing tips, and seasonal packing lists so you’ll know exactly what to bring for your trip to Iceland in December.
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide PDF below:
FAQs
Still have questions about what to expect in December? This might clear it up.
Can You See the Northern Lights in December in Iceland?
It’s definitely possible to see the Northern Lights in December thanks to the long hours of darkness.
That said, winter weather in Iceland in December can be stormy, which sometimes makes viewing conditions tricky. But if you get clear skies, you’ve got a chance of seeing them.
Can You Drive in Iceland in December?
Yes, it’s possible to drive in Iceland in December, but it can be very challenging if you’re not used to winter driving conditions. You’ll need to contend with strong winds, rain, snow, and icy roads.
Is It Too Dark in Iceland in December?
Iceland only gets between 4 and 5 hours of daylight in December. However, if you’re worried that you won’t be able to have any amazing experiences, that’s not the case at all!
There are a lot of things to see and experience over December, but you just have to make sure you plan your itinerary carefully.
Your Iceland in December Itinerary
Planning out a winter itinerary is going to need a very different approach than a summer one. Especially in a country like Iceland with such extreme weather conditions and limited daylight hours!
There are a lot of nuances to consider…
How long to stay at each site
Driving times
Unexpected weather changes. You name it.
So if you want to experience as much as you can, but don’t know if you’ll fit it all in, fear not! I’ve done all the work for you.
I’ve put together Winter Iceland Itineraries you can choose from that’ll make your trip a breeze. They’re your personal cheat sheet to experience all the awesomeness Iceland has to offer!
In the words of one traveler, Lauren:
“When you are juggling a family and an unknown country, having an itinerary and suggested route/sequence of activities is a lifesaver!”
I’ll show you which areas are accessible, where you can stay, how long to spend at the must-see attractions, and all the hidden gems and juicy insider tips that only the locals know.
If you’re traveling to Iceland in December you’ll want to check out these 👉 Winter Iceland Itineraries.
Cheers to frosty noses, cozy jackets, and experiences of a lifetime!
Happy Planning!
