Húsavík in January 2026
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing. Here's everything you need to plan your January visit.
🌡️ Weather in Húsavík in January
January in Húsavík sits at -4°C average, which is cool to cold — insulated jacket and gloves. Expect around 22 hours of darkness each night. Pack accordingly and check the detailed packing list below.
🌌 Northern Lights in January
Húsavík has a base aurora score of 8/10. In January, conditions are optimal — long dark nights (22h), typically clear skies, and strong geomagnetic activity combine to make this one of the best aurora months here.
Tips for aurora chasing in January: Head away from town light pollution, check real-time Kp forecasts (apps like SpaceWeatherLive or My Aurora Forecast), and allow at least 3 nights to maximise your chances of a sighting.
Book a guided aurora tour with a local expert — they track forecasts obsessively and know the best viewpoints. Many operators offer "chase" trips that drive to clear sky patches.
🎯 What to Do in Húsavík in January
Activity availability depends on snow / ice conditions and local operator schedules. Always confirm in advance.
🎒 What to Pack for January in Húsavík
Thermal base layers, fleece or down mid-layer, waterproof outer shell
Waterproof hiking or snow boots with good grip on icy terrain
Warm hat and insulated gloves; layers you can remove as you warm up
Camera with manual mode, wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), and sturdy tripod
Extra camera batteries — cold drains power fast; keep spares in an inner pocket
Remote shutter release or intervalometer for long-exposure aurora shots
Dry bag for electronics; most operators provide drysuits but check in advance
Sea sickness prevention if boat trips are planned
🏨 Accommodation in January
This is peak season — book accommodation 2–4 months in advance. Expect prices around $75+/night for mid-range options. Popular choices include Harbour Guesthouses, Boutique Hotels, Geothermal Lodges. Aurora lodges and glass cabins sell out fastest.
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🧭 Also Great in January
Other top polar destinations worth considering for a January trip

Antarctic Peninsula
Bucket-list adventurers seeking the world's most extraordinary wildlife experience in the last great wilderness

Ross Sea & McMurdo Sound
Elite polar explorers seeking the most remote, pristine, and historically significant destination on Earth

Svalbard
Bucket-list adventurers wanting the ultimate Arctic experience with maximum aurora intensity
Plan Húsavík by Month
Highlighted in green = best months for Húsavík