What to pack for Iceland year-round: A seasonal guide by locals
Table of Contents
- 1What should you pack for your winter holiday in Iceland?
- 2How are the shoulder seasons different when it comes to packing?
- 3What kind of gear do you need for a summer trip to Iceland?
- 4A note about your time in the city
- 5What happens if you book specialist tours?
- 6What should you do if you’ve under-packed?
- 7Iceland Packing Checklist
Whether you’re visiting Iceland in the depths of winter, the height of summer or during the shoulder seasons, when it comes to the weather you can expect the unexpected. Iceland’s weather is notorious for its changeable climate. In winter, whiteout blizzards and sheet ice can make travelling more challenging than at other times of year, though when the skies clear Iceland’s remarkable landscapes look even more extraordinary. Even in summer it’s not unheard of to experience sleet or snow; storms blow in - and out - bringing gusty winds and squally rain showers.
Packing for such conditions so that you can do the tours and activities to which you’ve been looking forward needs careful thought and forward planning. The country’s dramatic terrain is breathtakingly beautiful but without the right gear it can be deadly. That doesn’t mean you should stay indoors - far from it. Packing appropriately for outdoor activities in a country like Iceland is essential, but if you’re having trouble pinning down what you’ll need, we can help. In this article we’ve put together a packing guide for all seasons so that you can be confident you’ve brought everything you need to stay safe and comfortable no matter what tours and activities you have planned for your trip.
What should you pack for your winter holiday in Iceland?
What to pack for Iceland in winter is at the forefront of travellers’ minds when planning a trip between November and February. For Iceland, packing by season can be challenging, though the process is probably most straightforward at this time of year. The weather in Iceland in winter is often at its most extreme, but as long as you dress appropriately that doesn’t have to rule out tours and activities that take place outdoors.
Staying upright is clearly of paramount importance when you’re out in the Icelandic countryside and so bringing the right footwear is crucial. At the minimum, you need a sturdy pair of hiking boots with adequate ankle support. Where surfaces are slippery – just as likely within Reykjavik as it is on paths leading to waterfalls – you’ll be glad of the grip that a decent tread offers.
You can boost this with a pair of crampons that slip over the soles of your shoes and give you extra traction on the ice. These studded crampons aren’t the same as the metal spikes that you’ll need if you book any kind of ice-related trip – such as a glacier hike or ice cave tour – but you won’t be expected to provide those yourself. However, they’re likely to be perfectly adequate when it comes to walking around Reykjavik’s icy pavements or accessing waterfall trails when doing a Golden Circle or South Coast tour.
If the forecast suggests that snow and ice are likely, or even simply temperatures that hover close to zero, then switching those out for snow boots is a good idea. You’ll be grateful for the thick sole when standing around in the cold, especially on Northern Lights tours where you’ll be out in the cold for an extended period of time. Alternatively, make sure you have thick wool – or thermal – socks.
Along with keeping your feet comfortable, you obviously need to bring the right kind of clothing. Don’t underestimate Iceland’s wind chill when choosing a jacket; this should also be water repellent to keep you dry as well as warm. Hat, gloves and scarf are invaluable as you need to ensure you don’t lose heat from your extremities.
Pair these items with good base layers that have decent thermal qualities but also wick away any moisture. If you’re hiking and sweat, you don’t want to feel that moisture on your skin as it will quickly make you feel chilly. Thermal leggings to go under trousers are another essential; ditch heavy fabrics such as denim – if these get wet they’ll take forever to dry out and the time you spend shivering will feel interminable.
Finally, factor in the difference not only between Reykjavik and the countryside, but also variations between inland areas and gusty shores, or daytime excursions versus those that take place at night. We also offer expedition and longer hiking tours in the highlands of Iceland for which you’d need a detailed packing list, supplied when you book the tour.
How are the shoulder seasons different when it comes to packing?
Layering is important in Iceland at any time of year but especially so in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. It’s at this time of year when the weather is arguably hardest to predict and can change dramatically from one week to the next. Combining Iceland cold weather packing with items more suited to mild conditions can feel like a challenge, but actually if you follow a few basic principles you should be fine.
Firstly, pack items of clothing that can be easily pulled on or taken off as conditions dictate. You might find it’s warm enough some days to be walking around Reykjavik with your coat undone, while on others you’ll have snow flurries, persistent rain showers or gusty winds to contend with as you zip everything up and cover as much skin as possible. This being Iceland, you might experience both in the same day.
Secondly, though it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you leave home, recognise that these tend to be unreliable the further ahead you try to plan. Be sure to go online each morning during your holiday and get the latest update. Bring a day pack with you on tours so that you can conveniently store surplus items until they’re needed. Expect the unexpected should be your mantra.
Thirdly, pay attention to which kinds of environments you plan to spend time in. Some environments are particularly extreme, such as the Icelandic highland region at the beginning or end of the season or the surface of a glacier at any time of year. If you have booked certain activities you’ll be given specialist gear for the duration of your tour; these include whale watching cruises, glacier hikes, ice cave visits and such like.
What kind of gear do you need for a summer trip to Iceland?
Summers are rarely extreme in Iceland but that doesn’t mean you don’t sometimes experience snow in June. If you’re planning to book the Highland bus, go whale watching or venture up onto the glaciers, you’ll be grateful of warmer clothes. They’re still Iceland travel essentials in the interior. However, in Reykjavik the opposite is probably true, though thankfully many museums have cloakrooms where you can leave coats and jumpers while you’re indoors.
Again, the weather can be exceptionally variable, causing a headache for anyone trying to put together an Iceland travel packing guide. Some years in August the temperatures have risen well into the mid 20s Celsius, but beware of unhelpful comments on social media posts that might suggest this is the norm: it is not.
When figuring out what to pack for Iceland, it’s better to bring items and not need them than to leave them behind and wish that you hadn’t. If you’re putting together an Iceland hiking gear packing list prior to venturing out into the countryside, make sure you’re prepared for changeable conditions, taking a full water bottle, snacks and a basic first aid kit. Poles may also be of benefit, especially on gravelly or uneven terrain and in upland areas.
When you’re indoors, you’ll notice it’s often very warm.
A note about your time in the city
Most travellers find themselves in Reykjavik at some point in their stay and will wonder whether they need to alter their wardrobe while they’re in the city. It’s a common question. Typically, most restaurants aren’t going to bat an eyelid if you show up for dinner still wearing outdoor gear – though of course be courteous and make sure you aren’t going to tread mud everywhere. However, you might want to pack something smarter if you have tickets for a performance at Harpa Concert Hall or somewhere that expectations are likely to be a little different.
One more thing: when you’re indoors, you’ll notice it’s often very warm. Iceland is blessed with abundant renewable energy in the form of hydroelectric and geothermal power. If you stay bundled up, it’s going to quickly get uncomfortable to spend any length of time inside, so make sure the top layers you’ve chosen are easy to take off for a while.
What happens if you book specialist tours?
Many of the most popular tours and activities in Iceland immerse participants in unique and often extreme environments. However, when you’re working out an Iceland packing list it’s useful to know that in these cases, you wouldn’t be expected to bring your own gear. It’s just not practical. Instead, at the start of these tours you’ll be issued with the things you need and given time to change before embarking on your activities.
For instance, if you’ve chosen to snorkel through the crystal-clear but frigid water of Silfra Fissure, then to spend any length of time you’ll be issued with a dry suit. Without it, your body wouldn’t be able to cope with the cold, and you’d miss out on the experience of seeing the North American and Eurasian tectonic plate boundary underwater.
Similarly, before setting out for ice-related activities such as glacier hikes and snowmobiling, you’ll be kitted out with specialist gear. That might include warm overalls, boots with an extra thick tread and crampons to give you a better grip on the ice when doing glacier tours. Bring your own sunglasses as the light can be dazzling. Meanwhile, for activities such as ice cave adventures, hard hats – even harnesses and ice axes – are also standard issue where they are deemed necessary for safety reasons.
If you’ve booked a South Coast tour that takes you all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you’ll be keen to take a boat trip out onto the water where you can enjoy a much closer look at the icebergs. There’s a place to pull on overalls and lifejackets before you get in the boat. Similarly, if you’ve signed up for a kayaking excursion you won’t be allowed to get into the kayak until you’re properly attired. Riding hats will be issued for horseback tours.
More information can be found within the Frequently Asked Questions section of our tour pages or the descriptions we set out. However, if you’re in any doubt as to what counts as a specialist activity and what doesn’t, or simply want clarification about what to include in your Iceland packing list, you can drop us an email or call us to find out before your tour.
What should you do if you’ve under-packed?
If you arrive in Iceland and realise that you have under-packed, there’s no need to worry that your trip is ruined. One way you can compensate is to select tours that mix up indoor and outdoor activities; this means that you won’t spend all your time exposed to the elements and as such won’t feel the absence of high performance gear quite as acutely.
However, there’s no substitute for having the right kind of clothing. A workable alternative is available: visit an outdoor gear shop (there’s a handy one at the BSI Bus Terminal, for example) and hire what you didn’t remember to bring with you. This will be much cheaper than purchasing such items in a Reykjavik store, though of course you may prefer to buy rather than rent and then take those items home with you for use on future occasions.
We hope this Iceland travel packing guide has been helpful. As airline fees and charges vary so much these days, now that you’ve read it you might do a trial run with your luggage before making a decision about what baggage allowance you’re going to need. Whatever your plans and whenever you choose to come, knowing what to pack for Iceland is essential. Bringing the right gear will make a considerable difference to your overall enjoyment. Preparing well is essential, leaving you ready to embrace the country’s magnificent landscapes through Icelandia’s varied and exciting tours.
Iceland Packing Checklist
Winter: October–April
For Road Trips and Short Hikes
- Long-sleeved undergarments
- A sweater (wool or fleece)
- A down jacket or vest
- A warm winter parka (waterproof and windproof)
- Waterproof boots
- Warm wool socks
- Snow spikes/ice grippers for your boots
- Insulated, water-repellent pants
- A warm, windproof hat, gloves, and scarf
- Sunglasses
- Pajamas / nightwear
For City Life, Optionally
- A set of city wear and footwear
- A set of fancy wear
- For Enjoying Life
- A bathing suit and a towel
Practical Items for Winter
- Hand cream and lip balm
- A reusable water bottle
- Reusable pocket warmers
Summer: May–September
For Road Trips and Short Hikes
- Long-sleeved undergarments
- A t-shirt
- A sweater (wool or fleece)
- A softshell jacket
- Waterproof boots
- Softshell pants
- Raincoat (and rain pants for longer walks)
- A thin beanie, gloves, and a buff
- Sunglasses
- Pajamas / nightwear
For City Life, Optionally
- A set of city wear and footwear
- A set of fancy wear
- For Enjoying Life
- A bathing suit and a towel
Practical Items for Summer
- A mini bottle of sunscreen (30+)
- Hand cream and lip balm
- A reusable water bottle
Additional Accessories
- A Small Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping Mask
What You Won’t Need in Iceland
An Umbrella
While you might think an umbrella would be great for rainy days in Iceland, it’s not! You’ll probably notice that locals don’t use umbrellas; it’s often simply too windy for an umbrella to be effective. Save the space in your luggage and bring a high-quality raincoat instead of an umbrella.
Bug Repellent
You’ll almost certainly be delighted to hear that Iceland doesn’t have any mosquitoes! There’s such a low chance of being bitten by bugs that you don’t need to worry about packing insect repellents.
Tours you might like
- Spring Offer
Into the Upside Down: Háifoss & Þjórsárdalur Tour
Step beyond Iceland’s busiest routes and into the raw landscapes of Þjórsárdalur. Towering waterfalls plunge into volcanic canyons, Viking history rises from lava fields, and cinematic highland scenery unfolds in every direction. This is Iceland at its most dramatic.
- Spring Offer
South Coast & Glacier Kayaking
Discover the essence of Iceland's natural beauty on this day tour, featuring two of Iceland's most renowned waterfalls and an exhilarating kayaking experience on a glacier lagoon. Journey through landscapes that blend cascading waters with icy wonders, all in a single, unforgettable day.
- Spring Offer
Golden Circle Evening Tour
Explore Iceland’s Golden Circle in the peaceful evening hours, when the crowds have thinned and the landscapes take on a more intimate feel. It’s a carbon-neutral tour, ensuring a more sustainable way to explore Iceland’s natural wonders.
- Spring Offer
Inside the Volcano
The dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano is a unique natural phenomenon. By setting up the necessary gear and equipment, we’ve created a tour that opens the door to a new world.
- Spring Offer
Volcanic Wonders with Grindavik Visit
Once a bustling fishing village, Grindavík now serves as a stark reminder of nature’s relentless power. After a recent volcanic eruption forced the evacuation of its residents, much of the town remains uninhabitable, its landscape forever marked by the destructive forces of the earth.
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