December transforms Iceland into a dramatic winter wonderland, with the country fully embracing its Nordic character. Temperatures across the island range from -1°C to 4°C along the coast, whilst inla...
Weather & Climate
December transforms Iceland into a dramatic winter wonderland, with the country fully embracing its Nordic character. Temperatures across the island range from -1°C to 4°C along the coast, whilst inland areas and higher elevations regularly drop to -5°C to -10°C. Reykjavík typically experiences daily highs of 2°C and lows around -2°C, though coastal winds can make it feel considerably colder.
The south coast, including popular destinations like Vík í Mýrdal and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, maintains slightly milder conditions due to maritime influence, with temperatures hovering between 0°C and 3°C. However, the north, particularly around Akureyri and Lake Mývatn, sees more severe conditions with temperatures frequently dropping below -5°C and substantial snowfall accumulation.
December brings approximately 76mm of precipitation to Reykjavík, with roughly 60% falling as snow. The Westfjords and northern regions receive significantly more snowfall, often creating impassable conditions on secondary roads. Wind speeds average 15-20 mph but can exceed 50 mph during storms, particularly along the south coast where the infamous Icelandic gales create challenging driving conditions between Selfoss and Höfn.
Daylight becomes increasingly precious as December progresses. The month begins with roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes of daylight, shrinking to just 4 hours and 7 minutes by the winter solstice on 21st December. This limited daylight window creates unique photographic opportunities but requires careful trip planning to maximise outdoor activities.
Daylight & Light Conditions
December's abbreviated daylight hours create one of Iceland's most distinctive seasonal experiences. On 1st December, sunrise occurs around 10:30 AM with sunset at approximately 3:50 PM. By month's end, these times shift to 11:22 AM and 3:29 PM respectively, creating the year's shortest day on 21st December.
However, these stark statistics don't account for the extended "blue hour" periods that photographers and nature enthusiasts cherish. Civil twilight extends the usable light by roughly 90 minutes on either side of sunrise and sunset, providing ethereal lighting conditions perfect for capturing Iceland's winter landscapes.
The aurora borealis reaches peak visibility during December's long nights. With darkness falling by 4:30 PM and lasting until after 10:00 AM, visitors enjoy nearly 18 hours of potential aurora viewing time. The combination of optimal darkness duration and Iceland's position beneath the aurora oval creates exceptional northern lights conditions, particularly between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM.
Cloud cover presents the primary challenge for aurora viewing, with December averaging 19 overcast days. However, Iceland's rapidly changing weather patterns mean conditions can shift dramatically within hours, creating sudden viewing opportunities even during seemingly unpromising forecasts.
What to Do in December
**Ice Cave Exploration at Vatnajökull National Park**
December marks the beginning of ice cave season, with crystal-clear formations accessible beneath Vatnajökull glacier. Tours departing from Jökulsárlón typically last 3-4 hours and require moderate fitness levels. The famous "Crystal Cave" near Breiðamerkurjökull offers stunning blue ice formations best photographed during midday hours when light penetrates the glacier.
**Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavík**
Multiple tour operators offer nightly aurora excursions, with departure times typically between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Popular viewing locations include Þingvellir National Park, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and areas around Selfoss. Tours lasting 3-4 hours provide the best chances of encountering clear skies and active aurora displays.
**Westman Islands Winter Wildlife Watching**
Ferry services from Landeyjahöfn continue operating in December, weather permitting. The islands' sheltered harbours attract wintering seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. Heimaey's dramatic sea cliffs and volcanic landscape create striking winter scenery, though visitors should expect rough sea crossings.
**Geysir and Gullfoss Winter Photography**
The Golden Circle remains accessible throughout December, with Geysir's thermal activity creating dramatic steam clouds in sub-zero temperatures. Gullfoss waterfall develops spectacular ice formations along its edges, though the main cascade continues flowing. Arrive during the brief midday light window (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM) for optimal photography conditions.
**Snæfellsnes Peninsula Winter Exploration**
Often called "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers accessible winter scenery including Kirkjufell mountain and Djúpalónssandur black sand beach. The coastal road (Route 54) typically remains open, though ice and wind create challenging conditions near Arnarstapi and Hellnar.
**Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Peninsula Thermal Pools**
Soaking in 38°C geothermal waters whilst surrounded by snow creates an quintessentially Icelandic experience. December's cold air temperatures enhance the steamy atmosphere, though wind chill can make entering and exiting pools particularly bracing. Book well in advance as December sees high demand for thermal pool experiences.
**Reykjavík Christmas Markets and Cultural Events**
Reykjavík transforms during December with Christmas markets at Ingólfstorg and Lækjargata. The annual Christmas concert at Harpa Concert Hall and various holiday exhibitions provide indoor cultural alternatives during the darkest days.
**South Coast Waterfall Tours to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss**
These iconic waterfalls develop stunning ice formations in December, with Seljalandsfoss creating natural ice sculptures behind its cascade. Road conditions on Route 1 typically remain manageable with proper vehicles, though visitors should expect icy paths and shortened daylight for exploration.
**Landmannalaugar Winter Access (Limited)**
Whilst the full highland route remains closed, winter super-jeep tours occasionally access the outer edges of Landmannalaugar, offering glimpses of snow-covered rhyolite mountains and frozen lakes. These specialist tours depart from Reykjavík and require full-day commitments.
F-Road & Highland Access
December marks the complete closure of Iceland's highland interior, with all F-roads officially inaccessible to regular traffic. The Highland roads typically close by mid-October and remain shut until late June or early July of the following year.
Specifically closed routes include:
- **Kjölur Route (F35)**: The mountain road connecting north and south via Hveravellir remains completely impassable
- **Sprengisandur Route (F26)**: This central highland crossing becomes buried under several metres of snow
- **Landmannalaugar Access (F208, F224, F225)**: All approach roads to this popular hiking destination close completely
- **Askja and Herðubreið Routes (F88, F910)**: The northeastern highland areas become entirely inaccessible
The only highland access during December comes through specialist super-jeep tours operated by experienced local guides. These modified vehicles can occasionally reach the edges of areas like Landmannalaugar or provide access to highland hunting lodges, but such trips require advance booking and depend heavily on weather conditions.
Even some coastal F-roads face seasonal restrictions. F570 to Þórsmörk closes at the river crossings, whilst F899 on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula may become temporarily impassable during severe weather.
Visitors should focus entirely on Ring Road (Route 1) destinations and accessible peninsulas during December, avoiding any temptation to attempt highland access without proper local guidance.
Aurora Forecast
December offers Iceland's finest aurora viewing conditions, with the combination of extended darkness and optimal magnetic positioning creating exceptional northern lights opportunities. The aurora season peaks during December and January when solar activity typically increases and viewing windows extend from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
**Prime Viewing Locations**:
**Þingvellir National Park** provides dark skies just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, with minimal light pollution and open horizons ideal for aurora photography. The historical significance adds cultural depth to the experience.
**Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon** offers dramatic foreground elements with icebergs silhouetted against aurora displays. The 4.5-hour drive from Reykjavík requires careful winter driving but rewards visitors with spectacular photographic opportunities.
**Grotta Lighthouse on Seltjarnarnes Peninsula** serves as Reykjavík's closest dark-sky location, accessible via city bus and offering northern horizon views across Faxaflói Bay.
December's aurora activity typically peaks between 22:00 and 02:00, with secondary activity windows around 19:00-20:00 and 04:00-06:00. The KP-index of 2-3 usually produces visible aurora in Iceland, whilst KP 4+ creates spectacular displays visible even through moderate light pollution.
Cloud cover remains the primary challenge, with approximately 60% of December nights experiencing partial or complete overcast conditions. However, Iceland's rapidly changing weather creates opportunities even during unpromising forecasts, with clear windows often developing suddenly.
Mobile apps including "Aurora Forecast" and the Icelandic Met Office provide real-time cloud cover predictions and aurora activity forecasts, essential tools for maximising viewing success.
What to Pack
December's harsh conditions demand comprehensive cold-weather preparation. Layering systems prove essential given Iceland's rapidly changing conditions and the transition between heated indoor spaces and sub-zero outdoor temperatures.
**Base Layers**: Merino wool thermal tops and bottoms provide moisture-wicking warmth. Pack at least three sets as laundry facilities may be limited during longer trips.
**Insulation**: Down or synthetic insulation jackets rated to -10°C minimum. Fleece mid-layers offer versatility for varying activity levels and temperature changes.
**Outer Shell**: Waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers rated for severe weather. Gore-Tex or equivalent materials essential given Iceland's combination of wind, precipitation, and temperature fluctuation.
**Footwear**: Insulated, waterproof boots rated to -20°C with aggressive tread for icy conditions. Microspikes or ice cleats provide additional traction for waterfall viewing and general outdoor exploration.
**Extremities**: Insulated, waterproof gloves plus liner gloves for photography. Warm hat covering ears, thermal socks (wool or synthetic), and neck gaiter or balaclava for wind protection.
**Technical Gear**: Headtorch with extra batteries (cold weather drastically reduces battery life), power bank for devices, waterproof camera protection, and tripod for aurora photography.
**Thermal Wear for Hot Springs**: Quick-dry swimming attire and flip-flops for geothermal pool visits. Pack towels as some locations charge
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