Kópavogur Weather in January
In Kópavogur, January brings low daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), with nights cooling to -3°C (27°F). Expect quite a bit of snow/rainfall this month.
Rainfall in Kópavogur in January
Historically, January sees about 18 days of snow/rain, with a monthly average of 138 mm (5.4 in). This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.
Temperature in Kópavogur in January
In January, expect low temperatures in Kópavogur, with highs of 3°C (37°F) and lows of -3°C (27°F) at night. January is known for being in the winter season. Even daytime conditions remain cold, making layers, a warm coat, and winter accessories a good idea. With overnight lows of -3°C (27°F), temperatures fall below freezing at night. An extra thick blanket can make a real difference if your accommodation runs cold. With temperatures often at their lowest, it is the coldest month of the year. Ideal for indoor activities, be sure to pack warm clothing.
Sunshine in Kópavogur in January
The month has fewer sunny days, with around 20 hours of sunshine.
Wind Speed in Kópavogur in January
January sees wind speeds averaging 6 m/s (12 knots). You'll experience strong winds that cause whole trees to sway and require effort when walking against them. As an average, expect variation from moderate breezes to particularly windy days that affect daily routines.
Average water temperature in January
At 6°C (43°F), the water is too cold for most people to swim comfortably. A wetsuit is pretty much essential if you plan to go in.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. June and July typically offer the best weather for Kópavogur.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Iceland, check out our Kópavogur's climate page.
Kópavogur Temperature in January
Min Temperature
-3°C (27°F)
Max Temperature
3°C (37°F)
Water Temperature
6°C (43°F) *
Chance of Rain
61%
Precipitation
138 mm (5.4 in)
Rainy days
18 days
Humidity
78% *
Windspeed
6 m/s (12 knots) *
Sunshine
20 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
12% *
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Kópavogur typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 3°C (37°F). Nights are very cold, with lows typically ranging from -3°C (27°F) to -1°C (30°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Kópavogur in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Kópavogur spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Kópavogur historical weather extremes in January
Our historical data for Kópavogur spans 1976 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- On January 4, 2013, temperatures climbed to 10°C (50°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
- The coldest January day was on January 15, 2023, with a maximum of -8°C (18°F).
- Kópavogur registered its coldest January night on January 31, 1979, with temperatures dropping to -16°C (3°F).
- The wettest day in January Kópavogur was on January 29, 1982 with 50 mm (2 in) of precipitation.
Best Places in Iceland in January
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
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Kópavogur in January
Dress warmly and in layers for your trip to Kópavogur in January. A good base layer system works wonders. Start with good thermal underwear, add something warm like a fleece sweater, then finish with a waterproof jacket on top. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. The water temperature sits at about 6°C (43°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.What To Do in Kópavogur in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Iceland, check out our Kópavogur's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Kópavogur climate overview or explore weather in Iceland.
