What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland during January?

The long dark winter nights and typically clear skies make January one of the prime months for Northern Lights viewing in Iceland. Recent TourRadar travelers reported successful sightings with one noting "We saw Aurora on three occasions and our group members all joined the Northern Lights Academy presentations." For optimal viewing head away from Reykjavik's light pollution to locations like Kirkjubæjarklaustur near Vatnajökull National Park where properties such as Fosshotel Núpar offer specialized northern lights programs.

Which regions of Iceland are best to visit in January?

The South Coast and Golden Circle remain accessible and rewarding during January with winter transforming these landscapes. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula draws visitors for its diverse terrain while the Vatnajökull region becomes a hub for ice cave explorations. A recent visitor noted "The Vatnajökull National Park region in January offered complete darkness ideal for Northern Lights viewing." Base yourself at Fosshotel Núpar in the south or Hotel Hamar in the west to explore these winter wonderlands.

What are the best activities to do in Iceland during January?

The winter season opens up distinctive experiences across Iceland. Visitors can explore the ice caves of Vatnajökull search for the Northern Lights and trek across Sólheimajökull glacier. As shared by a TourRadar traveler "We got to explore the wonderland of ice sculptures water cauldrons ridges and deep crevasses on the breath-taking Sólheimajökull glacier." The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle route remain accessible. Hotel Stracta in Hella serves as a strategic base for these winter adventures.

What accommodation options are available in January?

Winter itineraries typically feature stays at quality establishments including Hotel Klettur in Reykjavík and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon in more remote areas. According to a TourRadar visitor: "The hotels were wonderful especially Fosshotel with its panoramic views of the glaciers and potential Northern Lights viewing from your room."

What are the typical costs for tours in Iceland during January?

Multi-day tours in January range from 850 to 4000 USD. While this off-peak period can offer some savings specialized activities maintain consistent pricing throughout the year with ice cave tours at around 308 USD. Many hotels like Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon include winter perks such as Northern Lights wake-up calls in their rates.

How crowded are tourist attractions in Iceland during January?

January's low season status means fewer visitors at key sites including the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon. Travelers report more peaceful experiences at destinations like Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area. Whether staying at Hotel Klettur in Reykjavik or Fosshotel Núpar in the countryside visitors can experience Iceland's winter landscape without peak-season crowds.

Iceland Tours in January 2027

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10 best Iceland trips in January 2027

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Road Trip & Self-Drive
10 Days Self-drive | In-Depth Iceland Ring Road Tour (Winter)
5.0 (4 reviews)
"Every question I had beforehand and during the trip was quickly responded to. Highlights were zodiac tour of lagoon, glacier hike and puffins."
Ann, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykholt, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi,Kirkjufell Mountain,Hvitserkur,Akureyri,Godafoss,Myvatn,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Bakkagerdi,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Reynisfjara,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Solheimajokull,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Reykjavik,Blue Lagoon+24 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
10% off
From $3,195
US$2,876per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Iceland Winter Adventure
4.7 (22 reviews)
"Iceland is a fabulous country, and every day it was like we were in a different country, and they were all fascinating."
JodyMcPhillips, traveled in October
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Akranes, Akureyri, Hrísey, Godafoss,Myvatn,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Vik,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir+9 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
7% off
From $4,240
US$3,960per person
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Price based on Shared Room
23 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
Premium Iceland in Winter
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Fludir,Reynisfjara,Reynisdrangar Cliffs,Vik,Vatnajokull National Park,Jokulsarlon,Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon,Solheimajokull,Skogafoss,Borgarfjörður,Hraunfossar,Snæfellsnes,Grundarfjordur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi,Búðir+18 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
20% off
From $4,545
US$3,636per person
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Price based on Shared Room
3 Jan, 2027
7 spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
4 Days in Reykjavík Winter Package
5.0 (1 review)
"We fell in love with the stunning beauty all around us there. I might add, now I know what everyone's talking about with their soup comments...YES THE SOUP WAS DELICIOUS!!!"
Maralee, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Kerid Volcano, Gullfoss, Geysir,Thingvellir National Park,Hvolsvollur,Vik,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Seljaland,Borgarnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi,Reykjanesviti+11 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
20% off
From
US$420per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
Iceland (Winter): Geysers & Glaciers
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Secret Lagoon,Geysir,Skaftafell,Reynisfjara,Hraunfossar,Snæfellsnes,Arnarstapi,Stykkisholmur+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-32
National Park
Thingvellir National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Topdeck
20% off
From
US$2,669per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Topdeck offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $133
23 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Geluxe: Winter in Iceland: Otherworldly Landscapes & Northern Lights
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Hella, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir,Gullfoss,Secret Lagoon,Snæfellsnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% off
From
US$3,699per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $185
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Nature & Wildlife
Geluxe: Winter in Iceland: Waterfalls & Aurora Nights
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Seljaland, Skogar, Hella,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Secret Lagoon+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% off
From
US$2,699per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Northern Lights
Iceland Winter Getaway - 5 days
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss,Skogafoss,Vik+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% off
From $2,605
US$2,214per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
6 spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
6 Days Self-drive | Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland Tour (Winter)
4.8 (5 reviews)
"Wonderful tour experience from booking to end. Communication during the tour was great as well."
Elizabeth, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Hella,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Solheimajokull,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Vik+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
15% off
From
US$1,619per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Winter)
4.8 (6 reviews)
"The booking agents were super helpful, friendly and always responded promptly. We absolutely fell in love with Iceland and its raw beauty."
monika, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi,Hellnar,Kirkjufell Mountain,Reykholt,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Solheimajokull,Myrdalsjokull,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Reykjavik+18 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
15% off
From
US$2,096per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
8 Days Self-drive | Around Iceland Ring Road Tour (Winter)
4.8 (6 reviews)
"The tour info was comprehensive and well organized, planned and arranged."
david, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykholt, Hraunfossar, Borgarnes, Hvitserkur,Akureyri,Godafoss,Myvatn,Hverarönd,Dettifoss,Egilsstadir,Borgarfjörður,Djupivogur,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Reynisfjara,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Hella,Hvolsvollur,Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Kerid Volcano,Reykjavik,Blue Lagoon+23 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
15% off
From
US$2,316per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.4 (22 reviews)
"The 8 day tour of my second time circumnavigating this beautiful island is the best way to go."
Laure, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogar,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Hof,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Mount Namaskard,Godafoss,Akureyri,Borgarnes,Snæfellsnes,Djupalonssandur,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Kirkjufell Mountain,Stykkisholmur,Borgarfjörður,Reykholt,Hraunfossar+22 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
15% off
From
US$2,688per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
6 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.0 (5 reviews)
"Excellent tour operator that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone interested in an adventure in Iceland!"
Hong, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Vatnajokull National Park,Djupivogur,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Mount Namaskard,Godafoss,Akureyri+13 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
15% off
From
US$2,284per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Winter Iceland: Adrenaline and Spa
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Solheimajokull, Jokulsarlon, Blue Lagoon,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Laugarvatn,Secret Lagoon+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
15% off
From
US$1,241per person
+$3,279 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour
4.6 (106 reviews)
"The itinerary covers many beautiful spots along the ring road."
Ming, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogar,Reynisfjara,Vik,Myrdalsjokull,Jokulsarlon,Fjadrargljufur,Hofn,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Bakkagerdi,Dettifoss,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Skutustadagigar,Godafoss,Akureyri,Blonduos,Hvitserkur,Laugarbakki,Hraunfossar,Reykholt,Snæfellsnes,Kirkjufell Mountain,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Djupalonssandur,Arnarstapi,Borgarnes+28 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
15% off
From
US$2,140per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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