Iceland in December: Weather, Tips & Hot Springs

Although most people think that Iceland’s weather in December is unimaginably cold, the fact is that while temperatures in the country are indeed quite low, it is not necessarily colder than some other north European capitals. That being said, days are really short — the average length of a day is between four and five hours. As far as Iceland’s temperature in December is concerned, the average low temperature is -2°C, while the average high is approximately 4°C. No matter when you come to Iceland in December, you are almost certainly going to experience snowfall, rain, or sleet.

For more detailed information on Iceland’s seasonal variations, make sure to check our travel guide on the best time to visit the country.

An Iceland trip in December is bound to be a new experience. A visit outside of the tourist season means more opportunities to interact with locals and visit places that would normally be very packed during peak season. Here are the top reasons why you should consider a trip to Iceland in December.

• Off-season rates: It is possible to get some exciting discounts on hotels and other services in Iceland in December since this is off-season.
• Fewer crowds: The number of tourists visiting Iceland annually surpasses the country’s population, leading to crowded highlights during the peak season. However, since December is a low tourist season, you can have museums, waterfalls, glaciers, and auroras all for yourself.
• Northern Lights: December is one of those months when the famous Northern Lights are visible in the night sky above Iceland’s Arctic wilderness. The auroras are best seen in the countryside, away from Reykjavik and other major cities.
• Cool capital: The festive season breathes life into Reykjavik in December. Indulge in some high-quality Christmas shopping (especially in cutting-edge jewelry, fashion, and design), participate in new year celebrations with locals, and have fun on ice-skating rinks that are open to the public. Soak up the capital’s arts and crafts scene and go bar hopping in the city. Reykjavik has a vibrant nightlife even on the coldest days.
• Warm swim: Visiting a few of the local hot springs in major cities like Reykjavik gives you the chance to experience the convenience of geothermal energy. It is almost criminal to not take a dip in these hot springs during Iceland’s freezing winter.
• Museum time: You always have an option to enter museums if you start shivering outside. Iceland’s excellent museums, like the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum, make for a great escape from the cold.
• Great outdoors: From glacier hiking to whale-watching, there are some cool things to do in the great outdoors in Iceland in December.

The season of festivals in Iceland — called ‘Jólin’ — starts in November and continues through December and January. Be part of Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Reykjavík as you explore its local markets decorated with colorful lights and mingle with the locals.

Drive out of the city to capture surreal views of the Northern Lights dancing in the midnight sky and visit the famous glacial volcano of Eyjafjallajökull. Be amazed by the sheer scale and majesty of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Seljalandsfoss, one of the most famous natural landmarks in the country, looks stunning at this time of year, with blankets of snow all around and water turned into icicles. Discover the world inside a glacier as you explore the icy tunnels of Langjökull. You can even ride a snowmobile over the glacier surface if you wish to.

Since this is the off-season, you have all the landmarks along Iceland’s Golden Circle to yourself. A trip to Thingvellir National Park is a must not just for the fans of the hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ (parts of this series were filmed here) but also for those into history, as it was in this location that the world’s first democratic parliament met. Dyrholaey, a dramatic cliff located on the southernmost point of the country, is yet another destination that could be part of your itinerary. Although you cannot spot whales, puffins, and seals from Dyrholaey in winter, the expansive views will surely steal your heart. Lastly, do not forget to take a dip in the warm, healing waters of the Blue Lagoon before it is time to head home.

For more ideas on the length of your stay and the activities to take part in, make sure to check out our travel guides on how long to stay in Iceland and things to do in Iceland. 

Since you will encounter sub-zero temperatures in Iceland in December, make sure that you carry warm jackets along with sweaters and mufflers with you. A pair of sturdy snow boots are a must for outdoor activities along with a waterproof winter jacket. We recommend at least a week in the country if you want to witness all the must-see highlights in the country. However, if you have fewer days on your hands, spending at least 3 days in Iceland would give you a satisfying glimpse of those highlights.

Despite the cold weather and short days, you can squeeze in a lot of exciting activities during your Iceland tour in December. Get in touch with our travel experts in the country to help you craft the perfect tailor-made itinerary for Greece.

Make sure to check out our tours to Iceland in January to plan your trip right away!

Our related travel guide articles:

Iceland in November

Iceland in January