Iceland’s weather is almost as diverse as its mystical landscapes, and packing for a trip to the land of fire and ice is no easy feat—especially for beginners. My first time in Iceland found me in soggy socks, wet leggings, and ultimately, freezing. “Because of the quickly changing climates and weather, you’ll want to be prepared for anything—but, it’s important not to let the weather stop your adventures if it’s just a bit of rain and wind,” says Kyana Sue Powers, a photographer who traded the US for a new life in Iceland. “We have a phrase, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing.”
From the beginning, my mistake was not realizing how drastically the weather can change from one region to the next. Now after visiting the country more than eight times, I’ve become an expert on what to pack for a trip to Iceland. I’ve learned that a backpack filled with back-up waterproof jackets and pants are a must, and that having more layers is better than just wearing one.
To bring you the ultimate guide to what to pack for Iceland, I asked locals for all of their best tips and mixed it in with my own expertise. From comfortable yet durable footwear to packable waterproof jackets, the right gear can make all the difference. Read on for the hard-working essentials you’ll be glad you packed on your next trip to Iceland.
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FAQ:
What’s the weather like in Iceland?
The weather in Iceland really depends on your location and the time of year you visit. Chillier days in Reykjavik could mean strong sun and T-shirts, while the same temperature in the south could require hats and scarves due to gusty winds.
How cold does it get in Iceland?
“The temperature can be misleading; autumn in Iceland usually ranges from 31-50 degrees Fahrenheit, but what really matters is the wind,” says Asa Steiners, an Icelandic adventure photographer and videographer. “On a calm day, 41 degrees feels fine, but with storm winds and rain, that same 41 degrees feels freezing, and you’ll be grateful for every layer you brought.”
What types of outfits should you wear in Iceland?
Practicality is key. “Iceland is one of the most picturesque countries in the world so it’s tempting to pack cute winter outfits, but in reality, you’ll want to leave your Moon Boots at home,” says Powers. “Iceland is muddy, wet, sandy, and slippery. Packing practical outfits, like warm layers and waterproof jackets, is a much smarter choice than cute outfits.”
Versatile layers
To ensure you’re prepared for anything the Icelandic weather may throw at you, layers will be your best friend. “Don’t just bring one big winter jacket and expect it to work in all situations—you’ll sweat while hiking and freeze when you stop moving,” says Steinars. “Instead, dress in layers you can add to or remove depending on the weather.” Candyce Bouffé, social media specialist at Icelandia, suggests wearing a base layer, mid layer, and an outer layer to be safe. We also recommend wearing warm yet lightweight staples as your base layer. “Icelanders have been staying warm for years with wool sweaters,” says Powers. “They naturally keep you warm and are moisture-wicking, meaning even on damp days you’ll stay comfortable and dry.”
Patagonia
Capilene weight crewneck
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino base layer crew
Patagonia
Better Sweater fleece jacket
Ann Taylor
Ribbed turtleneck sweater
Ann Taylor
Long-sleeve crew neck top
Waterproof outerwear
As someone who has been caught in a downpour or two while hiking in Iceland, trust me—splurge on your waterproof gear. “It really makes the difference between enjoying the adventure and being miserable,” says Steinars. Some of the waterfalls are so powerful you can get soaked just by standing nearby. If you’re looking to invest in quality items that last, Arc’teryx offers Gore-Tex jackets and pants that can be a lifesaver. For a more affordable option, Powers recommends the REI XeroCloud rain jacket. Also, packing a pair of foldable rain pants is never a bad idea to easily pull over leggings or jeans when needed.
Columbia
Bugaboo III fleece 3-in-1 jacket
REI
XeroCloud 3L rain jacket
66 North
Hornstrandir Gore-Tex Pro jacket
66 North
Tindur down jacket
REI Co-op
Rainier rain pants
Weather-ready socks
Packing socks is, of course, a must—but in Iceland, choosing the right pair can be the difference between staying dry and warm when there’s a downpour or ending up cold and wet. Steinars recommends bringing wool socks for every single day of your trip; they dry quickly, stay warm even when damp, and are much more comfortable than cotton. If you don’t have a grandmother who knits for you, Steinars loves the Varma Icelandic wool socks.
Rammagerdin
Varma Icelandic wool socks
Bombas
Merino wool blend calf socks
Toughcutie
Eve lightweight hiker crew socks
When it comes to packing for a trip here, don’t focus on fashion. “It can be tempting to wear cozy Ugg Boots or L.L.Bean Duck Boots, but neither are very practical in Iceland,” says Powers. “All locals wear some form of hiking boots, no matter the weather or plan for the day.” Powers recommends Gore-Tex hiking shoes from Hoka, Salomon, or Vessi. “Sneakers are fine for walking around the city, but once you’re out exploring waterfalls, lava fields, and muddy trails, you’ll want shoes that keep your feet dry and warm” in something more protective, says Steinars.
Hoka
Kaha 2 Frost GTX boot
Columbia
Newton Ridge Plus waterproof hiking boot
Salomon
X-Alp Mid Gore-Tex hiking boot
Surprising essentials
The locals know to expect the unexpected in Iceland, so I asked for their list of surprising essentials that travelers may not think of. “When packing for Iceland, your essentials should include a swimsuit,” says Arndís Huld Hákonardóttir, director of marketing and public relations for Blue Lagoon Iceland. “Iceland has a strong swimming and bathing culture, and there’s nothing quite like relaxing in a hot tub, steam bath, or sauna—no matter the weather or season.”
The Icelandia team suggest an array of unexpected must-haves, from lip balm and hand cream for windy days to portable crampons and micro-fiber towels for ice or rain. Guðrún Baldvina Sævarsdóttir, content manager at Icelandia, also reminds us to not underestimate the sun even on a chillier day. “Those UV rays still mean business, and in the fall, the sun position will be lower. Bring sunglasses for windy but cloudy days—your teary eyes will thank you for the shelter.”
