December in Iceland; What you need to know.

December in Iceland is the ultimate winter wonderland. The nights are long and dark so we frequently see the Northern Lights light up the sky, and the gorgeous countryside is often covered in snow. Winter activities like visiting Ice Caves and snowmobiling are open, and all the Christmas lights are up. Don’t forget to look out for the Christmas Cat!

What’s the weather like in December in Iceland?

December in Iceland is cold. The average temperature is just below freezing, and there will be some ice and snow underfoot. That said, there can be really bright sunny days as well as very grey wintry ones so be sure to pack your sunglasses along with your thermals. Why not have a look at our guide of What to pack for Iceland.

Can you see the Northern Lights in December in Iceland?

The short answer is; YES!

The nights are long in December so we have the chance to see the aurora. In order to see the Northern Lights you need three things; Clear skies, lots of solar energy, and night time. In the middle of summer we don’t get all three! We have had some fantastic displays of aurora in Reykjavik in December, and although if they are really strong you can sometimes see them in the city itself, your best chance to see them is to go on a tour. At SeaTrips we study the skies carefully, so we know when to head out and where to look! Plus you get to relax on a gorgeous yacht.

Can you see puffins in December in Iceland?

No, by December the puffins are back out at sea, they are ocean birds after all and only come here to breed in the summer months. Learn more about puffins here. You can visit them on in Reykjavik harbour on our brilliant tours with our passionate crew.

Can you see whales and dolphins in December in Iceland?

Yes! You can see many different species of whales and dolphins all year round in Iceland, however many adults go to warm waters to breed during the winter so there are fewer here. You can come whale watching with us on our yachts!