Explore Iceland in January: Your Ultimate Self-Drive Travel Guide
                     Iceland in January 
with This Self-
Drive Travel Guide
January is one of the most magical months of 
the year to visit Iceland. Beyond many of the 
country’s most famous natural attractions 
being covered in a sparkly blanket of snow, 
there are also places you can only visit during 
the winter.
Best Things to Do 
in Iceland in 
January
There are tons of things to do on a self-
drive trip to Iceland in January. Many of 
the activities you can enjoy during 
January are unavailable during summer.
And it’s also the best time to enjoy some 
classic Icelandic Brennivin, a spirit made 
from Icelandic water (which naturally has 
a subtle sweetness), potatoes and 
caraway seeds, which can warm you up 
after a chilly day outside.
See the Northern 
Lights
January is the best possible time 
of year to see the Northern Lights 
in Iceland.
Although there is never a 
guarantee to see the Aurora 
Borealis, January will give you the 
best chance.
But you will still need clear skies, 
free of clouds, if you’re going to 
see the Northern Lights.
Glacier Blue Ice Caving
An activity that you can only take 
part in during the winter months is 
glacier blue ice caving.
Glacier 
Hiking
Feel like you’re on another planet by 
hiking across some of Iceland’s vast 
glaciers, including the glacier in 
Skaftafell Nature Reserve, 
Solheimajokull and the massive 
Vatnajokull glacier.
Visit the Blue Lagoon 
and Other Hot Springs
One of the most popular tourist attractions in 
Iceland, and one that you’ve definitely seen 
in photos, is the Blue Lagoon geothermal 
pools.
Icelandic Horse 
Riding
The Icelandic horse is cute, furry and sturdy, 
having lived in the challenging Icelandic 
landscape for over 1000 years. Horseback 
riding on these beloved animals allows you to 
enjoy the winter scenery more naturally, 
without cars and motors drowning out the 
nature sounds.
What Is the Weather 
Like in Iceland in 
LikJea mnoust aorthye?r countries in the northern 
hemisphere, January in Iceland is the coldest 
month of the year on average.
The Average Temperatures of Iceland 
in January
During the month of January, the 
temperature in Iceland ranges from -5 °C 
(23°F) up to 3°C / 38°F.
The Daylight Hours
January in Iceland is quite dark, and the sun 
only peaks its face out for a few hours a 
day. On average, the sun will rise at 10:30 
am/11:00 am and set by 5:00 pm.
Best Events in Iceland 
in January
While you may assume that the majority of 
events in Iceland take place in the summer 
when more tourists are around, January has 
many festivals and events as well!
New Year’s 
WEhvate better way to ring in the new year 
than in magical Iceland? When the clock 
strikes midnight, Reykjavik is the place to 
be, with fireworks displays beginning at 12 
and often carrying on for hours. The best 
place to watch the fireworks is from the 
largest church in Iceland, Hallg imskirkja.
The Reykjavik 
International Games
The Reykjavik International Games are hosted 
annually towards the end of January at 
Laugardalur stadium in Reykjavik. The games 
feature over 20 different sports, including 
bowling, fencing, karate, chess, powerlifting 
and even beach volleyball!
The Dark Music 
Days
If you’re a lover of music, then check out The 
Dark Music Days festival, which takes place in 
Reykjavik each January. It features incredible 
composers from both Iceland and the rest of the 
world, premiering many of their ew works.
Best Rental Car in Iceland for a 
Self- Drive Road Trip in Iceland in 
January
When choosing the best rental car for your self-
drive trip to Iceland in January, we always 
recommend a 4WD vehicle.
Even if you’re only planning to drive the Golden 
Circle or stick to the Ring Road, the weather 
conditions in Iceland are highly unpredictable, 
especially in January. It could be clear when you set 
out in the morning, but a few hours later, you could 
be in the middle of a storm.
Get in Touch with 
us
www.hertz.is
(+354) 522 44 00
Flugvallarvegi 5, 101 
Reykjavík