Month guide · Reykjavík · Iceland
Reykjavík in December
What December is really like in Reykjavík: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 3°C (37°F), lows of -2°C (28°F), about 15 rainy days and roughly 4.2 hours of daylight. The darkest month, lit by Christmas decorations; New Year's Eve brings neighbourhood bonfires and huge private fireworks displays.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 3°C (37°F) / -2°C (28°F)
- Rainy days
- About 15
- Daylight
- About 4.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 6°C (43°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Reykjavík: days average 3°C (37°F) against a yearly average high of 8°C (46°F), and nights fall to about -2°C (28°F). Rain falls on roughly 15 of its 31 days. Compared with November (4°C (39°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 3°C (37°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 11:17
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 15:30
- Daylight
- About 4.2 hours
- Sea
- 6°C (43°F)
Winter (November–March). Short days, snow, ice caves on organised tours and the best northern lights season; storms can close roads and cancel tours at short notice.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in June). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in December
- The 13 Yule Lads arrive one by one (from 12 December)
- New Year's Eve bonfires and fireworks (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Vesturbær
National Museum of Iceland
The permanent exhibition 'Making of a Nation' runs from the Viking-age settlement to the present day, with carved church doors, drinking horns, early Christian artefacts and everyday objects that show how Icelanders survived on a remote island.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Öskjuhlíð
Perlan
Use it as a rainy-day substitute for glacier and aurora experiences, especially with children.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Views
- Nature
Experience · Laugardalur
Laugardalslaug geothermal pool
Reykjavík's largest public pool has a 50-metre outdoor pool, a row of hot tubs at different temperatures, a steam bath, a cold tub and a water slide, all heated by geothermal water.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Active
Gallery · Downtown (101 Reykjavík)
Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Check whether your ticket covers all three sites and visit Kjarvalsstaðir in Klambratún park the same day.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 3°C, lows near -2°C and 15 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Reykjavík?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with 2 notable events on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, June–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Reykjavík in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Reykjavík?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. The darkest month, lit by Christmas decorations; New Year's Eve brings neighbourhood bonfires and huge private fireworks displays.
+How warm is Reykjavík in December?
Average highs are around 3°C (37°F) and lows around -2°C (28°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in December?
Expect rain on about 15 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.