Driving in Iceland in December

December in Iceland is not a fairy-tale postcard. It’s raw, freezing, and the roads will test you. Driving in Iceland in December means ice, storms, and daylight that vanishes before you blink. Yet this is exactly why a camper makes sense. 

Your bed rolls with you, your heater follows the weather, and you get to chase the Northern Lights instead of a hotel booking. This guide digs into the real story: how safe it is, what the roads look like, which camper you actually need, and why December can be both the worst and best time to hit the road.

Is December a Good Time to Go to Iceland?

For some people, Iceland in December can be a great time. For others, well, let’s just say the darkness and icy roads can be a real headache. So here’s what’s good and not so good.

Pros

• Northern Lights hot spots: Jökulsárlón lagoon with auroras bouncing off icebergs. The black sand beach nearby amplifies the colors. Snæfellsnes with Kirkjufell as the backdrop, Vík’s cliffs and church under the oval, and Vatnajökull wilderness with zero light pollution.

• Festive holiday vibe: Towns lit up for Christmas, Yule Lads in every story, markets buzzing with food and decorations. The cold feels lighter with that glow.

• Winter scenery: Snow-draped waterfalls, ice caves glowing blue, black sand beaches cutting against the white. It changes every time you look.

• Fewer tourists: Quieter stops, no buses blocking the view, easier bookings, and better prices.

• Winter-only adventures: Glacier hikes, ice caves, snowmobiling across white plains, hot springs steaming while frost hangs in the air.

Cons

• Short daylight: Four to five hours of sun is all you get. Sunrise around 11 AM, sunset by 3 or 4 PM. Sightseeing turns into a race against the clock.

• Challenging roads: Heavy snow, ice, and sudden storms can close routes without warning. The Highlands and remote regions become impossible to reach.

• Limited campsites: Many are locked up for winter. The ones that stay open may only offer patchy services, making overnight stops less comfortable.

• Flexibility needed: Rigid plans snap fast here. Weather changes, roads close, and you adapt or sit frustrated in your camper.

• Extra rental insurance: December is when you actually need it. Gravel Protection keeps shattered windshields from draining your savings. Sand and Ash Protection is a must if storms kick up. And if you want zero stress, the Platinum package clears every deductible, so you don’t pay out of pocket for the season’s surprises.

What’s the Weather Like in Iceland in December?

The weather in Iceland in December is a mix of cold, snow, and constant surprises. Average temps sit between 23°F and 36°F (-5°C to 2°C). The numbers don’t tell the truth though. Wind chill makes it bite harder, especially if you’re standing on a ridge or walking a beach. Your face goes numb fast.

Snowfall is common. Inland and in the north, it piles up and sticks. Reykjavík gets around 30 to 40 mm of precipitation this month, but that shows up as snow, sleet, or rain depending on which way the storm tilts. Along the coast it’s wetter. Inland, it’s thicker drifts. The Atlantic sends in fronts that flip the sky without warning. One moment calm, the next a whiteout.

And then the payoff. Long nights, dark skies, and the Northern Lights sliding across the horizon. You shiver, curse the wind, and still can’t look away.

Road Conditions in December: What You Need to Know

The road conditions in Iceland in December are not just about snow on the ground; they are about what that snow does to your wheels. Ice makes every stop longer, every turn slower. Snowdrifts pile up across lanes, forcing plows to work constantly. 

Strong winds whip through mountain passes, rocking campers and sometimes closing bridges. The Highlands and F-roads are off-limits all winter, while even the Ring Road can shut down if storms hit hard.

What keeps drivers alive out here are the updates. Umferdin.is tells you which routes are open or blocked. Vedur.is tracks the wind and storms that cause most accidents. SafeTravel.is posts alerts straight to travelers. Skipping these checks is like rolling the dice with your trip.

Do You Need a 4x4 in Iceland in December?

Do you need a 4x4 in Iceland in December? If you rent a campervan in Iceland during winter, the answer is yes. A 4x4 gives you traction where a 2WD just spins. On icy stretches, four-wheel drive spreads the power across all wheels, so you’re less likely to slide out or get stuck. When strong crosswinds hit, the added stability keeps your camper from swaying as much.

Snow piled on the shoulder? A 4x4 pulls out where a 2WD would dig itself deeper. Heading uphill on a slick pass? Extra grip makes the climb possible. Even simple braking feels safer when the vehicle is built for rough conditions.

For campers, the difference is comfort and confidence. You’re not second-guessing every turn. And since every rental through us already comes with winter tires fitted free of charge, you start with the right setup for December’s roads.

Which Campervan is Best for Iceland in December?

Here’s the no-nonsense breakdown of our fleet so you can actually see what works in winter and what doesn’t.

Camper	Why It Works in December	Best Fit
VW Transporter 4x4	Strong 4WD, reliable heating, stable in wind and snow. Built for Iceland’s winter roads.	2-3 travelers who want safe, practical comfort.
Mercedes Campstar / VW Ocean 4x4	Premium insulation, automatic 4WD, heating, and roomy sleeping setup. Smooth handling in harsh conditions.	3-4 travelers or families wanting maximum comfort and safety.
Renault Master (2WD)	Heating system and space for 5. Works if you stick to main paved routes, but not ideal for stormy conditions.	Larger groups on a budget who plan to stay on the Ring Road.

PS: Roof tents and smaller 2WD vans are simply not suited for December.

Is It Difficult to Drive in Iceland in December?

Driving in Iceland in December is not like cruising a summer highway. Brakes feel slow, and stopping takes longer than your instincts expect. Corners? Ease in, or the tires slide out, and you’re suddenly facing the wrong way. Bridges are worse. They freeze first, so every crossing feels like a coin toss.

Crosswinds make it interesting. Out on the plains, gusts slam the side of the camper and shove you toward the shoulder. Passing a truck in that wind feels like turbulence on wheels. At night, it gets tighter. Headlights hit blowing snow, and all you see is white static.

The trick is patience. Keep the speed down. Both hands on the wheel. Let the 4x4 do its job. If you fight the road or rush, Iceland wins. Driving here in December is possible, but it demands respect every single mile.

Tips for a Safe Campervan Road Trip in December

A winter road trip here is not about winging it. The road conditions in Iceland in December change by the hour, and the camper only does its job if you do yours. These are the habits that keep the wheels rolling:

• Fuel up often: Fill the tank whenever you can. Stations thin out fast outside Reykjavík, and some close early in winter. Don’t gamble on the next one being open.

• Pack emergency gear: A shovel for digging out snow, a headlamp for the long nights, a blanket for warmth, and a power bank for dead batteries. If the road shuts, you wait. The difference is between being either prepared or being miserable.

• Use proper pull-offs: Iceland’s roads are narrow, icy, and blind in places. Stop only at marked pull-offs for photos. Blocking a lane here is how accidents happen.

• Plan with apps: Download Park4Night or Camping.info for campsite info, and Maps.me or Google Maps offline for navigation. Cell service drops in valleys and remote stretches, and without offline tools, you’ll be left second-guessing every turn.

• Check hookups: Winter campsites run on skeleton services. Some shut off power completely. A diesel heater burns fuel quickly if you’re off-grid, so know where you can recharge.

• Know your limits: If wind pushes the camper sideways or the road looks like glass, stop or turn back. Pride doesn’t beat Iceland. Respect does.

  

  
  

Open Campsites in Iceland in December

Winter cuts the list of camping options short. Most campsites in Iceland lock up from October to May, leaving only about 26 open year-round. If you are traveling to Iceland in December with a campervan, that number matters. These campsites are spread across the regions: Reykjavik, the South, East, North, and West.

Reykjavik Campsite is the most convenient. It sits near the city center with heated pools and reliable facilities that make cold nights easier. Outside the capital, Skaftafell offers access to glaciers, Camp Egilsstaðir sits in the East with solid amenities, and Skjól serves people camping on the Golden Circle.

The reason these year-round sites are so important is simple. Snow and harsh weather close the rest. Space is limited, so book in advance and pack for the cold. With only a few options open, planning is not optional if you want safe and comfortable nights in December.

Sample 5-Day Winter Campervan Itinerary

Planning a trip is one thing. Surviving December roads is another. To give you a head start, here’s a route that balances driving time with sights you actually want to see. It sticks to the South Coast and Golden Circle, keeps drives short, and leaves space for the weather to call the shots. Think of it as a framework, not a promise.

Day 1 - Start in Reykjavik and hit the Golden Circle. Thingvellir is where Iceland’s first parliament sat, and you can literally walk between tectonic plates. Geysir is the original hot water show, but it’s Strokkur that blasts every few minutes. Gullfoss is raw power, a two-tier waterfall that throws spray in your face even in sub-zero cold. The loop is 3-4 hours driving, but you’ll spend more time gawking. Overnight at Reykjavík Campsite.

Day 2 - Head south to Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind in summer, though in December it’s often half-frozen and shining with icicles. Skógafoss is wider, louder, and soaks you if you get too close. Short, careful walks get you the views. About 2.5 hours driving. Sleep near Hvolsvöllur or Skógar.

Day 3 - Push on to Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach with basalt columns and waves that don’t forgive mistakes. The village of Vík is small but a good winter base. Drive time 1-2 hours. Overnight in Vík or nearby.

Day 4 - If conditions allow, continue to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Winter here means blue ice caves that look unreal, but you’ll need a guided tour. It’s 2-3 hours each way, so plan the day around it, overnight at Skaftafell campsite.

Day 5 - Head back along the South Coast. Revisit any stops you rushed, keep drives under 3 hours, and finish in Reykjavik or near the airport. Good spot to thaw out before your flight.

Your Questions Answered about Driving in Iceland in December

Can I sleep outside campsites in December

No. Wild camping is illegal here. In December, it’s also stupid. Snow, wind, and zero services. Stick to the handful of legal, open campsites.

Do camper heaters run all night?

Yes, diesel or gas heaters run fine. Just keep an eye on fuel. Nothing kills the mood like waking up at 3 AM inside a frozen tin box.

Can I drive the whole Ring Road in December?

Technically, yes, but only if storms give you a break. Expect closures, delays, and long dark stretches. Always build backup days into your plan.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. They show up when skies are clear and solar activity plays along. Long nights raise your odds, but you can’t book auroras like a hotel.

What’s the biggest driving mistake tourists make?

Speeding. People treat icy Icelandic roads like German autobahns. They slide, they crash, and they blame the weather. Drive slower than feels natural, and you’ll actually get there.

Do gas stations take cash?

Most run on cards only, with PIN. Some rural pumps stay open 24/7 without staff. Bring a credit card that works internationally, or you’ll be sleeping roadside.

Is December too cold for camping in a van?

Not if your van has heating. Inside stays warm, outside freezes. Step out for five minutes, and you’ll remember why the heater matters more than Instagram photos.

Do I need chains on my tires?

No. Rentals come with proper winter tires already fitted. Chains aren’t used here. They tear up the roads and usually do more harm than good.

How Driving in Iceland in December Tests You and Pays You Back

Driving in Iceland in December is not easy, but that is why it stays with you. The roads are icy, the wind unforgiving, and daylight is short. Yet between those hours, you see things few travelers ever do. Frozen waterfalls glowing in the weak sun. Black beaches roaring in the dark. Northern Lights sliding above your camper roof. 

With the right 4x4 camper, proper heating, and a plan that bends with the weather, it shifts from a fight into an adventure. Book early, choose winter-ready gear, and let the island test you. The payoff is worth every frozen mile.