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When to go · January

Iceland in January

Workable but with caveats

Daylight lasts only four to five hours; plan activities around limited light.

Home / When to go / Iceland / January

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.

Find flights to Iceland→Hotels in Iceland→Flight + hotel package

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