Iceland in December
Shortest days — Christmas markets and 13 Yule Lads
December is off-peak in Iceland — fewer crowds and better prices, in exchange for less reliable weather than the July peak (49).
Iceland weather in December
December has the year's shortest days (4 hours of daylight at solstice, 0.7 actual sun hours). Reykjavík hosts Christmas markets and the famous 13 Yule Lads tradition runs through the month. Aurora chances are excellent when storms clear, but storms are common.
What to pack for Iceland in December
- Serious winter layers & an insulated coat
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layers
- A packable rain jacket or compact umbrella
What's on in December
- Christmas markets + 13 Yule Lads (Reykjavík (Ingólfstorg + Heiðmörk)) — Reykjavík's Christmas market runs from late November through Christmas Eve. The 13 Yule Lads (Iceland's mischievous Santa equivalents) visit one per night from December 12 — a beloved local tradition.
Is December the right month?
Iceland's best month is July (49); the toughest is March (9). For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for May (36). See the full month-by-month breakdown for Iceland.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Iceland?
December scores 18/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Tough". December is off-peak in Iceland — fewer crowds and better prices, in exchange for less reliable weather than the July peak (49).
How warm is Iceland in December?
Expect daytime highs around 2°C (36°F) and overnight lows near -3°C (27°F), with about 0.7 hours of sun a day.
Does it rain in Iceland in December?
December sees roughly 129mm of rain — moderate rainfall; a packable rain layer helps.
What should I pack for Iceland in December?
For December: serious winter layers & an insulated coat, hat, gloves and thermal base layers, a packable rain jacket or compact umbrella.