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bird's eye photography of city near snow mountain

Iceland · December

Reykjavik in December

December in Reykjavik offers a magical winter escape with the promise of the Northern Lights and festive holiday charm. This is the time to experience the city's cozy embrace, from its steaming geothermal pools to the vibrant, dimly lit streets adorned with Christmas lights, all under the unique glow of the winter sun.

Photo by Rose Breen on Unsplash

Is December a good time to visit Reykjavik?

December is one of the tougher months to visit Reykjavik. -2-3°C, very short daylight, cold, windy, and snowy — Shortest daylight hours; can be challenging for sightseeing due to weather and darkness.

Overall: Skip this month
Crowds: Heavy
Prices: Heavy

What makes December worth visiting

  • •Christmas markets and festive lights
  • •Northern Lights potential

Events in Reykjavik this December

December
Christmas in Reykjavik

The city is adorned with lights, and numerous Christmas markets and events take place.

What to pack for Reykjavik in December

Winter-specific items.

Clothing: Outerwear & Layers

  • ●Waterproof and Windproof Parka
  • ●Insulated, Waterproof Snow Pants
  • ●Merino Wool Base Layers
  • ●Fleece or Down Mid-Layers
  • ●Waterproof Insulated Boots

Clothing: Footwear & Accessories

  • ●Casual Shoes for Indoors
  • ●Microspikes or Ice Grips

Electronics

  • ●Power Adapter (Type F)
  • ●Power Bank
  • ●Camera with Extra Batteries

Health & Safety

  • ●Lip Balm with SPF
  • ●Moisturizer
  • ●Basic First-Aid Kit
  • ●Any Personal Medications

Miscellaneous

  • ●Swimsuit
  • ●Reusable Water Bottle
  • ●Small Backpack or Daypack
  • ●Sunglasses
Full packing list →