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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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+
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
From
US$2,688per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
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City & Culture
6 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.0 (5 reviews)
"Gilvy was really kind and a fun guide!!"
Kathleen, traveled in January
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+
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
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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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
15% Off
From $4,695
US$3,991per person
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Price based on Shared Room
3 Jan, 2027
8 spaces left
10 Jan, 2027
10 spaces left
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$Best of Iceland (Classic Until 3 Mar \'27, Winter) Tour$
$Best of Iceland (Classic Until 3 Mar \'27, Winter) - 14 destinations$
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Nature & Wildlife
Best of Iceland (Classic Until 3 Mar '27, Winter)
5.0 (5 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
10% Off
From $1,795
US$1,616per person
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Price based on Shared Room
20 Jan, 2027
9 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 $3,799
US$3,039per person
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Price based on Shared Room
18 Jan, 2027
1 space 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
Regions
Thingvellir National ParkJokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Topdeck
20% Off
From
US$2,669per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
2 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
23 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
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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 $2,799
US$2,239per person
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Price based on Shared Room
18 Jan, 2027
1 space 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$438per 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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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
10% Off
From $2,453
US$2,208per 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
6 Days Self-drive | Reykjavik, Golden Circle and South Iceland Tour (Winter)
4.8 (5 reviews)
"We were very tired after but did feel we got to see so much of Iceland. We will definitely use TourRadar again for our next adventure."
Thomas, traveled in May
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
10% Off
From $1,687
US$1,518per 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
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
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
10% Off
From $3,119
US$2,807per 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 overall experience was amazing. One Hotel was only available from 17:00-19:00."
EnsarTuran, traveled in June
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
10% Off
From $2,702
US$2,432per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Jan, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 Jan, 2027
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Nature & Wildlife
Iceland Winter Adventure
4.7 (21 reviews)
"The waterfall was amazing, the natural baths was a brilliant experience."
Corin, traveled in March
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!
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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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
7% Off
From
US$1,240per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
2 Jan, 2027
4 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour
4.6 (94 reviews)
"Great tour. It exeded my expectations."
Tetyana, traveled in June
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+
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
7% Off
From
US$2,230per 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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