Visiting Iceland in January offers a unique and magical experience, as the country transforms into a winter wonderland. With its snow-covered landscapes, frosty waterfalls, and long nights illuminated by the ethereal Northern Lights, Iceland in January is a dream destination for those seeking an unforgettable winter escape. From exploring ice caves and frozen glaciers to relaxing in geothermal hot springs surrounded by snow, January presents a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Despite the cold, the crisp air and stunning scenery make it a prime time to discover Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty.

Iceland weather in January
January is one of the coldest months in Iceland, offering a true Arctic winter experience. Average temperatures in most parts of the country hover around -1°C (30°F) in the south and can drop even lower in the north and inland areas. However, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland’s winter temperatures are often milder than you might expect for such a northern location.
Daylight Hours in January
Expect short days, with only about 4–5 hours of daylight in early January, gradually increasing to around 7 hours by the end of the month. This limited daylight creates a unique atmosphere, with long twilight hours and opportunities to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets. The skies can be clear, revealing bright stars and, with luck, the captivating Northern Lights. However, January also brings frequent weather changes, with snowstorms, strong winds, and icy conditions making it essential to be prepared for variable weather.
Precipitation
In addition to snow, rain is also possible, particularly in coastal areas. Roads, especially in the countryside, can become slippery or impassable due to ice and snow. If you’re driving, make sure to check road conditions daily. Despite the challenging weather, the dramatic, snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls make January a magical time to visit Iceland.

Pros & Cons of Visiting Iceland in January
Prosof Visiting Iceland in January
1. Northern Lights Viewing:
January is one of the best months to witness the Northern Lights due to the long, dark nights and clear skies. This natural phenomenon is a major draw for winter travelers.
2. Winter Wonderland Landscapes:
Iceland’s winter scenery is breathtaking, with snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, and glaciers creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
3. Fewer Tourists:
January is part of Iceland’s low tourist season, meaning fewer crowds at popular attractions, giving you a more peaceful and immersive experience.
4. Unique Winter Activities:
You can partake in activities like glacier hiking, ice caving, snowmobiling, and exploring natural ice formations that are only accessible in winter.
5. Winter Festivities:
January hosts Iceland’s midwinter festival, Þorrablót, where locals celebrate traditional Icelandic foods and customs. The New Year’s Eve celebrations also carry over into early January, featuring fireworks and bonfires.
Cons of Visiting Iceland in January
1. Limited Daylight:
With only 4–7 hours of daylight, your sightseeing window is shortened, which can make it harder to fit multiple activities into one day.
2. Harsh Weather Conditions:
January is one of the coldest and stormiest months, with potential snowstorms, high winds, and icy roads. Weather can change quickly, requiring flexibility in your plans.
3. Road Closures:
Due to snow and ice, many rural roads, particularly in the highlands and remote areas, may be closed or difficult to navigate. This can limit access to certain attractions.
4. Cold Temperatures:
Although Iceland’s winter temperatures are milder than in some places at the same latitude, it’s still very cold, especially with the wind chill. Proper winter gear is essential for outdoor activities.
5. Some Attractions Are Inaccessible:
Popular summer attractions like certain hiking trails and mountain routes are inaccessible or closed in January due to snow and ice. However, this is compensated by winter-only experiences like ice caving.

Things to Put on Your Checklist for January Visits
From frozen waterfalls to the snow-clad mountains, plains, and glaciers, Iceland in January is one of the most beautiful places to set your eyes upon. An array of activities awaits you which are nowhere to be found in any other part of the world. You will experience contrasting things in one single moment like a hot bath out in the open amidst the snow or beautiful glimmering skylights in the pitch-black sky. Here is a list of events and activities you should consider including in your trip plan to Iceland.
Northern Lights

Also known as aurora borealis, Northern Lights are fairly visible anytime between September and April. Since January rarely sees daylight, it is the ideal month for the tourists to catch the Northern Lights. The lights are visible from the capital city however, consider going to areas with lesser light pollution like Thingvellir National Park to experience aurora borealis in its exact natural form. Several bus tours are conducted dedicated specifically to the Northern Light viewing. However, if you would like to see the view from hard to reach places than super jeeps are a good choice to take into regard. If you want to drive yourself, renting a vehicle is always an available option. For a more luxurious experience, you can take Northern Lights cruises from Reykjavík or Akureyri, and admire the beauty of the dancing lights being reflected on the water. Check Aurora forecast and make sure it is above ‘KP3’ before you set out on the journey and pick areas with the clearest sky for a disruption-free view.
The Golden Circle Tour

A tourist route in Iceland, the Golden Circle comprises of three main tourist locations – Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Each of these destinations is within 2 hours ride away from the capital city of Reykjavik which gives you the chance of visiting all three locations in a single day. The Golden Circle tour is one of the most popular tours among all sight-seeing activities as it includes the top three naturally occurring phenomena of Iceland.
Ice Caves

Even though there are some new ice caves that are possible to visit all year, the natural ice caves are the best in the winter season in Iceland. Cave season starts somewhere in Mid-October and lasts till April. Since January falls right in the middle of the season, the viewing parties are on peak. One thing to note is that no two visits to the Ice caves will ever be the same in Iceland. These caves are formed by glaciers and change every year due to their movements. If you are lucky enough and have booked a multi-day tour of the caves, then you may get to see the Ice Caves in more than one location in a single visit.
Glacier Tours

It is no news that the glaciers are in their prime in the middle of the winter season and offer an otherworldly experience to the tourists. The fresh electric-blue colored snow is not a sight you would want to miss. Most glaciers are open throughout the year for hiking but the best and easiest to reach glacier is Sólheimajökull – a few hours away towards the south from the capital city. There are plenty of tour options available in other parts of the country including the popular glacier tours from the Skaftafell Nature Reserve in the south-east part and Vatnajökull glacier tour.
Snowmobiling

Since snow is always present on the glaciers in the country, snowmobiling remains a year-round event in Iceland. Although it is a whole different kind of euphoria to take such a trip in the winter season when the whole place is covered in a thick layer of snow and the winds have an additional dose of crispiness in them. Any driver can rent a snowmobile and take a solo drive while other tourists over a certain age can enjoy as co-passengers.
Beat the Cold with Snorkeling and Diving

It may sound uncommon, but snorkeling is one of the most exciting activities to try in Iceland in January. Modern-day dry suits keep you safe from the cold water while you can enjoy the unique underwater sites – exclusive to the winter season. Silfra is the most popular site for snorkeling and diving expeditions. Silfra spring is located between tectonic plates in a fissure that never freezes. The tectonic placement of the spring makes every dive ‘a dive between the continents.’ The lava rocks filter the spring water increasing the visible to 100 meters. Making it one of the clearest water in the world. Snow-lined ravine and the ice sculpture along the spring make the expedition a more dramatic experience for the tourists. Although it is very safe to dive in Silfra, it is recommended that you go on a guided tour. all the necessary safety measures and health parameters established by the tour guides should be followed for a healthy and secure experience.
New Year’s Eve Festival

If you get to Iceland on or before January 1st, then it is a sure thing that you will catch the incredible fireworks display to welcome the new year. The uncoordinated display is facilitated by the locals who buy fireworks and let them off throughout the night of December 31st and early hours of January 1st. In addition to the new year’s celebration, Christmas celebrations last till the 6th of January as per the Icelandic traditions. Iceland celebrates the 13 Icelandic Yule Lads on Christmas instead of the arrival of Santa Claus. The traditional celebrations are carried out on the 24th instead of the 25th of December. The last day of the celebrations includes huge bonfires, merrymaking, food, drinks, and banter in the whole country with the lighting of the leftover fireworks.
Taste Icelandic food

Experiencing local cuisine should always be a part of your to-do list when you travel. Iceland has top-quality seafood cuisine and some very unconventional dishes. You can book a food tour with a tour company (such as the half-day 4-hour walking tour of Iceland with 13-dish sampling) if you want a detailed experience of the cuisine with an experienced travel guide. Or you can simply hit the top hot spots of the country and try the specialties.
Hot Springs

One thing that will never cease to surprise you is the presence of soothing warm natural hot springs among the snowclad land of Iceland. The abundant geothermal energy of the country has created a large number of hot springs as the underground water is naturally boiling. One of the most popular destinations when it comes to the hot and heavy baths is the beautiful Blue Lagoon. The contrasting visual elements like the foggy atmosphere (due to the steam), black rocks, and the snow-white mountains create a sight to behold. Apart from that, you can consider visiting the Secret Lagoon, Reykjadalur hot spring river, the nature baths in Mývatn, Geo Sea in Húsavík and Seljavallalaug in south Iceland. Some of these hot spring destinations such as the Blue Lagoon require online registration due to the increased popularity. So, make sure that the necessary arrangements are made beforehand.
Down to Every Last Detail – Pack the Essentials
It is true indeed that the Icelandic winter season does not feel as cold as one may expect but it is still important that you pack all the necessary equipment to steer clear of any possible tricky situation. Weather can change in an instant in Iceland, the clear sky can get overshadowed with clouds and drizzle can turn into a heavy rainfall or snowfall. Here is a list of some of the most important things that you must carry while traveling to Iceland in January:
Outwear:
- Waterproof and windproof winter jacket
- Waterproof winter pants
- Insulated jacket for extreme temperature drops
- Headgear including caps, hats and woolen headwear
- Scarf, buff to shield the neck from the wind
- Windproof Gloves
Clothes to Layer Up:
- Thermal Innerwear
- Fleece and woolen sweaters
- Full-sleeved cotton shirts/t-shirts to prevent fabric allergies
- Leggings – to stay comfortable during long travels and hikes
- Jeans/Pants
- Swimsuits – for hot springs
Footwear:
- Hiking Boots or waterproof winter boots
- Walking Shoes and a pair of casual/comfortable shoes
- Warm Socks
- Ice cleats for comfortable walking in ice
Additional Important Picks
- Moisturizer
- Toiletries – like soap, shampoo, bath towels, quick-drying towels, etc.
- Phones, chargers, power banks and travel adapters
- Thermos and reusable water bottle
- Flashlight and Ice scraper
- Rain cover for your backpack
- Windshield for eyes
- Camera gear and tripod stand for Northern Lights photography
- Prescription medicines and Over the Counter Medicines for the trip
- Water bottle
