2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Reykjavík — December

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

☔ Climate Overview

December is a wet time to visit Reykjavík. Expect cold weather with temperatures around 3°C during the day. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. With only around 4 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

4.8
GoTripzi Score Fair

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

3°C

Avg Low

-1°C

Rainy days

15days

Daylight

4.3h

Feels like -2°C / -6°C — wind chill makes it feel cooler

Rainfall

102mm

Sunshine

1.1h/day

Humidity

80%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

0.1

Low
Wind

22 km/h (gusts 48)

Is December a good time to visit Reykjavík?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

--

Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

11:15

Sunset

15:31

4.3h daylight

Visiting Reykjavík in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Very cold temperatures require heavy winter gear
  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Limited sunshine — expect overcast skies
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🌸
Northern Lights Season
September–March Nature

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
☕ Cozy cafes & local food scene
🏛️ Indoor attractions & shopping
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Reykjavík Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 2°C -2°C 17d (129mm) 1.3h
81% Very Humid
0.2 Low
Wet
Feb 3°C -1°C 18d (127mm) 3.4h
81% Very Humid
1 Low
Wet
Mar 4°C 0°C 18d (125mm) 6.5h
78% Humid
2.8 Moderate
Wet
Apr 7°C 2°C 14d (94mm) 8.8h
79% Humid
4.8 Moderate
Wet
May 10°C 5°C 18d (109mm) 11.4h
78% Humid
6.9 High
Wet
Jun 12°C 7°C 15d (90mm) 10.8h
81% Very Humid
7 High
Excellent
Jul 14°C 9°C 13d (70mm) 10.4h
84% Very Humid
6.5 High
Excellent
Aug 14°C 9°C 15d (94mm) 8.5h
84% Very Humid
4.8 Moderate
Excellent
Sep 11°C 6°C 18d (133mm) 7.2h
83% Very Humid
3.1 Moderate
Wet
Oct 7°C 3°C 16d (109mm) 4.7h
83% Very Humid
1.3 Low
Wet
Nov 5°C 1°C 15d (96mm) 2h
81% Very Humid
0.4 Low
Wet
Dec Current 3°C -1°C 15d (102mm) 1.1h
80% Very Humid
0.1 Low
Wet

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6.32.Nov
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5.310.Jun
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3.412.Aug
3.4

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Reykjavík – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Reykjavík

Gateway to otherworldly landscapes, including geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, Hallgrímskirkja Church, the midnight sun, and northern lights.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for December

Full winter gear is a must — insulated coat, thermal base layers, warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots. Protect exposed skin from the cold. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent.

Cool Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Reykjavík?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Reykjavík?
December is typically wet for visiting Reykjavík, with average highs of 3°C and around 15 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Reykjavík in December?
Yes, nights in Reykjavík during December are cold, averaging -1°C. Pack warm layers, a coat, and consider thermal underwear for extended outdoor evenings. Restaurants and cafés have indoor seating, and many museums stay open late.
What should I pack for Reykjavík in December?
With highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C in December, we recommend: Warm winter coat, Thermal base layers, Scarf and gloves, Compact umbrella. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in December?
Reykjavík typically sees around 15 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Reykjavík in December?
In December, Reykjavík gets approximately 4.3 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Reykjavík?
No, December is not peak season in Reykjavík. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Atlantic/Reykjavik)

Last Updated: February 2026

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