What December feels like in Reykjavik
Early winter arrives in Reykjavik with December. Days barely climb above freezing, so it feels properly wintry outdoors even at midday. Little changes after sunset — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Reykjavik in December
Dry days are the exception, with rain on about every other day. A rainy day brings about 7.7 mm (0.3 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.2 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Reykjavik gets 4 h 15 min of daylight, from sunrise near 11:15 am to sunset near 3:30 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 2 h 22 min less daylight than mid-November. The sun is out for roughly 19% of those daylight hours, so skies are often cloudy.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the coolest month of the year in Reykjavik. Compared with November, afternoons are 2.1°C (3.8°F) cooler, with 11 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. The next month's average high: 1.6°C (34.9°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Reykjavik in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in December?
Expect around 1.5°C (34.7°F) in the afternoon and -3°C (26.6°F) at night, which most visitors would call freezing.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in December?
It does: about 17 rainy days bring roughly 130 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Reykjavik?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January has more rainy days.