Reykjavik Weather in December

December weather

December feels cold, damp and often grey in Reykjavik. The high is 1°C and the low is -2°C, with rain on 20 days. You'll get only 3.6 hours of daylight, and sunshine is scarce. Streets can be slick, so a long walk may feel tiring rather than scenic.

Keep outdoor plans close to town, and leave room to duck inside. The National Museum of Iceland and the pools at Laugardalslaug work well when the weather turns. Avoid counting on clear views from Hallgrimskirkja's tower, or planning a long hike in the short daylight.

Christmas in the city

Reykjavik gets festive with Christmas lights, seasonal events and the Yule Lads, the mischievous figures from Icelandic folklore. On Christmas Eve, many locals gather for a meal and quiet time with family, so some shops and restaurants may close or change hours.

New Year's Eve brings neighbourhood bonfires and fireworks. It's a lively night, but the fireworks can make central streets loud and busy. If you hate crowds, enjoy the lights before the holiday rush and save a cosy evening for a local swimming pool.

Crowds and practical tips

December is quieter and often cheaper than July, Reykjavik's best-weather month, outside the Christmas and New Year period. Holiday dates bring more visitors, and flights or rooms can cost more then. The weather is wetter than November, and January is wetter still, so expect frequent indoor breaks.

For a useful warm-up, visit Perlan's indoor exhibits on Öskjuhlíð hill. You can learn about Iceland's glaciers and ice caves without relying on a clear day. Travelling with kids? The short daylight makes a relaxed museum visit easier than trying to fit in a full day outdoors.