Stay in Reykjavik in December
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Reykjavik in December gets roughly 4 to 5 hours of functional daylight. The sun tends to rise around 11:20 and sink below the horizon before 15:30, leaving most of your waking hours in darkness or blue-grey twilight. This shapes everything about a December visit, from when you can photograph Faxaflói Bay to how much energy you have left by 17:00. Wind off the North Atlantic pushes the perceived temperature well below the thermometer reading, and some form of precipitation arrives on roughly every other day.
Reykjavik compensates with its richest cultural calendar of the year. The Jólabókaflóðið book exchange, the 13 Yule Lads of Icelandic folklore, and the community bonfire ritual on New Year's Eve all fall within the same 4-week stretch. The Grandi harbor district and the Miðborg core stay active through the holidays, with restaurants, galleries, and geothermal pools running extended evening hours. You might walk down Skólavörðustígur at 16:00 in full darkness and still find every shop open and warmly lit.
Reykjavik scores 9.3 out of 10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index), which matters in a month where you navigate dim streets from mid-afternoon onward. The compact 101 postcode keeps most sights within a 15-minute walk of each other. Mind you, this is not a cheap time to visit, and anyone hoping for extended outdoor daylight should consider June or July instead.
Why visit in December
- Northern Lights season at full intensity. December's 19-plus hours of darkness per day give the widest nightly viewing window, and Reykjavik's latitude at 64°N places you in the core of the auroral oval.
- Iceland's richest cultural month. The Jólabókaflóðið literary tradition, the 13 Yule Lads, Þorláksmessa, and the New Year's Eve bonfires all fall within a single 4-week stretch.
- Geothermal pool culture at its most rewarding. The thermal contrast between 40°C pool water and sub-zero December air transforms a simple swim into a sensory event the warmer months cannot replicate.
- Vatnajökull glacier's ice caves reach stable condition by December, with fewer visitors than the January and February rush. Formations hold their early-season shape before mid-winter temperature swings reshape them.
Worth knowing
- Daylight is severely limited, compressing outdoor sightseeing and photography into a narrow midday window that can feel over before it starts.
- Accommodation and tour prices sit well above Reykjavik's yearly average, driven by holiday demand and Northern Lights tourism.
- Wind chill is the real adversary, not the thermometer reading. The gap between air temperature and felt temperature can reach 10°C or more near the Faxaflói waterfront.
- Cloud cover exceeds 60% on average across December, meaning Northern Lights sightings are far from guaranteed despite the long dark hours.
Best for
Think twice if
December in Reykjavik sits at the freezing threshold, with the average daily high reaching 1.5°C (35°F) and the overnight low dropping to -2.9°C (27°F). Precipitation totals about 129mm across roughly 16 days, falling as rain near sea level or as wet snow when the temperature dips below zero. Humidity sits near 77%. Wind off Faxaflói Bay is the dominant weather force, with gusts regularly reaching 50-60 km/h (30-37 mph) and pushing the felt temperature to -10°C (14°F) or lower. Overcast skies cover Reykjavik on most December days, with perhaps 2 to 3 fully clear days across the entire month. Conditions can shift fast, and a walk along Sæbraut might begin in pale sunshine and end in sleet 30 minutes later.
Seasonal caution
- Wind chill regularly drops the perceived temperature to -10°C (14°F) or below, particularly along the Sæbraut coastal road and near the Old Harbor. Exposed skin can develop windburn within 15 minutes in strong gusts.
- Sidewalks and paths develop black ice after overnight freezing, especially on the hilly streets around Skólavörðustígur and the approach to Hallgrímskirkja. Attach-on ice grippers are sold at outdoor shops in Miðborg.
- Daylight is limited to a narrow midday band, and the sun stays so low on the horizon that driving visibility on excursion routes like the Ring Road can be poor even at noon.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 | -3 | 166 |
| Feb | 3 | -2 | 162 |
| Mar | 4 | -1 | 146 |
| Apr | 7 | 1 | 118 |
| May | 9 | 4 | 132 |
| Jun | 11 | 7 | 106 |
| Jul | 13 | 9 | 87 |
| Aug | 13 | 9 | 124 |
| Sep | 10 | 6 | 146 |
| Oct | 6 | 2 | 147 |
| Nov | 4 | 0 | 121 |
| Dec | 2 | -3 | 129 |
Holidays and festivals in December
Public holidays
- Christmas Eve(Aðfangadagur)24 December 2026
- Christmas Day(Jóladagur)25 December 2026
- St. Stephen's Day(Annar í jólum)26 December 2026
- New Year's Eve(Gamlársdagur)31 December 2026
Is Christmas season celebrated in Reykjavik?
27 November to 26 December 2026
Christmas season is an imported celebration in Reykjavik rather than a local tradition, and the city marks it visibly. Our catalog lists 9 bookable Christmas season activities around the date.
Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
3-Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik
- 3 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Iceland's Christmas Myths and Traditions - Reykjavík walking tour
- 1.5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Is New Year's Eve celebrated in Reykjavik?
31 December 2026
New Year's Eve is an imported celebration in Reykjavik rather than a local tradition, and the city marks it visibly. Our catalog lists 4 bookable New Year's Eve activities around the date.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise in Reykjavik
- 1.5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
New Year's Eve Reykjavík Cruise
- 2 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Bonfires and Fireworks New Years Eve Tour in Reykjavik
- 5 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Icelandic New Year's Eve Walking Tour
- 3 hr
- Free cancellation
- Easy pace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Headline events
Jólabókaflóðið (Christmas Book Flood)
Throughout December, peaking December 24
Iceland's literary Christmas tradition, rooted in World War II paper rationing when books were among the few non-rationed goods. The annual Bókatíðindi catalog arrives in every Icelandic household in November, and bookshops along Laugavegur see their highest foot traffic of the year in the weeks before the holiday. On December 24, families exchange books and spend the evening reading, often with hot chocolate. The tradition has gained international attention and reshaped December tourism in Reykjavik over the past decade.
Reykjavik New Year's Eve Bonfires and Fireworks
December 31
The capital's signature year-end celebration combines community bonfires at over a dozen locations with a citywide fireworks display funded entirely by private purchases from Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. The largest bonfire burns at Ægisíða beach in Vesturbær, drawing several thousand people from around 20:30. After the fires die down, residents return home for dinner and the traditional midnight countdown. By 23:30, the skyline fills with fireworks that continue for roughly 3 hours.
Best things to do in December
Northern Lights viewing from Grótta lighthouse
natureThe Grótta nature reserve at the tip of Seltjarnarnes, about 4 km west of downtown Reykjavik, offers low light pollution and an unobstructed northern horizon. On clear nights the aurora can appear as early as 18:00. The walk to the lighthouse follows a tidal causeway that floods at high tide, so check schedules at the reserve entrance before heading out.
December's 19-plus hours of darkness provide the widest nightly window for aurora visibility of any month.Booking tipNo booking needed for self-guided viewing. For guided bus tours, book 3 or more evenings with a company that offers free rebooking on cloudy nights.
Evening soak at Vesturbæjarlaug or Sundhöllin
wellnessVesturbæjarlaug in the Vesturbær neighborhood has multiple hot pots ranging from 38°C to 44°C, plus a cold plunge tub. Sundhöllin, Reykjavik's oldest public pool (dating to 1937), sits in the Hlíðar neighborhood and was recently renovated with a rooftop hot pot. The Icelandic custom is to shower thoroughly before entering and to keep conversation quiet in the hot pots.
December's sub-zero temperatures create the strongest thermal contrast with the pool water, and the sensation of snow falling on your face while you soak defines Icelandic winter.Booking tipNo booking required. Pools are least crowded on weekday mornings before 09:00. Bring your own towel to save on rental fees.
Vatnajökull glacier ice cave exploration
adventureNatural ice caves form inside Europe's largest glacier each winter as meltwater channels freeze. Guides lead small groups through chambers of blue and black ice, some large enough to match a cathedral in scale. The caves require a full-day excursion from Reykjavik (about 5 hours each way by road) or can be accessed from accommodation near Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon.
Ice caves are accessible from November through March only, and December tends to produce stable structures before mid-winter thaw-refreeze cycles reshape them.Booking tipBook at least 2 weeks ahead. December holiday demand fills most operators by early November.
Hallgrímskirkja tower visit at twilight
sightseeingThe observation deck of Hallgrímskirkja, the 74.5-meter church completed in 1986 on the hill above Miðborg, offers 360-degree views over Reykjavik. In December the brief twilight window between roughly 11:00 and 15:00 casts the surrounding mountains and Faxaflói Bay in a purple-orange glow that photographers prize.
December's low sun angle creates extended twilight colors absent in the brighter months, and the city lights below are visible even during the midday window.Booking tipThe tower is open daily, though hours vary around the holidays. Arrive by 10:30 to catch the full twilight transition.
Perlan museum and planetarium Northern Lights show
museumPerlan, the dome-shaped landmark built in 1991 atop Öskjuhlíð hill, houses a planetarium that projects real aurora footage onto its dome. The museum also contains a 100-meter indoor ice cave tunnel and a natural history exhibition. On clear December evenings the outdoor observation deck offers one of the better vantage points for spotting real aurora over the city.
The planetarium serves as a reliable backup when December clouds block the real aurora, and the indoor ice cave previews Vatnajökull without the 10-hour round trip.Booking tipBook the planetarium show online for a specific time slot. Weekend afternoons in December sell out.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula day trip in winter light
day tripThe Snæfellsnes Peninsula, about 2 hours north of Reykjavik on Route 54, features Kirkjufell mountain (Iceland's most photographed peak), Búðir church, and Djúpalónssandur black sand beach. In December the low sun paints the volcanic landscape in tones of pink, orange, and blue for hours, creating conditions landscape photographers wait all year for.
December's low sun never climbs more than a few degrees above the horizon, producing a golden-hour quality that lasts the entire brief daylight window.Booking tipSelf-drive requires a 4WD and winter tires. Route 54 conditions can deteriorate quickly, so guided tours eliminate the driving risk.
Laufabrauð (leaf bread) workshop
culturalSeveral Reykjavik cooking schools and cultural centers run hands-on sessions in December where visitors learn to cut intricate geometric patterns into thin dough rounds, then deep-fry them. The craft requires a sharp knife and a steady hand, and the tradition of preparing laufabrauð in groups is one of Iceland's most tactile December customs.
Laufabrauð is prepared exclusively in December as part of the Icelandic Christmas meal. Workshops run from late November through December 22.Booking tipSessions fill fast in the second and third weeks of December. Book early in the month for best availability.
What to eat in December
On menus now
Hangikjöt
Smoked lamb, Iceland's centerpiece Christmas protein. The meat is smoked over birch or dried sheep dung (a traditional Icelandic fuel), then served sliced cold on leaf bread or warm with béchamel sauce and green peas. Nearly every restaurant in Reykjavik adds hangikjöt to its December menu.
Skata (fermented skate)
Fermented skate fish served during Þorláksmessa. The ammonia smell can fill an entire city block, and opinions split sharply even among Icelanders. Restaurants in Miðborg serve it with melted tallow and boiled potatoes. Worth trying once if you can handle the scent.
Rjúpa (rock ptarmigan)
Wild Arctic game bird traditionally served at Icelandic Christmas dinner, often roasted with a berry and red wine sauce. The flavor is gamey, closer to grouse than chicken. Rjúpa appears on upscale Reykjavik restaurant menus primarily in November and December.
What to drink
Glögg
Nordic mulled wine served steaming hot with almonds, raisins, and warming spices like cardamom and clove. Available at Reykjavik cafes and restaurants throughout December, and from stalls at the Ingólfstorg Christmas market. A non-alcoholic version called jólaglögg appears at family gatherings.
Festival food
Laufabrauð (leaf bread)
Thin rounds of dough decorated with intricate geometric patterns, then deep-fried until crisp and golden. Icelandic families gather in early December to cut and fry these together, making it as much a social ritual as a food item. Served alongside the Christmas meal.
Jólakaka (Christmas cake)
A dense, lightly spiced Icelandic cake studded with raisins and candied citrus peel, baked across Reykjavik in December. Drier and less sweet than British fruitcake, typically served with a thick layer of butter.
Regular events in December
Þorláksmessa (St. Thorlak's Mass)Free
Iceland's patron saint day, celebrated on December 23 with the tradition of eating fermented skate. Shops across Reykjavik stay open late for last-minute Christmas shopping, and the sharp smell of skata drifts through Miðborg's streets.
December 23Jólasveinar (Yule Lads) arrival seasonFree
Iceland's 13 Yule Lads, mischievous figures from folklore, arrive one per day from December 12 through Christmas Eve. Children leave shoes on windowsills to receive small gifts or, for the misbehaved, a rotting potato.
December 12 through December 24Harpa Concert Hall December concert series
The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists perform Christmas and classical concerts at Harpa throughout December, including a traditional Christmas concert in the main Eldborg hall. The building's glass facade reflects the harbor lights after dark.
Various dates throughout DecemberJólamarkaðurinn at IngólfstorgFree
Reykjavik's main Christmas market occupies Ingólfstorg square in the heart of Miðborg, with stalls selling handmade crafts, Icelandic wool products, and seasonal food. Smaller than most European Christmas markets, but concentrated and local in character.
Late November through December 23Best places this December
Tjörnin (The Pond)
landmarkReykjavik's central lake, bordered by the National Gallery and Ráðhús (City Hall), often partially freezes in December. Local children skate on the ice when conditions allow, and the surrounding government buildings reflect in the still water on calm evenings. A geothermally heated section near City Hall stays liquid and attracts flocks of ducks and swans even in freezing weather.
MiðborgÞjóðminjasafn Íslands (National Museum of Iceland)
museumFounded in 1863, the National Museum houses Iceland's most comprehensive historical collection, from settlement-era Viking artifacts through 20th-century independence. A strong December retreat when weather shuts down outdoor plans, with enough depth to fill 3 to 4 hours.
Höfði
landmarkHöfði was built in 1909 as a French consulate residence on the northern shore east of Miðborg. The white house gained its place in history as the site of the October 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. Not open to the public inside, but the exterior is lit during December evenings, and the bay views from the surrounding lawn reward a 15-minute walk from the city center.
Grandi harbor district
neighborhoodThe former fishing-industry area west of the Old Harbor has become Reykjavik's creative quarter, with the Marshall House (home to the Living Art Museum), the Whales of Iceland exhibition, and restaurants lining Grandagarður street. In December the harbor lights reflect off the water, and the wind off the bay keeps tourist crowds thin compared to summer.
GrandiLaugardalur (Hot Spring Valley)
neighborhoodThe green valley east of central Reykjavik holds the city's largest thermal pool complex (Laugardalslaug), the botanical garden, and Laugardalsvöllur stadium. Laugardalslaug's outdoor pools stay at 29-42°C year-round, and the December steam rising off the water against dark skies gives the complex an otherworldly feel.
LaugardalurLandakotskirkja (Christ the King Cathedral)
churchIceland's Catholic cathedral, completed in 1929 on a hill in Vesturbær, hosts Advent and Christmas services in December with choral music that fills the neo-Gothic interior. Less visited than its famous Lutheran counterpart on the opposite hill, which makes for a quieter, more contemplative experience.
Vesturbær
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Insider tips
The Ægisíða bonfire on New Year's Eve draws several thousand people. Locals arrive by 20:00 to find a spot with a clear sightline toward the Reykjavik skyline for the midnight fireworks. Dress as though you will stand still in open wind for 90 minutes, because you will.
Kolaportið flea market in the harbor area opens weekends only, and December Saturdays bring locals selling handmade wool socks and lopapeysa sweaters at prices noticeably lower than the tourist shops along Laugavegur. Arrive before 11:00 for the best selection.
The Icelandic Met Office publishes an aurora forecast that updates every few hours, the same tool locals check before heading out. If Reykjavik is under cloud, a 20-30 minute drive toward the Reykjanes peninsula or north toward Þingvallavatn often finds clearer sky.
On Þorláksmessa the smell of fermented skate fills entire blocks in Miðborg. If you are curious, try it at a traditional restaurant rather than buying it to cook in your rental. The smell lingers in kitchens for days, and landlords know exactly what happened.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a single Northern Lights tour and expecting guaranteed results. December cloud cover in Reykjavik runs well above 60%, and many visitors leave disappointed after one attempt. Book 2 or 3 evenings with an operator that offers free rebooking, or rent a car and chase clear patches on your own.
- Planning a Golden Circle day tour without checking sunset time. The Gullfoss and Þingvellir route needs roughly 8 hours, but December daylight barely provides 5. Some operators run the circuit regardless, meaning you view Gullfoss waterfall and the Þingvellir rift valley in complete darkness.
- Failing to stock a rental kitchen before the holiday closures. Hotel guests have backup dining options, but apartment visitors who skip the grocery run find themselves with nothing open within walking distance on December 25.
Practical tips for December
Book Northern Lights and ice cave tours at least 2 weeks before your December arrival, as holiday demand fills popular operators by early November. Restaurant reservations for the Jólahlaðborð (Christmas buffet) season should be made by late November, particularly at popular spots like Grillið and Dill. December 24, 25, and 26 bring widespread closures. Grocery stores shut by midday on the 24th and stay closed through the 25th. Vínbúðin, the state alcohol store, closes entirely on the 25th and 26th. Strætó city buses run reduced schedules from December 23 through January 1. If you are driving outside Reykjavik, winter tires are mandatory from November 1, and highland F-roads remain closed until spring. Check real-time road conditions on the Icelandic Road Administration site before any excursion. Tipping is not customary in Iceland, as service is included in listed prices. Nearly every venue accepts cards, including taxis and hot dog stands, so carrying Icelandic króna in cash is rarely necessary.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Reykjavik?
December is a fair time to visit if you are drawn to Northern Lights, Icelandic Christmas traditions, and the atmospheric darkness of a subarctic winter. It is not ideal if you want outdoor adventure in daylight, budget-friendly travel, or mild weather. The cultural calendar is arguably Reykjavik's strongest of any month, but the trade-offs in daylight, cold, and cost are real. Travelers who commit to the indoor-outdoor rhythm of pool soaking, museum visits, and evening aurora hunts tend to enjoy it most.
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in December?
Cold, windy, and dark. Temperatures hover near the freezing point, and wind chill makes it feel considerably colder than the air reading suggests. Precipitation falls on roughly every other day, alternating between rain and wet snow. Expect overcast skies on most days, with weather that can shift from pale sun to sleet within an hour. Layering with windproof outer gear is essential.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik in December?
December offers the longest potential viewing window of any month because of the extended darkness. That said, persistent cloud cover over Reykjavik means clear nights are not the norm. Your best strategy is to plan multiple attempts across your visit rather than relying on a single evening tour. Flexibility to drive 20-30 minutes outside the city toward the Reykjanes peninsula improves your odds considerably.
Is Reykjavik crowded in December?
Moderately. December draws more tourists than the deep winter months of January and February, particularly around the Christmas and New Year's Eve period. Crowds are noticeably lighter than the June through August peak season. Popular restaurants and Northern Lights tours book up in advance, but sidewalks, museums, and geothermal pools feel manageable throughout the month.
What is there to do in Reykjavik on Christmas Day?
Very little operates on December 25. Most restaurants, shops, and attractions close, and the geothermal pools shut down for the day. Hotel dining rooms are typically the only reliable option for a meal. A walk through the quiet, lit streets of the 101 district has its own peaceful appeal, but plan your food situation before the holiday starts.
Things to Do in Reykjavik in December
Free cancellation Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
City tour: 3 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater
Day trip: 11 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 6.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Golden Circle with Kerid Volcanic Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik
Day trip: 8.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation South Coast Day Tour Black Sand Beach & Waterfalls from Reykjavik
Day trip: 10 hours, free cancellation.
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