Reykjavík

Capital Region Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Capital Region, Iceland in December.

Planning a trip to Capital Region, Iceland this December? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Capital Region in December

Capital Region, Iceland is a region in Iceland. December in Capital Region generally has cold temperatures, with high precipitation. During December, winter is in full swing.

Temperatures

You can expect cold maximum daytime temperatures of around 4°C (39°F) and nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) in Reykjavík. December is a very cold month in some areas, so be prepared and make sure to dress up warm.

For specific regional insights in Capital Region, Iceland, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From high snow/rainfall in Álftanes with an average of 135 mm (5.3 in) to high snow/rainfall in Mosfellsbær with 143 mm (5.6 in).

Average sunshine

Many places experience limited sunshine during this period. Reykjavík receives around 20 hours of sunlight. If you prefer more sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations.

Explore Capital Region by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Capital Region — and find the best time to visit. (based on Reykjavík)

Best Places to Visit in Capital Region in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Capital Region.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Capital Region

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Capital Region, Iceland?

Temperature range in Capital Region (December)

Precipitation variation in Capital Region (December)

Reykjavík

In December Reykjavík generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
42 hours
20 hours
20 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
124 mm (4.9 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
19 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Kópavogur

In December Kópavogur generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
42 hours
20 hours
20 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
125 mm (4.9 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
20 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Hafnarfjördur

In December Hafnarfjördur generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Monthly sun hours
42 hours
20 hours
20 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
125 mm (4.9 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
20 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Mosfellsbær

In December Mosfellsbær generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly sun hours
42 hours
20 hours
20 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
126 mm (5 in)
143 mm (5.6 in)
143 mm (5.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
19 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Garðabær

In December Garðabær generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
42 hours
20 hours
20 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
125 mm (4.9 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
20 days
18 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Capital Region, in Iceland.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Capital Region in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Reykjavík 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Kópavogur 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Hafnarfjördur 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mosfellsbær 3°C (37°F) -3°C (27°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Garðabær 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Álftanes 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)

Capital Region weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Capital Region, Iceland in December?

Expect poor weather across Capital Region, Iceland in December. The popular destination of Reykjavík averages 4°C (39°F) by day and -2°C (28°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in Capital Region, Iceland in December?

Daytime temperatures in Reykjavík peak at roughly 4°C (39°F) in December, dropping to about -2°C (28°F) overnight.

Does Capital Region, Iceland get a lot of snow/rain in December?

Capital Region, Iceland sees substantial snow/rainfall in December. Reykjavík typically averages about 138 mm (5.4 in), a mix of wet and dry days, but bring an umbrella.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Capital Region, Iceland?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Reykjavík, December may not be the ideal time to visit Capital Region, Iceland.

Generally speaking, June and July provide tolerable weather in Reykjavík. On the other hand, the months of January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December tend to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Capital Region.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Iceland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Iceland.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.