Iceland Holidays in December

Iceland is cold in December, so the warmest options are the places with the most shelter, services and geothermal comfort.

• Reykjavik: Reykjavik is the warmest practical base in winter because its compact centre, heated cafes and geothermal water supply make the cold easier to manage. The city is walkable from the harbour to the old town, which means you spend less time exposed to wind. Expect cold, dark and often windy conditions rather than mild weather, but Reykjavik gives you the most sheltered daily routine. For many travellers it is the most comfortable December base on the island. It is exactly the brief our Reykjavik holidays deals are built around.
• Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula close to Keflavik Airport and offers warm geothermal water even when the surrounding lava field is cold and dark. It is one of the most reliable warm-water experiences available in winter, and it works well on the first or last day of a trip, the same brief our Iceland All Inclusive Holidays deals are built around. Bookings are generally recommended in advance, particularly at peak winter times. We think it is a worthwhile stop when your schedule allows an early or late soak.
• Akureyri: Akureyri in North Iceland is a small town set on a long fjord, and its sheltered position can feel milder than more exposed coastal areas. The town centre is a short walk from the harbour, and cafes and a botanical garden give you indoor options when the weather turns. It is less sheltered than the capital, so pack accordingly and plan outdoor time around the forecast. Akureyri suits travellers who want a calmer winter base in the north. It is exactly the brief our Iceland holidays deals are built around.
• Stykkisholmur: Stykkisholmur is a small town where a harbour and ferry links shape the rhythm of daily life. The town feels sheltered and quiet in winter, and local cafes and guesthouses offer warm, unhurried stays. Road access across the wider region can be affected by winter weather, so check conditions before any drive. We see it as a good choice for a slower, cosier winter trip.
• Vik: Vik is a village on the south coast that sits along the Ring Road and offers a more sheltered base for winter coastal scenery. It is one of the wetter places in Iceland, so winter days can be grey and damp rather than crisp. Its black sand beach is dramatic in winter light, but the area demands warm, waterproof layers. We recommend Vik for travellers happy with changeable weather and a slower pace.