Why visit Iceland in January? Because January is Iceland at its purest winter best - snowy landscapes, dramatic skies, long cozy nights and some of the strongest northern lights chances of the year.
It’s quieter and far less crowded than summer, with better availability on tours and hotels and a more relaxed local pace.
And despite what many travellers imagine, January in Iceland isn’t unbearably cold. Reykjavik usually sits close to 0°C, and on the right day the air feels crisp, clear and almost magical. Combine early sunsets, frozen waterfalls, glowing snow and steaming hot springs and you get a winter atmosphere you simply won’t experience in any other month.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your trip: January weather, daylight hours, what to pack, driving conditions and the best things to do - from northern lights hunts and glacier adventures to geothermal pools and Reykjavík’s food scene. I’ll also share the tours that offer the best value for your time, plus local tips to help you plan the perfect winter trip.
The average temperature in Reykjavík in January is around 0.5°C (33°F), and in north Iceland it sits closer to -1°C (30°F).
Most days fall between -10 and +5°C (14 and 41 °F), so while it’s definitely winter, it’s usually not as brutally cold as many visitors expect. What you’ll feel most is the wind - calm days feel crisp and comfortable, windy ones feel much colder.
January is also when Iceland usually slips fully into its winter coat. Snow is common, and it’s normal for the ground to stay white for long stretches of the month, especially outside the city.
Weather insights from January 2025
In January 2025, Reykjavík had 19 days with full snow cover, and the north saw 26 days.
Precipitation is frequent this time of year. Reykjavík had 107.9 mm of rain and snow in January 2025, with 13 days of measurable precipitation. Despite that, the month also brought 37+ hours of sunshine - a bright January by local standards. The winds were unusually calm across the entire country, with some stations recording their lowest January wind averages of the century.
And because Iceland sits close to the Arctic Circle, January has some of our shortest days of the year. Here’s what daylight looks like in Reykjavík:
January 1:
January 31:
It may sound dark, but this is exactly what makes January so beautiful - the snow lightens the landscape, the air feels fresh and still, and the long nights give you excellent chances to see the Northern Lights.
We’re currently in a solar maximum cycle, which means the Northern Lights are at their strongest in more than a decade. And with January’s long, dark nights and cold, clear winter skies, the conditions for seeing the aurora can be absolutely incredible.
During a solar peak, the lights often appear brighter, stronger and more active than usual - sometimes filling the whole sky with fast-moving waves, colours and shapes. On the right night, it can feel like Iceland’s winter sky is putting on a show just for you.
If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, January 2026 is a fantastic time to visit Iceland.
See our full Northern Lights in Iceland Guide here.
January is full winter in Iceland, so focus on warm, waterproof layers. With snow, wind, ice and sudden weather changes, good clothing makes all the difference. A proper insulated winter jacket or parka is perfect for the coldest days.
Use the classic Icelandic formula: thermal layer → warm mid-layer → windproof, waterproof shell.
Here’s a simple January packing list:
Local tip: Dress like an onion - add or remove layers as the weather changes. A small daypack makes this easy.
A perfect January trip to Iceland is all about balance - a bit of winter adventure, a bit of culture, and plenty of cosy-warmth. Spend your daylight hours exploring snowy landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and steaming hot springs, then enjoy cozy evenings in Reykjavík’s cafés, restaurants and local pools.
And don’t skip Reykjavík - make sure to spend at least one full day enjoying its food scene, museums and colourful streets.
Here are our favorite things to do in Iceland in January - the perfect mix of adventure, nature and Icelandic flavor:
January is one of the best months to see the northern lights. The nights are long, the skies are dark, and with the ongoing solar maximum, the auroras can be incredibly bright and active.
You might get lucky and see them from Reykjavík, but your chances improve dramatically once you leave the city and drive into darker areas.
Or join our best Northern Lights tour to maximise your chances of seeing the aurora.
There’s nothing like slipping into a hot spring while snow is falling all around you. Visiting the local pools is a daily ritual for many locals and one of the best things you can do in Iceland during the winter.
Choose from iconic lagoons or charming neighborhood pools:
January is peak comfort-food season in Iceland. Think rich lamb soups, fresh fish pans, warm pastries, homemade bread and cozy cafés. Reykjavík’s food scene may be small, but it packs a serious punch - creative, welcoming, and extra delicious in winter.
The best way to experience it? The Reykjavik Food Walk, our signature foodie tour. It’s a fun, personal way to taste Iceland’s best dishes while exploring downtown with a local (and other hungry travellers).
See: The Best Food Tour in Reykjavik
Also see: The Best Coffee Shops and Bakeries in Reykjavik
January turns Iceland’s nature into a dramatic winter world - frozen cliffs, snowy plains and sharp icy contrasts. It’s breathtaking. Make sure to leave room in your itinerary for at least one surreal winter sightseeing adventure.
Some of the best January day trips from Reykjavik:
We recommend dedicating at least one full day to the city.
Recipe for a perfect day: Start with breakfast at a local café (see our Best Cafés & Bakeries in Reykjavík), then explore 1–2 museums, join the Reykjavik Food Walk for a delicious mid-day experience that covers both lunch & dinner, and end the day like a true local with a relaxing evening soak at Sundhöllin swimming pool.
Some of my favorite spots in town:
With so many options out there, choosing tours can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: at Wake Up Reykjavik, we’ve already done the hard work for you.
We’ve tested, hand-picked and partnered only with the very best local operators - the ones who consistently deliver top-quality experiences and have the rave reviews to prove it.
So if you’re wondering which tours are truly worth your time in Iceland in January, these are our hand-selected recommendations that will make your winter trip unforgettable:
Our pride and joy - and for good reason. For over a decade, 150,000+ guests have joined us to discover Reykjavik through its amazing food, stories and hidden local hangouts. It’s not just a tour - it’s a fun, delicious cultural experience.
On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll:
👉 Hungry yet? Read more about the Reykjavik Food Walk here.
January is one of the best months of the year to chase the aurora.
For the best odds, join this Northern Lights tour, which has the highest success rates among the tours we’ve worked with. Expert local guides track real-time weather and aurora forecasts and know exactly where to drive for clear skies.
Prefer something different? Try the Northern Lights Evening Cruise from Reykjavik harbor for a unique and peaceful experience - watching the auroras dance over the North Atlantic is pure magic.
👉 Read our full Northern Lights in Iceland Guide here.
This is Iceland’s highlight reel brought to life - a complete winter adventure packed with waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches and a natural blue ice cave. A true “see it all, do it all” experience.
Day 1:
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, the Reynisfjara black-sand beach and endless glacier views.
Day 2:
A guided glacier hike + a visit to a shimmering natural ice cave - one of Iceland’s most surreal and unforgettable experiences.
One hotel night (with breakfast!) is included in a warm, cozy countryside location.
👉 Read more about the 2-Day South Coast & Ice Cave Adventure
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most iconic route and a perfect bite-sized day tour from Reykjavik - and it’s absolutely stunning in winter:
After a day of icy landscapes, warming up in a geothermal lagoon is perfection. That’s why we recommend pairing this tour with either the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon for the ultimate “adventure + relaxation” combination.
👉 The classic Golden Circle tour
If you want the perfect mix of adrenaline, surreal winter landscapes and pure relaxation, this tour is the one.
Begin by heading up to Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, where you’ll ride across wide-open snowy plains on your own snowmobile - surrounded by ice, mountains and crisp winter air.
On the way back, stop in the countryside village of Flúðir for a long soak in the Secret Lagoon, a peaceful natural hot spring that feels extra magical in the cold.
This tour is the ultimate “hot and cold” Icelandic experience - unforgettable from start to finish.
👉 Read more about the Hot & Cool Adventure here
Book with confidence. Wake Up Reykjavik tours are small-group, flexible experiences - easy to reschedule if weather disrupts plans, and always led by the best local guides. No big buses. No crowds. Just authentic Icelandic adventures. These are just a few highlights - check out our All Tours Page to see the full list of 30+ curated experiences available from Reykjavik.
January in Iceland is a quiet, cozy month. Locals slow down, spend time indoors and enjoy the calm of mid-winter. There are not many major public events, but one ancient tradition defines the season:
Þorrablót is a celebration with roots stretching back to the Viking Age. It marks the toughest part of winter and honors the resourcefulness of our ancestors - people who survived the dark, frozen months through creativity, grit and careful food preservation. When nothing grew and nothing could be harvested, they lived on whatever they had managed to store. Þorrablót is a reminder of that resilience.
Today, Þorrablót is a joyful winter feast held by families and communities. There is storytelling, humor, toasts and plenty of traditional food, all as a playful nod to how Icelanders once survived the season.
Typical Þorri foods include:
smoked lamb, rye bread, dried fish, cured meats and, for the brave, fermented shark, sour ram’s testicles and sheep’s head - all enjoyed with a shot of Brennivín of course.
Most Þorrablót celebrations are private, but visitors can still enjoy the tradition by:
Many travelers ask if it is safe to rent a car and drive in Iceland in January.
The short answer: yes, it is possible and locals do it every day. But winter driving in Iceland requires extra care. Roads can be snowy or icy, visibility can change quickly and some mountain roads may close temporarily due to weather.
If you are confident driving in winter conditions, rent a 4x4 with proper winter tires and always check road.is for road updates and vedur.is for weather alerts before you set off.
If you are unsure or not used to snow and ice, skip the stress and join expert-led tours instead. You will stay safe, see more and enjoy the benefit of local guides who know how to navigate Iceland’s winter conditions.
Even though Iceland sits just below the Arctic Circle, the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures surprisingly mild. Many travellers are shocked to learn that Reykjavík in January is often warmer than parts of North America and mainland Europe. Iceland might look like a frozen Arctic outpost, but climate-wise, it is full of surprises.
It doesn’t happen every year, but in recent years January has repeatedly recorded some of the lowest average wind speeds of the entire winter. January 2025 even set record lows at several weather stations across the country. When the wind calms down, the cold feels crisp rather than harsh and the winter landscape becomes unbelievably peaceful.
Cold-water dipping has become a massive trend in Iceland in recent years, even in mid-winter. Groups of locals meet at Nauthólsvík geothermal beach in Reykjavik for icy ocean swims followed by a steaming hot tub. If you’re feeling adventurous, join in - it’s cold, energizing and a very Icelandic way to start the day. Just promise us to be careful.
Since you made it all the way down here, here are a few personal Reykjavik tips you will not find in every guide:
January is one of the most beautiful and underrated times to visit Iceland. Expect snowy landscapes, calm days, northern lights and a wonderfully cozy Reykjavik.
If you want to experience the city like a local, start with the Reykjavik Food Walk. It is the highest-rated experience in Iceland for a reason, and the perfect way to begin your trip with great food, new friends and the best insider tips for the rest of your stay.
See you soon - and we hope you’ll have a wonderful stay in Iceland!
Written by Egill Fannar – Co-Founder of Wake Up Reykjavik
Proudly born in Akureyri but a local in downtown Reykjavík, Egill has spent over a decade helping travelers experience Iceland like locals - from cozy cafés & restaurants to hot pools and hidden adventures across the highlands.
