Is Reykjavik snowy 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).

Will there be snow in Reykjavik in December?

You should be prepared fo all kinds of weather in December, including snow, wind, sun and occasional snow storms. There is usually less snow in Reykjavík then in the rest of the country, like in the North and the Westfjords.

What is the snowiest month in Reykjavik?

January. In January, Iceland is deep into winter. Snow is common everywhere, especially in Reykjavík, though it doesn't always stick around because of frequent thaws. In Reykjavík, snow depth is usually between 10-25 cm (4-10 inches), but in the north, places like Akureyri can easily have snow over 50 cm (20 inches).

Is Iceland in December a good idea?

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 Reykjavik get a lot of snow?

If you're wondering just how snowy Reykjavík gets, you're in the right place! While many imagine Iceland buried under heaps of snow year-round, the reality might surprise you. Reykjavík's winter weather is quite mild with moderate amounts of snow, sometimes no more than a light dusting.

Exploring North Iceland in December: The Darkest Month of the Year

What is the coldest month in Reykjavik?

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).

Do you need snow boots in Reykjavik?

Boots for Iceland!

Not just because they are sturdy and good to walk on but also because you don't want your pretty sneakers to become dirty in the Icelandic mud. For winter it is also good to bring snow boots or just sturdy hiking boots.

Is the Blue Lagoon open in December?

Yes, you can go in December! Blue Lagoon is open all year - sun, rain, snow or frost. It's always beautiful and a great place to visit. Just keep in mind it can be closed during volcanic eruptions if there's any danger.

Is Iceland too dark in December?

WEATHER IN ICELAND IN DECEMBER

And of course, after the lights go out, you might see the dancing aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) above you to keep the night lit up as well. One thing you must know: December is when we have our shortest days. In other words, December is the darkest month of the year 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.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik in December?

The Iceland northern lights season runs from September to early April, when darkness lasts long enough for the aurora to shine brightly. In midwinter, Iceland experiences just 4-5 daylight hours, giving plenty of aurora-hunting opportunities.

Is Reykjavik expensive to visit?

Is Reykjavik expensive? Reykjavik is generally considered an expensive city, compared with other European destinations.

What language is spoken in Iceland?

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.

What to wear in 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.

How much daylight is there in Reykjavik 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.

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.

Is Reykjavik worth visiting in December?

There's no better way to get into a festive mood than ice skating! The famous Ingólfstorg square in downtown Reykjavik turns into a winter wonderland for the entire month of December. The ice rink and surrounding Christmas market guarantee a merry atmosphere.

How long is the golden hour in Iceland?

Summer –Land of the Midnight Sun

This offers photographers the chance to take advantage of that wonderful golden light I just mentioned. On the longest days, Golden Hour can last up to 7 hours!

How snowy is Iceland in December?

In Reykjavík, December is the month with the most precipitation. December brings 94.9mm (3.74 inches) of precipitation to the capital. While this might sound like a washout, most of it falls as snow. Typically, Reykjavík sees 17.8mm (7 ins) of snow this month, with snow falling on 12.6 days on average.

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.

How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík?

The lagoon's brilliant color comes from naturally occurring silica in the water, which reflects light. Because the precise mineral content fluctuates, the color varies from day to day. How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik? The Blue Lagoon is 31 miles (50 kilometers) from downtown Reykjavik.

Which is better Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon?

Conclusion: Tie. If you're staying in Reykjavik and want to soak in a lagoon without taking an entire day to do it, the Sky Lagoon wins for convenience. But if you're doing a quick stopover and don't want to come all the way into Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon wins for convenience to the airport. We'll call this a tie.

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.

What can you wear if you don't have snow boots?

Insulated Hiking Boots: Insulated and waterproof hiking boots can work well if you don't have snow boots.

What can you not bring to Iceland?

Animal products of any kind generally must be boiled or canned for import to Iceland. Smoking, salting or drying without boiling is not sufficient. For example, import of bacon, hot dogs, salami and any type of smoked, uncooked sausages, pork loin, poultry, unpasteurised milk and uncooked eggs are not allowed.