Reykjavik in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Reykjavik

2°C (37°F) High Temp

-2°C (29°F) Low Temp

94mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Prime Northern Lights season - December offers 19+ hours of darkness daily with optimal aurora viewing conditions between 7pm-3am when skies clear
Authentic winter atmosphere transforms the city into a Nordic wonderland with Christmas markets, ice sculptures, and locals embracing hygge culture in cozy cafés
Tourist numbers drop 40% compared to summer, meaning shorter lines at Blue Lagoon, easier restaurant reservations, and more authentic local interactions
Christmas and New Year celebrations are legendary - Reykjavik becomes Iceland's party capital with massive fireworks displays and unique traditions like the Christmas Book Flood

Considerations

Extreme darkness with only 4-5 hours of weak daylight (11am-4pm) can trigger seasonal depression and severely limits outdoor photography opportunities
Weather is genuinely harsh with frequent storms, icy sidewalks, and wind chills that make -2°C feel like -10°C (-2°C feels like 14°F)
Many highland tours and remote attractions are completely inaccessible due to road closures - you'll miss major waterfalls and glacier access points

Best Activities in December

Northern Lights Tours

December is peak aurora season with 19+ hours of darkness and frequent geomagnetic activity. Clear nights offer spectacular displays, and tour operators have 85% success rates this month. The long darkness window means flexible timing - tours run 7pm-3am when weather permits.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead to allow for weather flexibility. Tours typically cost 8,000-15,000 ISK ($60-110) and include pickup. Look for operators offering free rebooking if clouds block views. Reference booking widget for current availability.

Golden Circle Winter Tours

Iceland's classic route is magical in December with frozen waterfalls, snow-covered geysers, and icy Þingvellir. The 300km (186-mile) circuit is accessible year-round, and winter conditions create dramatic photography opportunities during the brief 4-hour daylight window.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours run 9am-5pm to maximize daylight, costing 12,000-20,000 ISK ($90-150). Choose tours with Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir included. Super jeep options handle icy roads better than standard buses.

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

Swimming in 38-40°C (100-104°F) milky blue water while snow falls around you is surreal. December crowds are 40% lighter than summer, and the contrast between hot springs and freezing air creates an unforgettable experience. Steam rises dramatically in cold air.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead even in winter. Comfort packages start at 7,900 ISK ($60), Premium at 9,900 ISK ($75). Early morning or late afternoon slots offer better aurora chances afterward. 40-minute drive from Reykjavik.

Ice Cave Explorations

Crystal blue glacier caves are only accessible in winter when they freeze solid. December conditions are perfect for Vatnajökull ice caves - stable, safe, and impressively blue. These natural formations change yearly, making each visit unique.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours from Reykjavik cost 25,000-35,000 ISK ($185-260) including transport and gear. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as group sizes are limited to 12-15 people. Tours include crampons and helmets. Jökulsárlón combination trips offer better value.

Reykjavik Food and Culture Walking Tours

December is perfect for indoor cultural experiences when outdoor activities are limited. Local Christmas traditions include fermented shark, rúgbrauð (rye bread), and seasonal brennivín tastings. Walking tours cover 1.5km (1 mile) through heated venues.

Booking Tip: 3-hour tours cost 8,000-12,000 ISK ($60-90) including 4-6 food stops. Afternoon tours (2-5pm) work best with December's limited daylight. Look for tours including traditional Christmas foods and local breweries.

South Coast Waterfalls and Black Beach Tours

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are spectacular when partially frozen, and Reynisfjara black sand beach is dramatic in winter storms. The 230km (143-mile) route offers incredible contrast between ice formations and volcanic landscapes.

Booking Tip: Day tours run 9am-6pm costing 15,000-22,000 ISK ($110-165). Winter weather can be extreme - choose operators with emergency equipment and experienced guides. Waterfall access may be limited due to ice, but views are still impressive.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Late December

Reykjavik Christmas Markets

Multiple markets throughout December selling traditional Icelandic crafts, lopapeysa sweaters, and seasonal foods. The main market at Ingólfstorg runs weekends with local artisans and hot chocolate stands.

December 31st

New Year's Eve Fireworks

Reykjavik has one of the world's most spectacular New Year celebrations with residents spending over $2 million on fireworks. The entire city lights up simultaneously at midnight - watch from Perlan or Hallgrímskirkja for best views.

Throughout December

Jólabókaflóð (Christmas Book Flood)

Unique Icelandic tradition where books are given as Christmas gifts and read on Christmas Eve with hot chocolate. Bookstores stay open late in December, and you can participate by buying Icelandic literature or translations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof, insulated boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - Reykjavik sidewalks are frequently icy and puddles freeze overnight

Layering system: merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell jacket - temperatures swing from indoor heating to outdoor wind chills

Waterproof gloves and hat - even 5 minutes outdoors without protection causes numbness in December wind

Sunglasses for snow glare during the brief daylight hours - fresh snow reflects intensely even in weak winter sun

Hand/foot warmers for Northern Lights tours - standing still for 2+ hours in sub-zero temperatures requires extra heat sources

Headlamp or small flashlight - useful for 7pm-11am darkness when walking anywhere outside tourist areas

Thick wool socks (2-3 pairs) - essential for staying warm in any footwear, and extras for wet conditions

Waterproof phone case - December's frequent sleet and snow can damage electronics during outdoor activities

Portable charger - phone batteries drain 50% faster in cold temperatures, crucial for photos and navigation

Lip balm and moisturizer - indoor heating combined with cold wind creates severe skin dryness within 24 hours

Insider Knowledge

Download the Aurora app by Vedur.is - it provides real-time aurora forecasts and cloud cover data used by locals, more accurate than tourist apps

Shop for groceries at Bónus (pink pig logo) rather than tourist-facing stores - prices are 30-40% lower for the Easttimor products, crucial for expensive Reykjavik

Many locals take vitamin D supplements in December due to minimal sunlight - consider bringing some as Icelandic pharmacies charge premium prices

Book restaurant dinners for 5:30-6:30pm rather than 8pm+ - you'll get better service before the evening rush and can still catch Northern Lights tours after

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming you can drive the Ring Road in rental cars - many sections close due to ice, and regular cars can't handle December conditions safely

Planning outdoor activities during the 4pm-7pm window when most tours actually run - December daylight is 11am-4pm, then total darkness

Underestimating how expensive food is - restaurant meals cost $25-40 per person minimum, bringing snacks from home saves hundreds of dollars