If you’re visiting Reykjavik during Christmas, you’re stepping straight into the heart of winter. The city feels festive but the weather? It can be all over the place. Expect average temperatures near freezing, usually between about -1°C and 4°C (30°F to 39°F), with plenty of snow or rain adding to the holiday mood.
The days are short, the nights are long, and that makes the city glow with holiday lights. When the skies clear, the Northern Lights sometimes show up and steal the show.
You’ll notice daylight barely sticks around—just a few hours, with the sun dragging itself up late and dropping out by mid-afternoon. This rhythm shapes your plans, sure, but it also makes the evenings feel even more alive. Christmas markets, bonfires, and cozy gatherings take over once darkness falls.
Weather in Reykjavik can turn on a dime. One minute it’s calm and snowy, the next a storm blows in with wild winds. If you know what to expect, you’ll be ready for both the magic and the messiness of Icelandic winter travel.
Typical Weather Conditions in Reykjavik During Christmas
Christmas in Reykjavik? It’s cold, wet, and windy. You’ll get a mix of snow, rain, sleet, and barely any daylight.
Temperature Ranges and Daily Averages
In December, Reykjavik’s daily temperatures usually stick between -2°C (28°F) at night and 4°C (39°F) in the day. The average hovers right around freezing, so things get icy fast.
You won’t see wild swings in temperature here. The Atlantic Ocean keeps things a bit steadier than Iceland’s interior. Still, the wind and dampness can make it feel a lot colder than the numbers suggest.
Daylight is scarce—just 4–5 hours around Christmas. Temperatures don’t really climb much, even in the afternoon. If you’re heading outside, expect it to feel chilly all day.
Precipitation: Rain, Snow, and Sleet
December in Reykjavik brings a messy mix—rain, snow, and sleet are all on the table. On average, you’ll see about 35–40 mm (1.3–1.6 in) of precipitation spread over many days.
Snow falls often but doesn’t always pile up. You might get 60 mm (2.4 in) of snow in December, but thaws and rain can wipe out the snow cover pretty quickly. So, city streets are often wet or slushy, not blanketed in deep snow.
Rain shows up a lot, especially when warmer Atlantic air sweeps in. Sidewalks get slippery, clothes get soaked, and the weather can flip in just a few hours. Waterproof layers and sturdy shoes? Absolutely necessary if you’re spending Christmas here.
Wind Patterns and Storms
Wind is a big deal in Iceland in December. Reykjavik gets strong gusts that can make walking a struggle and visibility drop fast when it’s snowing or sleeting.
Average wind speeds aren’t too bad, but storms can crank gusts up to 15–20 m/s (34–45 mph). Atlantic low-pressure systems race through, and the weather can flip from calm to wild in a few hours.
Steady breezes stick around even on quieter days. Combine that with freezing temps, and the wind chill is no joke. Wear layers and pick windproof outerwear if you want to stay comfortable exploring Reykjavik at Christmas.
Daylight Hours and Seasonal Changes
By late December, Reykjavik barely sees the sun. The days are short, the sun stays low, and twilight feels extra long.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Around Christmas, the sun doesn’t bother rising until about 11:20 AM, and it’s gone again by 3:30 PM. That gives you just 4 hours of direct daylight. The times shift a little depending on the day, but not by much.
In summer, daylight almost never ends, so this is a pretty wild contrast. If you need sunlight for sightseeing or driving, you’ve got to fit it into a narrow window.
Here’s a quick look at average times:
| Date Range | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Dec | ~10:45 AM | ~3:45 PM | 5 hrs |
| Mid Dec | ~11:15 AM | ~3:30 PM | 4 hrs 15 min |
| Late Dec | ~11:20 AM | ~3:35 PM | 4 hrs 15 min |
Reykjavik ranks as one of Europe’s darkest capitals in December.
Impact of Winter Solstice
The winter solstice—usually around December 21—brings the shortest day of the year. Reykjavik drops to just over 4 hours of daylight.
Go farther north and you’ll see even less, with the sun barely dragging itself above the horizon. This low point in the season shapes both the weather and daily life.
With so little sunlight, it feels colder, even if the thermometer says it’s near freezing. Overcast skies and strong winds can make it seem even darker.
For visitors, expect most outdoor time to happen in dim light. The upside? The long nights boost your odds of catching the Northern Lights if the sky is clear.
Civil Twilight and Usable Light
Daylight might be short, but civil twilight stretches usable light for about 90 minutes before sunrise and after sunset. The sky stays bright enough for walking, sightseeing, or snapping photos—no full darkness just yet.
In Reykjavik, this means you actually get closer to 6–7 hours of workable light during Christmas. The sun never climbs high, so the light stays soft and kind of magical for photographers.
Still, if you’re heading out of town, bring a headlamp or flashlight. Rural roads and trails don’t have streetlights. Twilight helps, but it’s not enough for safe driving on icy roads without headlights.
This longer twilight gives you a bit more flexibility, making Iceland’s short December days feel a little less limiting.
Weather Variability and Regional Differences
December in Iceland means short days, frequent snowfall, and a messy mix of rain and sleet. But honestly, it depends a lot on where you are. The ocean, elevation, and wind exposure all change the experience from place to place.
Coastal Versus Inland Conditions
Reykjavik sits right on the coast, so the ocean keeps things a bit milder than inland. In December, you’ll usually see highs around 1–2°C (34–36°F) and lows near -2°C (28°F). Snow falls, but rain or sleet can melt it fast, leaving streets more wet than white.
Wind is a big factor too. Along the coast, strong gusts can make it feel colder than what the numbers say. Inland valleys tend to be quieter but colder—without the ocean’s influence, nights get chillier and snow sticks around longer.
If you stay in Reykjavik, expect the weather to flip between snow, rain, and icy sidewalks. Head an hour inland, and you’ll find steadier winter conditions and deeper snow. That matters if you’re chasing classic winter scenery or want to try cross-country skiing.
Weather in Other Parts of Iceland
Outside Reykjavik, December weather changes fast. The north and northeast are colder and snowier, with average highs below freezing. Snow cover sticks around, and rural roads can get icy or blocked. These areas see less daylight too, making travel a bit tougher.
The south coast is wetter. Warm Atlantic air brings more rain mixed with snow, and storms can hit harder here than in Reykjavik. The east fjords get heavy snow sometimes, but rain can show up too, depending on the wind.
In the central highlands, things get extreme. Temperatures stay well below freezing, snow piles up, and most roads are closed. This area is basically off-limits in December unless you’re on a special tour.
Bottom line: December in Iceland isn’t the same everywhere. Each region has its own mix of snow, rain, and wind. Your experience depends on where you go.
How Weather Affects Holiday Activities
Cold, short days and lots of snow or rain shape your plans in Reykjavik at Christmas. The weather can be a hassle, but it also sets the scene for some pretty unique winter activities.
Outdoor Winter Experiences
Reykjavik’s average December temperature is about -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). Snow and ice show up often, and the wind, especially by the water, can really cut through.
Take Northern Lights tours for example. You need clear skies, so storms or clouds might cancel your plans. The long nights are perfect for aurora hunting, but with only 4 to 5 hours of daylight, sightseeing is a bit rushed.
Slippery sidewalks and icy roads mean you should wear waterproof boots with good grip. Microspikes help with icy patches. If you drive, go for a 4WD vehicle—roads outside the city can close quickly when storms hit.
Still, the weather brings some real perks. Ice caving, glacier hiking, and soaking in geothermal pools are all at their best in winter. There’s something special about hot springs in freezing air.
Festive Events and Celebrations
Reykjavik’s holiday events go on, no matter how cold it gets. The city lights up, and Christmas markets stay open, but you’ll want to bundle up—temperatures usually drop below freezing once the sun sets.
Wind and snow can make browsing outdoors less fun, so plan for quick trips between indoor stops. Locals love Christmas buffets, concerts, and traditional foods, so you’ll have plenty of chances to warm up inside.
On December 23rd, people serve fermented skate (Skata)—the smell is legendary and honestly, part of the fun. For New Year’s Eve, the weather rarely stops the party, but if it’s really windy, you might not want to stay outside long for the fireworks.
The darkness and cold make these traditions feel even cozier, but you’ll need to dress smart—layers, gloves, and hand warmers will keep you comfortable while you soak up Reykjavik’s holiday spirit.
Travel Preparation for December Weather
You’ll need to pack for cold, short days and weather that can change in a blink. Staying warm, safe, and flexible makes December in Reykjavik a lot more enjoyable.
Essential Clothing and Packing Tips
Daytime temperatures in Reykjavik hover around 2°C, with lows near -1°C. Wind and dampness can make it feel colder, so pack for both freezing and almost-freezing weather. Snow and rain are common, and storms can roll in fast.
Wear layers so you can adjust easily. A good setup looks like this:
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings (wool or synthetic)
- Mid layer: fleece or wool sweater
- Outer layer: waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
Bring waterproof boots with solid traction—sidewalks get icy. Warm socks, insulated gloves, and a hat that covers your ears are must-haves. A scarf or neck gaiter helps block the wind.
Pack indoor shoes or slippers for hotels and guesthouses, since you’ll leave wet boots at the door. Toss a small backpack in with extra gloves, socks, and maybe a thermos for hot drinks if you’re planning to be outside for a while.
Driving and Road Conditions
December roads in Iceland? They can get icy, snowy, and downright windy. Even around Reykjavik, the weather seems to flip a switch without warning. Rural areas? Yeah, they’re even tougher to handle.
You’ll only get about 4 to 5 hours of decent daylight near the solstice, so plan ahead. That short window can make a big difference.
If you’re thinking about renting a car, go for one with winter tires—and honestly, four-wheel drive helps a lot. Check the official road condition website before you hit the road, since some routes close suddenly.
Try not to drive during storms. Winter winds here have pushed vehicles off the road before, and that’s not something you want to experience. If the wind howls, just wait it out.
Bring an emergency kit with a flashlight, a blanket, and some snacks. Don’t let your fuel tank drop below half, especially since gas stations get pretty sparse once you leave the city.
In Reykjavik, public transport or a guided tour usually makes more sense if you’re not used to winter roads. It’s just safer, honestly.
Summary: What to Expect from Reykjavik’s December Climate
December in Reykjavik? Well, you’ll definitely feel the cold, and daylight is in short supply. Most days, the highs barely reach 1°C (34°F), and at night, temperatures usually drop to around -2°C (28°F). Honestly, it’s the coldest month you’ll get in the city.
Daylight is almost a rumor this time of year. At the start of December, you get just a bit over 4 hours of light, and by the solstice, it’s down to about 4 hours 20 minutes. Sun doesn’t show up until late morning, then it’s gone by mid-afternoon.
You’ll notice precipitation pretty often. December usually brings rain, snow, or sleet on 10–15 days out of the month. On average, about 61 mm (2.4 in) of snow falls, though coastal spots might get more rain than snow.
Humidity stays high, hovering around 80%. The wind can cut right through you, so it feels colder than the thermometer says. Sea temperatures sit at 6–7°C (43–45°F), which really isn’t safe for swimming unless you’ve got some serious protective gear.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Condition | Typical Range/Value |
|---|---|
| High Temperature | 1°C / 34°F |
| Low Temperature | -2°C / 28°F |
| Daylight Hours | ~4 hours |
| Snowfall | ~61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Rainfall | ~35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Humidity | ~81% |
If you’re heading outside, watch out for icy roads and slippery sidewalks. Sometimes, visibility just drops without warning.
Honestly, warm clothes, sturdy boots, and layers are your best friends if you want to enjoy the outdoors here in December.