What to Expect: Weather in Iceland in January
Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and unpredictable weather. And if you're planning a trip to this Nordic island in January, you may be wondering what kind of weather to expect.
January is one of the coldest months in Iceland, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snowfall becoming more frequent. But don't let that deter you from visiting this beautiful country. In this article, we'll dive into what you can expect from Iceland's weather in January and how to prepare for your trip.
Key Takeaways
- January is one of the coldest months in Iceland, with temperatures usually around -2°C to 3°C (28–37°F) and regular snow, rain, and wind.
- Iceland only gets about 4–5 hours of daylight in January, so shorter days can affect road trips and sightseeing plans.
- Warm layers, waterproof clothes, gloves, hats, and solid waterproof boots are important for dealing with Iceland’s winter weather.
- January is one of the best months to see the Northern Lights, especially in areas away from city lights.
- Popular things to do in January include glacier tours, snowmobiling, whale watching, relaxing in hot springs, and winter festivals.
- Renting a 4x4 is a smart choice in January since snow, ice, and changing weather can make driving more difficult in some parts of Iceland.
What is the Weather Like in Iceland in January?
Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather, and January is no exception. You can expect a mix of rain, snow, and sleet throughout the month. On average, Iceland receives around 3.5 inches (9 cm) of precipitation in January, with the majority falling as snow.
Temperature
January is the coldest month in Iceland, with average temperatures ranging from 28°F (-2°C) to 37°F (3°C). However, temperatures can drop as low as 14°F (-10°C) in some areas, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Daylight Hours
One of the unique aspects of visiting Iceland in January is the limited daylight hours. Due to its location near the Arctic Circle, Iceland experiences long periods of darkness during the winter months. In January, Iceland gets only 4-5 hours of daylight. The sun rises at around 11:00 am and sets at around 3:30 pm.
January 2026 Weather Report
Let’s take a look at the weather in Iceland for January 2026, including temperature, precipitation, snow, sunshine, and wind, and see how it turned out.
January 2026 was actually pretty nice for midwinter. It was calm, dry, and bright, with very little snow in most places. The south and west were especially dry, and some areas had one of their driest Januarys ever. Temperature-wise, the month was split in two. It started cold, then turned milder later on.
Here’s what the numbers say about January 2026.
(Most of this comes from Vedur.is)
Temperatures
Overall, temperatures were close to normal, maybe a bit on the mild side in many areas. Parts of the north were slightly cooler compared to recent years.
- Reykjavík: The average temperature was 0.8°C (33.4°F), just 0.1°C above the 1991–2020 average and 0.7°C above the last ten years.
- Akureyri: The average was -1.2°C (29.8°F), 0.7°C below the long-term average but about normal compared to the past decade.
- Stykkishólmur: The average was 0.3°C (32.5°F).
- Höfn in Hornafjörður: The average was 1.6°C (34.9°F).
Highest & Lowest Averages Nationwide
- The warmest average temperature was 3.9°C (39.0°F) at Steinar under Eyjafjöll.
- The coldest average was -6.7°C (19.9°F) at Sáta.
- In places where people live, the lowest average was -4.5°C (23.9°F) at Svartárkot.
Temperature Extremes
- The highest temperature was 12.2°C (54.0°F) under Hafnarfjall on January 22.
- The lowest was -20.4°C (-4.7°F) at Löngumýri on January 15.
General Pattern
The month was clearly split:
- First half was colder than recent years
- Second half was milder than average
The biggest positive temperature difference was about +1.6°C, while the largest negative difference was around -1.6°C, mostly in the north.
Precipitation
January was very dry, especially in the west. Some weather stations there only measured a few millimeters for the whole month.
- Reykjavík: 26.5 mm, about 30% of average
- Stykkishólmur: 5.5 mm, about 7% of average, second driest January on record
- Akureyri: 28.5 mm, about 47% of average
- Dalatangi: 145.5 mm, about 95% of average
Days with 1.0 mm or More
- Reykjavík: 4 days, 11 fewer than usual
- Stykkishólmur: 2 days, 12 fewer than usual
- Akureyri: 6 days, 5 fewer than usual
- Dalatangi: 19 days, 3 more than usual
The east was closer to normal, but the west and northwest were really dry.
Snow
There wasn’t much snow this month, either in lowlands or up in the highlands.
There was already little snow at the start of the year after a mild end to December. Since January was so dry, not much was added, except in the east.
There was one notable event on January 11 and 12, when it snowed quite a bit in East Iceland and caused travel problems along with strong winds.
Snow Cover Days
- Reykjavík: 2 days, 10 fewer than average
- Stykkishólmur: 9 days, about normal
- Akureyri: 15 days, 7 fewer than average
- Dalatangi: 17 days, 4 more than average
Snow depth was very low in most southern and western areas, usually just 0 to 1 cm when it was there at all.
Sunshine
It was a very sunny month, especially in Reykjavík.
- Reykjavík: 58.4 hours, 35.9 hours above average
- One of the sunniest Januarys on record. Only 1971 and 1977 had more
- Akureyri: 12.8 hours, 6.8 hours above average
Wind
It was a calm month overall.
- Wind speeds were below average almost everywhere, except along the southeast coast.
- Easterly and northeasterly winds were most common.
- The windiest day was January 12.
What to Pack for a January Trip to Iceland
When packing for January's Icelandic weather, it's essential to prepare for cold, wet, and windy weather. Here are some essential items to pack for your trip:
Warm Clothing
Layers are key when it comes to staying warm in Iceland's winter weather. Be sure to pack thermal base layers, a warm fleece or sweater, and a waterproof and windproof jacket. Don't forget to bring a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect your head, hands, and neck from the cold.
Waterproof Boots
With the potential for snow and rain, it's crucial to have a good pair of waterproof boots for your trip. Look for boots with good traction to help you navigate the icy and snowy terrain.
Camera Gear
If you're planning on capturing the stunning landscapes of Iceland, be sure to pack your camera gear. But remember, cold weather can make your camera's battery die fast. So, bring some extra batteries and keep them warm in your pockets.
Swimsuit
If you're planning a winter trip to Iceland, make sure to pack a swimsuit. You'll definitely want to visit the country's famous hot springs, like the Blue Lagoon, and other geothermal pools. These attractions are even more fun during the winter months.
What Activities Can You Do in Iceland in January?
Despite the cold, January offers a wide and spectacular range of things to do. Here's just a sample.
Northern Lights
One of the main reasons people visit Iceland in the winter is to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. With the long periods of darkness, January is an ideal time to see this natural phenomenon. Head to a remote location away from city lights for the best chance of seeing the lights dance across the sky.
Winter Sports
Iceland offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Many tour companies offer guided excursions for these activities, making it easy for visitors to participate.
Whale Watching
While whale watching is a popular activity in the summer months, it's also possible to see these majestic creatures in the winter. January is a prime time for whale watching, with the highest chances of spotting humpback and minke whales.
Cultural Experiences
Iceland's unique culture and traditions are on full display in January. The country celebrates Þorrablót, a mid-winter festival, with traditional food, music, and dancing. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and try some local delicacies.
Tips for Navigating Iceland's January Weather
Traveling around Iceland is more straightforward that you might think, but January’s weather can complicate things. These tips will help you prepare in advance to avoid unwanted surprises.
Rent a 4x4 Vehicle
If you plan on driving in Iceland in January, it's essential to rent a 4x4 vehicle. The roads can be icy and snowy, and a 4x4 will provide better traction and stability.
Check the Weather Forecast
As mentioned earlier, Iceland's weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out for the day, and plan accordingly.
Dress in Layers
Layering is key to staying warm and comfortable in Iceland's winter weather. Be sure to pack thermal base layers, a warm fleece or sweater, and a waterproof and windproof jacket.
Stay Hydrated
The cold weather can be dehydrating, so be sure to drink plenty of water during your trip. It's also a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.
Conclusion
While January may not be the warmest time to visit Iceland, it's still a beautiful and exciting time to experience this unique country. With the right preparation and packing, you can enjoy all that Iceland has to offer, from stunning landscapes to cultural experiences and winter activities. So bundle up and get ready to embrace the chill of Iceland's January weather.