January weather forecast
Iceland

January in Iceland is typically the coldest month of the year, marking the depths of the winter season. During this month, average temperatures often hover around -2°C (28.4°F) to 2°C (35.6°F). However, more extreme temperatures are not uncommon, with the mercury occasionally plummeting lower, particularly in the central and northern regions. Reykjavik, the capital, experiences similar temperatures, although due to its coastal location, it tends to be milder compared to the more interior parts of the country.

During January, daylight is a scarce resource in Iceland. The sun rises around 11:00 am and sets early in the afternoon, resulting in only about four to five hours of daylight. This low light phenomenon is offset by the potential to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, which are particularly visible during the long, dark nights of winter.

As one might expect, January is a month of significant snowfall, with the highlands and northern parts of the country receiving the most snow. This contrasts with the December weather, which, while also cold and dark, does not consistently have as heavy snowfall as January. Looking forward to February, the weather remains largely similar, though the amount of daylight starts to increase noticeably.

Precipitation in the form of snow or sleet is quite common during January. The southern and western coastal regions experience the most precipitation due to the Atlantic storms, with an average rainfall of about 75mm (2.95") to 100mm (3.94"). However, the form this precipitation takes - whether rain, sleet, or snow - largely depends on the temperatures at the time, which can vary significantly even within a single day.

Strong winds are a common feature of Icelandic weather, and January is no exception. Wind speeds can reach up to 15km/h (9.3mph), making the perceived temperatures even colder. Despite the challenging weather conditions, January is still an attractive month for visitors who wish to experience the stark beauty of the Icelandic winter landscapes or those who seek the thrill of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

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• Reykjavík - January »
  The month with the most rainfall in Reykjavík is January, when the rain falls for 12.8 days and typically aggregates up to 47mm (1.85") of precipitation. In Reykjavík in January, during 7.4 snowfall days, 59mm (2.32") of snow is typically accumulated.
• Kópavogur - January »
  Weather during January in Kópavogur is characterized by a significantly low daylight period and cold sea temperature averages. In Kópavogur, Iceland, the average seawater temperature in January is 5.5°C (41.9°F).
• Akureyri - January »
  The months with the highest humidity in Akureyri, Iceland, are January through March and December, with an average relative humidity of 91%. In Akureyri, in January, snow falls for 18.8 days, with typically accumulated 463mm (18.23") of snow.
• Akranes - January »
  In Akranes during January, the rain falls for 12.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 47mm (1.85") of precipitation. In Akranes, Iceland, in January, during 7.4 snowfall days, 59mm (2.32") of snow is typically accumulated.
• Selfoss - January »
  In Selfoss, Iceland, in January, snow falls for 11.9 days, with typically accumulated 190mm (7.48") of snow. In Selfoss, in January, during 11.9 snowfall days, 190mm (7.48") of snow is typically accumulated.
• Ísafjörður - January »
  January, known for its average high temperature of 1.3°C (34.3°F) and an average low temperature of -4°C (24.8°F), is the coldest month in Ísafjörður. January stands out as Ísafjörður's coldest month, with temperatures ranging between an average high of 1.3°C (34.3°F) and a low of -4°C (24.8°F).
• Vestmannaeyjar - January »
  January in Vestmannaeyjar is marked by cold temperatures, with daily highs average around 3.4°C (38.1°F) and lows dipping down to -0.6°C (30.9°F). January, marked by an average high-temperature of 3.4°C (38.1°F) and a low-temperature of -0.6°C (30.9°F), is the coldest month in Vestmannaeyjar.
• Grindavik - January »
  In Grindavik, during January, the rain falls for 16.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 99mm (3.9") of precipitation. In Grindavik, during January, snow falls for 6.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 57mm (2.24") of snow.
• Seltjarnarnes - January »
  January in Seltjarnarnes, Iceland is a deep winter month, marked by short daylight hours and a chilling sea breeze. On the first day of January in Seltjarnarnes, sunrise is at 11:19 and sunset at 15:43.
• Borgarnes - January »
  The month with the most rainfall in Borgarnes is January, when the rain falls for 12.8 days and typically aggregates up to 47mm (1.85") of precipitation. The months with the lowest UV index in Borgarnes, Iceland, are January, February and November, with an average maximum UV index of 1.