South Iceland Weather in January

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

Considering a trip to South Iceland, Iceland this January and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in South Iceland in January

South Iceland, Iceland is a region in Iceland. January in South Iceland generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with precipitation levels ranging from high to heavy.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very cold in Sprengisandur at 1°C (34°F) to cold in Vestmannaeyjar at 6°C (43°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 2°C (36°F) in Vestmannaeyjar and -5°C (23°F) in Sprengisandur. 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 a closer look at conditions across South Iceland, Iceland, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From high snow/rainfall in Sprengisandur with an average of 156 mm (6.1 in) to heavy snow/rainfall in Solheimahjaleiga with 329 mm (13 in).

Average sunshine

Many places experience limited sunshine during this period. Höfn receives around 25 hours of sunlight. If you prefer more sunny conditions, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations.

Explore South Iceland by month

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

Best Places to Visit in South Iceland in January

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

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

Temperature range in South Iceland (January)

Precipitation variation in South Iceland (January)

Höfn

In January Höfn generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Monthly sun hours
17 hours
25 hours
62 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
211 mm (8.3 in)
215 mm (8.5 in)
216 mm (8.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
16 days
17 days
14 days
Weather conditions

Selfoss

In January Selfoss generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Monthly sun hours
20 hours
20 hours
60 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
171 mm (6.7 in)
166 mm (6.5 in)
173 mm (6.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Hella

In January Hella generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and heavy monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
5°C (41°F)
5°C (41°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Monthly snow/rainfall
171 mm (6.7 in)
168 mm (6.6 in)
180 mm (7.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Hveragerði

In January Hveragerði generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and heavy 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)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-3°C (27°F)
Monthly sun hours
20 hours
20 hours
60 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
164 mm (6.5 in)
161 mm (6.3 in)
168 mm (6.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Laugarvatn

In January Laugarvatn generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and heavy 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)
-4°C (25°F)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly sun hours
20 hours
20 hours
60 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
194 mm (7.6 in)
193 mm (7.6 in)
202 mm (8 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions

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

Popular cities in January

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Vík í Mýrdal 5°C (41°F) 1°C (34°F) 284 mm (11 in)
Höfn 4°C (39°F) -1°C (30°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)
Selfoss 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Hella 5°C (41°F) -1°C (30°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Hveragerði 3°C (37°F) -3°C (27°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Laugarvatn 2°C (36°F) -4°C (25°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)

South Iceland weather in January: frequently asked questions

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

January in South Iceland, Iceland brings poor weather. In Höfn, daytime temperatures are typically around 4°C (39°F) and nighttime lows hover near -1°C (30°F).

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

Höfn averages a daytime maximum of 4°C (39°F) in January, with overnight lows close to -1°C (30°F).

Does South Iceland, Iceland get a lot of snow/rain in January?

Expect plenty of snow/rainfall. Höfn records an average of 215 mm (8.5 in) in January, putting it among the wetter months for South Iceland, Iceland.

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

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to South Iceland, Iceland with often poor weather in Höfn.

On average, the best time to visit South Iceland, Iceland is in with generally poor weather in Höfn.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in South 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.

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