Reykjavik in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Reykjavik

3°C (37°F) High Temp

-2°C (28°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Northern Lights prime season - January has 19+ hours of darkness daily with peak aurora activity (Kp-index typically 3-5), best viewing between 9pm-2am when city lights dim
Ice cave season at Vatnajökull glacier - January's sub-zero temperatures create the most stable and spectacular ice formations, accessible only November-March
Authentic winter culture experience - Icelanders embrace 'hygge' season with thermal pools reaching 40°C (104°F), winter festivals, and traditional foods like fermented shark during Þorrablót season
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - January rates are 40-60% below summer peaks, with luxury hotels averaging ISK 18,000-25,000 ($130-180) versus ISK 45,000+ ($325+) in July

Considerations

Extreme daylight limitations - sunrise at 11:20am, sunset at 3:30pm gives only 4 hours 9 minutes of daylight, making outdoor sightseeing challenging
Unpredictable weather can cancel tours - January storms with 80+ km/h (50+ mph) winds shut down glacier tours, highland access, and even flights 20-25% of days
Ring Road conditions require 4WD experience - F-roads completely closed, main roads often icy with mandatory studded tires, making self-drive risky for inexperienced winter drivers

Best Activities in January

Northern Lights Photography Tours

January offers optimal aurora conditions with longest nights and clearest skies away from Reykjavik's light pollution. Tours typically run 8pm-1am when aurora forecasts show KP-index 2+. Success rates reach 85% in January versus 60% in shoulder seasons. Professional guides provide camera settings and warm suits rated to -15°C (5°F).

Booking Tip: Book same-day based on aurora forecasts rather than advance booking. Tours cost ISK 12,000-18,000 ($85-130) with free rebooking if no aurora appears. Look for operators offering heated vehicles and professional photography guidance.

Vatnajökull Ice Cave Expeditions

January provides access to the most spectacular crystal ice caves as temperatures below -5°C (23°F) ensure structural stability. The famous 'Belmopan' shows brilliant blue ice formations impossible to see in warmer months. Tours require 2-hour drives each way plus 3-4 hours exploring caves 15m (49ft) underground.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead as group sizes limited to 8-12 people for safety. Full-day tours cost ISK 25,000-35,000 ($180-250) including glacier gear, helmets, and crampons. Choose operators providing transportation from Reykjavik to avoid icy Ring Road driving.

Geothermal Pool Hopping Circuits

January's sub-zero air temperatures create the most dramatic contrast with 38-42°C (100-108°F) thermal waters. Steam creates mystical atmosphere while snow surrounds pools. Blue Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana, and Secret Lagoon offer different experiences with January-specific winter amenities like heated changing rooms.

Booking Tip: Pre-book thermal pools as January locals frequent them more during dark months. Blue Lagoon costs ISK 7,000-15,000 ($50-110) depending on package. Visit during 11am-3pm daylight hours for best visibility and photos, evening visits for aurora potential.

Golden Circle Winter Scenic Tours

January transforms Gullfoss into a partial ice sculpture, Geysir erupts dramatically in sub-zero air, and Þingvellir shows snow-covered rift valleys. Tours include crampons for icy walkways and heated coach transport. Professional guides explain how -10°C (14°F) temperatures affect geothermal features differently than summer visits.

Booking Tip: Book small group tours (max 15 people) for better access and safety on icy paths. Day tours cost ISK 15,000-22,000 ($105-160) including winter safety equipment. Morning departure at 9am maximizes daylight for photography during 4-hour daylight window.

South Coast Waterfall Winter Photography

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss create dramatic ice formations in January with frozen mist and icicle curtains up to 5m (16ft) long. Black sand beaches at Reynisfjara show striking contrast with snow and ice. Tours provide ice cleats for walking behind partially frozen waterfalls safely.

Booking Tip: Choose full-day tours departing 8:30am to maximize 4-hour daylight window. Tours cost ISK 18,000-28,000 ($130-200) including winter photography guidance and safety equipment for icy conditions. Weather-dependent with 70% completion rate due to coastal storms.

Reykjavik Food and Culture Winter Walking Tours

January brings traditional Þorrablót season foods including fermented shark, smoked lamb, and rugbrauð (geothermal bread). Indoor food halls and cozy restaurants showcase winter comfort foods. Walking tours cover 1.5km (0.9 miles) with frequent indoor stops to escape -5°C (23°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book afternoon tours 1pm-4pm to use full daylight hours. Food tours cost ISK 8,000-12,000 ($55-85) including 6-8 traditional tastings plus hot coffee/cocoa stops. Look for tours including indoor cultural sites like Harpa Concert Hall for warmth breaks.

January Events & Festivals

Late January through February

Þorrablót Traditional Winter Festival

Ancient Icelandic midwinter celebration featuring traditional preserved foods like fermented shark, smoked lamb, and rye bread. Local restaurants and cultural centers host special Þorrablót dinners with traditional music and storytelling. Essential cultural experience unavailable other times of year.

Early to mid-February

Winter Lights Festival

Reykjavik's annual light art festival illuminating the city's darkest month with interactive installations, light sculptures, and aurora-themed art. Museums offer extended hours and special winter exhibitions. Combines perfectly with Northern Lights tours for complete light experience.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) - essential for icy sidewalks and glacier tours, regular winter boots insufficient for volcanic terrain

Thermal base layers (merino wool) - synthetic materials freeze against skin in -10°C (14°F) temperatures with 85% humidity

Windproof outer shell jacket - Iceland's 80+ km/h (50+ mph) January winds make temperature feel 10°C (18°F) colder than actual

Waterproof gloves with liner gloves - for Northern Lights photography and ice cave exploration, must maintain dexterity at -15°C (5°F)

Neck gaiter or balaclava - exposed skin can get frostbite in 30 minutes during windy conditions

Headlamp with red filter - essential for 19+ hours of darkness and Northern Lights viewing without disrupting night vision

Hand/foot warmers (chemical) - disposable warmers last 8+ hours during long aurora tours and ice cave expeditions

Moisturizer and lip balm with SPF - combination of wind, dry air, and snow reflection causes severe chapping

Microspikes or crampons - mandatory for most outdoor activities as sidewalks and paths stay icy for weeks

Dry bags for electronics - protect cameras and phones from snow, ice, and thermal pool steam condensation

Insider Knowledge

Download the Icelandic Met Office app and Aurora Forecast app - locals check these hourly as weather changes rapidly, tours cancelled with 2-hour notice for safety

Book accommodation with kitchen facilities - restaurant prices spike in January tourist low season, grocery stores like Bónus offer 60% savings over dining out

Visit thermal pools after 6pm for local experience - tourists concentrate 11am-4pm during daylight, evening visits offer authentic Icelandic social culture

Rent car with studded tires and GPS from October 15-April 15 (legally required) - even locals struggle with January driving, consider guided tours over self-drive for safety

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating clothing needs - tourists arrive with 'regular winter clothes' suitable for 0°C (32°F), not Arctic conditions with wind chill reaching -20°C (-4°F)

Booking outdoor tours too far in advance - January weather cancels 25% of tours, flexible bookings and same-day decisions based on conditions work better

Planning full outdoor itineraries - with only 4 hours daylight and frequent storms, successful trips mix indoor cultural sites with weather-dependent outdoor activities