Iceland in January: Weather, What to Do, and Travel Tips
Iceland in January offers a distinct experience shaped by the country’s extreme seasonal variation — from near-24-hour daylight in summer to just 5 hours in December. Here’s what to know before visiting this month.
Weather in Iceland in January
| Region | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | -3 to 3°C | -8 to -1°C | Mild maritime climate |
| Akureyri | 1–2°C colder | 2–3°C colder | More continental, can be colder |
| South Coast | Similar to Reykjavík | Similar | More wind and rain |
| East Fjords | Often drier | Often colder | More continental conditions |
Note: These are approximate averages. Iceland’s weather is highly variable — check vedur.is for current forecasts.
Daylight Hours
Iceland’s daylight varies more dramatically than almost anywhere in Europe:
- June: Approximately 22–24 hours of light (midnight sun)
- December: Approximately 5 hours of daylight
- Equinoxes (March/September): Approximately 12 hours
Check vedur.is for exact sunrise/sunset times for your travel dates.
Best Activities in January
Northern Lights (high chance), ice caves, Akureyri skiing.
For a full breakdown:
- Glacier walks: Available year-round at Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell. Best conditions May–October; year-round with guide.
- Whale watching: Best June–August from Húsavík and Reykjavík. Limited winter service.
- Puffin watching: May through early August only.
- Laugavegur trail: Mid-June to mid-September only (hut season).
- Ice caves: November through March (natural ice caves inside Vatnajökull).
- Northern Lights: Late August through early April when nights are dark.
- Skiing at Hlíðarfjall: November through April.
Northern Lights in January
Prime Northern Lights season. Long dark nights give many opportunities — success depends on clear skies and solar activity (KP3+). Check vedur.is.
Practical Northern Lights advice: You need two conditions simultaneously — clear skies and solar activity (KP3 or higher). Check vedur.is for both. Aurora forecast shows cloud cover maps and KP index predictions. Most tour operators run trips when conditions look good; a resail guarantee applies if aurora isn’t visible.
Road Conditions
Check road.is before every drive. Key seasonal notes:
- Highland F-roads (Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk by road): Closed November–May
- Mountain passes: Can close temporarily after snowfall September–May
- Winter tyres: Mandatory November 1–April 15 (fitted to all rental cars)
- The Ring Road (Route 1): Generally plowed and open year-round
What to Pack for January
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (mandatory at all times of year)
- Warm insulating layer (fleece, down jacket)
- Hat and gloves (even in summer for evening walks and exposed coastal areas)
- Sturdy waterproof footwear
- In winter: thermal base layers, microspikes for icy paths
- In summer: eye mask for sleeping (needed June–July)
- Sunscreen: yes, even in winter — glacier and snow UV is significant
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Iceland?
- Cold, snowy, very short days (5hrs light). Best for Northern Lights and ice caves. Highland roads closed. Best activities: Northern Lights (high chance), ice caves, Akureyri skiing.
- What is the weather like in Iceland in January?
- Reykjavík averages -3 to 3°C for highs in January. Weather changes rapidly — pack waterproof and warm layers regardless. Akureyri and North Iceland can be colder and drier than the south.
- Can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland in January?
- Prime Northern Lights season. Long dark nights give many opportunities — success depends on clear skies and solar activity (KP3+). Check vedur.is.