Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Svolvær in January
Svolvær edges cooler than December, with highs of 35°F (2°C), lows of 31°F (-1°C) and about 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 33/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 35°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 31°F (-1°C)
- Rain
- 4.8 in (122 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 82%
- Daylight
- ~1 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 33/100 · Tough
What January feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 35°F (2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Average lows of 31°F (-1°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect regular rain: about 4.8 in (122 mm) falls in the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 82%.
It's breezy, with average winds near 13 mph (5.6 m/s) at ground level.
Daylight is short, roughly 1 h 44 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are July & August.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 31°F.
- Comfort improves from 30/100 in December to 33/100.
- January sits inside the Late Nov – Mar window our Lofoten & Tromsø route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 31°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes4.8 in of rain on average
- Windproof shellaverage wind 13 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Svolvær in January
With 4.8 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Vågan Church
The 1898 'Lofoten Cathedral' in Kabelvåg, a wooden church built for the fishermen who crowded in each winter.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Børsen Spiseri
Restaurant in an 1828 fish-trading house on Svinøya, serving stockfish, cod and lamb by candlelight.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Fiskekrogen
Long-running seafood restaurant on the Henningsvær quay, known for fish soup and the catch of the day.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Magic Ice Lofoten
Ice bar and gallery in a harbour warehouse, with sculptures of Lofoten fishing life carved from ice.
Why now A cozy break on a 35°F day.
Nearby in January
- Reine in January~43 mi · highs 38°F, 4.2 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Tromsø in January~146 mi · highs 25°F, 4.2 in rain or snow · 6°C (10°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.
Svolvær in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Svolvær?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 33/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are July & August. Expect highs of 35°F (2°C) and 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain. January is inside the Late Nov – Mar window our Lofoten & Tromsø route recommends.
How cold is Svolvær in January?
Average highs are 35°F (2°C) and average lows 31°F (-1°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it rain a lot in Svolvær in January?
Yes: about 4.8 in (122 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.7 in (1314 mm).
What should I pack for Svolvær in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 31°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (4.8 in of rain on average), windproof shell (average wind 13 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Routes in season in January
- Lofoten & Tromsø Late Nov – Mar
Planning Svolvær in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.