Torshavn in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Torshavn

6°C (43°F) High Temp

2°C (35°F) Low Temp

157 mm (6.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas atmosphere is unmatched - Tórshavn transforms with Nordic Christmas markets in Tinganes and handcrafted Faroese wool goods that make December the peak season for authentic local shopping
Northern Lights visibility peaks in December with 19 hours of darkness daily, giving you multiple viewing opportunities from 6pm-9am when skies clear
Authentic Faroese winter culture - locals embrace 'koselig' lifestyle with traditional fish fermentation season, wool knitting circles, and storytelling evenings that tourists rarely experience other months
Hotel rates drop 40-50% after December 20th as tourist season ends, while restaurants offer special Christmas menus featuring local specialties like fermented lamb and aged whale meat

Considerations

Daylight limited to 5 hours (10:30am-3:30pm) making outdoor activities extremely time-constrained and weather-dependent
Ferry connections to outer islands operate reduced schedules with frequent cancellations due to North Atlantic storms - Mykines and Nólsoy ferries run only 2-3 times per week
Hiking trails above 200m (656ft) become dangerous with ice and snow, eliminating most of the Faroe Islands' signature cliff walks and mountain routes

Best Activities in December

Tórshavn Old Town Walking Tours

December transforms Tinganes peninsula into a Nordic winter wonderland with traditional Christmas decorations in grass-roof houses. The short daylight hours (10:30am-3:30pm) create dramatic lighting for photography, while indoor portions include visits to historical buildings with traditional heating. Local guides share winter folklore and Christmas traditions unique to the Faroes.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (11am start) to maximize daylight. Tours typically cost 400-600 DKK and include indoor museum stops for warmth. Look for guides who speak English and include traditional Christmas story elements. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Faroese Cooking Classes

December is fermentation season when locals prepare traditional winter foods. Indoor cooking classes feature seasonal specialties like fermented fish, aged mutton, and traditional Christmas cookies. Perfect activity during rainy days (60% chance daily) and connects you with authentic Faroese culture during their most traditional month.

Booking Tip: Book at least 1 week ahead as local chefs offer limited winter classes. Expect 2-3 hour sessions costing 800-1200 DKK including meal. Look for classes including traditional preservation techniques and Christmas specialties.

Nordic Light Photography Workshops

December's unique light conditions - dramatic sunrise at 10:30am, golden hour lasting until 3:30pm, and aurora possibilities after 6pm - create exceptional photography opportunities. Professional workshops teach techniques for capturing the moody winter landscapes and Northern Lights with proper equipment handling in cold, wet conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as local photographers offer limited winter workshops. Full-day sessions cost 1500-2200 DKK including equipment rental and transportation. Choose workshops that include both daylight and evening aurora sessions.

Vágar Island Day Tours

While high-altitude hiking is impossible, lower coastal areas of Vágar remain accessible in December. Tours focus on Múlafossur waterfall viewings (dramatic in winter conditions), Gásadalur village visits, and indoor cultural sites. Professional drivers navigate winter road conditions safely while you experience the stark winter beauty from heated vehicles.

Booking Tip: Book tours with 4WD vehicles and flexible timing due to weather. Day tours cost 1800-2500 DKK for small groups. Choose operators who provide weather contingency plans and indoor alternatives. Current tour options available in booking section.

Traditional Wool Workshop Experiences

December is peak season for Faroese wool crafting as locals prepare winter clothing and Christmas gifts. Workshop experiences teach traditional techniques using sheep wool from local farms, including natural dyeing with local plants and traditional pattern creation. Perfect indoor activity during frequent rain periods.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead through certified artisan groups. Half-day workshops cost 600-900 DKK including materials to create small items. Full-day intensive courses reach 1500 DKK. Look for workshops including historical context and take-home projects.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Tórshavn Christmas Market

Traditional Nordic Christmas market in Tinganes Bratislava featuring handmade Faroese wool products, local crafts, and traditional foods. Local artisans demonstrate traditional techniques while serving mulled wine and Christmas cookies. Uniquely Faroese with emphasis on sustainable, locally-made goods.

Mid December

Ólavsøka Winter Celebration

Winter version of the summer festival featuring traditional Faroese chain dancing (outdoors when weather permits), storytelling evenings in local venues, and traditional music performances. Focuses on preserving winter cultural traditions with authentic local participation.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with grip soles - wet stone streets become slippery and you'll walk 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) daily exploring

High-quality rain jacket with sealed seams - December rain is driving and horizontal due to North Atlantic winds

Merino wool base layers (avoid cotton) - 70% humidity combined with 2-6°C (35-43°F) temperatures create bone-chilling dampness

Warm hat covering ears - wind chill drops perceived temperature by 5-8°C (9-14°F) in coastal areas

Waterproof gloves for phone photography - you'll want photos during the limited daylight but standard gloves don't work with screens

Portable phone charger/power bank - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster than normal

Wool socks (3-4 pairs) - feet stay wet from rain and snow, wool maintains warmth when damp unlike synthetic materials

Thermal underwear - essential for any outdoor time during 19-hour nights with temperatures around 2°C (35°F)

Headlamp or small flashlight - navigating Tórshavn's narrow lanes requires personal lighting during extended darkness

Quick-dry travel towel - accommodation heating varies and regular towels take days to dry in 70% humidity

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor plans between 11am-2pm when tourist groups maximize limited daylight - schedule your outdoor time early morning (after 9am) or late afternoon (after 3pm) for better photos and fewer crowds

SMS Smyril Line ferry updates to your phone day-of-travel - North Atlantic storms cancel services with 2-3 hours notice, and rebooking from Tórshavn is easier than getting stranded on outer islands

Stock up on groceries Sunday-Tuesday as many shops close early December weekdays and tourist restaurants reduce hours - locals shop at Miklagarður (closes 8pm) and SMS (closes 10pm)

Download offline maps before arrival - GPS signals weaken in valleys during storms and mobile data becomes spotty outside Tórshavn center during December weather systems

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 4pm - darkness falls by 3:30pm and most outdoor sites become inaccessible without proper lighting and safety equipment

Assuming ferries run on schedule - December storms cancel 30-40% of services to outer islands, leaving tourists stranded or missing planned activities

Packing only for cold weather without rain protection - December rain is more problematic than cold, with horizontal driving rain that penetrates standard winter coats