Iceland · January
Low seasonIceland · Europe
Max Temp
2.9°C
Min Temp
-1.2°C
Sunshine
1 h/day
Rain Days
14 days
Water Temp
4.8°C
Rainfall
106.4 mm
Humidity
82%
Avg Temp
0.9°C
Deep off-season — very low prices, but weather conditions are suboptimal.
January is the coldest winter month in Iceland — with highs of only 3°C, it holds little appeal for sun-seekers. Better travel in June, July, and August.
Temperatures reach a maximum of 3°C during the day and drop to -1°C at night — warm layers recommended. With 1 sunshine hours per day and 14 rain days (106 mm), this is one of the cloudier months. At 5°C, the water is still quite cool in January — a wetsuit may be useful.
Pack warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Cool temperatures make hiking and cultural trips enjoyable — beaches are off the agenda.
Packing list for Iceland in January
- Winterjacke
- Thermokleidung und warme Lagen
- Mütze, Schal und Handschuhe
- Warme, wasserfeste Schuhe
- Regenjacke und wasserfeste Schuhe
- Reiseapotheke
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit Iceland?
- No — January is not among the recommended months for Iceland (Score: 6/100). Climate conditions are unfavourable. For better conditions, consider June, July, and August.
- How warm is it in Iceland in January?
- In January, Iceland sees daily highs of 3°C. Nights cool to -1°C, with a daily average of 1°C.
- How much rain falls in Iceland in January?
- In January, Iceland receives an average of 106 mm of rain over 14 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Iceland get in January?
- Iceland averages 1 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Iceland in January?
- Water temperature in Iceland in January averages 5°C — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.