Iceland is the land of fire and ice! I’m visiting Iceland in December. December is one of Iceland’s coldest and darkest months. Snow is piling up around the country, and the sun only makes an appearance in the sky for four to five hours a day. While Christmas and New Year events are the main draw of Iceland in December, there are many activities you should not overlook.

Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) stretches the whole island, connecting the capital to the towns and attractions of the south coast and more. Offering you the option to do day trips from Reykjavik itself! So whether you’re renting a car or want a guide to take you there, the short driving times mean you can see a lot in a few days.

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When you’re 100% prepared for your trip, check out these must do’s you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

But before you go, make sure to check out these tips and information!

Traveling in December

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when planning a trip to Iceland in December. You’ll want to keep an eye on the weather and pack plenty of warm clothes. As you schedule tours and sightseeing, remember that December is when the daylight hours are the shortest. But the most important thing to be aware of is driving in Iceland in December. The winter solstice also means you get the longest hours of nighttime throughout the year, which is perfect for northern lights hunting.

Driving in December

Renting a car or not? The most important thing to decide before arriving is whether or not you’ll rent a vehicle and drive yourself. Driving in Iceland during winter is only recommended for experienced and confident drivers as the roads are often icy. Therefore, if you plan on renting a car in Reykjavik, it’s highly recommended that you choose a rental car with four-wheel drive. If you want to drive out of the capital and into the country, it’s essential.

If you’ve never driven in snowy or icy conditions before or aren’t comfortable doing so, it may be worth skipping a rental car and instead taking tours around the country, letting more experienced drivers take the wheel. Hopping onto a tour is undoubtedly the easiest, safest, and most stress-free option. That’s what we did!

Weather in December

December is one of the coldest months of the year in Iceland. Iceland is also very windy during this month. However, the weather in Reykjavik in December is usually more temperate because of the shelter from the wind provided by the city’s buildings.

How cold is Iceland in December? In the winter, the temperature generally hovers around freezing— ranging between -1 C and 4 C. 

Snowfall is common in December. Make sure you have warm headwear and gloves, thermal undergarments, windproof and waterproof outer layers, and warm clothes in between. You’ll also need hiking boots if you’re planning to do some exploring/hiking.

While the rest of the country might be covered in snow, possibly, Reykjavik won’t be. The capital’s climate is warmer than the rest of the country, and it tends only to be covered in snow sporadically between January and April. Many streets in Reykjavik are heated underneath, melting the snow and preventing them from becoming icy and slippery.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik in December

Reykjavik is the top choice to enjoy the festivities in Iceland in December. The weather can affect the roads to North and East Iceland and the Westfjords, making the capital and South Iceland the two best options. We stayed in a cozy apartment in the center of Reykjavik! 

Are you planning to go to Iceland in December? Let me know if the guide was helpful for you!