Iceland in December
Weather, Northern Lights odds, and what's actually worth planning around this month, pulled from the same sourced data used across this site's other timing tools.
| Average high | Average low | Daylight | Northern Lights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–37°F (2–3°C) | 28–30°F (−2–−1°C) | ~4–5 hrs | Yes |
Same sourced figures as Iceland Weather by Month and Northern Lights Viewing Odds by Month. Rates last reviewed: August 20, 2026.
What's worth planning around in December
- The Yule Lads, Iceland's thirteen mischievous Santa-like figures, begin arriving one by one starting December 12th, a beloved local tradition for families.
- The darkest month of the year, with only about 4 to 5 hours of daylight, making it the single best month for long aurora-viewing windows if skies cooperate.
- New Year's Eve is a genuine spectacle: bonfires across the country followed by one of the world's largest per-capita fireworks displays, largely community-run rather than a municipal show.
- Þorláksmessa, on December 23rd, is marked by eating fermented skate, an acquired-taste tradition ahead of Christmas Eve, the country's main event, the following night.
Packing for December
Winter layering matters most this month: waterproof, genuinely warm outer layers, not just water-resistant ones. See Iceland Packing Regrets for what real travelers wish they'd packed.
Sources
- Weather and daylight figures: same source set as Iceland Weather by Month
- Northern Lights viewing status: same source set as Northern Lights Viewing Odds by Month
- F-road status: same source set as Iceland F-Roads Explained
- Guide to Iceland, "The Top 30 Festivals in Iceland", July 2026
- What's On in Reykjavík, "Music Festivals in Iceland 2026: The Full Calendar"
- Rick Steves' Europe, "Holidays and Festivals in Iceland 2026–2027"
- Guide to Iceland, "The Old Icelandic Calendar: Months, Seasons, and Traditions", July 2026
- Iceland Review, "The Icelandic Culture: An Insight into Holidays and Customs"
- Lava Car Rental, "Top 13 Annual Icelandic Traditions and 2026 Dates", January 2026
- What's On in Reykjavík, "An Introduction to Iceland's Customs and Traditions"
- Wikipedia, "First day of summer (Iceland)" (2026 date confirmation)
- Icerental4x4, "Iceland Festivals and Events" 2026 guide (Laugavegur Ultra Marathon)
- What's On in Reykjavík, "Guide to Verslunarmannahelgi and Þjóðhátíð 2026" (Goslok)
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Iceland in December?
Daytime highs in December typically run 35–37°F (2–3°C), with overnight lows around 28–30°F (−2–−1°C). You'll get roughly ~4–5 hrs of daylight. Bring layers either way, since Icelandic weather has a well-earned reputation for changing its mind within hours.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland in December?
Yes. Darkest month, ~4–5 hrs daylight. Real darkness is necessary but not sufficient, a clear sky and active solar conditions on the night itself still matter just as much.