When to go · January
Iceland in January
Workable but with caveats
Daylight lasts only four to five hours; plan activities around limited light.
Daytime high
3°C
37°F
Overnight low
-2°C
28°F
Rainfall
76 mm
moderate
Crowd levels
low
quiet
Prices
low
value window
What to expect in Iceland in January
January brings cold weather to Iceland, with daytime highs around 3°C (37°F) and overnight lows near -2°C (28°F). Skies are typically dry with occasional showers, with about 76 mm of rainfall on average. Daylight lasts only four to five hours; plan activities around limited light..
January is a quiet stretch — most attractions are easy to access and you'll often have spaces to yourself. It's one of the best-value windows of the year for both flights and hotels. Peak season runs June–August, for context.
What’s happening in January
- 🎉Þrettándinn (Twelfth Night) · JanIceland's final Christmas celebration features bonfires, elf processions, and fireworks marking the departure of the Yule Lads. Communities gather across neighborhoods, blending folklore with a farewell to the holiday season.
Plan your trip
Live fares for Iceland in January
Compare flights across 100+ booking sites. Hotels via Expedia.
Iceland in other months
Where else is good to go in January
Japan in January
10°C high · low crowds · good
Thailand in January
32°C high · high crowds · great
Italy in January
12°C high · low crowds · good
Morocco in January
19°C high · low crowds · good
Peru in January
26°C high · high crowds · good
Mexico in January
22°C high · high crowds · great
Costa Rica in January
24°C high · high crowds · great
Australia in January
26°C high · high crowds · good