Are you currently planning your trip to Iceland and getting worried about what to wear? I was too back in March! I wanted to be warm and comfortable for all the hikes I had planned but most of all prepared for the unpredictable Iceland weather.
Just to give you an idea how the weather can quickly change in Iceland I arrived in the sunshine, the next day I had heavy rain and foggy skies and the day after I woke up to snow! Crazy I know, but that’s why plan what you’re going to pack it’s so important. Check out Iceland forecast here.
Even if you’re just going for a few days and mainly visiting South Iceland, remember that even during the summer you can get wind and rain. Near the coast can get really cold and you will always get a splash or two from waterfalls.
All these factors need to be taken in to consideration when packing. If you’re planning a road trip or not, always think about dressing layers and then you can just take it off or put it on as you need.
Always take an extra outfit in a small backpack with you. Reason being is that on one of the days I got completely drenched after an activity and the day wasn’t finished yet, meaning that I had to do a complete change of clothes including shoes – fortunately I had all my bags with me in the car.
I hope this quick list will help you organize your packing list for Iceland and make you less stressed for your big adventure! It should be adaptable to any season. As I mentioned above you never know what you will get with weather but at least you’ll be prepared.
COATS & JACKETS
Waterproof Raincoat: Warm, waterproof with a hood.
3 in 1 Women Waterproof Jacket: With multiple pockets and a detachable fleece jacket, this waterproof jacket it’s ideal for all seasons. If you already have something like this you’ll be covered for a lot of possible weather scenarios in Iceland!
Lightweight Jacket: A good option to have in your backpack in case you get really cold when the weather changes. It’s easy to fold and takes up hardly any space, recommend it for any season.
Fleece Lined Parka: One of the best coats I took on my trip. It kept me warm and looking good! I personally love the large pockets were I was constantly putting gear from the camera and other equipment.
Fleece Jacket: A fantastic option to wear under a big coat that you can take inside the car or bus and still be really warm and comfortable!
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UPPER WEAR IN ICELAND
Long sleeve shirts: Pack a few of these, they go well with just a warm coat or, in case it’s really cold like most days I was in Iceland, just wear it under a sweater.
Thermal shirts: I had three pairs of these, they are really light and again you can have one on the backpack for a quick change of clothes, will immediately warm you up!
Jumper: Most times I used loose sweaters with leggings and they were just perfect for the weather! Use a long sleeved shirt under for the cold days. I took 4 for my week in Iceland and used them all.
Woolly Fleece shirt
Woolly Dress: Dresses are my favourite type of clothes, so I had to include it on my list. With some proper boots and leggings they turned out very stylish and comfortable.
TO COMBINE WITH…
Leggings: Perfect to combine with jumpers and long sleeved shirts. They are lightweight to pack, easy to wear, easy to wash if necessary and good to pack in a small backpack for a change of outfits. I took 3 pairs, all black to match all my other clothes.
Socks: I got this set which has different colours for different outfits and they were great to keep my feet really warm every day. They fitted really well with all my boots.
Fleece Tights: I combined these with my woolly dresses and boots. Felt warm the all the time!
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SHOES
One essential item to pack for Iceland is shoes but most important what type of shoes. I did lots of research on what to wear and in the end did not buy anything extra.
Hiking boots: I have this pair for ages now and they have endured many hikes. They are comfortable and waterproof so an easy choice for Iceland.
Snow boots: This is completely optional. I got these pair for a reasonable price which was great for when I was wearing my woolly dresses but don’t feel like you have to get them just for Iceland. If you join any activities to go into glaciers and ice caves for example the tour company will provide you with crampons, so you can just wear any other boots.
ACCESSORIES TO WEAR IN ICELAND
Gloves: Took three pairs in different colours and they were essential for my trip to keep my hands warm.
Hat: Also took three different pairs of hats. They will protect you from the wind (and that can be crazy in Iceland!) and also give you a stylish look for your trip. I love the ones with a pompom.
Scarves: I packed three different ones and they were good for the extra layers.
Small backpack: Having a small backpack with you all the time it’s something I recommend. You can have snacks, water, accessories to put and take as the weather changes, a change of outfit, your wallet, camera gear and so on.
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THERMAL BATHS ESSENTIALS
With so many thermal baths and pools to swim around Iceland, it’s only essential that you pack at least one bathing suit but there are other essentials that you should always have on the side for your trips to these places in which I called the ‘thermal bath kit’.
Swimsuit: I love bathing suits and bikinis and packed a few (ok…four but they are only small!).
Flip – flops: Going around barefoot even for a short distance is not something you want. Just keep one pair with you from whenever you going to this places.
Towel: A small towel can literally save the day. I packed two, they don’t take much space and they are useful for the thermal baths (in most you have to pay for towels) and to dry your hair in case it rains a lot (I had to do that!).
OTHER ESSENTIALS FOR ICELAND
Water bottle: The water in Iceland is clean and you can stock from anywhere. It’s a really big mistake to buy water, so if you have a bottle of 1L/2L that’s great, you will save money!
Memory cards: Take a lot of them. Iceland it’s just on those places where you’ll be constantly taking photos as everything it’s so beautiful!
Camera Gear: I took my camera, my Go Pro camera (to use in the thermal baths) and a tripod (essential to use for the northern lights). I also recommend you to get a waterproof protector for the camera; this can save you from ruining it with rain.
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Let me know if this list was helpful to prepare your trip to Iceland! And if you’re currently doing your packing let me know if you have any questions in the comments.
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*This article contains Amazon affiliate links which means that if you buy something through these links I will earn a small commission at no extra cost for you.
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I was pleasantly surprised to see a post about Iceland, which is on my bucket list. This is a really useful post, because Iceland does pose a challenge when it comes to packing. You need to be prepared for different kinds of weather and you do a good job describing the necessities.
Great tips, I love that raincoat. These pictures are amazing! I have never been to Iceland but if I go, I will for sure know what to pack! Thanks
Author
I love my raincoat so much, had it over a year now and always looks good with everything!
This is a great post, I have been wanting to go to Iceland for some, your photos look great and I am sure I can just adapt the list to the “guys version” for myself. Great photos too.
Author
Yes, pretty much the same just in men’s version! Thank you, X
Having different coats for the different types of weather in Iceland seems really smart. Also I would never have thought to bring a swimsuit, so good reminder!
Author
Definitely a swimsuit, the amount of thermal baths we got to visit in a week was unreal!
It’s my life’s dream to go to Iceland. So far I have been saving for the trip but I realize I need a special account for the shopping I need to do too!
Author
Not at all, just try to use what you already have, it was like that for me! The only extra I got was the snow boots because they were really affordable!
I suppose it often cold there…but what about clothes during the summer months?
Author
You can take some t-shirts during summer but most times I doubt you will be just wearing that, near the coast is really windy all the time as that’s were the main attractions are.
So many great tips here! It’s always super hard to pack clothes for a place you have never been to with limited luggage space! It’s such a good idea to share all of these tips!
Oh I would love someone to give me a trip to Iceland right now so that I can go to the Blue Lagoon and see the Northern Lights. From what I have heard Iceland is rather cold so I love that bright yellow rain mac on you and I do agree that wooly tights and leggings are definitely a must to keep warm!
Totally agree with all of this! This is exactly how I packed when I went to Iceland. Bringing layers with you is critical, along with the backpack. I would also suggest water bladders for the backpacks to ensure adequate hydration, especially if you are going to be out hiking all day. Iceland was such a beautiful place, I can’t wait to go back!
I’ve been wanting to go Iceland for a while now. Just saving up to get there! this will be incredibly useful when I finally go. Thank you for all the advice!
Nice Post! I will definitely come back here when we get to Iceland. A friend of ours went there and they just loved the country.
Blissful Iceland. I So much wish to explore this land and the clothing, camera tips were indeed helpful. Fleece jacket and shirt along with leggings is what I need the most when I travel to sheer cold regions.
I have never been to Iceland and I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing this packing list. It’s good to know what you need to have during your trip. It’s definitely helpful!
Funny how my husband and I were just talking about Iceland and how many people are wanting to visit that place nowadays.. I guess it’s becoming a popular vacation spot. Your photos are all amazing, btw
Really great selection of clothing for Iceland and I’d agree with it all. It’s cold there so you need to be super prepared. I’d love to go see the Northern Lights.
Author
Yes, I think that even during the summer you always need some warm coats because for example with the northern lights both times we stayed out until 3am and it was freezing!!
Ooh! Iceland. I’ve always wanted to go! Now I have a checklist of things I MUST bring if I ever get to! Thank you for this awesome list!
Great set of tips, here, Amalia. I can imagine packing lots of warm stuff when I get around to visiting Iceland! And those are some amazing photos you’ve got on this post. Beautiful scenery.
Just as the name goes, Iceland definitely looks so cold so that means that proper and warm wear would be so important. I’d obviously pack a couple of warm coats and socks and also get those boots! For those heading over to Iceland, this would really be a guide.
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Thank you Dalene! It makes me really happy that you found this helpful!
Now I know what to pack for a trip to Iceland. I have been dying to visit the country for years now. Thanks for the tips here. Hiking boots are definitely a necessity.
Author
I’m glad you find it useful, definitely hiking boots should always be on your packing list!
I haven’t been to Iceland: Is the weather resp. the temperature similar year round, i.e. is it always cold?
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I went in March and guessing it would be a bit colder during the winter months. For summer months it may be a bit less cold but you will still have wind near the coast where you stop to see a lot of things, so my tip is just bring layers and put/take according to that!
This is so useful of people who are planning a trip to Iceland. I have never been but your photos have made me want to book a trip soon!
These do all look like essentials when it comes to a trip to Iceland. It does look so amazing out there. I really would need to pick up a waterproof rain coat. Living out here in California kind of spoils me about not needing such a thing. But for Iceland I can see how it would be essential.
Lovely tips! I’m saving your post as my guide for the future Iceland trip! Its better to be prepared!
This is such a helpful post for anyone planning on going to Iceland! I’ve always wanted to go, just haven’t got round to it yet. It seems like an amazing place!
This is such a great post most especially to those people who are planning to go to Iceland as they will find all the information they need for they very own road trip!
This is a great list! I would add a pair of water proof/resistant pants. They don’t need to be insulated, so they’ll pack up small. I visited Iceland in February 2018. It rained sideways for 4 of the 6 days. It made for some awesome waterfall pictures though
Author
That’s a really good suggestion and I do agree that’s important! On my way to the abandoned plane it was raining from every side and I did wish I had waterproof pants!!