Driving in Iceland in January: Conditions, Daylight and Safety

January in Iceland: 4-5 Hours of Daylight and Roads That Disappear

January is the darkest and one of the coldest months of the Icelandic winter. In Reykjavík, the sun rises around 11:15am and sets around 3:45pm, giving approximately 4.5 hours of usable daylight. In Akureyri in the north, it is even less. For drivers, this means that most of your driving will happen in complete darkness — and "darkness" in Iceland does not mean streetlit motorways. It means unlit rural roads with no markings, no reflectors, and occasional ice patches that are invisible until your tires hit them.

Road Conditions in January

January is statistically one of the most dangerous months for driving in Iceland. The combination of ice, snow, darkness, and winter storms creates conditions that challenge even experienced Icelandic drivers. Here is what to expect region by region:

Southwest (Reykjavík, Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes)

The southwest is the mildest region. Average January temperatures hover around 0°C to -3°C. Roads are frequently plowed and salted. The Ring Road between Reykjavík and Selfoss is usually passable. However, the mountain passes (Hringvegur over Hellisheiði, the road to Þingvellir) can ice over rapidly, particularly in the evening and early morning. Black ice (hálka) is the primary hazard — the road surface looks wet but is actually a sheet of invisible ice.

South Coast (Vík to Höfn)

More challenging. The South Coast is exposed to Atlantic storms, and the road can be closed for hours or days during severe weather. Wind speeds regularly exceed 20 m/s (72 km/h), creating whiteout conditions in snow and blowing sand. The road between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur crosses exposed coastal terrain with no wind protection. January 2025 saw three separate multi-day road closures on this section.

East Fjords

The mountain passes between the East Fjords are the most treacherous roads in Iceland in January. Steep gradients, sharp curves, snow, ice, and near-total darkness for most of the day. These passes can be closed for extended periods. If you are driving the Ring Road in January, plan for potential delays of 1-2 days in the East Fjords due to road closures.

North (Akureyri, Mývatn)

Cold but often drier than the south. Average temperatures -5°C to -10°C. The road between Akureyri and Mývatn (Route 1) is usually plowed and passable, but the Öxnadalur pass and the exposed section between Dalvík and Siglufjörður can be treacherous. Akureyri itself has good road maintenance.

What You Need for January Driving

• 4WD vehicle with studded winter tires. This is non-negotiable. A 2WD car on Icelandic roads in January is a recipe for disaster.
• Ice scraper and snow brush. You will use these multiple times per day.
• Warm clothing that you can drive in. If your car breaks down or goes off-road, you need to survive outside until help arrives — which can take 1-3 hours in populated areas, longer in remote areas.
• Headlamp or flashlight. You will be doing vehicle checks, fuelling, and possibly changing tires in the dark.
• Snacks and water. Road closures can strand you for hours.
• Check road.is every morning. This is not optional — it is essential. The road conditions map shows colour-coded status for every road in Iceland.

Northern Lights — The January Bonus

The extended darkness of January is miserable for driving but excellent for aurora viewing. January offers the longest dark hours of any month, and clear nights can produce spectacular displays. If you are driving in January, carry a tripod and be prepared to pull over safely (well off the road, hazard lights on) when the aurora appears. Some of the best viewing spots are between Selfoss and Vík, around Mývatn, and on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — all areas with minimal light pollution.