On the second day, you'll get to go ice-caving before returning to the capital. Iceland in December is one of the most festive times of the year, with Christmas season in full swing, topped off by the incredible New Years' Eve celebration. The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so prepare for the cold, wind and rain if you're planning a trip for December! On the edge of the darkening nights, the Northern Lightsproduce the maximum chances to show their dramatic views across the horizons. On this day, the whole country is illuminated much like the rest of Christendom. We are used to this brisk weather, but you may need to pack a few extra layers. Those who want to enjoy the season outside the capital region could head to Obyggdasetrid, the Wilderness Center. However, the peak is observed on the fourth Sunday, a bit before the eve of Christs birthday. Things to See in Iceland in December Ice Caves Icelandic ice caves never cease to amaze Ice caves are the most stable during December, as it's one of the coldest months. After that, you'll have loads of free time to spend in downtown Reykjavik, taking in the Christmas spirit. While this may seem a little bleak, the high festive spirits around the country at Christmas time combat any seasonal blues. Reykjavik New Year's Eve Celebration at Sea. Of course, this option should only be taken by confident drivers, and you should have a good knowledge of the potential routes you are planning to take so you don't end up in a dangerous situation. In December, these features make the Iceland weather significant and valuable for touristic activities. The North's proximity to the Arctic Circle will naturally make it colder. Find out where to go with our weather planner. The month sees moderate rainfall and though it snows, you are unlikely to see any heavy accumulation of snow on the ground. There are normally 0 hours of bright sunshine each day in Reykjavik, Iceland in December - that's 9% of daylight hours. December Weather in Reykjavk. December is also cold, the average temperature is -0,2C (31,6F) and the average precipitation is 79 mm. You'll also need sturdy hiking boots if you're planning to do some exploring. However, the festivities are not the only reason to come to Iceland in December. There are 11 days of rain on average, where the rainfall is 91 mm (3.60 in). Glacier hiking in Iceland is also an obvious choice if you visit in December. Select the month below. These predictions are probabilities for the month of december from weather reports for many years. Look at stunning photos a See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. But this is pretty moderate and you will not be too bothered by it. Check out all the best tours in Iceland in December, and for your convenience, you can find all the top winter tours and packages here. The hip town center turns into a fairytale Christmas village during the season. Do you know the tours destination from summer to winter perspective has dully begun? At the turn of the year, thousands upon thousands of people take to the streets to watch the largest fireworks show in Iceland. Touring the Raufarholshellir lava tubes is a magical experience as you enter a beautiful, hidden world under the ground. They are said to be secretive and sneaky. October. How has Guide to Iceland changed since its conception? Of course, the new yearscelebrationsare a greatly celebrated event that you can join during your stopover in Iceland in December weather. You can find our recommended places to stay in Reykjavik, as well as an overall guide on where to stay in Iceland. 2010-2022 World Weather & Climate InformationAll rights reserved. An option closer to Reykjavik is the ice-caving tour at Myrdalsjokull glacier, the ice cap covering one of Iceland's active volcanoes, Katla. The two areas you need to consider more than anything else are the weather and the roads. There are guided museum tours at 1 PM and a Christmas service in the turf church at 2 PM. As mentioned above December is a cold month with average temperature of -0,2C (31,6F) and the weather is also very unpredictable, it can rain, be sunny, windy and snowing. Suggested Itinerary for Iceland in December, Two Day Tour from Reykjavik, visiting Jokulsarlon and an Ice Cave, nique 11-Hour Glacier Hiking and Ice Cave Tour Under Katla Volcano from Reykjavik, Icelandic Meteorological Office's website, Leidarendi Cave on the Reykjanes Peninsula| Half-Day Tour from Reykjavik, Meet on Location 30 Minute Snorkeling Tour in the Crystal Waters of Silfra, Stunning 4 Hour Super Jeep & 3 Hour Glacier Hiking Tour at Falljokull by Skaftafell, Exhilarating 1 Hour Snowmobile Adventure on Langjokull Glacier with Transfer from Gullfoss, snowmobiling day tour from Reykjavik to the Langjokull glacier, day tour of Landmannalaugar in a super jeep, best swimming pools and hot tubs in Reykjavik, 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland, Best Places for Marriage Proposals in Iceland, nine-day winter Snaefellsnes and South Coast self-drive package, two-day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The roads also tend to be icy and snowy with significant road closures around the country. However, the advantage of an ice tunnel tour is that it's less likely to be canceled because of hazardous conditions. December is one of the best times to visit Iceland due to the excellent conditions for viewing the northern lights and the festive spirit of the Christmas holidays. To add further, you will experience December as the peak of winter due to its coldest and darkest features. July. The climate is rather more than very fresh in that area in this month. The final option is the most comfortable and most reliable: taking a northern lights tour. The museum presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy the high spirits of Iceland in December. In the month of december, maximum temperature is 2C and minimum temperature is -0C (for an average temperature of 1C). December is one of the coldest months of the year in Iceland. Get the monthly weather forecast for Reykjavik, Greater Reykjavik, Iceland, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. May. And you should expect snow or rain. Note that seasonal normals are in contrast with those observed in Keflavk in december with a maximum record of 50F in 2009 and a minimum record of 14F in 2020. We have much more information about the climate in Iceland. TourismIceland is the #1 Tour Operator in Iceland. How cold is Iceland in December? This acrobatic animal travels in pods and exhibits behaviors like breaching and bow riding. To some extent, some Icelanders still practice the heathen practices secretly. That evening, enjoy dinner in one of the city's excellent restaurants or check out the nightlife at one of its many bars. The race starts and finishes at Harpa Concert Hall. The duration of the day is only about three hours. It's just me and my husband and we typically like to go out and do things on our own. To answer that question we created this page with all the information you need. Subscribe to our newsletter. Glacial meltwater from Langjokull glacier fills the water as the tectonic plates drift apart. The sea in Iceland is cold throughout the year: the water temperature near Reykjavik ranges from 5 C (41 F) in February to 10 C (50 F) in July and August, so it's preferable to bathe in thermal poolsReykjavk. Daily high temperatures decrease by 2F, from 38F to 36F, rarely falling below 26F or exceeding 47F. If you want to be on the safe side, protective glasses are sold around the city in the lead-up to the night. Do not forget to cover yourself! After heavy rains, they often flood, which can compromise their structural integrity, and if that happens, the tour will only be conducted if it's safe. What change in itineraries and destinations does the weather in Iceland in December bring? Reykjavk (/ r e k j v k,-v i k / RAYK-y-vik, -veek; Icelandic: [reicavik] ()) is the capital and largest city of Iceland.It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxafli bay. The market is opened weekends from the 30th of November through to December 22nd. You can see how tallow candles are madein the stable, which areexcellent gifts because they provided light throughout winterbut let's not forget, they were also stolen by the Yule Lad "Candle-Sneaker". What exactly is the Arctic Circle? With the temperature ranging from -1C to 4C, December in Iceland is pleasantly cold and bearable. It can also get quite windy. Furthermore, December is one of the wettest months in Iceland, with an average rainfall of 97 mm (3.8). In the month of december, maximum temperature is 4C and minimum temperature is 2C (for an average temperature of 3C). "Doorway-Sniffer" has a large nose and acute sense of smell which he uses to locate laufabraud ("leaf bread") a type of fried bread, commonly baked during Christmas. Reykjavik tends to get less snow than other parts of the country, but this doesn't mean we don't see any blizzards. While December is not the coldest month in Iceland (that distinction belongs to January), it still gets pretty chilly. The Weather in Iceland in December. The drive to the South Coast will also take you past some of Iceland's notable sites, like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, which might be frozen! Within the Greater Reykjavik Area you can find the incredible Sky Lagoon, with its beautiful infinity pool which overlooks the ocean. The winter is well established in December and it is rough, with temperatures varying between -7 C and 3 C throughout all of Iceland. Photo fromStunning 4 Hour Super Jeep & 3 Hour Glacier Hiking Tour at Falljokull by Skaftafell. During your dive, drysuits keep youdry while thick undersuits will stave off the cold. This settlement has deep ties to folklore and tradition, and its residents go all out. There is "Door Slammer" who's very brash and loud. Perfect weather is subjective. With 236mm over 12 days, you risk getting wet slightly during your vacations. On average there are highs of 4C (39F) and lows of -1C (30F). Glacier hikes are excellent because of the view, but it's so much more than that. Snuggle up inside warm cafes, stroll the streets, explore the impressive countryside, and admire the northern lights at night. While the Christmas decorations light up the darkness the Northern Lights also do that, but December is a great month to experience the Northern Lights. If you choose to drive yourself around Iceland in December, make sure that you know the exact route you're going to take before you depart and that you let somebody know beforehand. You can see the event and learn about the Yule Lads. The temperature in Reykjavik is around 1-8 degrees Celcius (33-46F) and is lower in many higher places outside of the capital. February can also surprise you with rain, snow and sunshine on the same day. The Yule Lads are not always on their best behavior as they are quite sneaky and mischievous. However, if children behave badly, they just get a measly potato in their shoe. Is the sea cold around Iceland in December? Get the monthly weather forecast for Reykjavik, Greater Reykjavik, Iceland, including daily high/low, historical averages, to help you plan ahead. In our opinion December is not the best time to visit Iceland with commonly poor weather in Reykjavk. You will find these celebrations in different directions and modes. Search for the Northern Lights away from the city lights, on this thrilling winter cruise. Month Celsius (C) Fahrenheit (F) December 6 43 Year 7.3 45.1 Contents1 Where is the ocean [] Daytime temperatures usually reach 1C in Reykjavik, Iceland in December, falling to -4C at night. The lowest temperature expected is -1C and the highest is 4C. This is the same word that other Scandinavian languages have in their vocabulary. As a primarily Lutheran country, Iceland has developed unique and wonderful traditions around Christmas time. The views from this glacier are spectacular. However, the main problem with this approach is that light pollution limits the auroras' intensity, and you can't maneuver away from cloud cover with the same ease you'd have in a vehicle. On these traditions, holidays are announced. Interested in the weather conditions in a specific month? Thus, the mean temperature average on this month of december in Keflavk is 40F. The most popular spots are Hallgrimskirkja church and Perlan. Rain December expects around 40mm of rainfall and 19 days of rainfall. Learn about the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, many of which have appeared in movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones. Other Yule Lads include "Spoon-Licker", "Pot-Scraper", "Bowl-Licker", "Candle-Stealer" and the diminutive "Stubby". On the edge of the darkening nights, the, In addition to the snow, fog, and frost on one hand and ice caves activities and snowmobiling adventures on the other, the Christmas event has surely approached as the life of the, Iceland became the advocate of Christianity in 1000 Ad. There is usually less snow in Reykjavk then in the rest of the country, like in the North and the Westfjords. If you are not comfortable driving multiple bus tours and private tours are available during the winter in Iceland. However, this winter seven-day self-drive tour to North Iceland makes for an amazing road trip. How sunny is it in Iceland in December? The lowest temperature expected is 0C and the highest is 5C. There's also an adorable gift shop in Hafnarfjordur that sells Christmas goodies and confections. The average temperature in Iceland in February is 32 fahrenheit (0C). With the festive spirit, a sprinkling of snow, northern lights, and a wide variety of tours, the country becomes a romantic winter wonderland that lures couples worldwide. While this ice tunnel day tour is open throughout the year, natural ice caves are only around for a short season. Driving in Iceland in winter is only recommended for experienced and confident drivers. January. So, Stop Hustling & Book Your Tour Now!, {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}, What change in itineraries and destinations does the, According to tourist experts, December weather in Iceland presents the best opportunities to explore the marvelous beauty of Iceland. With this snowy condition, particularly stick to your safety. On its way to its 20th edition in 2019 Iceland Airwaves is a festival you need to visit once in your life. The shaded overlays indicate night and civil twilight. echoes down the streets of Reykjavik, a warm greeting to passersby. The average temperature during the month is between 28 F (-2 C) and 36 F (3 C). and set them off pretty much wherever they want to throughout the evening and into the night. Weather data for Iceland in december is derived from an average of the weather forecast since 2009 in Iceland. It rains on average a total of 14 days. They tickle your sense of adventure and are safely conducted by experienced glacier guides who can teach you all about their formation. Is this month a good time to go to Iceland? People anxious about tight spaces might look into touring Vidgelmir cave or Raufarholshellir cave. Every year on the Winter Solstice (December 21),the Imagine Peace Tower on Videy Island is relituntil December 31. It's also quite dark. Click on a destination dot for more detailed information. For example, in 2018 there was snow until mid-May. So when Christmas Eve rolls around, Icelandic children will have already gotten 13 small presents in their shoe! In December Selfoss generally has low temperatures The average temperature in Iceland is usually between the freezing temperatures of -1 to 4C, or 34F to 39F. December is a winter month in Iceland. Furthermore, she possesses a cat known as the yule cat (the black cat). 2014-2022 Des Clics Nomades SAS - All right reserved, more information about the climate in Reykjavik in december, more information about the climate in Landmannalaugar in december, more information about the climate in Akureyri in december, more information about the climate in Arnarstapi in december, more information about the climate in Asbyrgi Canyon in december, Travel budget and cost of living in Iceland. The entrances to both caves are vast, with steps that lead to wooden pathways. Many streets in Reykjavik are heated underneath, melting the snow and preventing them from becoming icy and slippery. Let us know if the guide was helpful to you and which tours you are most interested in! This lady is said to be a cannibal. While this may seem a little bleak, the high festive spirits around the country at Christmas time combat any seasonal blues. These kinds of celebrations have become anintegralpart of Icelandic traditions. You can check for both on the aurora forecast of theIcelandic Meteorological Office website. Snowfall is common in December. It means that you've got the best chances to see the true beauty of glacier ice from inside the caves and not get your feet wet. If you're planning a Northern Lights Tour, prepare to wear the following: Northern Lights in Iceland Thermal long pants Waterproof ski pants Thermal vest A fleece top In Hella, Iceland. The Solheimajokull glacier and Skaftafellsjokull glacier are relatively easy to hike at this time of year. It is a very cold month in some areas, so be prepared and make sure to dress up warm. Well, not as cold as you might expect! Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Iceland. On days five and six, you'll take a two-day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The massive crowds rush to see this commemorative firework on the eve of the new years celebration. Bring warm clothes! THE FLOWER GARDEN. Bus tour from Reykjavik to see the spectacular Northern Lights. December has maximum daytime temperatures ranging from very low in Stykkishlmur with 1C (34F) to low temperatures in Reykjavk with 3C (38F). The tables below list the normal December temperatures and precipitation for cities and towns in Iceland. During this month, the average temperature in Iceland remains between 5C and 10C. December Weather in Reykjavk Iceland. They can explain the phenomenon to you, answering all your aurora-related questions while helping you with your camera settings. If you've never driven in snowy or icy conditions before or aren't comfortable doing so, it may be worth skipping a rental car and instead take tours around the country, letting more experienced drivers take the wheel. What is the Weather in Iceland in December? OnDecember31, you can spot the Winter Solstice celebration that you should not miss during your stay in Iceland in December weather. For this celebration, a huge amount of fireworks is undertaken in the street of Reykjavik, which leaves great joy andamazement. If you're lucky, you'll see the aurora borealis dancing above the icebergs. The weather in Iceland in December is often the best for spotting the Aurora Borealis since the temperatures at night are always really cold and you have a full 20 hours of darkness to see it. Find a flight to Iceland: Departure city: Arrival city: Depart on: Return on: Adults (over 16): This nation-wide website presents information about the weather and climate for almost every country around the world. You can expect long nights with only 4-5 hours of daylight throughout the month. Answer 1 of 8: Just booked a trip to Iceland for Dec8-13. You won't even need to drive from Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik! Discover the best beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. September. The weather in Iceland can vary slightly from year to year, but these predictions should limit surprises. Experience the New Year's Eve magnificent fireworks display on this evening cruise from Reykjavik. In that case, combining a few packages will allow you to create a perfect combination of city and nature. Photo by TKSnaevarr, from Wikimedia Creative Commons. This website uses cookies to provide full user experience. June. Note that some shops, restaurants, and tours may be closed or have limited opening hours during the height of the Christmas season. When is Iceland's next volcano due to How many fjords are there in Iceland? What is the average temperature in Iceland in December? Besides Christmas and New Year, visitors coming to Iceland may be interested in the Winter Solstice. However, the weather in Iceland is always unpredictable. frigid 15F freezing 32F very cold 45F cold 55F cool 65F comfortable 75F warm 85F hot 95F sweltering The hourly reported temperature, color coded into bands. Driving during the winter in Iceland can be difficult and dangerous as there can be ice or snow on the road and sometimes a blizzard and a complete white out. The weather and road conditions may limit access to North Iceland, East Iceland, and especially the Westfjords. Are you planning to go to Iceland in December? Also, many tours still run, meaning there's still quite a lot to do inside and outside the city. very bad weather across 100% of the territory. Even bars host Christmas concerts and shows. Water running underneath the glaciers opens up tunnels within them, allowing visitors to explore the fantastical world inside an ice cap. The best weather in Iceland occurs in the summer, however, it can still be unpredictable. In Iceland December, the, In December, the Icelandic weather witnesses another great event celebrated in Reykjavik and other towns of Iceland. So on average the conditions are poor that month. You'll be comfortable hiking in a softshell jacket or, in good weather, just a T-shirt. The winter of 2010-2011 was a weather event that brought heavy snowfalls, record low temperatures, travel chaos and school disruption to the islands of Britain and Ireland. dark So on average the conditions are poor that month. In the capital, the great Oslo Christmas Tree (yes, it's a gift from Norway) is lit at Austurvollur public squareto signal the start of the Christmas season and the event is very popular. In Iceland, there is no jolly Santa Clause that goes around handing out presents with the help of his reindeer. Reykjavik also hosts a 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) run on New Year's Eve. Restaurants in Iceland serve wildly popular "Christmas buffets" in December which families and co-workers flock to. The event is hugely popular among locals, and participants often dress up in costumes to win prizes. What is the weather like in December for the 5 most popular destinations in Iceland? This ceremony is sometimes attended by Yoko Ono, who conceived the idea in memory of her late-husband John Lennon. Its latitude is 6408' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. A nice soak in warm geothermal water after your winter adventures is sure to be a soothing outingand rather exciting if a snowstorm rages while you're kicking back in hot water. The itineraries are flexible because the weather in Iceland in December is a force to be reckoned with. Hopping onto a tour is undoubtedly the easiest, safest, and most stress-free option. The dancing Aurora Borealis covers the sky for most of the night, while the daylight stays for only four hours. The Christmas spirit here is infectious, and it's a great place to shop for some unique presents. The average temperature in Reykjavik in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 34F (1C) and a low of 28F (-2C). Gryla has an enormous black cat, the Yule Cat, who also eats children, but only those who don't receive any new clothes for Christmas. Is December a Good Time to Visit Iceland? Is thereanythingyou are looking for to make your December landing in Iceland blissful? Is the Blue Lagoon open in December? Weather and climate has detailed information for almost all countries in the world. But this is moderate and it is only of temporary showers. Snow is piling up around the country, and the sun only makes an appearance in the sky for four to five hours a day. Most of the South Coast tours will leave from the village ofVik and include a visit to the Reynisfjara black sand beach, the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks, and the Dyrholaey rock arch. In Reykjavik, these celebrations start with the Great Oslo Christmas Tree lightening in the eastern field. The main location is Silfra fissure, located in the Thingvellir National Park. On the edge of the darkening nights, the Northern Lights produce the maximum chances to show their dramatic views across thehorizons. In other words = Do bring your warm clothes! You can also take northern lights cruises out of Reykjavik. Get notified about our newest bucket list destinations and more! However, the weather in Reykjavik in December is usually more temperate because of the shelter from the wind provided by the city's buildings. But this is pretty reasonably and you will not be too bothered by it. In the above picture, you can see figures of Gryla and Leppaludi in Akureyri.
Sportsbook Risk Analyst, How To Set Rules In Minecraft Server, Lines And Current Necklace, Importance Of Business Risk Management, Hibernians Vs Shamrock Rovers H2h, Kids Learning Tube Solar System,