Húsavík

North Iceland Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in North Iceland, Iceland in January.

Planning a trip to North Iceland, Iceland this January? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in North Iceland in January

North Iceland, Iceland is a region in Iceland. January in North Iceland generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to high. January is a winter month.

Temperatures

During the day temperatures vary from very cold in Eyjafjaroarsveit at 0°C (32°F) to cold in Grímsey at 4°C (39°F). At night it cools down to 0°C (32°F) in Grímsey and -7°C (19°F) in Eyjafjaroarsveit. In numerous regions in Iceland, January is marked by its cold weather conditions. If you're heading to these areas during this month, it's vital to be well-prepared. Dressing in layered and insulated outfits will ensure you stay warm.

For specific regional insights in North Iceland, Iceland, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate snow/rainfall in Raufarhöfn with an average of 81 mm (3.2 in) to high snow/rainfall in Dalvík with 139 mm (5.5 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine hours are generally lower in most areas during January. Akureyri experiences about 7 hours of sunlight. If you're looking for brighter destinations, our weather planner can suggest better options.

Explore North Iceland by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in North Iceland — and find the best time to visit. (based on Akureyri)

Best Places to Visit in North Iceland in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across North Iceland.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

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).

Popular Destinations in North Iceland

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in North Iceland, Iceland?

Temperature range in North Iceland (January)

Precipitation variation in North Iceland (January)

Akureyri

In January Akureyri generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and high monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
0°C (32°F)
0°C (32°F)
0°C (32°F)
Min temperature
-7°C (19°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Monthly sun hours
0 hours
7 hours
36 hours
Monthly snowfall
129 mm (5.1 in)
123 mm (4.8 in)
114 mm (4.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
16 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Húsavík

In January Húsavík generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly sun hours
0 hours
7 hours
36 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
113 mm (4.4 in)
105 mm (4.1 in)
98 mm (3.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
16 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Laugar

In January Laugar generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 1°C (34°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
1°C (34°F)
1°C (34°F)
1°C (34°F)
Min temperature
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Monthly sun hours
0 hours
7 hours
36 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
108 mm (4.3 in)
101 mm (4 in)
93 mm (3.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
17 days
15 days
13 days
Weather conditions

Blönduós

In January Blönduós generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
97 mm (3.8 in)
92 mm (3.6 in)
97 mm (3.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Siglufjörður

In January Siglufjörður generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
2°C (36°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Monthly sun hours
0 hours
7 hours
36 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
136 mm (5.4 in)
128 mm (5 in)
123 mm (4.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
17 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in North Iceland, in Iceland.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in North Iceland in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Akureyri 0°C (32°F) -6°C (21°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Húsavík 2°C (36°F) -3°C (27°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Laugar 1°C (34°F) -6°C (21°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Blönduós 2°C (36°F) -3°C (27°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Siglufjörður 3°C (37°F) -2°C (28°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Reykjahlíð 1°C (34°F) -6°C (21°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)

North Iceland weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in North Iceland, Iceland in January?

Expect poor weather across North Iceland, Iceland in January. The popular destination of Akureyri averages 0°C (32°F) by day and -6°C (21°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in North Iceland, Iceland in January?

In Akureyri, the average daytime high in January is 0°C (32°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around -6°C (21°F).

Does North Iceland, Iceland get a lot of snow in January?

Akureyri typically receives notable snowfall in January, about 123 mm (4.8 in) on average across North Iceland, Iceland.

Is January a Good Time to Visit North Iceland, Iceland?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Akureyri, January may not be the ideal time to visit North Iceland, Iceland.

Generally speaking, June, July and August provide unpleasant weather in Akureyri.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in North Iceland.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Iceland? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Iceland.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.