Is Iceland very cold in December?

December in Iceland is one of the coldest months of the year. Expect frosty mornings and plentiful snowfall—so don't forget a warm jacket! In Reykjavík, average temperatures sit at 0.8°C (33.4°F) and they fluctuate between average lows of –1.6°C (29.1°F) and average highs of 3.3°C (37.9°F).

Is it worth visiting Iceland in December?

December is widely considered to be the second-best time to visit Iceland because of the explosion of Yuletide joy. In Icelandic, the holiday is called "Jól," which echoes English's yule. Christmas in Iceland is a celebration of light, as the days start getting longer after the winter solstice.

Does it snow in December in Iceland?

December in Iceland is a genuinely wintry month. The weather usually hovers between 28°F to 39°F (-2°C to 4°C). And you should expect snow or rain. Reykjavik tends to get less snow than other parts of the country, but this doesn't mean we don't see any blizzards.

Is the Blue Lagoon warm in December?

Weather and conditions

Air and water temperatures: : Winter transforms the surroundings with air temperatures around 0°C, while the lagoon offers a warm embrace with its geothermal waters consistently between 37°C and 40°C.

How to dress for Iceland in December?

» In December - Focus on insulated gear, as temperatures average -1°C (30°F). In addition to your base layers, pack snow pants, wool-lined socks, and a puffer jacket or parka to retain warmth during the long, cold nights.

Visiting Iceland in December? Watch THIS Before You Go!

Do you need snow boots in Iceland in December?

For winter it is also good to bring snow boots or just sturdy hiking boots. They work like a charm, and many Icelanders use hiking boots the most during the winter months.

What currency does Iceland use?

The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Krone (pronounced “krona”), ISK. Euro/Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards are widely used.

How dark is Iceland in December?

Average Daylight Hours In Icelandic Winters

From October to December, an estimated 6 minutes of sunlight are lost each day. The days go from 11 hours long in October to just 8 hours in November. The middle of December averages about a maximum of 5 hours of sunlight, due to the winter solstice.

Can you wear a hat in the Blue Lagoon in winter?

People do wear hats in the winter because the air is cold and your head will feel cold (although the steam mitigates this). If you submerge your head (which isn't great for your hair) on a very cold day, could end up with icicle hair. Depends how cold it is. Heat is lost from the head so wear a woolie hat if you want.

Are Iceland hot springs open in December?

But what you want to see and do on your trip will determine the best times to visit. Some attractions, like the famous hot springs, are open all year, while natural phenomena like the northern lights and midnight sun are best viewed during specific months. Here's a breakdown of the tourist seasons in Iceland.

Are there polar bears in Iceland?

Polar bears are not native to Iceland, although they do occasionally turn up in Iceland and are thus classified as vagrants. Information exists on just over 600 polar bears recorded as having arrived in Iceland from the beginning of human settlement on the island to the present day.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

Is 5 days Enough To See Iceland? Yes, five days is plenty to see Iceland's highlights, including the Golden Circle, South Coast, and northern lights. While a week is ideal, you'll still experience stunning landscapes, adventure activities, and rich culture.

What is the coldest month in Iceland?

January averages the coldest weather month in Iceland. In Reykjavik, the temperature ranges between -3°C and 2°C (26.6°F and 35.4°F), and in the highlands between -6°C to 1°C (21.2°F to 33.8°F). January is not only the coldest but also the windiest month in Iceland with an average wind speed of 26km/h (16.1 mph).

Does it rain a lot in Iceland in December?

While you can expect it to be cold in Iceland in December, you can also bet on a lot of rain and snow. In Reykjavík, December is the month with the most precipitation. December brings 94.9mm (3.74 inches) of precipitation to the capital.

Which is better, Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?

In short, if you like luxury, traditional bathing culture, and sea views, go to Sky Lagoon. If you're looking for a more unique but tourist-oriented experience with lava landscapes and milky blue water, go to Blue Lagoon.

What language does Iceland speak?

The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, a North Germanic language similar to Old Norse. It has changed little since Iceland's settlement period. For this reason, the words and pronunciation can seem quite challenging for visitors.

How much is a cup of coffee in Iceland?

Consider bringing a few staples from home: In a place where a basic takeaway coffee costs $5 a cup, packing some single-serving instant coffee lets you caffeinate cheaply. Know what's included. Icelandic restaurants happily provide diners with a free carafe of tap water — just ask.

Can I use British pounds in Iceland?

While the official currency is the Icelandic krona, you might find that some hotels and tourist-facing businesses accept the US dollar, British pound or euro. There are no guarantees, however, so we recommend that you take Icelandic krona for the easiest transactions, especially outside of urban areas.

Do I need a visa for Iceland?

Iceland is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes.

What not to pack for Iceland in winter?

First of all, don't wear just one layer in Iceland—layering is key for staying warm and dry. Avoid moisture-retaining clothes like denim pants or jackets, as they stay wet and cold. Skip heels, slippers, or casual sneakers, even in summer, as they're impractical for the rugged terrain and changing weather.

Can I wear trainers in Reykjavik?

Exploring Reykjavík or Blue Lagoon

In summer, lightweight sneakers or walking shoes work great. Just make sure they have some grip. In winter, sidewalks get icy fast. That's where insulated boots earn their keep.

What kind of coat do you wear in Iceland in December?

Parka. If you're planning a trip to Iceland in Mid-Winter I'd also definitely recommend bringing a Parka. Parkas are generally a longer fitting coat and in most cases, due to their length, they offer more warmth. With the longer length, it covers more of your body and can trap more heat easily.

When to avoid Iceland?

While winter can be a spectacular time to visit, temperatures can plummet as low as -10°C, particularly in northern Iceland, with December to February the iciest months. Wind chill can make apparent temperatures feel even lower. Don't avoid Iceland in December, though – just pack proper thermal gear.

What to pack for Iceland?

What is the average salary in Iceland?

The average salary Iceland is 635,000 Icelandic Krona (ISK), about USD 4579. However, salaries vary depending on experience, education, location, position, and industry.