January in Iceland is magical: long nights, soft daylight, snow‑dusted landscapes and a real sense of calm after the busy holiday season. It’s also a month that rewards a bit of planning. Here are practical tips for visiting Iceland in January, plus how to use Ourhotels.is properties—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn—as comfortable bases for your winter adventure.
January weather in Iceland: what to expect
January is one of the coldest months, but temperatures are often milder than visitors expect, typically hovering around -3°C to 3°C (26–37°F) in many areas. What makes the difference is the wind and changing conditions: snow, sleet, rain and clear skies can all appear in a single day.
Pack for wind and wet rather than just “cold.” A waterproof, windproof outer layer, warm mid‑layers (wool or fleece), thermal base layers, hat, gloves and good winter boots with traction are essential. Hand warmers and a buff or scarf are very useful when the wind picks up.
Driving in January: safety first
If you’re planning a self‑drive trip, January can be a fantastic time to explore, but you must respect the conditions. Roads can be icy, visibility can drop quickly and some routes may close due to weather.
Check road conditions daily on official sites and be flexible with your itinerary. If you’re new to winter driving, consider shorter driving days and avoid remote gravel roads. One smart strategy is to choose well‑located accommodations that reduce long daily drives—this is where Ourhotels.is can help.
Using Ourhotels.is as winter bases
Ourhotels.is offers simple, comfortable inns in great locations for winter travel in West and Northwest Iceland. By staying in a few key places for multiple nights, you can explore nearby attractions without rushing.
Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)
Hvítá Inn is a great first stop when you leave Reykjavík and head into West Iceland. Located in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, it puts you within easy reach of:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, which look spectacular framed by snow and ice
– Deildartunguhver hot spring and nearby geothermal baths
– The historic Reykholt area and scenic valleys that are especially beautiful in winter light
Staying at Hvítá Inn lets you explore this region at a relaxed pace, with shorter drives and the option to return “home” quickly if the weather changes.
Stykkishólmur Inn – gateway to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature,” and January gives it a quiet, dramatic atmosphere. Stykkishólmur Inn is located in the charming harbor town of Stykkishólmur, an ideal base for:
– Day trips around Snæfellsnes to see black sand beaches, sea cliffs, lava fields and the Snæfellsjökull glacier
– Winter walks around the harbor and viewpoints above town
– Boat tours when available, or simply enjoying the peaceful coastal setting
By staying at Stykkishólmur Inn, you can explore the peninsula over a couple of days instead of rushing through in a single long drive.
Ísafjörður Inn – winter in the Westfjords
For travelers who want a more remote, dramatic winter experience, Ísafjörður in the Westfjords is unforgettable. Ísafjörður Inn offers a comfortable base in the region’s main town, with access to:
– Deep fjords and steep mountains that look especially striking in snow
– Local culture, cafés and museums that give insight into life in this remote part of Iceland
– Winter activities such as snowshoeing, ski touring (with guides) and scenic drives when conditions allow
In January, the Westfjords are quieter and more weather‑dependent than other regions, so having a cozy, central place like Ísafjörður Inn to return to is a big advantage.
Chasing the Northern Lights in January
January is prime Northern Lights season thanks to long, dark nights. To increase your chances:
– Check the aurora forecast and cloud cover in the evenings
– Get away from city lights—rural locations near Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn are ideal
– Be patient and dress very warmly; sometimes the lights appear after hours of waiting
One of the joys of staying with Ourhotels.is in smaller towns and countryside locations is that you can often step outside your inn and, if the sky is clear and the aurora active, see the Northern Lights without a long drive.
Daylight and planning your schedule
In January, daylight is limited—around 4–7 hours depending on where you are and when in the month you visit. Plan your main activities for the middle of the day and use the darker hours for:
– Relaxing in hot tubs or local pools
– Enjoying dinners and local food
– Short walks in town and photography of the blue “civil twilight” that lingers before sunrise and after sunset
By basing yourself at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, you can structure your days around short, scenic outings and avoid long drives in the dark.
What to pack for a January trip
Along with warm clothing, consider:
– Ice grips/cleats for your boots for walking on icy paths
– A headlamp or small flashlight for walking in the dark
– Power bank and waterproof phone case
– Swimsuit and quick‑dry towel for hot springs and pools
– Reusable water bottle—tap water in Iceland is excellent
Booking your stay with Ourhotels.is
January is quieter than summer, but it’s still wise to book your accommodation in advance, especially in smaller towns. Ourhotels.is makes it easy to plan a route through West Iceland and the Westfjords:
– Start near Reykjavík and head to Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður
– Continue to Stykkishólmur Inn for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
– Venture north and west to Ísafjörður Inn for a deeper winter experience
This route gives you a mix of accessible sights and wilder landscapes, with comfortable, friendly inns to return to each night.
Visiting Iceland in January rewards travelers who embrace the season: the soft light, the snow, the quiet roads and the chance to see the Northern Lights. With thoughtful planning, the right clothing and well‑chosen bases like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn from Ourhotels.is, you can enjoy a safe, memorable winter trip and experience Iceland at its most atmospheric.
