Akureyri in December
In December, Akureyri averages -1°C (31°F) during the day and -6°C (22°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (153 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are deeply cold — proper winter gear is essential. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Akureyri. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Akureyri
December is one of the coolest months in Akureyri (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C below the annual average (6°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (2°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (0°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Akureyri
Times shown for Akureyri local time (Atlantic/Reykjavik), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Akureyri — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Akureyri's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Akureyri in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Off-peak) and Akureyri's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Akureyri
This is off-peak for Akureyri — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Akureyri
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🥶 Bitter cold — Akureyri in December
Gear: Snow rare but air is freezing. Insulated coat, hat, and gloves still required — wind chill is the real enemy.
Akureyri in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 32°F | -5°C / 23°F | 122 mm | 26 | — |
| February | 0°C / 32°F | -5°C / 24°F | 113 mm | 22 | — |
| March | 1°C / 33°F | -4°C / 25°F | 103 mm | 24 | — |
| April | 3°C / 38°F | -1°C / 29°F | 59 mm | 18 | — |
| May | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 35°F | 58 mm | 21 | — |
| June | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 71 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 47°F | 89 mm | 22 | — |
| August | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 86 mm | 20 | — |
| September | 10°C / 51°F | 5°C / 41°F | 134 mm | 23 | — |
| October | 5°C / 40°F | 0°C / 32°F | 145 mm | 23 | — |
| November | 2°C / 35°F | -3°C / 26°F | 113 mm | 21 | — |
| December | -1°C / 31°F | -6°C / 22°F | 153 mm | 22 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Akureyri in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Akureyri in December?
In December, Akureyri averages a high of -1°C (31°F) and a low of -6°C (22°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Akureyri in December?
December is quite rainy in Akureyri, with about 22 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Akureyri?
December is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Akureyri in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Akureyri for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.