Traveling to Iceland in December will make you feel like you’ve stumbled into one of the classic Hallmark Christmas movies. The snow lies thick, and the wind might just blow you into the arms of the person of your dreams. The chances of this happening increase dramatically if you bring that person yourself.
This time of year, the country allows you to do way more than just sit in a cabin with a warm cup of chocolate. It’s full of exciting activities and cultural happenings, just waiting for you to discover them. Read on to find out why you should visit Iceland in December.
Is December a Good Time to Go to Iceland?
Even though summer in Iceland is a great way to experience the country, December is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit.
Pros
- Visiting Iceland in December means getting a front-row seat to our breathtaking winter wonderland, and all the festive season lights and decorations will get you in the Christmas spirit very quickly.
- Our festive season definitely sees an increase in visitors. However, it’s still not as much as during our summer peak season, which makes booking accommodation, transport, etc., as well as visiting local attractions much easier.
- You also won’t see the hefty price tags all across the island like you would during the summer season (but still keep in mind that businesses will take advantage of the festive season just like anywhere else in the world).
- The weather conditions and the few daylight hours make it the perfect time to go Northern Light hunting.
- Visiting Iceland in winter also allows you to participate in a few much-loved seasonal activities, such as ice cave exploring and skiing.
Cons
- Whenever the scales have drastically tipped in favor of the Northern Lights, you know you won’t be able to experience another natural phenomenon the island is famous for: the Midnight Sun.
- With snow, ice, and extreme winds, driving in Iceland in the winter can be extremely challenging, especially for nervous drivers and those who don’t have these types of winter conditions back home.
- Road-tripping can also be challenging during the winter season. The weather can cause sudden road closures, and certain roads, especially our F-roads, are closed throughout the colder months of the year, especially impacting exploring regions such as the Westfjords and the Highlands.
- Visiting Iceland during the winter is not conducive to seeing our wildlife. Although you’ll still be able to spot a few birds and perhaps see our shy Arctic Fox, our whale season will’ve passed, during which migratory whale species come to visit the island. You also won’t get to see any of the Iceland Puffins that call the island home from May to August.
Weather in Iceland in December
Below, you will find a detailed outline of the weather in Iceland in December:
Temperatures in Iceland in December
Even though the name might allude to something like an arctic tundra, Iceland in December is not as cold as one might think. The temperature will often stay above the -5°C mark and usually be around 0°C. Due to the sheltering the buildings create, the cities and towns may also feel slightly warmer than they actually are. So, don’t be surprised when you think it’s somehow warmer in Reykjavik in December than in the rest of the country.
Wind Speeds in Iceland in December
The thing that might get you in Iceland in December would be the harsh winds (which can blow at 35+ kilometers an hour mid-winter!). Since the island is in the middle of the North Atlantic, the weather is going to come in harsh against the coastlines. This means that even though the air temperature in the air might be around 0°C, the wind will make it feel a lot colder.
Rainfall in Iceland in December
Even though the temperature tends to be low in Iceland in December, you might still encounter some rainfall from time to time. On average, you can expect around 100mm of rain throughout the month, making it one of the wetter months of the year.
But there’s also another rainy culprit you’ll need to contend with. An unholy mix of snow and rain is the winter equivalent of hail: sleet. These are small ice pellets that get hurled to the ground and often become a slippery layer wherever they stack up. It’s best to drive a little slower and walk with caution when you see the sleet coming down.
Snowfall in Iceland in December
Whenever it isn’t raining, it’s snowing in Iceland in December. You can expect up to 500mm of snow on average in the country during the month, so make sure to dress accordingly.
Daylight Hours in Iceland in December
The Midnight Sun is a popular thing for visitors to experience in Iceland, which is only possible in the summertime when the tilt of Earth allows the sun to be spotted around the clock. In the wintertime, this has the opposite effect.
This means that there is a period in Iceland when the sun is barely visible, making it seem like the night keeps going. You will have between 4-5 hours of daylight in the wintertime, as the sun tends to rise around 11 am and set around 3:30 pm.
What to Pack and Wear When Visiting Iceland in December
There is a saying that has been adopted by all Nordic countries: “Clothes after weather”. It means that you should dress for the weather. Here are the top 6 items to pack and wear when visiting Iceland in December:
- Warm and waterproof shoes. These boots better be made for walking in the Icelandic winter, otherwise, you will quickly find out how cold a pair of toes can be.
- A wind- and waterproof jacket and pants. This is priority number two, as you don’t want to become wet in the Icelandic winter winds.
- A cap that keeps your head warm (and hopefully dry) is also essential.
- Warm gloves for those times you have to do anything outside. Keeping those hands from shivering is vital in any outdoor adventure, even if the adventure is pumping petrol along Ring Road 1.
- That one warm scarf that will keep your neck and chin warm while you watch the Northern Lights in Iceland.
- Lip balm and something to moisturize your face with. You’d be surprised at how dry it is in Iceland in December.
Best Things to Do in Iceland in December
Just because there is a lack of sunlight in Iceland in December doesn’t mean there is a lack of cool things to do. Here are some suggestions for what to do in Iceland in December:
Catch the Northern Lights
A must-do on any winter holiday in Iceland is going to be to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Spending a night away from civilization to admire a cosmic display of lights is going to set this holiday apart from the others. The Iceland weather in December is often perfect for this activity. If you’re not too sure how or where to spot these lights, we recommend booking a spot on a Northern Lights tour.
Soak in Our Hot Springs
You haven’t felt relaxation until you’ve been soaking in a hot spring in the Icelandic winter. The cold around your ears, as your body keeps warm, is an indescribable feeling that simply must be experienced. Regardless of whether the wind howls or if the weather is still and peaceful, soaking in one of the Icelandic hot springs is going to be an unforgettable experience.
Go Ice Cave Exploring
If you want to experience the “ice” part of Iceland, nothing beats traveling into the ice itself. There are plenty of ice caves in Iceland, and new ones are forming each winter in the massive Icelandic glaciers.
Visit Our Interesting Museums
The Icelandic museums are sure sources of entertainment, unique to each location. These are excellently paired with a Ring Road 1 road trip. Here are some museums with themes you won’t find anywhere else:
- Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery in Hólmavík – This Museum celebrating Iceland’s magical past can be found in the remote region of the Westfjords.
- Viking World in Reykjanesbaer – For everything Viking.
- Phallic Museum in Reykjavik – The most extensive phallic collection in the world.
- Whale Museum in Húsavík – All about the whales around Iceland.
- Saga Museum in Reykjavik – Dive into Icelandic culture and Icelandic Sagas.
- Perlan Museum in Reykjavik – Tops the list of things to do in Reykjavik in December if you want to experience the Icelandic outdoors without actually going outdoors.
Go On Road Trips
Even though driving in the wind might not sound like the ideal road trip, doing so around Iceland in the winter can create memories of a lifetime. The main roads and routes, such as the Ring Road and the Golden Circle in Iceland, are paved and often well-maintained despite the harsh weather. Plus, it’s a good time of the year to take your time and enjoy the empty roads in an otherworldly landscape.
Explore a Glacier
You can explore our impressive glaciers such as Vatnajökull (which is the largest in Europe) in a variety of exciting ways. Hike across the icy surfaces, ride in a Super Jeep, or snowmobile your way across the ice. Just remember that this will require booking a spot on a tour due to safety concerns.
Ski Down an Icelandic Mountain
The mountains are not only pretty in pictures, but they are also excellent for skiing in Iceland. Iceland has plenty of well-kept ski slopes to enjoy in wintertime, and most of them will have equipment to hire, so you won’t need to schlepp your skis on the plane.
Check Out Our Crystal Waterfalls
In the winter, many waterfalls in Iceland partially (or completely) freeze, adding to their normally stunning looks. You will be able to see the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, frozen like crystal. Many of them are located close to Ring Road, making it easy for you to visit without having to go too far from the main road.
Super Jeep Tour
The F-roads in the Icelandic Highlands are off-limits for normal 4x4 vehicles. However, they are open for the super jeep tours you can take to the many different spots in the Icelandic wilderness. So, with a road trip in the Highlands being pretty much out of the question, Super Jeep tours have come to save the day.
Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure
If getting on the roads in the icy winter sounds like a bad idea, then a dip in water straight from a glacier might sound like complete madness. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed. In Iceland in December, you can enjoy the feeling of snorkeling in the crevasse that splits the American and Eurasian tectonic plates. In other words, you can literally lie suspended between two continents. The tour guides provide all you need to thrive and survive snorkeling the Silfra.
Go Horseback Riding
The open Icelandic landscape and rugged terrain of Iceland must be experienced from horseback at some point. This is how the Vikings traveled the country, and the harsh conditions of Iceland in December add to the feeling of being a hardened Viking on a mission. The fact that you’ll be riding on the island’s own breed of horse, the Icelandic Horse, simply adds to the local flavor of the activity.
Icelandic Festivals and Events in December
Iceland in December mainly revolves around Christmas, but that isn’t where the fun stops. Add the following festivals and events to your social calendar while in Iceland in December:
The Winter Solstice
A tradition older than the nation itself is the winter solstice. This is when the Nordic people celebrate that they’ve made it halfway through the winter and the warmer months are coming.
This is celebrated around the 21st of December, making it a perfect addition to the Christmas celebration. If you are far enough north, you won’t see the sun at all this day, but that will require you to go north of Akureyri.
Christmas Holiday
Being a Christian country, Iceland celebrates Christmas at the end of December. Here, the celebration is often enjoyed a little extra, since Icelanders love festivities.
In Iceland, Christmas is celebrated with lights all over the place, and competitions are held to determine who has the best outdoor Christmas decorations. On top of that, there is mandatory chocolate and cookies on Christmas Eve while reading a book since it’s customary for everyone to get a book or something similar in modern times.
New Year’s Eve
Iceland is a great place to ring in the New Year. You will find plenty of celebrations and impressive firework displays all across the island where you can join in on the fun.
Saint Þorlákur’s Day
Iceland has a patron saint named Þorlákur (eng. Thorlak), who died on December 23rd, 1193. Even though he is a Catholic saint, Thorlak’s mass is celebrated all over Iceland, which is a primarily protestant country and is now incorporated into the traditional celebration of Christmas.
On December 23rd, people traditionally eat buried and fermented Skate fish. It is not for those with a sensitive nose or stomach, but any foreigner who dares eat the ammonia-smelling dish will likely be respected and remembered by any nearby Icelanders.
Driving in Iceland in December
When you embark on your trips around the island, it’s important to drive safely in Iceland and keep the following in mind:
- Keep your itinerary flexible so things don’t get completely derailed due to sudden road closures and also take special note of the roads that are closed annually when creating your road trip and trip itinerary in the first place.
- Have a chat with your rental agent about your planned routes since they will not only be able to give you a few helpful insider tips but will also be able to tell you which car would be most suitable and which rental car insurance coverage you will need.
- Ensure you have all the basics for driving in Iceland in the wintertime. These include things such as snow tires, ice scrapers, etc.
- Your ultimate road trip planning tool will be the National Road and Coastal Administration website. Check and double-check when planning your next leg.
Come and Experience Iceland in December: A Wonderful Winter Wonderland
Iceland in December is well worth a visit, and now you know precisely why. Even though the weather is tough, and the sun is often absent, the people are warm, and the activities are plenty, and you’ll be in the midst of the most beautiful winter wonderland setting. One of the best ways of experiencing this country is to be at the helm of your own adventure. So, once you’ve arrived here on the island, make sure to rent a motorhome in Iceland and start exploring!
