Reykjavík in January
In January, Reykjavík averages 2°C (36°F) during the day and -2°C (28°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (75 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear. Snowfall occurs on roughly 8 days.
January is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Reykjavík. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Reykjavík
January is one of the coolest months in Reykjavík (12th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (7°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (3°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (3°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Reykjavík
Times shown for Reykjavík local time (Atlantic/Reykjavik), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Reykjavík — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Reykjavík's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Reykjavík in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Off-peak) and Reykjavík's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Reykjavík
This is off-peak for Reykjavík — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: challenging tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Reykjavík
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
❄️ Snowy — Reykjavík in January
Gear: Frequent snowfall. Waterproof boots and a real insulated coat are essential — not a fashion peacoat.
Sea temperature in Reykjavík — January
Across the year Reykjavík's sea swings from 1.9°C (January) to 12.4°C (August) — January sits at 1.9°C.
Reykjavík in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -2°C / 28°F | 75 mm | 14 | 8 |
| February | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 70 mm | 13 | 7 |
| March | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 80 mm | 13 | 6 |
| April | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 60 mm | 12 | 3 |
| May | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 39°F | 45 mm | 10 | 1 |
| June | 12°C / 54°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 50 mm | 10 | 0 |
| August | 13°C / 55°F | 9°C / 48°F | 60 mm | 11 | 0 |
| September | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F | 70 mm | 11 | 0 |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 95 mm | 14 | 1 |
| November | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 80 mm | 13 | 4 |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 80 mm | 14 | 7 |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Reykjavík in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Reykjavík in January?
In January, Reykjavík averages a high of 2°C (36°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in January?
January can be fairly wet in Reykjavík, with about 14 rainy days on average and roughly 8 snow days.
Is January a good time to visit Reykjavík?
January is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Reykjavík in January?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Reykjavík for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.