January in Reykjavik suits travelers who want northern lights, hot pools and a ski day close to the city, with afternoons that hover just above freezing. Whale watching, whose peak season runs from April to October, belongs to other months.
Daylight is the constraint. Mid-January brings 5 hours 23 minutes of daylight, and rain falls on about half the days, so outdoor sights need to be planned around that short window.
At a glance
- High: 38°F (3°C)
- Low: 29°F (-2°C)
- Rainy days: 15.3
- Sunshine: 0.7 hours per day
- Sea surface: 42°F
- Daylight on January 15: 5 hours 23 minutes
What is the weather like in Reykjavik in January?
| Month | Average high | Rain | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 38°F (3°C) | 3.7 in (95 mm) | 15 | 0.4 h | 42°F (6°C) |
| January | 38°F (3°C) | 3.4 in (87 mm) | 15 | 0.7 h | 42°F (5°C) |
| February | 38°F (3°C) | 3.6 in (91 mm) | 15 | 2.2 h | 41°F (5°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
January in Reykjavik is cold without being deep-freeze cold. Afternoons reach 38°F (3°C) and nights fall to 29°F (-2°C), so the city sits right around freezing day and night, and a warm coat does the job all day.
About 15 days in the month bring at least a millimeter of rain, and the sun shows up under an hour a day on average. Carry a waterproof layer, and put the outdoor sights in the middle of the day, when the light is at its best. Evenings are for museums, pools and tours.
December and February look almost the same on paper, with afternoon highs of 38°F (3°C) in both. The real difference is light. February averages just over two hours of sun a day, December well under one hour, and January lands in between. Rainy days stay at 15 in all three months.
What to do in Reykjavik in January
Northern lights cruise from the Old Harbour
The northern lights are one of the things Reykjavik offers visitors, and boat tours chase them from the old harbour. The Reykjavík Sailors cruise lasts 2 hours, while Special Tours runs trips that range from 45 minutes to 3.5 hours. Elding also lists northern lights cruises from the Old Harbour.
Check the tour length when you book, so the evening fits around dinner.
Geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon
Reykjavík has geothermal pools to unwind in, and January’s cold afternoons are a good reason to use them. Sky Lagoon is a geothermal lagoon by the sea, with an optional seven-step ritual.
Pack a swimsuit and plan a pool visit for an evening after a day of walking, or for a day when the rain sets in.
Skiing at Bláfjöll and Skálafell
The ski areas at Bláfjöll and Skálafell are about 30 minutes from the city center. That puts a half day on the slopes within reach of a city base.
Skiing is among the winter activities the city’s visitor office lists next to northern lights. With so little daylight, an early start leaves the most time outside.
The National Museum of Iceland and Making of a Nation
The National Museum of Iceland preserves and showcases the country’s cultural and historical heritage. Its permanent exhibition is Making of a Nation, an indoor stop for a rainy January day.
Audio guides come in 10 languages, English among them. Plan it for the hours when the daylight is weakest.
Perlan and its 360° view
Perlan stands at Öskjuhlíð on Reykjavik’s highest hill, close to the center. The observation deck around the dome gives a 360° view over Reykjavík.
Is Reykjavik busy in January?
Reykjavík is busy with festivals and seasonal events all year round. Harpa has drawn millions of guests since it opened in May 2011. Expect the main sights to have visitors in January too.
The City Center is the area the visitor office recommends for first-time visitors. It is within walking distance of major sights, restaurants and tour pickup points, which matters on dark, wet evenings. The “101” district around Laugavegur, the Old Harbour and Austurvöllur Square is the main area of the city. Options there include Hotel Reykjavík Saga near Lake Tjörnin, Sand Hotel downtown, and Storm Hotel in the eastern part of the center.
Can you swim in Reykjavik in January?
The sea near Reykjavik averages 42°F in January, a monthly average that is far too cold for a casual dip. February is about the same.
The way into warm water here is geothermal. Reykjavík has geothermal pools, and Sky Lagoon is a lagoon by the sea with hot water. Both give a swim in January without the Atlantic.
What to pack for Reykjavik in January
January asks for warm layers, rain protection and something for the pool. Each item below follows from the month’s numbers.
- A waterproof jacket, for the 15 rainy days
- Warm layers for nights at 29°F (-2°C)
- Extra warm clothing for a northern lights cruise, which spends 2 hours on the water
- A swimsuit for the geothermal pools and Sky Lagoon
- Sturdy shoes for parks and hikes in wet conditions
What to know before visiting Reykjavik in January
Daylight is the main planning point. With 5 hours 23 minutes of daylight in mid-January, the outdoor sights fit best in the middle of the day. Perlan is at Öskjuhlíð, Harpa at Austurbakka 2 on the waterfront, and Hallgrímskirkja at Hallgrímstorg. Skólavörðustígur runs up to the church with cafés, shops and galleries. Check opening hours before you go, since winter schedules can differ.
Laugavegur has bars, clubs and restaurants that open in the evenings, which suits the long dark hours. Viðey Island and the Botanic Garden are easy to reach and known for birdlife. Elding runs the ferry to Viðey.
Is January a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Yes, for travelers who want northern lights, geothermal pools and a ski day near the city, and who are fine with short, damp days. It is a weaker fit for anyone counting on whale watching, whose peak runs from April to October, or on much sun.
Shifting four weeks changes the light more than the temperature. December and February both have afternoon highs of 38°F (3°C). February gives more sun, about two hours a day against under one in January, and December gives the least, with rain on about 15 days in each.
For sun, February is the better pick. For pools and northern lights tours, the three months offer the same activities, so the choice comes down to daylight.
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/why-choose-reykjavik), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/service/hallgrimskirkja-church-tower), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/reykjavik-sailors/), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=accommodation&page=1), checked 2026-10-30
- perlan.is (https://perlan.is/visit?msclkid=c2a46990c64e17466ba601eeea04dae2), checked 2026-10-30
- visitreykjavik.is (https://visitreykjavik.is/all-content-search?search_api_fulltext=reykjavik+city+museum+officially+opened), checked 2026-10-30
- northiceland.is (https://www.northiceland.is/is/upplifun/afthreying/sjo-og-vatna-afthreying/bataferdir/), checked 2026-10-30