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 2026

10 best Iceland trips in January 2026

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Explorer
7 Days Self-drive | Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik (Winter)
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"Iceland's beauty speaks for itself. THAT KIND OF SERVICE IS EVERYTHING."
Chelsea, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes, Arnarstapi,Kirkjufell Mountain,Reykholt,Thingvellir National Park,Geysir,Gullfoss,Kerid Volcano,Skogafoss,Reynisfjara,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Jokulsarlon,Hvolsvollur,Reykjavik+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
From
US$1,746per person
Price based on Private Double Room
15 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
10 Days Complete Iceland Winter | Ring-Road, Snæfellsnes, Northern Lights & Roundtrip airport transfer (Group Tour)
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park,Gullfoss,Geysir,Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Jokulsarlon,Egilsstadir,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Akureyri,Djupalonssandur,Reykholt,Hraunfossar,Reykjavik+15 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
From
US$4,685per person
Price based on Private Double Room
15 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
8 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.4 (21 traveler reviews)
"Everyday brought new surprises! I was wishing I could go home after 6 days and was surprised when Days 7 and 8 brought a whole new bunch of excitement!"
Ruth, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir,Seljaland,Skogafoss,Solheimajokull,Reynisfjara,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Djupivogur,Faskrudsfjordur,Egilsstadir,Mount Namaskard,Myvatn,Dimmuborgir,Hverfjall Volcano,Akureyri,Blonduos,Borgarnes,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Arnarstapi,Djupalonssandur,Kirkjufell Mountain,Stykkisholmur,Reykholt,Hraunfossar+24 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Troll Expeditions
From
US$2,688per person
Price based on Private Double Room
17 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
18 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day Around Iceland Winter Minibus Tour
4.0 (3 traveler 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, 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
From
US$2,284per person
Price based on Private Double Room
17 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
18 Jan, 2026
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
10% Off
From $5,090
US$4,581per person
Price based on Shared Room
25 Jan, 2026
6 spaces left
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Explorer
Iceland Winter Adventure
4.7 (21 traveler 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
Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hrísey, Godafoss, Myvatn, Egilsstadir,Jokulsarlon,Vik,Gullfoss+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Iceland Ring Road
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
From $4,150
US$3,320per person
Price based on Shared Room
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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
10% Off
From $2,689
US$2,420per person
Price based on Shared Room
24 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
7 day Self-drive tour | Winter Wonders and Delicious Detours
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Reykjavik, Geysir, Gullfoss, Eyjafjallajokull,Skogafoss,Vik,Skaftafell,Jokulsarlon,Thingvellir National Park,Borgarnes,Snaefellsjokull National Park,Blue Lagoon,Reykjanesfólkvangur Reserve+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
South Iceland
Operated in
English
Operator
Iceland Travel
10% Off
From
US$1,331per person
Price based on Private Double Room
15 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
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
25% Off
From $2,495
US$1,871per person
Price based on Private Double Room
15 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
16 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
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Winter Iceland: adrenaline and spa
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Keflavik, Reykjadalur, Blue Lagoon,Solheimajokull,Jokulsarlon,Laugarvatn,Geysir,Gullfoss,Secret Lagoon+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
South Iceland
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
25% Off
From
US$969per person
Price based on Shared Room
18 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
19 Jan, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
3 Day Winter Package with Golden Circle, South Coast & Aurora
4.7 (21 traveler reviews)
"Good service and worth the price."
Suriani, traveled in February
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Kerid Volcano, Gullfoss, Geysir,Thingvellir National Park,Skogafoss,Vik,Reynisfjara,Reynisdrangar Cliffs,Solheimajokull,Seljaland+7 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth Iceland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
BusTravel Iceland
18% Off
From $298
US$244per person
Price based on Shared Room
15 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2026
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
18% Off
From
US$438per person
Price based on Shared Room
15 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Jan, 2026
10+ spaces left
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$Iceland Fire and Ice (Classic ( Until 3 Mar \'27), Winter) Tour$
$Iceland Fire and Ice (Classic ( Until 3 Mar \'27), Winter) - 10 destinations$
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Explorer
Iceland Fire and Ice (Classic ( Until 3 Mar '27), Winter)
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"You will meet some of the nicest people in the world and also see some of the greatest sites to explore on earth."
Matthew, traveled in April
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Efstidalur, Geysir,Gullfoss,Kirkjubaejarklaustur,Reynisfjara,Vik,Blue Lagoon+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
South Iceland
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
25% Off
From $2,325
US$1,744per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Hiking & Trekking
The Winter Circle Tour of Iceland in 11 days, Northern Lights and Ice Cave
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Grundarfjordur, Blonduos, Myvatn, Egilsstadir,Hofn,Skaftafell,Vik,Thingvellir National Park,Reykjavik+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Tasermiut
25% Off
From
US$4,081per person
+$304 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
21 Jan, 2026
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
25% Off
From $1,985
US$1,489per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Jan, 2026
8 spaces left
21 Jan, 2026
10 spaces left
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