Iceland in December

Darkest month, Christmas lights and fireworks; storms can close roads for days.

• Reykjavík and the south-west · Reykjavík, Golden Circle, Reykjanesstorm or typhoon risk

  Mild and windy: around 0 °C in January, 12–14 °C in July. About 21 h of daylight in June, 4–5 h in late December.

• South coast · Vík, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlónstorm or typhoon risk

  The wettest and windiest lowland; sandstorms and high winds close Route 1 in places. Ice caves open roughly November–March with guides.

• North and east · Akureyri, Mývatn, Húsavík, East Fjordscool

  Colder, drier and often sunnier than the south; more snow in winter, warmer summer days.

• Highlands · Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk, Askja, Kjölurcool

  F-roads open roughly late June to early September, dates set each year — check umferdin.is. Snow possible any month.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Christmas and New Year big impact

  24–26 Dec, 31 Dec – 1 Jan

  Shops and restaurants close from mid-afternoon on the 24th and 31st; huge private fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Crowds · Iceland

Medium

Prices · Iceland

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
• A spare day in the plan: storms can cancel flights and ferries

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Better another month

• Reykjavík and the south-west

  Mild and windy: around 0 °C in January, 12–14 °C in July. About 21 h of daylight in June, 4–5 h in late December.

• South coast

  The wettest and windiest lowland; sandstorms and high winds close Route 1 in places. Ice caves open roughly November–March with guides.