It is hard to say one month is better than another for visiting Iceland, but December is exceptional. We have the Northern Lights, ideal wintry landscapes, and 13 Yule Lads to celebrate Christmas! Whether you venture out around the island or explore in and around Reykjavik, you’ll find plenty to do every day you stay in Iceland.

Your Friend in Reykjavik is ready to share our favorite local spots and some shopping (and maybe Santa) secrets with you. Here are some highlights to entice you to plan your trip to Iceland, with perhaps a day or two with us in Reykjavik!

Weather in Iceland in December

December in Iceland is a genuinely wintry month. The weather usually hovers between 28°F to 39°F (-2°C to 4°C). And you should expect snow or rain. Reykjavik tends to get less snow than other parts of the country, but this doesn’t mean we don’t see any blizzards. We are used to this brisk weather, but you may need to pack a few extra layers. Or pick up some cold-weather gear while shopping!

No matter the season in Iceland, we always recommend people layer up when sightseeing. Removing clothes if you’re warm is easier than adding layers if you’re cold and don’t have them! We recommend you either bring or buy thermal underwear, woollen socks, an extra sweater, a scarf, a hat and gloves. Don’t forget a warm winter coat and sturdy shoes. The Arctic wind can be brutal, and the roads can be icy!

Are Storms Likely?

It is Iceland, so there is always a possibility of storms. Even in the summer months. But storms are not more likely in December than in November, for example. We recommend you check the official website of the Icelandic Met Office regularly and see if they have weather warnings (shown in the upper right corner). If you are going out of the city, we highly recommend you check out trafficinfo.is. You will see which roads are open and which are not. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration operate the website. You can also check out live feeds from various places around the country from the website to see road conditions.

However, and we can’t emphasize this enough, if there is a weather warning in place and people are asked to stay inside or at least not to travel, listen. Icelanders do not issue weather warnings lightly.

We also recommend you download the Safe Travel app from ICE-SAR.



How Short are the Days in Iceland in December?

During December, the days in Iceland are extremely short. In fact, the shortest day of winter, Winter Solstice, is December 21st, at about 4 hours. Sunrise happens closer to what you’d typically consider lunchtime. Sunset seems to follow quickly after at about 4 pm. You can still pack many things to do during that daylight time. And we’re used to the long nights, so join us on a Reykjavik walking tour and pick up some tips for the rest of your visit to Iceland!

The nights are long in December but full of fun and friends if you visit Reykjavik! However, twilight also lasts longer here than in many other places due to Iceland’s placement on the Earth. So even if the sunrise is after 11 a.m., it has begun getting a little bit brighter an hour or two before.

Ice skating in Ingólfstorg Square

Enjoy the Northern Light Long during December in Iceland

One superb sight when visiting Iceland in December is the Northern Lights. With almost 20 hours of darkness, you will probably experience the full spectrum of the Aurora Borealis in all its out-of-this-world glory. Even the mild light pollution from Reykjavik and the surrounding populated areas do not match Nature’s light show during this time of year. Don’t forget your camera to capture this unique phenomenon.

Even if you catch the Northern Lights outdoors, we still recommend you check out Aurora Reykjavik – the Northern Lights center and the Northern Lights Planetarium show in Perlan.

Christmas in Iceland is Like No Other

When visiting Iceland in December, there’s an excellent chance you’ll encounter one of the Yule Lads. These are our Santas – 13 brothers who take turns every night before Christmas to visit little boys and girls. Nice children get sweets. Naughty kiddies get a rotten potato! Then there is Grýla and Leppalúði, their parents – naughty children might be captured by them, but they have mellowed a lot in recent years. The Yule Cat is formidable, so you better get new clothes before Christmas. Otherwise, it will eat you! Talking about cats, our tour Reykjavik CatWalk is a tour feline friends shouldn’t miss. You will learn everything about all the famous Reykjavik cats and the Yule Cat!

Reykjavik Christmas Walk

Of course, Your Friend in Reykjavik offers a Christmas Walking Tour. We will walk you through Reykjavik’s festive streets, explore Icelandic Christmas traditions, and discover characters from Icelandic winter folklore.

Learn more about the 13 Yule lads and their family. We will even visit the large Yule Cat, which waits patiently on Lækjartorg for people to devour. This all sounds very scary and possibly something that should be in a Halloween walking tour, but don’t worry. Our guides will ensure the tour’s content is appropriate for the group in attendance.

Additionally, we will taste some delicious food and drink Icelanders consider a vital part of Christmas. Yummy.

We recommend you check out the Christmas Walking tour if you want to visit some of the city’s hidden gems, which visitors often overlook! However, if you will not be in Iceland in December, check out the Christmas in Iceland live stream scheduled on December 10.

And if you find yourself in northern Iceland, visit Myvatn Nature Baths and watch these unruly brothers take their annual baths before their holiday frolics. If you’re in that part of the country, the Christmas House in Akureyri is also worth a visit.

Shop the Christmas Markets in Reykjavik

Christmas markets are more than just shopping spots in Reykjavik. They are social and entertainment centers for visitors and locals to enjoy. And you don’t have to go far to find yuletide fun when visiting Iceland in December. Hjartatorg between Hverfisgata and Laugavegur changes into a Christmas Market wonderland every weekend in December before Christmas. Ingólfstorg Square goes fully festive every weekend until Christmas. Or head inland to the Christmas Market at Elliðavatnsbær in Heiðmörk. For a whole Christmas experience, just 20 minutes south of Reykjavik is Hafnarfjörður, which transforms into a traditional Christmas village, complete with horse-drawn carriages and the chance to catch a glimpse of an elf or two!

Don’t leave out the Christmas Village in Hafnarfjorður when visiting Iceland in December! Photo: Christmas Village

Top things to do in Reykjavik in December

Just because there’s not a lot of daylight doesn’t mean there’s not much to do in Reykjavik in December. In addition to the Christmas markets, you can take to the ice with some skating in Ingólfstorg Square. Or watch the animals enjoy their sunlamps at the zoo. If the weather is getting a little too cold for you, go indoors and explore our best museums. One way to do that is to buy the Reykjavik City Card, which gives you access to many of the city’s museums, art galleries, and swimming pools, as well as discounts at many other places. You can choose between 24-, 36-, or 72-hour cards. It is highly recommended.

National Museum of Iceland
The National Museum of Iceland

Want to relax with some local comfort food and a pint or two? We are more than happy to share our culinary scene with you on our Reykjavik food tour. You may even be tempted to try some fermented shark. Or maybe just our famous hot dogs.

Places to Visit Across Iceland in December

Visiting Iceland in December offers winter wonders of all kinds. If you’re into UNESCO World Heritage sites, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, just east of Reykjavik, is stunning for photo ops. But you can hike and even go horseback riding. Weather conditions permitting, of course. For a warmer feel, the hot springs at Krýsuvík also provide an enchanting panorama with the many colors that paint the surrounding hills. You can also visit Kleifarvatn Lake and try to spy on Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness Monster.

Þinvellir National Park

Getting Around Iceland and Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. But if you want to rest those feet, we’ve got taxi and bus services available across the city. Access to the bus service is also included in the Reykjavik City Card. And if you’re going to explore more than the capital, our public transport is reliable and reaches most regions. You can rent a car here for those who like more freedom to take to the road. However, you should check the weather and road conditions before heading out. And remember, you have limited daylight hours, so you should be comfortable driving in the dark if you’re going to rent a car while visiting Iceland in December.

What to Pack for a December trip to Iceland?

It is winter, so make sure you have enough warm clothes packed. As stated before, we are big fans of layering. That way, you are comfortable whether you’re outdoors or inside. Hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and pants should be included if you plan any outdoor activities. If you’re not used to long nights and short days, you may want to consider sleep aids to get you sleeping at the proper time. And maybe an extra alarm to help you keep your body clock regular.

Your Friend in Reykjavik Welcomes You to Walk Our Winter Wonderland!

You can join all our walking tours in December, but we have a selection available over the holiest days (December 24-26).

Traveling to Iceland in winter is a spectacular experience. Your Friend in Reykjavik invites you to join in the fun during this most festive time of year! Chase the Yule Lads around the island, then see the holiday antics in full gear in Reykjavik. Make the most of your visit with one of our many walking tours, or give yourself a holiday treat with the specialized service on our Reykjavik private tours. Not sure which is best? Contact us today! We’ll be happy to make suggestions so that you have the best time visiting our winter wonderland!

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