Iceland Tours in December 2025

What our customers ask about Iceland Tours in December 2025

• What key sites can I visit in Iceland during December?

  Winter tours in Iceland focus on the country's most notable cold-weather attractions. The Golden Circle route takes visitors to Thingvellir National Park Geysir's steaming vents and Gullfoss waterfall. Along the South Coast you'll find the cascading Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach offer views of floating icebergs. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Each place was more beautiful than the last - the natural beauty is outstanding. The ice caves in Vatnajökull Jökulsárlón lagoon and waterfalls were absolutely magical in winter conditions." Accommodations typically include stays at properties like Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavik and Hotel Höfn near the glacier lagoon.

• What are the weather conditions like in Iceland during December?

  Reykjavik sees temperatures between -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F) in December while North Iceland near Akureyri experiences colder conditions. Snow is common particularly around Mývatn and Húsafell. Strong winds can occur throughout the country. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The weather was challenging but worth it - we experienced everything from heavy snow at Gullfoss waterfall to clear skies perfect for Northern Lights viewing from Hotel Eyjafjallajökull."

• What are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland during December?

  Dark December skies create ideal viewing conditions around Lake Mývatn the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the South Coast near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Hotels like Eyjafjallajökull and Fosshotel Nupar provide viewing spots away from city light pollution. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We saw spectacular Northern Lights two nights in a row from our hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur - the dark December skies made them even more vivid."

• What winter activities are available at the Golden Circle in December?

  The Golden Circle's winter offerings include snowmobile rides on Langjökull glacier visits to the active Strokkur geyser and walks around the partially frozen Gullfoss waterfall. Guests at Fosshotel Baron can reach these sites easily. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Seeing Gullfoss partially frozen in December was absolutely magical and the snowmobile tour added an extra adventure element."

• What type of accommodation is available during December tours?

  December tours feature 3-star hotels equipped with private bathrooms and heating systems across Iceland. Popular options include Fosshotel Baron in Reykjavík Hotel Höfn near Vatnajökull and Fosshotel Nupar in the south. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotels were well-heated and strategically located for northern lights viewing with the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offering particularly stunning views of the auroras."

• What special Christmas activities happen in Iceland during December?

  December brings distinctive holiday traditions to Iceland. Visitors can meet the Yule Lads in Dimmuborgir browse Christmas markets in Reykjavik and see holiday light displays throughout the city. Local restaurants and hotels serve traditional Christmas buffets known as jólahlaðborð. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The Christmas atmosphere in Reykjavik was magical with festive lights making the short December days much brighter."