December brings South Iceland into its winter mood: villages glowing with Christmas lights, waterfalls edged with ice and black-sand beaches under a low, silvery sky. With very limited daylight and long twilights, the landscape feels calm yet dramatic. This is a month for slower travel, cosy cafés and warm geothermal pools, with fewer crowds and good chances of experiencing Icelandic holiday traditions and, on clear nights, the Northern Lights.
What to expect
Expect true winter conditions and a relaxed, off-peak atmosphere. Daylight is at its shortest around the winter solstice, so most tours and sightseeing focus on the middle of the day, while mornings and evenings are ideal for travelling, hot pool visits or aurora excursions. Temperatures often hover around freezing, and roads can be wet, snowy or icy. Major routes and attractions along the south coast generally remain open but some mountain and highland roads are closed for the season.
What to pack
- Insulated jacket
- Warm layers (wool sweater, down/primaloft jacket, warm socks etc.)
- Ice cleats/ice grips/anti-slip soles (even if you are only staying in town)
- Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater
- Rainproof/windproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy walking shoes with a good tread/grip
- Sunglasses (during spring/summer it’s bright 24/7 and during winter the sun rises low an reflects from the snow, if there is any).
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Hat (toque/beanie)
- Thermal underwear (specifically for highland travel/activities)
- Waterproof hiking boots (specifically for highland travel/activities)
- Warm socks (specifically for winter and highland travel/activities)
- Swimsuit
- Quick-dry towel (for visiting pools and hot springs - towels are available for rent at swimming facilities)
