Iceland in January – Weather, Activities & Travel Tips

January is Iceland’s heart of winter, providing stunning snowy landscapes, excellent Northern Lights viewing, and unforgettable winter adventures. It’s ideal for those seeking a true winter experience in Iceland, away from peak-season crowds.

Why Visit Iceland in January?

January offers an authentic winter adventure:

✅ Peak Northern Lights viewing – Long, dark nights offer the best visibility.
✅ Ice caves & glaciers – Ideal conditions for ice-cave tours and glacier hikes.
✅ Winter scenery – Stunning snowy landscapes and frozen waterfalls.
✅ Fewer crowds – More peaceful than other peak winter months.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Cold weather and intense winds.
  
  
• Limited daylight (around 4–6 hours daily).
  
  
• Unpredictable road conditions due to snow and ice.
  
  

💡 Tip: Book guided tours for stress-free winter activities.

Iceland Weather in January

January is one of Iceland’s coldest months:

Average Temperatures

• 🌡️ -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F)
  
  
• Reykjavik & South Iceland: -1°C to 3°C (30°F to 37°F)
  
  
• North Iceland & Highlands: -6°C to 0°C (21°F to 32°F)
  
  

Daylight Hours in January

• ☀️ Approximately 4–6 hours of daylight
  
  
• Early January: Sunrise ~11:15 AM, sunset ~3:45 PM
  
  
• Late January: Sunrise ~10:15 AM, sunset ~5:00 PM
  
  

💡 Tip: Plan outdoor activities during limited daylight hours, and save evenings for Northern Lights viewing.

Snow, Rain & Wind

• ❄️ Frequent snowfall
  
  
• 🌧️ Occasional rain in coastal areas
  
  
• 💨 Strong winds, especially near coasts
  
  

💡 Tip: Always check daily weather updates on vedur.is before traveling.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in January

1. Hunt for Northern Lights

January is perfect for Northern Lights viewing:

• Best spots: Þingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Kirkjufell Mountain.
  
  
• Clear, cold nights enhance visibility.
  
  

💡 Tip: Book guided tours with experienced aurora hunters.

2. Explore Ice Caves & Glaciers

January offers optimal ice-cave conditions:

• Crystal Ice Cave in Vatnajökull National Park.
  
  
• Katla Ice Cave near Vík (accessible year-round).
  
  

💡 Tip: Always choose certified guides—ice caves can be dangerous without expertise.

3. Visit Frozen Waterfalls

Frozen waterfalls create dramatic winter scenes:

• Gullfoss Waterfall – Partially frozen, incredible winter views.
  
  
• Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss – Spectacular icy surroundings.
  
  

💡 Tip: Wear ice cleats for safer walking on slippery trails.

4. Relax in Geothermal Hot Springs

Enjoy hot springs surrounded by snow:

• Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s iconic winter spa experience.
  
  
• Sky Lagoon – Luxury infinity pool overlooking snowy landscapes.
  
  
• Secret Lagoon – Natural geothermal baths with fewer crowds.
  
  

💡 Tip: Book well ahead, as hot springs remain popular in winter.

5. Discover Reykjavik’s Winter Charm

January is a cozy time in Iceland’s capital:

• Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church for snowy city panoramas.
  
  
• Enjoy Reykjavik’s cozy cafes, restaurants, and museums.
  
  
• Explore Harpa Concert Hall’s cultural events and beautiful winter lights.
  
  

💡 Tip: Warm up with traditional Icelandic lamb stew or seafood soup.

Road Conditions & Driving in January

🚗 January driving can be challenging:

• Main roads are cleared but frequently icy or snowy.
  
  
• Side roads and Highlands often inaccessible or hazardous.
  
  

💡 Tip: Rent a sturdy 4x4, regularly check road.is, and consider guided tours.

Packing List for Iceland in January

✅ Thermal base layers
✅ Waterproof and insulated jacket & pants
✅ Warm boots with good traction
✅ Gloves, scarf, and warm hat
✅ Ice cleats (for safer walking)
✅ Headlamp (essential due to limited daylight)
✅ Swimsuit (for geothermal baths)

For further travel tips see our: What to wear in Iceland with a rental car. 

Conclusion

January in Iceland is ideal for those seeking snowy landscapes, incredible Northern Lights, ice caves, and authentic winter adventures. Although conditions can be challenging, January promises unforgettable Icelandic winter memories.

🚗 Planning a road trip? Make safety a priority by renting a reliable 4x4 and checking road conditions daily on sites such as safetravel.is.