January in Iceland is magical: long nights, soft blue daylight, snow‑dusted mountains and a real sense of calm after the busy holiday season. It’s also one of the best months for northern lights and winter adventures—if you come prepared. Here are practical tips for visiting Iceland in January, plus how to use Ourhotels.is and our inns in West Iceland as comfortable bases for your trip.
January weather in Iceland: what to expect
January is deep winter. In most of the country you can expect:
– Temperatures around -5°C to +3°C (23–37°F), often feeling colder with wind
– Short days: roughly 4–6 hours of daylight, depending on where you are
– Mixed conditions: snow, rain, wind, ice and the occasional calm, clear day
The key is flexibility. Plan your days around the light, check the forecast often, and keep your schedule a bit open so you can move activities if the weather changes.
What to pack for Iceland in January
Think “layers and waterproof everything.” A good packing list includes:
– Base layer: thermal top and leggings (wool or synthetic)
– Mid layer: fleece or wool sweater
– Outer layer: windproof, waterproof jacket and pants
– Footwear: insulated, waterproof boots with good grip
– Accessories: warm hat, scarf or buff, gloves/mittens, and thick wool socks
– Extras: ice cleats (for icy sidewalks and trails), swimsuit (for hot springs), and a power bank (cold drains batteries quickly)
If you’re staying with Ourhotels.is at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll have a warm, cozy base to come back to—so you can focus on enjoying the outdoors, not worrying about staying warm indoors.
Driving in Iceland in January
Driving can be rewarding in winter, but it’s not for everyone. Roads can be icy, snowy and sometimes closed. If you plan to drive:
– Choose a 4×4 rental with winter tires
– Check road conditions daily at road.is and weather at vedur.is
– Allow extra time between destinations
– Never drive if conditions are marked as “impassable”
West Iceland is a great region for winter road trips because it’s relatively accessible from Reykjavík, yet feels wonderfully remote. Ourhotels.is locations are spread across this region, making it easy to break up your journey into manageable drives.
Using West Iceland as your winter base
West Iceland offers dramatic coastlines, mountains, hot springs and charming fishing towns—without the heavy crowds. Staying in this region in January gives you a quieter, more local experience, and excellent chances for northern lights on clear nights.
Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)
Hvítá Inn is a comfortable countryside base in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes and only about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík (conditions permitting). It’s ideal for your first or last nights in Iceland, or as a base for exploring West Iceland’s inland highlights. From Hvítá Inn you can:
– Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, stunning against the snow
– Explore Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring
– Join ice cave or glacier tours in the nearby highlands (with a guide)
– Enjoy peaceful winter evenings with minimal light pollution—perfect for aurora watching right outside the inn when skies are clear
After a day out, returning to a warm, welcoming inn with good food and a relaxed atmosphere makes winter travel feel easy rather than harsh.
Stykkishólmur Inn – gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stykkishólmur Inn sits in the charming harbor town of Stykkishólmur, one of the most picturesque places in Iceland, especially in winter. This is an excellent base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: volcanoes, glaciers, black beaches, cliffs and fishing villages. From Stykkishólmur Inn you can:
– Drive to Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains
– Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park with its lava fields and coastal views
– Walk around the harbor and town, which feels extra cozy under a dusting of snow
– Take short winter hikes (when conditions allow) and enjoy quiet viewpoints
In January, the low winter light makes the peninsula incredibly photogenic. Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn means you can catch sunrise and sunset (which are close together in winter) without long drives in the dark.
Ísafjörður Inn – winter in the Westfjords
For travelers who want a wilder, more remote winter experience, Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords is a fantastic choice. Ísafjörður is the region’s main town, surrounded by steep mountains and deep fjords. In January, it feels like a true Arctic outpost—dramatic, peaceful and authentic. From Ísafjörður Inn you can:
– Explore the town’s museums, cafés and harbor area
– Join guided winter activities like snowshoeing or ski touring (conditions permitting)
– Experience the unique atmosphere of a small Icelandic town in mid‑winter
– Enjoy some of the darkest, clearest skies in Iceland for northern lights hunting
Because the Westfjords are more remote, it’s especially important to check road and weather conditions before driving there in January. Many visitors choose to spend a few nights in Ísafjörður to really settle in and enjoy the slower pace.
Northern lights in January
January is prime aurora season. Long nights and often cold, clear air create ideal conditions—if the sky cooperates. To increase your chances:
– Get away from city lights: all three Ourhotels.is locations (Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn) offer darker skies than Reykjavík
– Check the aurora forecast at vedur.is, but remember it’s only a guide
– Be patient: sometimes the lights appear quickly, sometimes after hours of waiting
– Dress very warmly; you’ll be standing still outside
One advantage of staying in smaller inns is that you can step outside quickly if the lights appear, rather than needing to drive far out of town.
Planning your itinerary with Ourhotels.is
A simple January route in West Iceland could look like this:
– Night 1–2: Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður area) – waterfalls, hot springs, countryside aurora
– Night 3–4: Stykkishólmur Inn – Snæfellsnes Peninsula, coastal scenery, small‑town charm
– Night 5–6: Ísafjörður Inn – remote fjords, deep winter atmosphere, dark skies
This kind of itinerary keeps driving distances reasonable while letting you experience very different sides of Icelandic winter. Booking directly through Ourhotels.is makes it easy to coordinate your stays across these locations and adjust dates if the weather suggests a change of plan.
Practical tips for January travel
– Build in buffer days: winter storms can delay travel, especially in the Westfjords
– Start activities late morning and finish before full dark when possible
– Always have snacks, water and warm clothes in the car
– Consider guided tours for glaciers, ice caves and any challenging terrain
– Travel insurance is highly recommended in winter
Visiting Iceland in January rewards you with fewer crowds, lower light that makes landscapes glow, and some of the best northern lights opportunities of the year. With the right clothing, a flexible mindset and cozy bases like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn booked through Ourhotels.is, you can enjoy the beauty of Icelandic winter in comfort and safety.
