Iceland — travel photo

🇮🇸 Iceland · Winter (Nov–Mar)

What to wear in Iceland in January

By PackTheLook · Updated 28 October 2026

Highs3°C (37°F)
Lows-2°C (28°F)
Rain/snow days~15
Daylight5 h
CrowdsModerate

January averages for Reykjavík. Source

January has about 4–5 hours of daylight, frequent storms and icy roads — but long nights mean great northern-lights chances and blue ice caves are open. Dress for −10°C wind chill with full thermal layers, an insulated parka and microspikes.

☀️ By day

A thermal base layer, wool mid-layer, waterproof shell and insulated boots with ice cleats.

🌙 Evening

A down jacket, hat and mittens for aurora hunting.

What's on in January

Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.

Þorrablót

Mid-January to mid-February

The midwinter feast of fermented shark, sour ram and brennivín. Wear your wool sweater, since Icelanders do.

January packing essentials

Your January outfit list

Also pack

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Dress code

  • Layering is everything: thermal base, fleece or wool mid-layer, waterproof and windproof shell.
  • Waterproof hiking boots with grip — paths are wet, icy or volcanic rock most of the year.
  • Swimsuit required for lagoons and pools, and you must shower naked before entering (public pools enforce this).

Full dress code, activities and common mistakes →

Good weather elsewhere in January

All destinations →