Iceland in January – A Perfect Guide to Starting the New Year Right!

Who doesn’t love gorgeous landscapes and unique travel experiences? Iceland fulfils every expectation of its visitors without letting them down. The land of ice and fire is a mesmerising dream destination for many people. Iceland in January is a great time to explore this amazing country because of fewer crowds, budget-friendly stays and airfares, fun winter activities and delicious winter food. Before going on this exciting adventure scroll down and read all the necessary information that might help you. 

Weather in Iceland in January 

January in Iceland is a winter month making it a great opportunity for travellers to explore without any crowd, budget airfares, offer thrilling winter activities and so much more. The average temperature in Iceland in January is around -1°C (31°F). The temperature can go up to 3°C (37°F) and can be as low as -3°C (27°F) but the winds may be very cold. Also, it is very rare that temperatures drop below -10°C (14°F) in January. Almost everyone has a misconception about Iceland that it is extremely cold in January but thanks to the Gulf Stream’s water making winter a bit mild than expected. Get ready to explore as much snow as you want as it snows a lot in January.

What to Pack for Iceland in January

• Warm clothes and layers
• Waterproof clothes as it might sleet, hail or rain
• Good and comfortable shoes such as hiking boots
• Warm layers under the clothes such as thermal underwear
• Wool sweater
• Windproof clothes
• Wool socks
• Warm hat and scarf
• Gloves
• Swimsuit if you wish to visit warm swimming pools or hot springs

Places to Visit in Iceland in January 

1. Reykjavik

It is the capital city of Iceland steeped in Viking history, culture, traditions and the magical northern lights. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one must definitely visit it. Besides history and culture, the city also offers some splendid landscapes and strange food items (Give them a try). Here’s a list of the top places to visit while in Reykjavik.

• Hallgrímskirkja
• Perlan
• Reykjavík Art Museum
• The Settlement Exhibition
• Icelandic Phallological Museum
• Harpan
• Sun Voyager
• National Museum of Iceland

2. Jökulsárlón

Plenty of tourists are attracted to this amazing destination in Iceland. Jökulsárlón has also been the destination for popular movies including The James Bond films, Tomb Raider and so on. You can also explore free-flowing icebergs, go on lagoon tours, and so much more. Here’s a list of the top places to visit while in Jökulsárlón.

• Diamond Beach
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Fjallsárlón
• Breiðárlón
• Þórbergssetur

3. Vik

Vik is a small village in Iceland offering incredible and breathtaking natural wonders to its visitors. This alluring place even houses the most popular black sand beach of Reynisfjara where plenty of movies and series have been shot. In conclusion, do not forget to add Vik to your itinerary and explore something wonderful. Here’s a list of the top places to visit while in Vik.

• Reynisdrangar
• Reynisfjara Beach
• Dyrhólaey
• Icelandic Lava Show
• The Perfect Circle, Made By Iceland
• Vik I Myrdal Church
• Vík Swimming Pool
• Black Sand Beach Reynisfjara
• Voyage Vik / Voyages Friendship Statue
• Hálsanefshellir Cave
• Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
• Black Sand Beach Vik
• Skaftfellingur Museum
• Kirkjufjara Beach
• Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
• Arnardrangur

4. Húsavík

Húsavík is mainly known for the best whale-watching opportunities on the island but in summers. This destination also offers great attractions to visit and delicious local food at restaurants. You won’t find any difficulty in finding accommodation as there are many nice and budget-friendly hotels, cabins and hostels to stay in. Here’s a list of the top places to visit while in Húsavík.

• Geosea – Geothermal Sea Baths
• Húsavík Whale Museum
• Puffin Island
• Húsavík Mountain
• Botnsvatn
• Exploration Museum
• Húsavík Wooden Church
• Whale watching
• Æðarfossar
• Húsavík Lighthouse
• Húsavík Museum
• Húsavíkurfjall

5. Seydisfjordur

From thrilling outdoor activities to luxurious dining options Seydisfjordur has it all. You can add this lovely destination to your itinerary and explore a lot with your loved ones. Moreover, visit stunning museums, go shopping or participate in cultural events. In conclusion, everything here is worth visiting and giving a try.  Here’s a list of places to visit in Seydisfjordur.

• Gufu waterfall
• Bjólfur
• Skaftfell – Centre for Visual Art
• Skálanes
• Fjarðará
• Vestdalsvatn
• Stafdalur Ski Station
• Seyðisfjarðarkirkja
• Vestdalur
• Monument to Þorbjörn Arnoddsson

Things to do in Iceland in January

• Visit a beautiful natural ice cave
• Relax in the geothermal pool 
• Participate in thrilling adventure sports such as snowmobiling, etc
• Snorkelling between the two tectonic plates at Silfra with the help of dry suits
• Trekking across Europe’s largest Glaciers and witnessing some mind-blowing views
• Watch the mesmerising Northern Lights
• Drive along the magnificent Ring Road
• Visit Thingvellir National Park,
• Admire the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall
• Visit museums at Reykjavik 
• Walk along an unusual and popular beach – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Go on the tasty Reykjavík Food Tour 
• Discover the famous Golden Circle and don’t forget to click a lot of pictures

Major Festivals in Iceland in January 

Dates	Festivals
1 January	New Year’s Day
6 January	The thirteenth day of Christmas is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks in Iceland
25–29 January	Dark Music Days, Reykjavík (contemporary music festival)
28 January- 6 February	Reykjavík International Games
Mid-January–mid-February​	Þorri (old Norse calendar)

Frequently Asked Questions For Iceland in January 

Visit Iceland to explore the mesmerising natural attractions and have a lifetime experience. Check out Pickyourtrail to have the best Iceland travel packages on great deals. You can also customise your Iceland itinerary on your own and create a trip just as you want, amazing isn’t it? Stop thinking and book a lovely vacation with your loved ones.

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Iceland in February | Iceland in March | Iceland in April | Iceland in May | Iceland in June | Iceland in July | Iceland in August | Iceland in September | Iceland in October | Iceland in November | Iceland in December