Reykjavik weather
in January
“A quiet, cold month. Beautiful for those who prefer it that way.”
Roughly 18 rainy days across the month, on average.
In january, Reykjavik settles into its cold, contemplative stillness. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 2°C (35°F), cooling to -3°C after sunset. Expect meaningful rain — some 18 wet days across the month. Pack accordingly and let the weather choose your afternoons. Daylight is short — the mornings arrive slowly and the evenings settle in early.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for Reykjavik in January
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A compact travel umbrella — one you'll actually carry
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Reykjavik in January
- →Merino wool base layerAmazon · shop this
- →Insulated puffer jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Thermal glovesAmazon · shop this
- →Packable rain jacketAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Waterproof dry bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Reykjavik
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Reykjavik in January — FAQ
Q01Is January a good time to visit Reykjavik?
Is January a good time to visit Reykjavik?
It is a challenging month — you may want to consider another time of year. In January, Reykjavik averages a high of 2°C (35°F) and a low of -3°C (27°F), with 152mm of rainfall across roughly 18 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in January?
What is the average temperature in Reykjavik in January?
The average high temperature in Reykjavik during January is 2°C (35°F), with an average low of -3°C (27°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in January?
How many rainy days does Reykjavik have in January?
Reykjavik averages approximately 18 rainy days in January, with a total monthly rainfall of about 152mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Reykjavik in January?
What should I pack for Reykjavik in January?
For Reykjavik in January, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Reykjavik in January?
How crowded is Reykjavik in January?
Tourist crowds in Reykjavik during January are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.