January in Iceland is magical: long nights, soft blue daylight, snow‑dusted landscapes and a real sense of calm after the busy holiday season. It’s one of the best months for northern lights, winter adventures and experiencing authentic local life without the big summer crowds. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your January trip – and how staying with Ourhotels.is can make it easier and more comfortable.
January weather in Iceland
Expect winter in full force. Temperatures in the west and north typically hover around -5°C to +3°C (23–37°F), but wind and humidity can make it feel colder. Snow, sleet, rain and clear skies can all happen in a single day, so flexibility is key.
Pack warm, breathable layers:
– A good base layer (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
– Warm mid‑layer (fleece or wool sweater)
– Windproof, waterproof outer shell
– Insulated jacket for stops and evenings
– Warm hat, scarf, gloves and thick socks
– Waterproof winter boots with good grip
If you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll appreciate having cozy indoor clothes too – think comfy loungewear for relaxing after a day in the cold.
Driving in Iceland in January
January is a beautiful time for a road trip, but conditions can be challenging. Roads may be icy, visibility can drop quickly and some mountain passes or smaller roads may close.
If you plan to self‑drive:
– Rent a 4×4 with winter tires.
– Check road conditions daily at road.is and weather at vedur.is.
– Keep your fuel tank topped up and your phone charged.
– Allow extra time between destinations – never rush in winter conditions.
One advantage of staying with Ourhotels.is is that our locations in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður are all in areas that are accessible year‑round in normal winter conditions, yet still feel wonderfully remote and scenic.
Northern lights in January
January is prime aurora season. Long, dark nights and cold, clear air create excellent conditions for seeing the northern lights.
Tips for aurora hunting:
– Check the aurora forecast at vedur.is.
– Be patient – displays can come and go.
– Get away from bright city lights for the best view.
Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður is ideal for this: it’s in the countryside near Borgarnes, with minimal light pollution and wide‑open skies. Guests often just step outside the inn to watch the lights dance over the river and surrounding mountains. Stykkishólmur Inn, overlooking the Breiðafjörður bay, also offers beautiful vantage points, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords gives you dramatic fjord scenery as a backdrop if the aurora appears.
Daylight and planning your time
In January, daylight is limited but growing. In the west and north you can expect roughly 4–6 hours of usable daylight, with long twilight periods that are perfect for photography.
Plan your main activities in the middle of the day and use mornings and evenings for:
– Relaxing in hot tubs or local swimming pools
– Enjoying long breakfasts and dinners
– Short walks in town or by the harbor
Ourhotels.is properties are well‑placed for this rhythm:
– At Hvítá Inn you can explore Borgarfjörður’s waterfalls and hot springs by day, then return for a warm meal and northern lights watching at night.
– From Stykkishólmur Inn you can walk to the harbor, climb Súgandisey for views, or join winter boat tours on Breiðafjörður when available.
– Ísafjörður Inn puts you in the heart of the Westfjords’ main town, with cafés, museums and coastal walks just outside the door.
What to see in West Iceland in January
West Iceland is a fantastic winter base: dramatic but accessible, with fewer crowds than the south.
Around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes):
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls: stunning in winter, with blue water cutting through snow and lava.
– Deildartunguhver hot spring area and nearby geothermal baths.
– Historic sites and quiet country roads for winter photography.
Staying at Hvítá Inn means you’re close to these highlights while enjoying a peaceful riverside setting and easy access from Reykjavík.
Around Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula:
– Colorful Stykkishólmur harbor and old town, beautiful even in winter light.
– Day trips (weather permitting) to Snæfellsjökull National Park, black beaches, cliffs and lava fields.
– Local museums and cozy cafés for stormy days.
Stykkishólmur Inn is a comfortable base for exploring Snæfellsnes in January, with the bonus of sea views and a charming small‑town atmosphere.
Around Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords:
– Ísafjörður’s old town, harbor and surrounding mountains, often covered in snow.
– Winter hiking or snowshoeing with local guides when conditions allow.
– Cultural life: small galleries, music events and local restaurants.
Ísafjörður Inn gives you a front‑row seat to Westfjords winter life – dramatic scenery right outside, but all the services of a small town within walking distance.
Staying warm and comfortable
January is all about balancing outdoor adventure with indoor comfort. Icelandic buildings are well heated, and Ourhotels.is properties are designed to be a warm retreat after a cold day.
To make your stay more comfortable:
– Bring a swimsuit – hot tubs and pools are open year‑round.
– Pack a small daypack for extra layers, snacks and a thermos.
– Use the evenings to dry clothes and gear for the next day.
At Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll find welcoming common areas and comfortable rooms where you can unwind, sort your photos and plan the next day’s route.
Local culture and food in winter
January is a quieter, more local time in Iceland. You’ll meet fewer tourists and more residents going about their daily lives.
Make time to:
– Try hearty Icelandic dishes like lamb soup, fresh fish and rye bread.
– Visit local bakeries for pastries and coffee.
– Chat with staff at Ourhotels.is about current road conditions, hidden viewpoints and local events – they often know what’s happening that doesn’t appear in guidebooks.
Why choose Ourhotels.is for a January trip
For a winter visit, location and reliability matter. Ourhotels.is offers:
– Strategic locations in West Iceland and the Westfjords: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on Snæfellsnes and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords.
– Comfortable, heated rooms and welcoming staff who understand winter travel.
– Easy access to some of Iceland’s best winter scenery, with good road connections when conditions allow.
By basing yourself with Ourhotels.is, you can experience three very different sides of Iceland in January: quiet countryside by the river at Hvítá Inn, a charming harbor town at Stykkishólmur Inn and a dramatic fjord setting at Ísafjörður Inn.
With the right clothing, flexible plans and cozy places to stay, January in Iceland can be one of the most rewarding times to visit – full of northern lights, winter landscapes and authentic local experiences.
