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

10 best Iceland trips in January 2027

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Explorer
7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Winter)
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"Iceland is incredible and the sights included in the tour were amazing. It's much less expensive to book directly with the lagoons and other attractions."
Mallory, traveled in September
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
5% Off
From $2,478
US$2,354per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.4 (22 traveler reviews)
"It covered the geographic, historic and cultural dimensions of Iceland in 8 short days. Highlights for me were 5 consecutive days of Northern Lights."
Jane, 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+
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
5% Off
From
US$2,688per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
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
5% Off
From
US$3,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
18 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"The experience was awesome! So many things to see, so many different experiences."
Walter, traveled in January
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Seljaland,Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Faskrudsfjordur,Egilsstadir,Mount Namaskard,Hverfjall Volcano,Myvatn,Godafoss,Akureyri,Blonduos,Borgarnes+15 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
5% Off
From
US$2,284per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
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
5% Off
From
US$2,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
18 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
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$Iceland Fire and Ice (Classic ( Until 3 Mar \'27), Winter) Tour$
$Iceland Fire and Ice (Classic ( Until 3 Mar \'27), Winter) - 14 destinations$
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Explorer
Iceland Fire and Ice (Classic ( Until 3 Mar '27), Winter)
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"I loved my trip to Iceland. I had the best birthday ever during the trip!"
Natasha, traveled in January
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Efstidalur, Geysir,Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogar,Reynisfjara,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Vatnajokull National Park,Vik,Reykjanesfólkvangur Reserve,Blue Lagoon+9 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
5% Off
From
US$1,791per person
Price based on Shared Room
20 Jan, 2027
9 spaces left
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Explorer
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
Regions
Thingvellir National ParkJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Topdeck
5% Off
From
US$2,669per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
23 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
4 Days in Reykjavík Winter Package
5.0 (1 traveler 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
5% Off
From
US$443per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Premium Iceland in Winter
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Fludir, Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Borgarfjörður+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
15% Off
From $4,545
US$3,863per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Iceland Winter Express - 4 days
1.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Borgarfjörður, Reykholt, Hraunfossar,Djupalonssandur,Skogafoss,Eyjafjallajokull,Myrdalsjokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Hof,Jokulsarlon,Vatnajokull National Park,Skaftafell+10 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $2,100
US$1,680per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
10 Days Self-drive | In-Depth Iceland Ring Road Tour (Winter)
5.0 (4 traveler 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
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
5% Off
From $3,151
US$2,993per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Iceland Winter Adventure
4.7 (21 traveler reviews)
"Enjoyed the snowcat ride and the tour of the north, rather than just the south coast tourist trail."
Ruth, traveled in February
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+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
3% Off
From $4,240
US$4,100per person
Price based on Private Double Room
23 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
5 Days Land of Northern Lights
4.5 (176 traveler reviews)
"Be prepared for food !!! First day is fast food options… but from there take the lamb soup adventure!!"
Jennifer, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Hella, Eyjafjallajokull,Seljaland,Skogar,Solheimajokull,Myrdalsjokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Geysir,Gullfoss,Thingvellir National Park+9 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
GJ Travel
3% Off
From
US$1,322per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day - Iceland Ring Road Small-Group Tour
4.8 (42 traveler reviews)
"Iceland's rich history and beautiful scenery. Very knowledgeable, friendly and willing to go the extra mile for his passengers."
JOANN, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Vik,Reynisdrangar Cliffs,Myrdalsjokull,Fjadrargljufur,Jokulsarlon,Hofn,Djupivogur,Egilsstadir,Borgarfjörður,Dettifoss,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Skutustadagigar,Godafoss,Akureyri,Hvitserkur,Laugarbakki,Grábrók Volcano,Hraunfossar,Borgarnes+23 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
3% Off
From
US$2,005per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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Northern Lights
5-Day Small Group Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour
4.8 (31 traveler reviews)
"Great tour, great towns and places that we visited. Beautiful!!"
Fingel, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Vik,Fludir,Geysir,Skaftafell,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Selfoss,Blue Lagoon,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Seljaland+10 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Snaeland Travel
3% Off
From
US$1,133per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
7 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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