West Iceland Weather in January

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

Are you planning a trip a to West Iceland, Iceland in January and wondering what kind of weather to expect? This page has all the details you need.

What to Expect in West Iceland in January

West Iceland, Iceland is a region in Iceland. January in West Iceland generally has temperatures that range from very cold to cold, with high precipitation. During January, winter is in full swing.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from very cold in Húsafell at 1°C (34°F) to cold in Hellissandur at 4°C (39°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 0°C (32°F) in Hellissandur and -5°C (23°F) in Húsafell. In many regions in Iceland, January is characterized by its biting cold temperatures. If you're venturing into these areas during this time, it's crucial to be adequately prepared. Ensure you layer up with warm clothing to fight off the chill and stay comfortable.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of West Iceland, Iceland, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From high snow/rainfall in Ólafsvík with an average of 119 mm (4.7 in) to high snow/rainfall in Húsafell with 151 mm (5.9 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine tends to be more scarce in many locations. Borgarnes gets roughly 20 hours of sunlight. For sunnier alternatives, check our weather planner to find destinations with better conditions.

Explore West Iceland by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in West Iceland - and find the best time to visit. (based on Borgarnes)

Best Places to Visit in West Iceland in January

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

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

Temperature range in West Iceland (January)

Precipitation variation in West Iceland (January)

Borgarnes

In January Borgarnes generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable 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)
-4°C (25°F)
Monthly sun hours
20 hours
20 hours
60 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
134 mm (5.3 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
145 mm (5.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
18 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Grundarfjordur

In January Grundarfjordur generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 0°C (32°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
0°C (32°F)
0°C (32°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Monthly sun hours
9 hours
24 hours
56 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
126 mm (5 in)
126 mm (5 in)
132 mm (5.2 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Stykkishólmur

In January Stykkishólmur generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 3°C (37°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°F)
3°C (37°F)
Min temperature
-1°C (30°F)
-1°C (30°F)
-2°C (28°F)
Monthly sun hours
9 hours
24 hours
56 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
120 mm (4.7 in)
124 mm (4.9 in)
128 mm (5 in)
Monthly rainy days
18 days
18 days
16 days
Weather conditions

Akranes

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

December
January
February
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
4°C (39°F)
3°C (37°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
135 mm (5.3 in)
136 mm (5.4 in)
145 mm (5.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
18 days
17 days
Weather conditions

Búðardalur

In January Búðardalur generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 2°C (36°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable 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)
-5°C (23°F)
Monthly sun hours
9 hours
24 hours
56 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
121 mm (4.8 in)
122 mm (4.8 in)
129 mm (5.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
19 days
17 days
16 days
Weather conditions

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

Popular cities in January

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

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Borgarnes 3°C (37°F) -3°C (27°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Grundarfjordur 4°C (39°F) 0°C (32°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Stykkishólmur 3°C (37°F) -1°C (30°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Akranes 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Búðardalur 2°C (36°F) -4°C (25°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Fossatún 2°C (36°F) -4°C (25°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)

West Iceland weather in January: frequently asked questions

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

West Iceland, Iceland typically experiences less favorable weather in January, part of the winter season. Daytime highs in Borgarnes average around 3°C (37°F), and temperatures drop to about -3°C (27°F) at night.

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

Borgarnes averages a daytime maximum of 3°C (37°F) in January, with overnight lows close to -3°C (27°F).

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

West Iceland, Iceland sees substantial snow/rainfall in January. Borgarnes typically averages about 137 mm (5.4 in), a mix of wet and dry days, but bring an umbrella.

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

In our view, January might not be the best time to travel to West Iceland, Iceland with often less favorable weather in Borgarnes.

On average, the best time to visit West Iceland, Iceland is in June and July with generally good weather in Borgarnes. The weather in January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December, on the other hand, tends to be less favorable.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in West 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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