Justyna is a passionate nature enthusiast on a mission to reveal the magic of Iceland through her words. She can’t imagine her life without sports, friends, family, and her dog by her side.
The coldest month doesn’t mean less to do—January is great for exploring glaciers, hot springs, and more. Short days don’t stop Iceland from being a top destination!
Traveling to Iceland in January feels like a real-life frosty fairytale—a world away from what would greet you in summer. Fewer crowds make it all yours to explore, and the short daylight hours offer a great chance to see the Northern Lights. The key is understanding the weather, packing smartly, and planning your activities for the daylight hours. With these essentials in mind, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable winter adventure!
January in Iceland is Worth the Trip!
Caption: Iceland in winter. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur Guthmundsson.
If this is your first winter trip, there might be doubts—is Iceland good to visit in January at all? Isn’t it one of the coldest months? It is, but it can be incredibly rewarding if you know where to look for adventures. For starters, look up—The Northern Lights are spectacular this time of year, and long nights make them easy to catch. Iceland's winter months are also a quieter post-holiday period, with more budget-friendly prices. Going to Iceland in January lets you enjoy moments by blue glaciers and warm hot springs, all without the hustle of peak-season visitors. You definitely won’t run out of things to do!
Things to Do in Iceland in January
Iceland’s winter nights are famous for the glowing Northern Lights.
Despite the short days, it’s easy to find what to do in Iceland in January, whether you’re braving the outdoors or keeping it cozy inside. You can definitely fill your day with sightseeing as familiar routes transform into something truly magical.
When night falls, hunting the Northern Lights tops the list of the best things to do in Iceland in January. You might catch the auroras in the countryside, observe them from a boat, or even in Reykjavik (if you’re lucky).
Glacier hiking, snowmobiling, and ice caving are top winter highlights for those craving adventure. Wrap it all up with a soak in a geothermal spa—the perfect way to end a day of icy activities.
Top Activities and Winter Sports to Do in January
Stormy days feel cozy at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s favorite geothermal retreat.
Locals have perfected life with just a few hours of daylight, and you can too. Explore shimmering blue glaciers, trek into hidden ice caves, or unwind in steaming hot pools. As night falls, cozy up for the unforgettable sight of green auroras dancing across the sky. Active or relaxed, the choice is yours.
Capturing Northern Lights—Longer nights make it easier to spot the colorful Aurora in the sky. While the Northern Lights are sometimes visible from Reykjavik on clear nights, heading to areas with low light pollution—deeper into nature—gives you a better chance of seeing them.
Hiking on a glacier and ice climbing—Your adventurous streak will not be disappointed with the beautiful, vast glaciers Iceland has to offer. It’s popular to explore stunning outlets of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, perfect for relaxed walks or fun climbing challenges.
Whale watching—Iceland's gentle giants breach gracefully from the waters off Reykjavik, Dalvik, Akureyri, or Olafsvik towns. Some species, like the Minke whale and Humpbacks, are even more likely to be seen in winter than in summer.
Visiting Blue Lagoon—Relaxation in a geothermal spa is a great idea during winter. The icy air contrasts with the steamy, milky-blue waters, creating a magical atmosphere. Changing facilities are indoors, so you won’t get cold before getting into the pool.
Snowmobiling—This is a year-round activity, but nothing compares to cruising over fresh January snow. Being the first to carve through untouched snow on Langjökull Glacier is unforgettable, and most tours conveniently depart from Reykjavik for those epic mountain views.
Walking into the Glacier—Iceland's glaciers from the inside look even more fascinating. The low temperatures in January help keep the ice caves in good shape, so you can explore their crystal-clear interiors and enjoy vibrant blue hues, which are particularly striking.
Strolling through the beautiful capital, Reykjavik, on this quiet month is breathtaking. The frozen Tjörnin Pond in the city center and the glowing Laugavegur shopping street create an unforgettable atmosphere. Even in the bad weather, you'll have no trouble finding what to do in Reykjavik—exploring the multiple museums or relaxing in the heated outdoor pool Laugardalslaug. The downtown also features numerous bars and pubs, such as the famous Kaldi Bar, which was voted one of the best in the city by Vogue Scandinavia. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink or a lively night out, this is a part of Icelandic culture you don’t want to miss out on.
Iceland Weather in January
Average Temperature in Iceland in January. Source: timeanddate.com
The weather in Iceland in January is overall cold and windy, but in some regions more harsh than in others. In the south, it is slightly warmer, with average temperatures of 1°C (33.8°F) at night and 4°C (39.2°F) during the day. The coldest nights are in the north, around Akureyri, with -4°C (24.8°F). Temperatures in the east and west of Iceland are fairly similar, around -3°C (26.6°F) at night and 3°C (37.4°F) during the day. Reykjavik’s coastal position keeps more gentle temperatures from -2°C to 3°C (28.4°F - 37.4°F).
Overall, while the temperature in Iceland in January hovers around 0°C (32°F), it’s less about the cold and more about the extreme wind, which can sweep you off your feet. The weather also quickly shifts from calm, clear skies to sudden storms with rain, snow, or sleet - expect it all. Make sure to monitor the weather for the storms, as it may limit what activities you can do.
Daylight in Iceland in January
The average number of daylight hours in Iceland in January is 5 hours per day. On January 1st, 2024, Reykjavik had 4 hours and 23 minutes of daylight, with the sun rising at 11:19 a.m. and setting again at 3:43 p.m. (15:43). However, there are generally about 6-7 hours of sunlight at the end of the month. So, if you want more daytime to explore but still want to visit in winter, plan your trip after the second week of January.
What to Wear in Iceland in January
How to dress in Icelandic winter. Source: Arctic Adventures.
You will need to dress in at least three layers that trap heat and allow for easy adjustments to changing weather conditions. Thermal woolen long-sleeved shirts and leggings are excellent for winter in Iceland. Wool has gotten Icelanders through ages of icy weather, so you can count on it to get you through your winter vacation. Avoid jeans or cotton, as these materials get wet quickly.
When choosing your clothes for Iceland in January, also consider your activities. Ski pants and a warm puffer jacket are suitable outfits for snowmobiling. For glacier walks, put on an insulating shell jacket and warm hiking pants.
Warm clothes like fleeces, jumpers, waterproof pants, and comfortable boots are good choices for what to wear in Reykjavik in January. Overall, when thinking of what towear in Iceland during the cold season, you can’t go wrong with thermal, insulating, and outer protective garments.
What to Pack for Iceland in January
As for the Iceland packing list for January, most of the things you’ll need are related to the windy and wet outdoors. This makes sense, as you can wear hiking clothes in the city, but the usual "street clothes" aren't ideal for winter activities. Here is the list of what to bring to Iceland in January:
Warm layers: A quick-drying thermal clothes - wool, merino, or synthetic. Add a fleece or woolen jumper, and top it off with a puffer jacket for extra warmth. You can always remove the mid-layer if it's too hot.
Waterproof outerwear: A waterproof and windproof parka and pants are a must. To be called rainproof, a fabric must have a minimum rating of 5,000 mm—the amount of water pressure it can withstand before leaking.
Sturdy shoes or boots: A good pair of sturdy boots can be a game-changer for your trip—bonus points if they’re waterproof. Just be sure to break them in before your adventure. New shoes can lead to blisters, and who would want that?
Microspikes/Crampons: A pair of shoe spikes will help you walk safely on Iceland’s icy paths, especially around waterfalls, glaciers, or even city sidewalks. These traction devices attach to your boots and provide grip on slippery surfaces.
Accessories: A warm hat, scarf, and gloves are a must. Pack sunglasses for sunny days and a thermos to keep your drinks hot for long hours when hunting the Northern Lights.
Backpack: A waterproof backpack is essential when exploring Iceland in winter. A 25-30 liter (6.6 g-7.9 gallon) backpack should be enough to carry a few extra items of clothing, a water bottle, and a lunch.
Skincare: A lip balm and an oil-based face and hand cream so you don't get bitten by the harsh Icelandic winds. When it's cold outside, it's important to protect not just your body but also your skin.
Swimwear: A swimming suit or trunks are surprisingly useful in snowy weather because you can cozy up in one of many geothermal hot springs, spas, and outdoor pools all over the country. You’ll want to take advantage of that!
Driving in Iceland in January
You can’t tackle Iceland’s winter roads without a reliable, winter-equipped car.
If you’re not experienced with harsh winter driving, Iceland isn’t the place to start. Icy, snowy, and unpredictable weather can make roads treacherous. Additionally, without access to a four-wheel drive, it’s best to consider guided tours instead. Research thoroughly when renting a car, ensuring necessary equipment like winter tires or 4x4 capabilities is available in advance. Road closures due to floods, snow, or other hazards are common in January. Ignoring warnings could make you stranded, resulting in towing fees or rescue operations—not exactly fun. Always check weather and road conditions to stay informed and travel responsibly.
January Events in Iceland
Although the main Christmas celebrations are over, there are still plenty of festivities to enjoy this month. Iceland holidays in January include various sports, music, and unique end-of-Christmas events:
New Year’s Night: Yes, New Year's Eve starts in December, but a minute later it's January. Icelanders celebrate with an early dinner around 8:30 pm, so expect packed restaurants. At midnight, vibrant fireworks light up the sky. Hallgrímskirkja church on Skólavörðuholt hill is the top spot for watching the display in Reykjavik.
Þrettándinn: Translated as “The Thirteenth,” this is Iceland’s celebration of the last, thirteenth day of Christmas on January 6th. Bonfires light up towns, fireworks fill the sky, and the 13 Yule Lads, Icelandic Santa Clauses, head back to the mountains. It’s a magical cultural event to wrap up local traditions of Christmastime.
Reykjavik International Games: Taking place on varying dates from the end of January to early February, the competition consists of 20 different disciplines: athletics, CrossFit, e-sports, and many more. The event is organized by the Reykjavík Sports Association and held in the capital’s main indoor arena, Laugardalsholl. Tickets cost around 1,000 ISK for each session.
Dark Music Days Festival: Established in 1980 by the Icelandic Composers Society, this event lights up the darkest period of winter with contemporary music from January 24–26. Performances are held at Harpa Concert Hall or Hallgrímskirkja feature artists like John McCowen and Ásta Fanney Sigurðardóttir. Tickets start at ISK 2,500 per performance.
Despite the cold, a winter trip to Iceland is well worth it. When traveling to Iceland in January, you'll feel like you're in a white, frosty fairytale. Also, winter is the best time to get away from the crowds, take part in adventurous winter activities like snowmobiling or ice caving, and, of course, see the magical Northern Lights.
Is January a good time to visit Iceland?
January is a great time to visit Iceland if you’re ready for snowy and icy conditions. Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy boots with microspikes for safety. You’ll get the chance to see Northern Lights, explore ice caves, and enjoy geothermal spas—just plan around potential storms and limited daylight.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland in January?
Yes, January is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. The long, dark nights create ideal conditions, but it all depends on cloud cover and solar activity. Just keep your expectations in check—Mother Nature doesn’t work on a schedule!
What is the best place to see the Northern Lights in January?
The best place to look for the Auroras is somewhere dark, without buildings or mountains blocking the view. One of the best locations for Northern Lights watching is the village of Vik in the south, as there is much less light pollution than near Reykjavik. If you still want to hunt for the Auroras close to the capital, go to Grotta Island on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from the center of Reykjavik. With almost the only light source there being the lighthouse, you can see the auroras clearly.
Can you visit the Blue Lagoon in January?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is open in January and it’s the perfect time to visit! The warm, steamy water feels incredible in the chilly winter air—it feels extra special if it’s snowing. Just book ahead because even though January crowds are smaller than in summer, slots can still fill up. It’s the perfect way to relax after exploring Iceland’s icy landscapes!
Does it snow in Iceland in January?
Yes, it snows in Iceland in January, especially in northern areas like Akureyri, where snow can pile up to 50 cm (20 inches). Reykjavík gets lighter snow, around 10-25 cm (4-10 inches), but it often melts between falls. Expect winter conditions with plenty of snow and ice throughout the country. Of course, as the temperature rises above zero, it can also rain, so be prepared for anything.
Are the roads open in Iceland in January?
Yes, roads in Iceland are generally open in January, but weather conditions can cause temporary closures, especially in rural or mountainous areas. Key routes like Reykjanesbraut (Route 41 from the airport to Reykjavík) and the Ring Road (Route 1 around the country) are well-maintained and plowed frequently. However, always check the real-life road conditions online.
Can I drive around Iceland in January?
Driving around Iceland in January is possible in a 4x4 car, but it’s very challenging due to icy roads, strong winds, and unpredictable weather. Instead of going around the whole island on the Ring Road, stick to shorter drives in safer areas like the South Coast or Golden Circle. If you’re inexperienced with winter driving, consider guided tours instead.
Is it better to travel to Iceland in January or February?
If you’re looking for more daylight to explore, February is better, with around 7-10 hours of daylight compared to 4-7 hours in January. During February Iceland is still quite snowy, stormy, and wet, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C to 3°C (28°F-37°F). However, fun winter activities like ice caving and glacier hiking are excellent and available throughout both months.
Can you see puffins in Iceland in January?
No, you cannot see puffins in Iceland in January. You can see them just in the summertime. Unfortunately, puffins are not found in Iceland in winter. They are migratory birds that arrive in Iceland in May and stick around until August.
