Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Reykjavík in January
This is the coldest month in Reykjavík: highs average 36°F (2°C) and lows 30°F (-1°C), with about 6.7 in (169 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 29/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 36°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 30°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 6.7 in (169 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 78%
- Daylight
- ~4 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 29/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 36°F (2°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 30°F (-1°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect regular rain: about 6.7 in (169 mm) falls in the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 78%.
Only about 4 h 53 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June – August.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort holds steady from December (29 → 29/100).
- Our Iceland Ring Road route recommends Jun – Sep, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 30°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.7 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Reykjavík in January
With 6.7 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Kaldi Bar
Laugavegur bar pouring Kaldi beer from northern Iceland.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 36°F.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Harbor hot-dog stand open since 1937.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Hallgrímskirkja
Concrete church inspired by basalt columns, with a tower lift over the rooftops.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 36°F.
National Museum of Iceland
Settlement-to-today history of Iceland in one clear permanent exhibit.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Brauð & Co.
Bakery with a painted facade, famous for cinnamon snails.
Why now A cozy break on a 36°F day.
Nearby in January
- Vík in January~103 mi · highs 38°F, 9.8 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Jökulsárlón in January~172 mi · highs 36°F, 11.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Mývatn in January~177 mi · highs 29°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Reykjavík in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Reykjavík?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 29/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June – August. Expect highs of 36°F (2°C) and 6.7 in (169 mm) of rain. Our Iceland Ring Road route recommends Jun – Sep, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Reykjavík in January?
Average highs are 36°F (2°C) and average lows 30°F (-1°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in January?
Yes: about 6.7 in (169 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 64.5 in (1638 mm).
What should I pack for Reykjavík in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 30°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.7 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Reykjavík
Planning Reykjavík in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.