What January feels like in Reykjavik
In Reykjavik, January brings mid-winter. Days barely climb above freezing, so it feels properly wintry outdoors even at midday. Little changes after sunset — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Reykjavik in January
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on most days. Each rainy day adds about 7.7 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. That is close to Reykjavik's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 7.2 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 10:57 am and sunset at about 4:16 pm (local time) — 5 h 19 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 1 h 4 min more daylight than in mid-December. Measured sunshine covers about 30% of the daylight — skies are often cloudy.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the 2nd coolest month of the year in Reykjavik. It is about as warm as December, with 17 mm more rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. By February, typical highs are 2.1°C (35.8°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Reykjavik in January
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Reykjavik in January?
Afternoons average 1.6°C (34.9°F) and nights about -2.9°C (26.8°F) — freezing by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavik in January?
It does: about 19 rainy days bring roughly 147 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Reykjavik in January?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Reykjavik?
On our 12-month climate ranking, February comes out ahead (#9 of 12 vs #12). February has fewer rainy days.