When to visit Iceland
Iceland in December
Short winter days within northern lights and natural ice cave season.
At a glance
Temperature
High 3.3 °C, low -1.6 °C, mean 0.8 °C
Precipitation
94.9 mm across 14.6 rainy days
Sunshine
12.6 sunshine hours
Mid-month daylight
4h 13m, sunrise 11:16, sunset 15:29
These figures are Reykjavík normals for 1991-2020, sourced from Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa Íslands). North, East and highland areas run colder than Reykjavík. Iceland remains on GMT and UTC throughout the year without daylight saving.
What it is like
December falls within the peak northern lights period and the natural ice cave season. The main year-round touring regions remain accessible.
- Northern lights are typically visible when conditions are clear and dark.
- Natural ice caves are typically in season.
- Golden Circle, South Coast and Reykjavík tours operate year-round.
- Whale watching runs year-round from Reykjavík.
What to do
These tour hubs match activities and regions that operate or are typically accessible during December.
Planning notes
Pack insulated, waterproof layers with warm accessories, and footwear with grip for icy ground. Use the Iceland packing list for a structured checklist.
Check other dates and locations with the Iceland daylight tool.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the weather like in Iceland in December?
- Reykjavík has a normal high of 3.3 °C, a mean of 0.8 °C and a normal low of -1.6 °C. Normal precipitation is 94.9 mm.
- How much daylight does Iceland have in December?
- Around the middle of December, Reykjavík has 4h 13m of daylight. Sunrise is 11:16 and sunset is 15:29.
- Can northern lights be seen in Iceland in December?
- December falls within the period when northern lights are typically visible. Clear, dark conditions are required.