Book Car Rental Iceland for a Smooth and Flexible Journey
                     Iceland in December: A 
Self- Drive Travel Guide 
with Car Rental Iceland
Dreaming of a winter getaway that feels like a snow globe 
brought to life? Iceland in December offers icy landscapes, 
glowing northern lights, festive traditions, and action-packed 
winter activities that are simply unforgettable. As a rental car 
company, we know Iceland is best explored at your own pace. 
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive self-drive travel 
guide for December.
www.hertz.
is
Weather in December in Iceland
December is when the chilly temperatures, frequent 
snowfall, and limited daylight of Iceland’s winter 
really take hold. While you might expect extreme 
cold, Iceland’s coastal climate actually keeps things 
milder than other Arctic destinations thanks to the 
Gulf Stream.
Average Temperature in Iceland in 
December: Low: -2°C (28°F)
High: 4°C (39°F)
Daylight hours in December:
Between 4 and 5 hours of daylight, typically from 
around 11 AM to 4 PM
Expect more snow the further inland and north you 
go, while Reykjavik and the South Coast may alternate 
between rain and snow depending on the day. Wind 
chill can also make it feel significantly colder, 
especially in open or coastal areas.
Road Conditions: Can You Drive in Iceland in 
December?
Yes—but December is not the month for spontaneous backroad adventures. Roads in Iceland can be 
snowy, icy, or windy, and the weather may change rapidly. The Iceland Highlands are entirely closed 
during winter, and the Westfjords or Eastfjords are often difficult to access due to heavy snowfall and 
limited services.
That said, self-driving the Golden Circle, South Coast, and even Snæfellsnes Peninsula is very doable, 
especially in a 4WD. These routes are well-maintained throughout winter and offer some of the country’s 
most stunning natural sights.
What’s the Best Car to Rent 
for Visiting Iceland in 
DWheenc iet cmombese tro? December in Iceland, a 4WD vehicle 
is essential. Roads may be slippery, snowy, and 
sometimes only partially plowed. A four-wheel-drive 
car gives you better traction and control, keeping you 
and your travel companions safe.
Here’s how to choose the right car for your trip:
Compact 4×4 SUVs like the Dacia Duster are ideal 
for couples or solo travelers who want something 
economical but capable of handling snow and 
gravel roads.
Intermediate SUVs like the Kia Sportage or Kia 
Sorento offer more space for small families or 
groups of 3–4 people, plus comfort features like 
heated seats and spacious interiors.
Full-size 4WD SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser or 
Land Rover Defender are the best choice for longer 
trips or if you’re carrying lots of luggage. They also 
provide a smoother ride in poor weather conditions.
What to Pack for Iceland 
in December
Packing properly is super critical for 
comfort in December as Iceland’s 
weather can shift quickly. You’ll be 
outside a lot, and even short walks to 
viewpoints or waterfalls can mean 
exposure to wind, snow, and rain.
Thermal base layers (preferably 
merino wool) to trap heat and wick 
moisture
Fleece mid-layer for insulation
WStautredryp,r owoaf,t ewripnrdoporfo obfo ooutste wr iltahy ers, 
including jacket and pants (GORE-TEX 
insulation and good grip
or equivalent)
Wool socks, gloves, a hat, and a neck 
gaiter or scarf
Find a full Iceland packing list here.
Best Things to Do in Iceland 
in December
Are you curious about what different things you can do 
in Iceland in December? Here are our top seven 
recommendations:
1.See the Northern Lights: December gives you some 
of the year’s longest nights, which are ideal for 
catching the aurora. Rent a 4×4 and drive to areas 
with little light pollution, like Þingvellir National Park 
or Snæfellsnes.
2.Snowmobiling: December is a great month to go 
snowmobiling in Iceland. Snowmobiling on Iceland’s 
iconic glaciers and lakes is the perfect activity for 
adventurous thrill-seekers.
3.Glacier Blue Ice Caving: Explore naturally formed blue 
ice caves beneath Vatnajökull or Katla glaciers.
4.Glacier Hiking: There are many different places to 
experience glacier hiking in Iceland, making it a great 
activity to add to any Iceland self-drive itinerary.
Events and Holidays 
in Iceland in 
December
eland is one of the best places to be in December because of 
its love of hristmas and the unique Icelandic way of 
celebrating, which of course, olves Icelandic folklore.
dvent & The Yule Lads (Dec 12–24)
Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas 
Eve and marks the day when Icelanders start 
lighting their Christmas trees. If you’re here on this 
day, you can watch the huge Oslo Christmas Tree lit 
at Austurvollur in Reykjavik.
During Advent, from December 12th to December 24th, 
The Yule Lads begin to make their public appearances at 
celebrations around the country. Instead of the classic 
tradition of Santa Claus coming to town, Iceland has 13 
mischievous, dirty trolls called The Yule Lads. 
Traditionally, they were quite grotesque, and their 
mother and her cat would eat children. The stories are a 
bit less horrific, so they don’t scare the children.
Christmas (Jól)
From December 23 to 26, Icelanders celebrate 
with food, family, and light-filled traditions. 
Expect closures during these days, but the 
festive atmosphere is unmatched.
Icelandic holiday meals include smoked lamb 
(hangikjöt), leaf bread (laufabrauð), and rice 
pudding with hidden almonds.
New Year’s Eve (Dec 31)
On New Year’s Eve in Iceland, Reykjavik’s fireworks 
are legendary. Since the public is allowed to 
purchase fireworks (with proceeds supporting 
Iceland’s search and rescue teams), the displays 
are spontaneous and widespread. Join locals at 
Hallgrímskirkja church or Perlan for sweeping 
views over the city.
Final Tips for Traveling 
to Iceland in December
Always check weather and road conditions before 
setting out
Top off your gas tank frequently, especially in 
rural areas
Be flexible with your itinerary in case of storms or 
delays Download offline maps and navigation apps 
(like Maps.me)
Book tours in advance, especially ice cave and 
glacier hikes
Bring snacks and water for long drives as many 
rest stops are seasonal
Rent Your December 
Road Trip Car with 
Confidence
Hertz Iceland specializes in winter rentals that are 
perfect for your trip to Iceland in December, offering 
a wide range of 4×4 vehicles with winter tires, 
roadside assistance, and add-ons tailored for snowy 
driving. Our team will give you route suggestions, 
safety tips, and insider knowledge to help you get 
the most from your December adventure. Book early 
to secure your winter-ready 4WD.
Contact 
USPhone Number
( + 354 ) 522 44 00
Email Address
hertz@ hertz. is
Website
www.hertz. is