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ICELAND TOURS IN JANUARY

Impressive snowy landscapes and colourful northern lights are just a few of the things that make a trip to Iceland in January so special. Come and experience the winter beauty of Iceland’s natural attractions with a tailored tour designed by the local experts at Nordic Visitor.

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TRAVEL TO ICELAND IN JANUARY

Tours in Iceland in January offer a true Nordic experience!

Even with short daylight hours and winter conditions in January, you can still visit many of Iceland’s top natural attractions. These include waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, snowy lava fields, and more.

Nature’s biggest attraction in Iceland in winter is, of course, the northern lights, which you may see dancing in the night skies.

Our Reykjavík-based Iceland experts can tailor your itinerary to your interests. Join a guided northern lights tour or a multi-day tour, take a self-drive adventure, or discover the country with a private guide.

Plus, when you book an Iceland trip with Nordic Visitor, you get hand-picked accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline.

Get in touch with us and we'll happily plan your perfect Iceland adventure. You can reach us via our toll-free numbers, contact form or LiveChat.

 

— WHY US?

Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Value for your money
  • Professional service from local experts
  • 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

Join a guided small group

See northern lights and more in Iceland with new friends and a local guide on one of these small group tours.

Iceland
10% OFF
Best seller
Guided Groups
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Sep - Mar

Northern Lights Circle Tour

Iceland's Famous Ring Road

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 1 (Easy)

514454ISK

463009ISK

Eur

View map
10% OFF
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Sep - Mar

514454ISK

463009ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
10-15% OFF
Best seller
Guided Groups
5 days / 4 nights
4.9
Sep - Mar

Winter Highlights & Northern Lights

Ice Cave & Glacier Lagoon

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 2 (Moderate)

322564ISK

274179ISK

Eur

View map
10-15% OFF
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar

322564ISK

274179ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
10% OFF
Best seller
Guided Groups
10 days / 9 nights
Sep - Apr

Natural Wonders of Iceland - Winter

Northern lights & Ring Road

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 1 (Easy)

634587ISK

571128ISK

Eur

View map
10% OFF
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Sep - Apr

634587ISK

571128ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
10-15% OFF
Guided Groups
7 days / 6 nights
Sep - Apr

Best of South & West Iceland - Winter

Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 1 (Easy)

427370ISK

363264ISK

Eur

View map
10-15% OFF
7 days / 6 nights
Sep - Apr

427370ISK

363264ISK

ISK

Close map view

Explore at your own pace with a car

Drive the Ring Road with peace of mind. We recommend these Iceland self-drive tours, designed specially for winter.

Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
Oct - Apr

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter

322972ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

322972ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter

190315ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

190315ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland Classic - Winter

214255ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

214255ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Self-drive
6 days / 5 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights

174632ISK

Eur

View map
6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr

174632ISK

ISK

Close map view

Enjoy a city break with day tours

Spend your nights in Reykjavik and your days visiting major attractions. Check out these multi-day tours.

Iceland
Best seller
Multi-Day Tours
6 days / 5 nights
4.9
Sep - Mar

Best of South Iceland - Winter

Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon

266230ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
6 days / 5 nights
Sep - Mar

266230ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Best seller
Multi-Day Tours
4 days / 3 nights
4.8
Sep - Mar

Golden Circle Classic - Winter

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights

185742ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
4 days / 3 nights
Sep - Mar

185742ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
7 days / 6 nights
4.8
Sep - Mar

Best of South & North Iceland - Winter

Golden Circle, South Coast & Lake Mývatn

376770ISK

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Sep - Mar

376770ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
4.5
Sep - Mar

Active Iceland - Winter

Snowmobiling, Ice Tunnel & Golden Circle

293263ISK

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar

293263ISK

ISK

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Travel with your own local guide

Experience Iceland’s winter beauty and unique culture on your terms with one of these privately guided tours.

Iceland
Best seller
Privately Guided
5 days / 4 nights
4.8
Oct - Apr

Winter Highlights - Private

641876ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr

641876ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

Northern Lights Circle Tour - Private

1217702ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

1217702ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Privately Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter

Northern Lights, South Iceland & Blue Lagoon Retreat

1794264ISK

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

1794264ISK

ISK

Close map view
Iceland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private

1220182ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

1220182ISK

ISK

Close map view

Local travel agency

As a travel agency with offices in Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Stockholm and Lucerne, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Europe. Choose from a variety of carefully curated tours that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights.

You can also make customisations to your itinerary by adding extra nights, optional activities, or upgrades to your tour. Or ask your personal travel consultant for advice and they will tailor your itinerary. This way you get a travel experience that is perfectly suited to you. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will arrange all the local details for you. You get accommodation, activities, transport, and other services included in your package. If you need to rework your itinerary, we’ll handle it for you so you can relax and look forward to your getaway.

Different ways you can experience Iceland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Iceland below.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Nathan, United States
South Iceland at Leisure - Winter, December 2023

Incredible

We saw lots of waterfalls, beautiful landscapes and glaciers. We walked on black sand beaches and a glacier. It was incredible. All of the recommendations in our tour book gave us plenty of places to visit.

Michael, United States
South Iceland Classic - Winter, November 2023

Nothing short of phenomenal

We loved everything about the tour and booking process. Normally, my wife and I would spend countless hours on research, rental cars, itinerary and hotels. To have that all done for us was well worth the price. The information packet provided at the airport was nothing short of phenomenal. The amount of suggestions, etc. provided gave us quite the list of things to choose from during our visit.

Meryl, United Kingdom
Golden Circle Classic - Winter, December 2023

Truly amazing

We were first-time visitors to Iceland and a bit unsure of how to organise our trip to get the most from our short visit. Nordic Visitor took all of the uncertainty and organised everything on our behalf. The service was excellent and communications were always prompt, friendly and informative. Our holiday was truly amazing and memorable due to Nordic Visitor and the tour operators used by them. We would happily recommend Nordic Visitor and have already done so.

Christopher, Australia
Winter Highlights - Private, November 2023

Warm and engaging guide

Great tour. The sights are of course amazing and the tour made the most of our time, weather and our interests/priorities. Driver and guide David managed all of these very well. He was also very knowledgeable and personally warm and engaging. Could not have asked for more.

Patricia, United States
Northern Lights Circle Tour, November 2023

Spectacular trip!

Spectacular trip! One beautiful vista after another. The tour progressed at a good pace and our guide, Haflidi, was so informative and handled every aspect with a smile and courteousness. I would, and have already, highly recommend this tour to everyone. A truly magnificent experience. Thank you Nordic Visitor! 

Zachary, United States
Active Iceland - Winter, November 2023

Really enjoyed it

We booked our trip for our honeymoon and enjoyed not having to worry about planning tours or forms of transportation. It was mostly organised and not stressful. We really enjoyed depending on Nordic Visitor.

Carmen, Canada
Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter - Private, November 2023

Wonderful experience

The Sky Lagoon and the two days spent with Julian as our guide, were the highlights of the trip. We thank Nordic Visitor for organising this, it was a wonderful experience for the whole family.

Virginia, United States
Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights, October 2023

We had a fantastic time

We had a fantastic time and it was so nice to know that the details were arranged for us. The instructions were very clear in all instances. We loved the Sky Lagoon and the Katla Ice Cave tour which were extras, but very worthwhile! Thank you.

Getting to Iceland

All of Nordic Visitor’s tours of Iceland begin in Reykjavík, the capital. Keflavik International Airport is the gateway for international air travel in Iceland and is served by dozens of airlines. Furthermore, the airport serves as a hub for Icelandair’s transatlantic flights.

The following airlines fly to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) year-round: Icelandair, SAS, KLM, Norwegian, British Airways, EasyJet, Wizz Air and Finnair. Other airlines offer seasonal flights to KEF, including Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada and Lufthansa.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in Reykjavík if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Icelandic adventure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VISITING ICELAND IN JANUARY

Is January a good time to visit Iceland? Yes! What should I pack for a trip in January? What are the best things to do at that time of year? We’ve got you covered. Read on for the answers from our local travel experts to your most commonly asked questions.

How is Iceland in January?

January is a quiet month to visit Iceland as it falls after the festive season. It is an ideal time if you want to experience the Icelandic winter, take part in snow-based activities like snowmobiling, or even hunt for the northern lights.

Though the weather is colder at this time of year, you will also enjoy smaller crowds at top attractions.

What are the best things to do in Iceland in January?

Whether you want to enjoy an activity-filled break in Reykjavík or a cosy winter getaway in the countryside, a trip to Iceland in January is a fantastic experience. Despite falling during the off-peak season, there are still plenty of things you can do and visit during your Nordic journey.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Iceland in January:

  • Drive along the Ring Road
  • Discover the famous Golden Circle
  • Marvel at frozen waterfalls
  • Hunt for the northern lights
  • Dip in hot springs and pools
  • Venture along the Snæfellsnes peninsula
  • See geothermal wonders and volcanoes
  • Go horse riding or on a whale watching tour
  • Walk along unusual beaches
  • Admire glacier lagoons

One of the coolest things to do in Iceland in winter is ice caving in Vatnajökull – the largest glacier in Europe. The caves are naturally formed every year as the glacial meltwater freezes, creating tunnels of ice that you can walk through safely with a guide.

There are more ways to enjoy the snow and ice in winter. You could go snowmobiling on the Langjökull glacier, or try snowshoeing through white landscapes and skiing down powdery slopes.



What are the best places to visit in Iceland in January?


To keep occupied whilst in the capital, you may want to explore some of these fun indoor attractions too:

  • Learn about volcanoes at the Lava Centre
  • Try a flight simulation experience with FlyOver Iceland
  • Experience earthquakes and visit the planetarium at Perlan


What is the weather like in Iceland in January?

When you travel to Iceland in January, you can expect average temperatures below freezing. The winter weather is likely to bring some snow. Thanks to this, you may be able to admire the enchanting snow-covered peaks and countryside.

You may also expect some rain and strong northerly winds. For this reason, we recommend an insulated or down jacket for winter visits.

Iceland’s climate is unpredictable, so prepare for snow, wind and rain if you’re planning a trip for January.

What is the temperature in January?

In the capital, the average temperature is -1°C (30°F) in January. In Akureyri, in the north, it is -2°C (28°F).

Does it snow in Iceland in January?

In January, because of the colder temperatures, it is likely to snow. However, outside of the higher altitudes or parts of North Iceland, snowfall rarely stays on the ground longer than a few days. Depending on the weather, you may instead expect some rain at this time of year.



How are the driving conditions in Iceland in January?

Driving in Iceland is likely to be different than what you’re used to back home, especially in winter. Even if you’ve experienced snowy, icy conditions before, it’s best to be ready when taking on an Icelandic January road trip.

Winter storms can bring high winds, poor visibility and slippery surfaces. Driving over mountain passes can also require extra caution at this time of year. It’s best to slow down and be careful. We strongly suggest renting a 4-wheel drive as these vehicles handle the wintry conditions better.

As Icelandic weather is known to change rapidly, it's vital you monitor weather conditions regularly over the course of the day. It’s also good to check on road conditions before setting off each day.

For your peace of mind, our team is on hand 24/7 should you need to contact us at any point. And if there is an unexpected event or severe weather, we’ll get in touch and modify your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed.



What to pack for a trip to Iceland in January?

Iceland is famous for its ever-changing weather, so we advise that you be as prepared as possible. As January falls in the middle of winter, you should bring warm layers to be ready for the cooler temperatures. That way you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country regardless of the weather.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in January:

  • An insulated or warm down jacket (it’s best if it is also waterproof)
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Lightweight wool underlayers
  • Waterproof or winter trousers
  • Gloves
  • Scarves
  • Warm hat
  • Thermal underwear and socks

As well as these essentials, be sure to bring good sturdy walking or hiking boots depending on what activities you may want to enjoy. Also, if you’re keen to experience the famous Blue Lagoon, remember to pack your swimwear and sandals.

What to wear in Iceland in January?

Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

In January, you can expect colder weather, northerly winds and even snow. For that reason, you should dress with warm layers to be ready for anything. That way you can enjoy the beautiful sights without worrying about the temperatures and conditions.

Make sure to be dressed with an insulated winter jacket and warm under layers, as well as good sturdy boots.

It’s good to know that some outdoor excursions will provide the necessary winter clothing, such as warm overalls. But if you’d like to go snowmobiling, hiking or ice caving, make sure you’ve brought the clothing essentials with you, such as snow boots.

What are the daylight hours in Iceland in January?

By the end of December, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in Iceland. By January, days are starting to grow longer, but you can still expect short daylight hours.

In Reykjavík, the sun rises around 11:20 AM and sets by 3:40 PM. In the north, in Akureyri, it is even shorter with daylight hours between 11:30 AM and 3 PM on average.

Can I see the northern lights in Iceland in January?

The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between the months of October and March, so January is ideal.

However, for the best visibility, you’ll need the right solar activity, a clear, dark night with few or no clouds, and low light pollution. You can check the Iceland Met Office’s aurora forecast page.

In January, you can book one of the many dedicated northern lights tours available in Iceland. These allow you to go to quieter and more remote areas to (hopefully) enjoy the spectacle. Or, you can always add a guided northern lights excursion to the first night of another winter package.



How to tour Iceland in January?

There are various ways to travel on your Iceland tour in January. Depending on your personal preferences, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.

Small group tours in January
In January, you can choose from two small group tours specifically aimed at giving you the best chances to see the northern lights.

With a local guide, you could discover the south coast on a 5-day winter highlights package. Or you could explore the country on an epic northern lights circle tour.

Privately guided tours in January
On the other hand, you might prefer to be accompanied by your own local expert throughout your Iceland experience.

A privately guided tour is one of the most exclusive ways to see Iceland. With these packages, you’ll enjoy the undivided attention of your own guide. They’ll also act as your personal driver and give you their insight into Icelandic culture and history. Sit back, relax and take in the view.

You could discover the highlights of the south coast, take a northern lights adventure, or head on a tour of the country along the Ring Road. You can also add fun excursions along the way, such as an ice cave tour or a glacier walk.

Road trips in January
Take on a January self-drive tour around Iceland to start the year in an epic manner. At this time of the season, you can still travel to some of the most famous sites of the country. Pick up your rental car and follow an itinerary tailored to your tastes.

For shorter stays, we recommend driving the Golden Circle or discovering South Iceland. If you have a week or more to spend in Iceland, drive around the Ring Road for a full loop of the country. This way you can visit virtually all the stunning corners of Iceland in one trip!

If you book with Nordic Visitor, you’ll benefit from collision damage waiver, unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, and a 24/7 helpline for emergencies. You also get two named drivers on the insurance policy so you can share the driving with a travel companion.



Multi-day tours in January
Another way to see Iceland on an independent tour is to base yourself in one or two locations, such as Reykjavík and Akureyri. You can then explore Iceland’s highlights on day trips with expert guides.

For your time in Iceland’s capital, we recommend that you:

  • Go to the top of Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Take a dip at a local swimming pool
  • Walk along the coast
  • Visit the Einar Jónsson Art Museum

If you come in late December, during the festive season, you could join in a day of Christmas with the locals. Or, you could celebrate New Year’s Eve in style in the capital, with bonfires and fireworks galore.

Good to know: Most of our itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our Reykjavík-based Iceland experts know the country inside out and put their knowledge into planning your trip so it fits you. They’ll help you see Iceland your way, tailoring your itinerary and adding the best excursions to suit you.



Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

 

 

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

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Our services

Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-drive vacation, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant, tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators, which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book with confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our flexible booking terms  .
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • Enjoy personal service from Iceland-based travel experts.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • As a local agency, we work closely with trusted suppliers.
  • We’re a fully licensed and insured company in Iceland.

Contact us

Whether you have queries about our tours or want to add activities to existing bookings, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team for any of your travel questions.

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Our Icelandic phone number is
+354 578 20 80

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