Visiting Iceland in December is like stepping into a winter fairy tale: snow-dusted mountains, dancing northern lights, cozy cafés, and festive Christmas lights in every town. It’s also one of the most unique times of year to experience Icelandic culture, from traditional holiday foods to the famous 13 Yule Lads. With the right preparation, December can be an unforgettable time to explore the west of Iceland and beyond.
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your December trip to Iceland, along with ideas for where to stay—like Ourhotels.is properties in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður—so you can enjoy the magic of winter in comfort.
One of the first things to understand about Iceland in December is the daylight. In the west and north, you’ll have around 4–5 hours of usable daylight, with long, atmospheric twilights. This means planning your sightseeing carefully: schedule your main activities between late morning and mid-afternoon, and use the darker hours for relaxing in hot tubs, enjoying local restaurants, or chasing the northern lights. Staying in smaller towns like Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur, or Ísafjörður can actually be an advantage, as you’ll have darker skies and less light pollution right outside your accommodation.
Weather in December can be unpredictable: you might get clear, crisp days with blue skies, or snow, wind, and occasional storms. Pack for winter conditions and think in layers. A warm base layer (wool or synthetic), an insulating mid-layer (fleece or wool sweater), and a windproof, waterproof outer shell are essential. Don’t forget a hat, scarf, gloves, warm socks, and sturdy waterproof boots with good grip. This kind of clothing will keep you comfortable whether you’re walking around a harbor town, exploring waterfalls, or standing outside at night waiting for the aurora to appear.
Driving in Iceland in December is very doable, but it requires caution and flexibility. Roads can be icy, snowy, or temporarily closed due to weather. If you plan to self-drive, choose a 4×4 rental, check the road conditions daily on official websites, and keep an eye on the weather forecast. Plan shorter driving days and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. One of the advantages of staying with Ourhotels.is is that their locations in the west and northwest—like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—are well placed along popular winter routes, making it easier to break up your journey into comfortable, manageable segments.
December is also prime northern lights season. Long nights and cold, clear air create ideal conditions for aurora viewing. To increase your chances, stay in areas with darker skies away from big-city light pollution. Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, set in the countryside not far from Borgarnes, is a great base for this: step outside on a clear night and you may have the show right above you. Similarly, Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords places you in a dramatic fjord landscape where, on a good night, the northern lights can reflect off the snow and sea. Check the aurora forecast, dress warmly, and be patient—sometimes the lights appear suddenly after a long wait.
While many people think of Iceland mainly for its nature, December is also a wonderful time to experience local culture. Towns and villages are decorated with Christmas lights, and you’ll find seasonal treats like laufabrauð (leaf bread), smoked lamb, and hot chocolate. In Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can stroll the colorful harbor, visit local eateries, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Staying at The Stykkishólmur Inn puts you within walking distance of the town’s main sights, making it easy to explore even in winter conditions.
When planning your itinerary, consider focusing on regions that are especially rewarding in winter and relatively accessible. The west of Iceland is perfect for this. From Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you can explore the Borgarfjörður region’s hot springs, lava fields, and waterfalls like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, which look magical with ice and snow. From The Stykkishólmur Inn, you can discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature” for its mix of mountains, black sand beaches, cliffs, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier. If you’re feeling more adventurous and conditions allow, Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords gives you access to one of Iceland’s most dramatic and less-visited winter landscapes, with steep mountains, narrow fjords, and a strong sense of remoteness.
Because December is a popular time to visit—especially around Christmas and New Year’s—it’s wise to book your accommodation in advance. Ourhotels.is offers comfortable, traveler-friendly stays in strategic locations, so you can plan a route that flows naturally: for example, starting from Reykjavík, heading to Borgarfjörður and Hvítá Inn, continuing to The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and then, if you have more time and the weather cooperates, venturing north and west to Ísafjörður Inn. This kind of route lets you experience a wide variety of winter scenery without rushing.
Food and relaxation are a big part of enjoying Iceland in December. After a day out in the cold, there’s nothing better than warming up in a hot tub or local swimming pool, then enjoying a hearty meal. Many towns have excellent bakeries and cafés where you can try Icelandic pastries, soups, and seafood. Ask the staff at Ourhotels.is properties for local recommendations—they’ll often know the coziest spots and seasonal specialties nearby. In smaller places like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, you’ll find that the atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, with a strong sense of community.
Finally, build some flexibility into your plans. Winter weather can change quickly, and sometimes the best decision is to slow down, stay an extra night, or swap a long drive for a local walk and a hot drink. One of the advantages of basing yourself in well-located inns like Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn is that there’s always something interesting nearby, even if you decide not to venture far: a scenic viewpoint, a shoreline walk, a local museum, or simply the chance to watch the changing light over the mountains and sea.
December in Iceland rewards those who come prepared: with warm clothing, realistic driving plans, and a flexible mindset, you can experience some of the country’s most magical moments. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights in Borgarfjörður, exploring the harbor in Stykkishólmur, or soaking up the quiet beauty of the Westfjords from Ísafjörður, staying with Ourhotels.is helps you enjoy the season in comfort, close to the landscapes and experiences that make an Icelandic winter so special.
