Weather
Though the weather is milder than most people expect, December is one of the coldest months of the year. Temperatures range between 27°F (-3°C) and 36°F (2°C); however, without windproof outerwear, this will feel significantly colder. If you're visiting southern and western Iceland (around Reykjavík), the warm waters of the Gulf Stream create a milder and rainier climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude. Because of this, temperatures on the west tend to be less cold during the winter months. In any case, be prepared for sudden fluctuations between sunshine and rain, wind and snow.
Being so close to the Arctic Circle, it's important to note that daylight hours are significantly reduced, about five hours at the start of the month and four toward the end. If you head north to Westfjords or Akureyri, there's as little as two or none as the sun is blocked by the mountains. It won't be completely dark outside of the daylight hours as snow reflects the light, and dawn and dusk last longer as well.
Crowds & Costs
December has few visitors, especially at the beginning of the month, one-third the number of visitors as the peak summer season. You'll get to experience both cities and nature with few crowds and tourists. The days leading up to Christmas and New Year's, however, turn into a busy period in Iceland when prices for hotels and flights tend to spike, and booking in advance as well as making restaurant reservations ahead of time is a must.
Where to Go
Even though daylight is limited, there's no place that should be off your agenda in December. Reykjavík is a great place to start your holiday, with its trendy restaurants, boutique shopping, and festive Advent and Christmas decorations, concerts, and celebrations. Other towns across the island known for winter culture include Hafnarfjörður, northern Iceland's capital, Akureyri, with easy access to mountains for winter sports, and Ísafjörður in the country's northwest.
With the surge in winter tourism, Christmas markets are becoming ever popular in Iceland, particularly in Reykjavík. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and ice skate on Ingólfstorg, go on a horse carriage ride with a hot beverage in hand at the Hafnarfjörður market, immerse yourself in a wintry wonderland at the Heiðmörk nature reserve, and to really understand how Icelanders traditionally celebrate Christmas, visit the Árbær Open Air Museum.
If you came for the ice and snow, head east to Jökulsárlón, the glacier lagoon, west to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, north to Akureyri for pretty views of snow-laden mountains, Lake Mývatn, and a host of concentrated sights and activities: volcanoes, geothermal hot springs, caves, and lava fields.
Due to Iceland's winter conditions and mountainous terrain, getting around this time of year will likely involve a mix of short flights, 4WD rentals, and/or Super Jeep transfers and excursions.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Due to Iceland's northern latitude, winter days are short and winter nights are very long, making this a great month to check out the northern lights. Hire a 4WD vehicle to seek them out or opt to join a northern lights hunt tour. Aurora borealis enthusiasts may wish to catch a quick flight to Akureyri and continue on to Grímsey, an island that partially resides inside the Arctic Circle (and your best bet to see this dancing light phenomenon). For further tips on how to increase your chances, read this article.
With few foreign tourists, popular attractions during peak season, especially along the southern and western coasts, offer a more intimate experience. Rent a car if you're comfortable driving in wintry conditions, or join a tour and check out the popular Golden Circle route that consists of Þingvellir National Park, the lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss—Europe's second most powerful waterfall. Head farther east to Jökulsárlón lagoon to admire the many icebergs before strapping on crampons to do a little guided ice-caving—December offering the most stable conditions for caving.
City centers, particularly Reykjavík, will be busy with Christmas season activity: Icelanders flock to admire and participate in the festive concerts, celebrations, and Christmas markets. Toward the end of the month, consider making your way to Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church in Reykjavík, for one of the best spots to witness the colorful spectacle of fireworks as you ring in the New Year.
For more ideas on what to do in the winter, check out this article.
Events in December
Christmas, Nationwide. Iceland only gets about four hours of daylight around Christmas, so the streets of towns and villages flicker with candle lights and the glow of the northern lights. For 13 nights leading up to Christmas, children leave a shoe out at night and wake up to find small presents left by the Yule Lads or Jólasveinarnir, Iceland's version of Santa Claus. Many shops are closed from December 24 to December 27, when people celebrate together with friends and family.
Heiðmörk Christmas Market, Reykjavik. Just outside of the capital, this sprawling festive market begins at the end of November and runs until Christmas. It features seasonal music, Icelandic traditions, and Yule-related readings and stories for added entertainment.
Yule Lad's Bath, Mývatn. A fun event that sees the 13 Yule Lads take their annual bath in northern Iceland's Mývatn Nature Baths. Come for the show, stay for the homemade goods and crafts.
Jólakötturinn (Yule Cat). According to old Icelandic folklore, every Icelander must receive new clothes before Christmas Eve. Those who did not receive new clothes would be preyed upon by the large and vicious Yule Cat, who lurks around in the snow on Christmas Eve. The threat originated from farmers who wanted to incentivize workers to finish processing wool before Christmas. Those who finished were rewarded with new clothes; those who did not were eaten by the Yule Cat.
New Year's Eve, Nationwide. As there are no limitations on how many fireworks you can purchase, and no rules on when and where you can fire them over New Year's, expect a lively and massive party, climaxing around midnight and continuing into the early hours of the morning.
Traveling to Iceland in December? Check out these great itineraries
Iceland Winter Holiday: In the Footsteps of Vikings - 7 Days. This seven-day road trip in Iceland is as much a journey through Viking history as a sightseeing tour of incredible natural wonders. Not only will you see highlight waterfalls, beaches, and geothermal sites, but you'll also visit museums and historic locales like the home of Leif Erikson. As a bonus, you'll do some whale watching and take a photo tour to see the northern lights.
Active Iceland Winter Road Trip - 10 Days. Grab the car keys and hit the asphalt on an epic 10-day road trip adventure through the winter wilds of Iceland. During this journey, you'll enjoy major highlights, from natural hot springs like the Blue Lagoon to volcanic beaches and thundering waterfalls. But it's not all a scenic drive—you'll also embark on glacier hikes, snowshoeing adventures, whale watching, tours to spot the northern lights, and more.
More Helpful Information
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