Driving in Iceland in January
An Overview of Driving Conditions in January
Unless your visit coincides with a serious storm, driving conditions are usually nothing to worry too much about – after all, Icelanders use their cars year-round. You’ll be pleased to know that winter tires are fitted as standard during the colder months, which includes January.
While it’s a good idea to keep abreast of anything that might constitute a potential hazard when driving, such as snow, ice, wind, or heavy rain, most tarmac and even a lot of gravel roads are maintained regularly year-round (though not necessarily every day in remote areas). F-roads are a notable exception, but as they aren’t ever open in January, that won’t concern you if you’re road-tripping at the start of the year.
For those interested in how conditions compare during the early winter months, you can check out our guide to driving in Iceland in December, which offers tips and insights for December road trips.
Road Safety Tips if Driving in Iceland in January
The first safety tip we have for you if you plan to drive in Iceland in January is to be realistic with your expectations and keep a very close eye on the weather forecast. Icy roads are common, but the map of road conditions on the Vegagerðin website is updated regularly and you’ll also find webcams online that can be useful in determining the current situation around the country.
If in doubt, ask a local and never be tempted to exceed the speed limit even if others are doing so. Daylight hours are likely to be another consideration. You can expect in the region of 4.5 hours of daylight at the beginning of the month, though that stretches to about 7 hours by the time January wraps up. This can have a significant impact on how much ground you can cover in a single day, so plan your sightseeing accordingly.
Car Rental Considerations for a January Road Trip
You might be more tempted to hire a 4x4 for a winter road trip even if you might not choose to do so in summer. The extra traction where roads are icy and slippery brings peace of mind, which is well worth the additional cost that renting an SUV is likely to mean.
Of course, a lot depends on what you’re used to back home and also where in Iceland you plan to drive. If you are experienced driving in snow or ice where you live and/or intend to make trips on major roads only, then you might be equally comfortable in a 2WD vehicle. Another thing to remember is that you’ll need to ensure your headlights are on when driving around Iceland, even if you think there’s plenty of daylight. If you plan to spend some of your trip in the countryside, you might consider investing in add-ons such as GPS and emergency gear.
Popular Routes and Accessibility
While the mountainous interior is off-limits in January because of the closure of the F-roads, you can still enjoy views of snow-capped hills elsewhere in the country. Certain parts of the country are as accessible to winter tourists as they are during the warmer months, so you’ll have company if you plan to drive the Golden Circle route or the scenic South Coast stretch of the ring road.
Western spots such as the Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes peninsulas can be extra-windy, especially in exposed spots, so bear that in mind when judging what constitutes a safe speed. Areas further afield such as the Westfjords and parts of East Iceland, tend to be less popular in January, but a large part of that is because of the logistics of getting further from Reykjavik or Akureyri when there’s not a huge amount of daylight. In general, allow a more generous amount of time for your journey in case of inclement weather or unforeseen interruptions.
Must-Know Weather and Seasonal Factors
January is one of the coldest months of the year in Iceland. Temperatures typically hover a few degrees above or below freezing, with the north of the country a little colder than the south. Wind can make driving tricky; if it’s gusty, be especially careful in exposed areas, especially if the vehicle you’ve rented isn’t low to the ground. One of the big attractions of driving in Iceland in January is that you’ll have a chance to see the Northern Lights.
It pays to scope out before nightfall possible locations from which to watch out for or photograph the aurora borealis so that you can find a dark, safe, and accessible spot. If the Northern Lights happen to appear unexpectedly as you are driving along, find a safe place to pull off the road and park up.
Driving in Rural and Remote Areas in January
It’s less likely that you’ll find yourself driving in rural and remote areas in January, but if you are, remember that there’s a higher chance of encountering a gravel road. Keep your speed down so that you still maintain a safe stopping distance and remember this will be greater in the presence of ice. A hazard that you may not expect is the presence of reindeer on or close to the road in parts of East Iceland.
Don’t allow yourself to get distracted – pull over for a photo stop – and pass slowly so that you don’t spook the wildlife. Be aware that out in the countryside, petrol stations can be few and far between, so it never pays to let the tank get too low. Cold weather will also impact the range of an electric vehicle so make sure you maintain a high percentage on that all-important battery even though most trips will usually be within range.
Emergency Preparedness for Your January Road Trip
While many winter road trips in Iceland pass without incident you should have a plan for what to do in case of road closures or getting stuck. Make sure you’re clear about how to contact the emergency services if you need them. It’s worth downloading the 112 Iceland app onto your phone as this enables you to do so without needing to make a phone call. Familiarise yourself with the Safe Travel website, an invaluable source of useful information.
It’s also where you can submit a travel plan – especially useful if you’re driving solo or in remote areas. With sections on road signs and driving tips, this is definitely a site to browse over a cup of coffee before you leave home. Once in Iceland, before you embark on your January road trip adventure, load the car with your emergency kit: blankets, food, water, and a phone charger for starters.
We’ve referred to inclement weather and other winter driving hazards in this article, which might make you a little nervous about embarking on a road trip at this time of year. But with an abundance of common sense and adequate research both before and during your time here, driving in Iceland in January can be an absolute pleasure. With fewer cars on the road and at the country’s most popular visitor destinations, it’s a real privilege to tour around at this time of year. If you also witness the Northern Lights during your stay, it will be even more magical. So prepare thoroughly but don’t be daunted: driving in Iceland in January has a lot to recommend.
