Month winter
Iceland in December
Iceland in December
December is Iceland's darkest month — shortest days of the year, Christmas markets, ice caves, aurora hunting and full-on winter atmosphere across the country.
Key facts
- Avg high
- 2°C
- Avg low
- -3°C
- Daylight
- 4–5 h
- Season
- winter
Book early
- Ice caves (sell out)
- NYE accommodation (sells out in summer)
- Christmas dinners
What to pack
- Real winter coat
- Multiple warm layers
- Insulated waterproof boots
- Spikes
- Headlamp
Things to avoid
- Driving in dark + storm conditions
- Highlands
- One-day Ring Road attempts
Frequently asked questions
Is December too dark to enjoy Iceland?
It's the darkest month, but the constant twilight light is beautiful and you get used to a compressed day. Aurora chances are very strong.
When does the sun rise in Iceland in December?
Around 11:20 at the solstice; sunset around 15:30.