Iceland in January 2025: Weather and Travel

Iceland in January is cold and rainy/snowy with wetter conditions in the south and east. We recommend visiting Reykjavik, Akureyri, Húsavík, and Höfn in January.

Read on for our weather information and travel advice including average temperatures and rain/snowfall, places to go, and travel tips…

Iceland Weather in January: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: -3–3°C (27–37°F)
• Total rain/snow: 13 cm (5 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 14
• Humidity: 79%
• Sunshine hours/day: 1 hour

Climate Comparison (Averages) for Iceland's Top Tourism Areas

In January, Iceland is cold or freezes along the coast. Rainfall/snowfall varies greatly from place to place. Iceland gets from about 4 to 5½ hours of daylight on average that enables daily excursions and sightseeing. Hiking, winter sports, glaciers, auroras, long colorful twilights, and cultural touring are Iceland's highlights.

Southern Iceland: Vestmannaeyjar, Reykjavík, and the southern coast are at about 64° latitude and southward. There is an average of 5½ or more hours of daylight. At low elevations, the average high is about 3°C (37°F), the low is -2°C (28°F), and the humidity is about 79%.

Northern Iceland: Akureyri and other tourist towns are at latitude 65.5° and northwards and are just south of the Arctic Circle. Húsavík is at latitude 66° and gets about 4½ hours of daylight on average daily. To see auroras, it is best to go in the beginning of January.

The Best Places to Visit in Iceland in January

Touring Iceland in January features auroras, long indigo and pinkish twilights, winter sports, and unusual culture. Each day provides about 7 hours of daylight and twilight for wild subarctic and countryside excursions when the weather permits.

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1.Reykjavík — Visit the Highlights and Do Winter Sports

Reykjavík Iceland's capital and biggest city with a population of about 130,000. Reykjavík has an average daily high of 3°C (37°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F) in January. There are 5½ hours of daylight and 1 hour of sunshine on average daily.

Even though Reykjavík is far north, near the arctic, the weather isn't unusually frigid. It is slightly warmer than in Oslo or Stockholm. So, you could possibly see auroras, tour the city, and do excursions in relatively warmer weather. Rain/snowfall is moderate. The 78% humidity leaves a lot of slippery frost.

Icelanders go to the local ski resort, Bláfjöll, when the snow and weather permits. It is about half an hour from Reykjavík by automobile. There are 14 ski lifts, and it is suitable for families and children. Other excursions include swimming in the geothermal Blue Lagoon or watching auroras at Grótta.

2.Akureyri — Enjoy Skiing at the Ski Resorts, Whale Watching, Seafood, Wild Subarctic Scenery

Akureyri is in Iceland's far north. It is a town of about 20,000 people with unusual, exotic, fun and recreational things to do. It has the best ski resort area in Iceland because the snow conditions are better. The resort is only about 7 km (4 miles) away from the town.

Akureyri is a 5-or-6-hour trip from Reykjavík by vehicle. The average approximately 6 hours of daily daylight and twilight provides time for excursions to other places near Akureyri such as visiting a blue lake, bathing in hot springs, and swimming in the local geothermal pool.

Prices and crowds are relatively less in January allowing more solitude. On average, there is close to 0 hours of sunshine, low rain/snowfall, highs of 3°C (37°F), and lows of -4°C (25°F).

Húsavík is an hour northeast (see below), however Aurora watching is better near Akureyri since the skies are clearer and darker.

3.Húsavík — Enjoy Quiet Relaxation, Recreation, and Aurora Hunting in a Subarctic Fishing Village

Húsavík is a tourist and fishing town with a population of about 2,300 people near the northernmost area of Iceland. It is known as the best place in Iceland to see whales in summer. It is also known as the place the first Viking settlement was planted in 870 AD.

In January, the prices for accommodations and hotels and touring are relatively low. So, it is a good place in Iceland to rest since Húsavík is picturesque, and you'll have a better chance to see an aurora the more nights you spend there.

Húsavík gets about 4½ hours of daylight daily on average. Including twilight, that gives you about 6½ hours of light for excursions to go to geothermal baths or the local whale and history museums. It takes half an hour to go to Goðafoss Waterfall.

The average high is 2°C (35°F). The nightly lows are -4°C (24°F). The snowfall is moderate.

4.Höfn — Enjoy Fishing Villages, a Huge Glacier, Ice Caves, and Subarctic Hiking

Höfn is a tourist town on the southeastern coast of Iceland. It is in a fjord, so the scenery is beautiful, and you can watch fishing boats ply in and out bringing delicious catches to dine on and enjoy. It is a 6-or-7-hour drive from Reykjavík.

There are several ways to enjoy the area. Many want to venture to hike on Vatnajökull Glacier that is a short drive away. It is bigger than any glacier in Western Europe. The average 5½ hours of daylight provides time for visiting weird blue ice caves.

About 2,200 people live in Höfn, and luxury accommodations are there. You can also see beautiful auroras and twilight colors due to its isolation. On average, there is an hour of sunshine, highs of 2°C (36°F), and lows of -2°C (28°F). The rain/snowfall is moderate.

Moderate to Low Tourism Season: Touring Advice for January

There is moderate to high tourism right at the beginning of January in Iceland's cities and towns. There is low tourism in the middle and end of January after the holiday crowds leave, and prices become low. Overall, prices for touring are a lot less than in the summer.

In January, visiting and hiking on glaciers, bathing in hot springs, seeing ice caves and aurora watching are major tourist activities. Many people like the hot springs best when there is snow on the ground.

Since a branch of the Gulf Stream flows to the southern and western coasts, there is warmer, rainier, and cloudier weather along the southern and western coast than along the northern coast. The south gets a lot more rainfall/snowfall and stormy weather. Skiing is better in the north.

Aurora Watching in Iceland

The northern region of Iceland is the best place to go to see the auroras and experience the indigo/violet/pink skies because the skies are clearer there. There is much less rain than in the south and some more hours of clear dark night, and there is less light pollution.

During the long dark night hours that average about 12½ hours in Akureyri and other places north of latitude 65.5°, you can see the auroras the best.

The last half of January is better for lower prices and smaller crowds. The lower prices and greater choice of accommodations at the middle and end of January might allow you to spend more time sky watching, relaxing, and experiencing the great outdoors.

For darker skies and 24-hour nights, you could go to Tromsø and the Svalbard Islands in Norway that are at latitude 69 or northwards. For more information about Tromsø and the Svalbard Islands, see visiting Norway in January.

Public Holidays in January:

• New Year's Day is January 1 annually. It is a day off for most Icelanders, and schools and businesses close.

What to Wear in January

In January, Iceland gets severe winter storms, especially in the south. In southern Iceland, there is both rain and snow. It is best to be prepared for rain wherever you go. Since weather is unpredictable, keep an eye on the weather reports.

Iceland's weather changes swiftly and frequently. It is best to dress in layers and wear waterproof shoes with good traction. Bring raingear wherever you go in Iceland. Since geothermal springs and pools as well as heated pools are common, bring swimwear too.

Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Iceland:

• Warm waterproof boots with good traction for the outdoors. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Coat and warm hat
• Rain gear
• Swimwear for hot springs and spas
• Cardigans or thermals
• Polarized glasses

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Iceland

Next month: Iceland in February