Reykjavík Weather in December
In Reykjavík, December brings low daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), with nights cooling to -2°C (28°F). Expect quite a bit of snow/rainfall this month.
Rainfall in Reykjavík in December
Expect around 19 days of snow/rain based on historical data, with 138 mm (5.4 in) average. Wet weather is a regular and significant part of this month. Frequent days of rain combined with high totals means proper waterproofs are worth packing.
Temperature in Reykjavík in December
Daytime highs in Reykjavík in December reach 4°C (39°F), with nights around -2°C (28°F). This month falls in the winter season. Even daytime conditions remain cold, making layers, a warm coat, and winter accessories a good idea. Nights drop below freezing to -2°C (28°F). An extra blanket is worth packing if you're unsure about the heating where you're staying. As one of the coldest months, it's important to layer up to stay warm. Don't let the chill catch you off-guard.
Sunshine in Reykjavík in December
The month is characterized by fewer sunny days, with roughly 20 hours hours of sunshine. Ideal for those who prefer a cooler, cloudier climate.
Wind Speed in Reykjavík in December
Average wind conditions reach 6 m/s (12 knots) in December. This creates notably windy weather that is clearly felt and can influence daily activities. Keep in mind this is an average. Some days are less intense, while others can be quite gusty.
Average water temperature in December
At 7°C (45°F), the water is very cold. Most people find it too uncomfortable for anything beyond a brief wade.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Reykjavík. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Iceland, check out our Reykjavík's climate page.
Reykjavík Temperature in December
Min Temperature
-2°C (28°F)
Max Temperature
4°C (39°F)
Water Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Chance of Rain
65%
Precipitation
138 mm (5.4 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Humidity
79%
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots)
Sunshine
20 hours
Percentage Sunshine
15%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Reykjavík typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 4°C (39°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -3°C (27°F) to 0°C (32°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Reykjavík in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Reykjavík spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Reykjavík historical weather extremes in December
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Reykjavík between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- The hottest December day on record in Reykjavík reached 11°C (52°F) (December 14, 1997).
- On December 30, 2022, Reykjavík saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at -9°C (16°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -14°C (7°F) on December 18, 1977, marking the coldest December night on record.
- The wettest day in December Reykjavík was on December 30, 2007 with 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in Iceland in December
Find out more about the weather in Iceland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Iceland in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Reykjavík in December
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Reykjavík in December. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Expect water temperatures of around 7°C (45°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. You can probably leave your sunglasses at home, because sunny days are pretty rare this month.What To Do in Reykjavík in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Iceland, check out our Reykjavík's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Reykjavík climate overview or explore weather in Iceland.
