Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/weather/december

Content updated: 2026-09-10

This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](<https://www.iceland.org/weather/december>). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article.

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# Iceland Weather in December

December combines short days with holiday planning. Its Reykjavík precipitation normal is 94.9 mm, the largest monthly total in this dataset; that includes precipitation and does not promise a snow-covered city.

Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org](<https://www.iceland.org/about-us>) · [Writing & review](<https://www.iceland.org/editorial-policy#credits>)

## December compared with the adjacent months

Reykjavík, WMO station 04030. Climate normals for 1991–2020.

| Month | Average daily maximum | Average daily minimum | Monthly precipitation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| November | 4.7°C | -0.1°C | 86.5 mm |
| December | 3.3°C | -1.6°C | 94.9 mm |
| January | 3.2°C | -1.7°C | 87.1 mm |

Source: [WMO normals archived by NOAA (CSV)](<https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/4.4/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Iceland/CSV/Reykjavik_04030.csv>), checked September 10, 2026. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows, not extremes. Precipitation is a monthly total, not the number of rainy days. This Reykjavík station does not represent every region or elevation.

## Short daylight and holiday logistics

Set the outdoor priority first, then check the transport and daylight needed to reach it. Avoid building every day around a distant excursion when the trip also depends on holiday meals, events or airport transfers.

Confirm Christmas and New Year opening hours directly with each venue, restaurant and transport operator. A normal weekly timetable is not enough. Reserve a practical fallback near your accommodation for weather changes.

## What to keep within reach

Bring full winter layers and a headlamp for dark approaches. Keep the return journey and next morning’s departure in mind before extending an aurora evening or celebration.

## Check the conditions for your day

- [IMO weather forecasts](<https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/areas/>): choose the region and forecast time.
- [Road conditions](<https://umferdin.is/en>) and [SafeTravel alerts](<https://safetravel.is/>): check the actual route and destination before departure.
- [IMO aurora page](<https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/>): darkness and cloud cover matter alongside activity. Its sun-time panel is for Reykjavík.

For the wider comparison, see [Iceland’s climate](<https://www.iceland.org/climate>), [November](<https://www.iceland.org/weather/november>) and [January](<https://www.iceland.org/weather/january>).

Planning help

## December weather questions

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

**How cold is Iceland in December?**

Reykjavík’s 1991–2020 average daily maximum is 3.3°C and average daily minimum -1.6°C. These station normals describe historical averages, not the full range of possible temperatures or a forecast for all Iceland.

**Is this a forecast for December 2026?**

No. The table uses 1991–2020 climate normals. Check the Icelandic Meteorological Office forecast for the actual place and dates of your trip.

For monthly temperature and rainfall averages, explore the climate data in our [Iceland statistics](<https://www.iceland.org/statistics>).