Iceland Airwaves Festival
On its way to its 20th edition in 2019 Iceland Airwaves is a festival you need to visit once in your life. Everything from lagoons and bookstores to bars and concert halls is filled with music.
With daytime temperatures of 3°C (37°F) and nighttime lows of -3°C (27°F), January in Reykjavík brings low temperatures during the day. Do keep in mind that quite a bit of snow/rainfall is typical. Around 138 mm (5.4 in) falls on average.
Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. June and July typically offer the best weather for Reykjavík.
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Reykjavík - and find the best time to visit.
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Reykjavík typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 3°C (37°F). Nights are very cold, with lows around -2°C (28°F).
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Browse day-by-day weather records for Reykjavík spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Reykjavík between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
Find out more about the weather in Iceland and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Iceland in January →
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
We recommend to layer up for chilly conditions in Reykjavík in January. You could start with thermal underwear or a good base layer to keep your core warm on the cooler days this month. Maybe also add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Expect water temperatures of around 6°C (43°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. Sunglasses aren't essential this month, though you might want them for the occasional bright moment.
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Reykjavík climate overview or explore weather in Iceland.
Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
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