how cold is Iceland in January really?

If you’re coming to Iceland in January, and you’re wondering just how cold it is. 

Then you’re in the right place! 

In this article I’ll go over everything you need to know! 

So let’s get to it! 

A quick overview 

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect. 

• Average temperatures: Highs around 2°C (36°F), lows around -3°C (27°F). 

• Wind chill often makes it feel much colder. 

•  Expect snow, sleet, rain, and storms. 

• Daylight: 4–7 hours depending on the part of the month. 

• Wear thermals, fleece or wool mid-layers, waterproof coat, insulated boots, gloves, hat, and scarf. 

• Don’t want to pack all that? You can rent outdoor clothing in Reykjavik with IcelandCover and travel light. 

Iceland in January Weather 

January, is the coldest month of the year. 

We’re in deep winter for sure. 

Even though the temperatures average 2°C (36°F) for highs and -3°C (27°F) for lows that doesn’t tell the whole story. 

The wind will make if feel so much colder. 

You should expect: 

Lots of Wind!

There’s always wind in Iceland, and it’ll knock a few degrees off the temperature for sure. 

Although it’s very cold, you should still expect some rain. 

It’s not as likely as in December or other months, it’ll probably snow most of the time. 

However, we tend to get a few days where it’ll rain and then you want to be wearing highly water-resistant clothing.  

Don’t be surprised if you get both rain and snow on the same day. 

And don’t rely on the sun to warm you up. 

We only have 4 hours of daylight in the beginning of the month and 7 hours at the end.  

Weather warnings 

Then you should be aware of weather warnings. 

They will drastically change how you travel. 

We’ve got three of them; 

Yellow – This is the mildest one, and usually not that big of a deal, but in January, it will mean that you might have to cancel your daytrip and you should rethink if you’re driving 

Orange – This is when it gets very serious. You should not drive and just stay in town. Roads are closed and tours canceled.  

Red – Very dangerous. Everything is canceled, roads are closed. Do not drive. 

But let me give you an example of what weather to expect on a regular day. 

Example of a day in January

It’s cloudy 

10mps (22mph) – Fairly high winds, closing in on a yellow warning which can start at around 15mps. 

Snow on the ground, very slippery side walks. 

Temperature is 1°C (34°F) 

The wind will make it feel closer to -4°C (24.8°F). 

It will sting and if you’re not dressed well, you’ll have a miserable time. 

And that’s how cold Iceland is in January! 

But what should you wear to stay warm? 

What to Wear in Iceland in January 

So in January, the key is to wear all your layers. 

You need to wear a good, thick outer layer or you’re going to be in trouble.  

Here is a basic overview. 

For more details, check out this article!  

Base layers 

Thermal underwear (preferably merino wool or synthetic). 

Wool socks to keep feet warm and dry. 

Mid Layers 

Fleece sweater, wool jumper, or a light down jacket. 

Fleece-lined pants or an extra pair of leggings. 

Outer Layers 

A winter park is essential. 

Outdoor pants that can resist rain and snow. 

Accessories 

Insulated boots with good grip for icy streets. 

Warm hat, neck gaiter, and gloves. 

Hand and foot warmers are useful if you’re prone to getting cold. 

Even if you’re in Reykjavík, you’ll want to be wearing good outdoor clothes, since it’ll be cold no matter what! 

Outdoor Clothing Rental in Iceland 

And if you don’t own the items you need, or if you don’t want to buy clothing you won’t need again, then you can rent everything you need! 

At IcelandCover, you can rent: 

• 🧥 Waterproof and windproof coats 

• 👖 Outdoor pants 

• 🥾 Insulated boots 

• 🧤 Gloves, hats, and scarves 

So save money and space in the bag and rent the outdoor clothes you need to stay warm and enjoy Iceland! 

And that’s it! 

I hope you have a better understating of how cold Iceland is in January and how to prepare!  

FAQ: How Cold is Iceland in January? 

Q: Does it snow in Iceland in January? 

 A: Yes. Snow is common in January, especially in the north and inland. Rain and sleet are also possible. 

Q: How many hours of daylight are there in January? 

 A: About 4 hours at the start of the month and up to 7 hours by the end. 

Q: Can you see the Northern Lights in January? 

 A: Absolutely. The long nights make it one of the best months for aurora viewing. 

Q: Do I need special clothing for January in Iceland? 

 A: Yes. Thermals, warm mid-layers, a waterproof parka, insulated boots, hat, and gloves are essential. 

Q: Can I rent winter clothes in Reykjavik? 

 A: Yes. IcelandCover offers outdoor clothes to rent so you can stay warm without overpacking.