December in Reykjavik: Climate & Travel
“A quiet, cold month. Beautiful for those who prefer it that way.”
Roughly 18 rainy days across the month, on average.
Across southwest Iceland, December in Reykjavik brings hard cold that shapes every hour, and the streets adjust their rhythm to match. Averages sit around 1.6°C (34.9°F) by day and -2.6°C (27.3°F) after dark, with rainfall near 135 mm across roughly 17.6 rainy days — a persistent presence that reshapes the pavements. Daylight runs about 0.7 hours per day, compact daylight that puts a premium on morning starts, and the season stamps its signature on details like the corrugated-iron cottages of the old harbour.
On the ground, cold shapes the timing. Time around Laugavegur shopping street shows best in mid-morning light before the chill deepens; warm interiors — cafés, museums, shops near Hallgrímskirkja hill — carry the middle of the day. Evenings run short outdoors and long indoors, which suits the local rhythm rather than fighting it.
Reading across 11 complete years (2015–2025), December in Reykjavik has trended less predictable in recent seasons, with the last few years pushing daytime highs and rainfall patterns modestly away from the older normals. The 2026 signal so far tracks the recent shape rather than the long-run midpoint — meaning what you see above is weighted to how this month has actually been running, not a smoothed 30-year picture that masks the shift.
For travellers planning around 2026, this profile is the honest baseline. Match the packing list to the numbers — not to the month name — and you avoid the classic mismatch of arriving with the wrong shell, the wrong shoes, or the wrong daylight assumptions. The rest of this page breaks down what to wear, what to do, and how the season tends to run for Reykjavik visitors in 2026.
Reykjavik has 130000 people and everyone knows everyone; ask about anyone and get their genealogy back to Ingolfur Arnarson. Skip the Blue Lagoon on airport days when everyone else goes; go to local pool Vesturbaejarlaug at 7am when Reykjavikings actually swim. Braud & Co on Frakkastigur has the cinnamon buns; skyr is not yogurt and hakarl fermented shark is a fear factor stunt, not food. The 66 North logo means real weather gear; Icewear is tourist.
What to pack for Reykjavik in December
With highs only near 1.6°C and lows around -2.6°C, cold-weather kit is non-negotiable, especially for long walking days. Waterproofing matters this month — expect meaningful rain and plan around it.
- an insulated waterproof parka
- thermals
- insulated waterproof boots
- insulated gloves
- a beanie
What to pack for Reykjavik in December
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Reykjavik
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Things worth doing
Best-fit activities include Blue Lagoon soaks, Golden Circle drives, northern-lights hunts, and harbour whale-watching — a mix suited to the month's daylight and weather pattern.
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Reykjavik in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Is December a good time to visit Reykjavik?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In December, Reykjavik averages a high of 2°C (35°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F), with 135mm of rainfall across roughly 18 rainy days. Late September Northern Lights season starts with 12-hour dark nights while last berries fill highland meadows and F-roads to Landmannalaugar still open.
Q02What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in December?
What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in December?
The average high temperature in Reykjavik during December is 2°C (35°F), with an average low of -3°C (27°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January -5C with 4 hours daylight; Blue Lagoon steams, Perlan planetarium fills, and puffin colonies gone but whale watching from Grundarfjordur peaks.
Q03How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in December?
How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in December?
Reykjavik averages approximately 18 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 135mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days. October-December rain sideways at 100kmh combined with dark; F-roads closed since September, and the Ring Road N1 sees whiteout closures weekly.
Q04What should I pack for Reykjavik in December?
What should I pack for Reykjavik in December?
For Reykjavik in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Wind-proof over-trousers and merino base layer: sideways rain penetrates any regular waterproof and cotton kills in Icelandic wind.
Q05How crowded is Reykjavik in December?
How crowded is Reykjavik in December?
Tourist crowds in Reykjavik during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Reykjavik has 130000 people and everyone knows everyone; ask about anyone and get their genealogy back to Ingolfur Arnarson. Skip the Blue Lagoon on airport days when everyone else goes; go to local pool Vesturbaejarlaug at 7am when Reykjavikings actually swim. Braud & Co on Frakkastigur has the cinnamon buns; skyr is not yogurt and hakarl fermented shark is a fear factor stunt, not food. The 66 North logo means real weather gear; Icewear is tourist.