Knowing what to pack for a trip to Iceland can be difficult. No matter what time of year you visit, you are likely to face all kinds of weather conditions. However, there are some basics that every traveler to Iceland should be tucking into their suitcase.
In the capitol city of Reykjavik, winter temperatures in Iceland range from 14-50 degrees with an average of 35 degrees. Summer temperatures are 44-77 degrees with an average of 55. If you visit sites in northern Iceland, you can expect colder temperatures year round. Spring and fall temperatures fall between 30-50 degrees, with fall being more windy and wet. So you definitely want to pack warm clothes for your trip to Iceland, no matter when it’s scheduled!
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Packing List
Windproof Gloves
I don’t know about you, but when my hands are cold, I’m miserable! That’s why I’m investing in some nice gloves to pack for my trip to Iceland. The wind-chill in Iceland can often be below freezing, and you definitely want gloves that can withstand it. If you plan to play in the snow (or go skiing, sledding, etc.), you may want to make sure these gloves are also waterproof.
I like these Isotoner women’s touchscreen gloves. They are windproof, fleece lined but not too bulky, and somewhat stylish. Best of all, I can use my smartphone touchscreen with them! They are available in men’s sizes, too. But you might also want to take a few pairs of cheapie stretch knit touchscreen gloves as well. During my trip, I found they kept my hands a little warmer than the more expensive gloves and worked better with my phone. And when they get wet, just wear another pair while they dry.
You should also take some HotHands Hand & Toe Warmers. These are great to help you warm up on extra cold days – just toss them in your pocket or put them in the bottom of your shoes. They can also help you feel a bit warmer at night. I like a cold hotel room, so Amanda often has one or more in her bed when we share a room!
3-in-1 Coat
One of my best investments has been my Columbia 3-in-1 coat. I bought it before a March trip to Japan and South Korea, and it was perfect. A 3-in-1 coat is two pieces. It has an outer waterproof/windproof layer, and it also has a inner warm layer that is usually fleece, down, or a synthetic fabric that retains heat. You can wear each piece separately or combine them for the ultimate in winter warmth. I particularly like the fact that this coat is great with all kinds of attire as well. It’s casual enough for athletic clothes but is dressy enough to wear with business attire. (Here’s a similar style in men’s sizes.)
Windproof Hat
I hate wearing a hat. My hair is challenging on the best of days. Donning a hat makes it even worse! But hats are a necessary evil in Iceland! You want a hat that blocks the wind and helps you retain heat. At the very least, you need something to keep your ears warm!
For women with longer hair, this TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat is a good option. It will keep your head and ears warm, keep your hair contained, and also provide some shade from sun sparkling off the snow! There’s also a similar option for guys and girls with shorter hair. I also think this Comhats Merino Wool Newsboy Hat is a fun option for women. If you have to wear a hat, at least you will look cute!
For anyone who wants a no fuss and easily packable option, this waterproof, windproof and breathable Beanie Hat looks to be a great option as well. And during our trip, many of the women found that wool or knitted headbands were perfect, indoors and out!
Scarf
You will definitely want a scarf (maybe several scarves) on your list of things to pack for Iceland! Scarves keep you warm both inside and out. Plus, they can make any outfit look a bit more stylish (and maybe hide the fact that you are wearing the same thing more than once). Scarves take up much less room in your luggage than extra clothes, so make sure to pack a few!
If you are like me, your mom and best friend Amanda have crocheted or knitted you thousands of scarves over the years. But if not, this six pack of Yacht & Smith Fleece Scarves would be an economical way to add some scarves to your wardrobe!
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Even if you don’t plan to do any serious hiking in Iceland, you will want to bring footwear that has a good tread, can protect your ankles, and is waterproof. For both men and women, I like the Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. These are a bit more stylish and sporty than traditional hiking boots. Merrell’s also have a great reputation for being super comfy.
Hiking Pants
My trip to Iceland may involve a bit of hiking, but probably not a lot. But I’ll still prepare myself with hiking pants! Jeans are typically warm and are dressy enough for Iceland. However, they take FOREVER to dry when they get wet, and they will get wet in Iceland. So hiking pants are the way to go. But if you don’t want to invest in hiking pants, prepare to take an extra pair of jeans with you on day trips. If your jeans get too wet, you can change.
After buying (and returning) half a dozen different pairs of hiking pants, I finally settled on these Baleaf Fleece Lined Hiking Pants. I wore them every single day of my trip. I only took one pair and that worked for me. But your mileage may vary! Here’s a similar version in men’s sizes.
Thermal Base Layers
Yes, you want to pack some old fashioned “long-underwear” to Iceland! Fortunately, both the name and the style have evolved over the years. Today’s long underwear is now called “base layers” and are stylish enough to wear on their own! There are tons of options to choose from.
Merino wool is considered to be the best due to its warmth and odor resistance. If you buy Merino wool base layers, you may be able to get away with wearing it every day of your trip! Here are options for men and women.
But some may find Merino wool a bit itchy. If you have sensitive skin, you may be better off choosing synthetic fabrics. In that case, you will want two pairs of undershirts and leggings so you can wash one set out at night in your hotel bathroom and let it dry the next day while you wear the other set. Here are options for men and women.
Another option is a base layer made of silk. While pricey, it’s the most comfortable and least bulky option. Here are options for men and women.
Tops
Layering is key when packing for a cold weather destination! Your outfit won’t be complete without fleece top or sweater to wear over your thermal base layer. Remember, you will be able to wear these tops more than once since you will have on a base layer, so you only have to take a few. I suggest 3-4 for a week long trip, and 5-6 for a two week trip. Remember, you can jazz up your style the carefully selected scarves (see above!).
Swimwear & Sandals
I know what you are thinking – why in the world do I need a swimsuit in Iceland? Well, one of the most famous spots in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal heated pool. And Iceland is full of other, less famous geothermal pools. See our related post 7 Things to See When You Travel to Iceland. You will want to relax your weary and cold body in one after a long day of travel or touring.
You can always rent swimwear at the hot springs. But think about it – do you really want to wear rented swimwear that is sure to be as unflattering as possible? Not me! I’ll pack my own swimsuit, thank you very much. I still won’t look great, but at least I will be more confident! Remember you will also need some sort of footwear – a cheap pair of flip flops that don’t take up much room should do the trick.
You could also pack a Microfiber Beach Towel if you like, but I prefer to rent those to save space in my luggage!
Other Important Stuff to Pack for Iceland
There are a few other things you definitely want to make sure to pack for Iceland:
- Tripod for Northern Lights photos – your only hope of capturing the amazing Northern Lights on your phone or camera is to hold the device extremely still, so you need a tripod to do that for you!
- Reusable Water Bottle – Iceland has wonderful tap water, so you can save money and the environment by just refilling your own bottle!
- Waterproof Packable Backpack – you will want a convenient way to haul around all of your necessities while on daytrips or hiking. See our related post Best Travel Bags for Every Type of Trip.
- Trekking Poles – choose lightweight, collapsible hiking poles suitable for icy/snowy conditions
- Windproof Travel Umbrella – Iceland has an average of 18 days of rainfall per month, and you want to be prepared for it!
- Worldwide Universal Travel Adapter – the outlets in Iceland are 220 volts, 50Hz and require the European two round prong plug.
- Neck Lamp – a flashlight also works, but a neck lamp will allow you to be handsfree while waiting for the Northern Lights or simply walking about after it gets dark!
- Makeup Remover Wipes & Bath Sponge – hotels in Iceland don’t always have washcloths, so you will want an easy way to wash your face and body!
- Travel Medical Kit – during some day trips you may be far away from a pharmacy, so make sure you have essentials on hand. Also toss in some cold weather essentials – lip balm, thick hand cream, etc.
- Sunglasses – the sun may not stay up for long, but when it’s there, it’s bright! You may want to bring some anti-fog spray as well.
Are you planning a trip to Iceland? What’s on your packing list?
Tell us in the comments below! And make sure to check out our other Iceland posts:
