Reykjavik in December
Festive lights and Yule
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer
December is one of the weakest months in Reykjavik.
December is festive, with Yule traditions and New Year celebrations. Daylight is minimal.
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- -3–1°C
- Cold, dark and windy; snow is possible.
- Crowds
- Moderate-High
- Popular sights fill up at peak hours, so book timed entries ahead.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms.
+Christmas lights and local traditions.
–Very short days and higher New Year prices.
My tip for December
Book New Year dinners and fireworks viewing ahead.
- Festive atmosphere
- Northern Lights
- New Year
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
12th of 12 overall in Reykjavik, 9th for weather, 9th for space, 9th for value. The emptiest month is November; the best value is November.
See all twelve months for ReykjavikPlan around
What’s on in Reykjavik in December
- Short winter days
- Only a few hours of daylight, so plan activities carefully.
November–January
Not set on December?
Months I'd choose over December
Also good in December
Weather
Weather in Reykjavik in December
In December Reykjavik averages a high of 1°C (34°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F), with about 133 mm of rain or snow. The warmest month is July (around 14°C) and the coolest is January (around 1°C); the wettest month is September.
- Average high
- 1°C
- 34°F
- Average low
- -3°C
- 27°F
- Precipitation
- 133 mm
Climate data: ERA5 reanalysis 1991–2020 (Open-Meteo). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Quick answers
Reykjavik in December: the questions people ask
- Is December a good time to visit Reykjavik?
- December is one of the weakest months in Reykjavik. It ranks 12 of 12 months in Reykjavik overall (9 for weather, 9 for space, 9 for value). The main upside: Christmas lights and local traditions. The main downside: Very short days and higher New Year prices.
- What is the weather like in Reykjavik in December?
- Average highs are around 1°C and lows around -3°C. Expect about 133 mm of rain or snow. Cold, dark and windy; snow is possible. For comparison, the warmest month is July (around 14°C) and the coolest is January (around 1°C).
- Is Reykjavik crowded in December?
- Crowds are moderate-high. Popular sights fill up at peak hours, so book timed entries ahead. The quietest month is November.
- How expensive is Reykjavik in December?
- Prices are at level 4 of 5 ($$$$). Higher rates, especially for central and view rooms. The best-value month is November.
- When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
- In the CrowdFreeViews month scores, May is the best month overall (December ranks 12 of 12). The quietest month is November and the best value is November.
Still going to Reykjavik in December?
Book early and plan around the busiest hours — very short days and higher new year prices.
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