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What to pack for Iceland: Clothing (Winter – Summer) + more

Last updated on July 29, 2022 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Planning a trip to the land of Ice and Fire? Better to get ready for any conditions!
Below are all my tips regarding what to pack for Iceland:

  • Clothing for Iceland in Summer
  • what to wear in Iceland in Winter
  • coats, jackets, boots, gloves, thermal layers... and other items for your packing list!

Keep warm, stay safe and feel comfortable!

What to pack for Iceland list - what to wear in Iceland Travel Guide

Table Of Contents
What to pack for Iceland - Essential Tips
What to wear in Iceland in Summer - clothing
What to wear in Iceland in Winter - clothing
Thermal clothing for Iceland
Best jacket & coats
Best boots and shoes
Rain overpants - my must have
What to take to Iceland to keep warm
Things to pack for Iceland for photography
Other useful Items for your Iceland Packing List
And the essentials not to forget...
FAQs

In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


What to pack for Iceland - Essential Tips

Let me start by sharing some general tips about traveling to Iceland to help you understand my suggested packing lists for both Summer and Winter.

TIP #1 - Don't bring a jacket too warm in Summer
Generally speaking the packing list for Summer and Winter are the same. My main difference is that I think that your jacket should not be too warm for Summer. As we will see after, layers are essentials and it is better to have several layers with a lighter jacket in Summer.

TIP #2 - Layers Layers Layers
This is the essential surviving rule in Iceland both in Winter and in Summer. The weather changes constantly and you ever know how the temperature will feel, when the wind will pick up or when it will rain. So keep layers accessible and change with the weather by adding or removing. 

FB Summer or Winter Iceland Travel (1)

TIP #3 - Thermal underclothes, gloves, hats and scarf in both Summer and Winter
Yes I have used my gloves, hats and scarf even in Summer. When the wind starts blowing you will be much more comfortable if you are wearing all that. It does not take so much space in the luggage. And it will be especially appreciated when waiting outside at night to see the northern lights!

TIP #4 - Rainproof overpants are your new best friends
I know wearing overpants is not sexy but I am so glad I had them. I really changed y level of comfort with those unpredictable rains. PLus I was able to sit anywhere to take my pictures without damaging my clothes or getting socked

What to pack for Iceland tips

TIP #5 - Waterproof hiking shoes
Some people manage with sports' shoes in Summer but I think Waterproof hiking boots are best to travel in Iceland. This way you don't worry about potential slippery paths, you know your feet will stay warm. For example, when I was taking picture at the magnificent Diamond beach, I was focussing on my camera and on the ice and several times got surprised my waves that came a lot higher than other. My waterproof shoes were very efficient!

TIP #6 - Ice grips in Winter are essential
In Winter, the path to the waterfalls and other points of Interest can be snowy and icy - You would always carry with you Ice Grips to add on your boots and feel stable and safe anywhere.

TIP #7 - Protection for your camera if it is not waterproof
Protection for you but also for your camera. With the rain and the mist from the waterfalls, make sure you have something to protect your camera (with rain sleeves for example) or your phone

And now my suggested packing lists for Iceland - first Summer and next Winter!!!

And you can also check out my article about the best time to visit Iceland to learn more about the weather conditions.


What to wear in Iceland in Summer - clothing

Let's start by answering the many questions I saw where people ask month by month:

  • what to wear in Iceland in Summer
  • what to wear in Iceland in July
  • what to pack for Iceland in August
  • what to wear in Iceland in June
  • ...

You get the drift. There is no difference...
So below is the Summer Iceland Packing list for May to October (with maybe extra layers for May and October).

what to wear in Iceland in Summer packing list

ICELAND SUMMER CLOTHING PACKING LIST:

  • Light waterproof Jacket that is good at breaking the wind or 2 layers one for wind and one for rain
  • Overpants for rain
  • Layers of clothes for the top including a warm jumper
  • Hiking pants
  • Thermal underpants for the cold days and for the night activities
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Swim wear for the springs or the Blue Lagoon
  • Warm socks
  • Knit Hat
  • Gloves 
  • Warm Scarf that does not flow in the wind
  • Sunglasses
  • Underwear

And check out the last section of this article for non-clothes items not to forget in your suitcase for your trip to Iceland


What to wear in Iceland in Winter - clothing

For winter I see the same, people checking out what to bring month by month:

  • what to wear in Iceland in Winter
  • what to wear in Iceland in November
  • what to pack for Iceland in January
  • what to wear in Iceland in December, February,...

You get the drift again...
So below is the Winter Iceland Packing list for November to April.

what to wear in Iceland in Winter packing list

ICELAND WINTER CLOTHING PACKING LIST:

  • Warm jacket - waterproof and rainproof
  • Overpants for rain or snowpants
  • Warmer Layers of clothes for the top including a warm jumper
  • Thermal underpants for the cold days and for the night activities
  • Warm Waterproof shoes
  • Ice Grips - essential!!!
  • Swim wear for the springs or the Blue Lagoon
  • Warm socks
  • Knit Hat
  • Gloves 
  • Warm Scarf that does not flow in the wind
  • Sunglasses
  • Underwear

And check out the last section of this article for non-clothes items not to forget in your suitcase for your trip to Iceland


Need to rent a car in Iceland?

How to rent a car in Iceland 2

See my 36 practical tips

to choose the best car to rent

for the roads in Iceland

and find the best deals

+ read more

or directly see the best deals on my favorite platform


Thermal clothing for Iceland

If you are going to be chasing the aurora borealis, I strongly recommend to bring underpants with you. When you are waiting and watching outside at night, it is really cold. Same in Mid-sumer for the Midnight sun and its beautiful light.
Underpants should be brought in your luggage all year round.

Thermal Underpants

FOR HER - Thermal underpants for a trip to Iceland

Thermal leggins you can wear under your pant for the cold and windy days or during your night chasing auroras.

Get it on Amazon

FOR HIM - Thermal underpants

Same for men. Don't play the macho and put them on. Better not to feel freezing.

Get it on Amazon

Thermal Top

FOR HER to stay warm in Iceland

Merino wool for great comfort and warmth. A good base under your jumpers and jackets

Get it on Amazon

FOR HIM to keep warm in Iceland

Cotton layer top for men

Get it on Amazon

Best jacket & coats

Let's talk Jacket and Coats. Here are some good options for your Iceland Trip:

Iceland Jacket for Summer

As I said earlier, I think for Summer you should bring a jacket that is not too warm and use layer instead. But it must protect you from the rain and the wind.

FOR HER - Best Jacket for Iceland in Summer

North Face has some really great product for adventure travel. And even if you do a simple road trip, traveling around Iceland is kind of an adventure. This jacket exists in many colors - it covers really well from the rain and breaks the wind properly.

Get it on Amazon

FOR HIM - Best Jacket for Iceland in Summer

Same for the men. North face has an equivalent with a cut more adapted to the masculine body. They 

Get it on Amazon

Iceland Coat for Winter

In Winter, a good parka is a good choice. It is a great investments as you can reuse it for a trip to Greenland, Canada in Winter, a cruise to the Antartica...

FOR HER - Best Iceland Coat for Winter

Another good quality product but warmer to feel comfortable in Winter

Get it on Amazon

FOR HIM - Best Jacket for Iceland in Winter

Warm and comfy. Ready for the adventure!

Get it on Amazon

Best boots and shoes

In theory in Summer you can wear any kind of shoes. But I think to feel comfortable walking anywhere and exploring the landscapes, it is better to have your feet warm and dry in waterproof hiking boots.

I think it is very important to purchase quality footwear. I have bought mine several years ago and despite having traveled a lot, been stuck in snow and covered by the sea, they are still in great conditions

Best Footwear for Iceland

FOR HER - Best Iceland Boots

Those are the one I have and I love them 

Get them on Amazon

FOR HIM - Best hiking boots for Iceland

The version for men

Get them on Amazon

Extra footwear accessories for winter in Iceland

ICE- GRIPS

Very practical to keep in your rental car and add when needed (weather conditions are unpredictable, I can't guarantee you will or will not need them).
Careful, do not drive with them!!! LOL

All shapes of grips can work.

See options Amazon

Snow-proof Gaiters

This is what I wish I had many times when traveling in Winter and always forget. It is so annoying when the snow enters the shoes by the top!!!

Get them on Amazon

Rain overpants - my must have

As I said before for me my Waterproof overpants were my best friends in Iceland. It was easy to add them over when it started raining and remove them otherwise. Not the sexiest but definitively practical

UNISEX - Full-Zip

This version with zip is very easy to put on

Get it on Amazon

For him - Simple overpant

Get it on Amazon

Or snowpants in Winter...

Waterproof Snowpants in Winter could be a good option. Nowadays they are not as bulky and you can easily walk in them


What to take to Iceland to keep warm

Don't forget your extremities. This is where you will feel the cold the most. So bring scarf, gloves and hat to feel better and focus on the landscapes rather than the cold wind, especially when admiring the northern lights.

Gloves for Iceland

I am conflicting about which gloves to recommend for your trip to Iceland. It is a complicated story.
If you take a lot of photos you need gloves that are thin enough to allow you movement but then they are not warm enough...
And if you want to take pictures with your photo, you need a touch screen option.
At the end, I think that even though the warmth was not the best, what I used the most were my touch screen gloves. So here are 2 options:

Stylish version with touch screen possibility

Get them on Amazon

Unisex gloves touch screen possibility - Attention for men, size are small so order bigger

Get them on Amazon

Hats for Iceland

I made the mistake to bring a very light hat. One of the first purchases I made in Iceland was a thick hat and I used it a lot during the trip. I am so sad I have lost it during my trip to Scotland.... Anyway, below are 2 suggestions for men and women.

FOR HER 

Get it on Amazon

FOR HIM 

Get it on Amazon

Scarf / neck gaiter for Iceland

Because of wind, you need something that stays well in place. So I recommend to bring a neck  warmer to Iceland rather than a scarf.

See options

Socks for Iceland

FOR HER 

Warm and breathable for great comfort in your boots

Get it on Amazon

FOR HIM 

Equivalent for men

Get it on Amazon

And you can bring other items to help you keep warm:

Instant heat pack 

To warm up your hands and the inside of your shoes

Get it on Amazon

Thermal Blanket 

I never travel without my emergency thermal blankets even in warm weather. You never know what can happen and they are very efficient at keeping you warm. And they take very little space.

Get it on Amazon

Things to pack for Iceland for photography

What to pack for Iceland? Do not forget your camera gear! This is such a beautiful country.

Iceland Photography Packing list

Iceland Photography Packing list

  • Camera & Lenses - I currently use the Olympus EM1 Mark III
  • Lots of batteries
  • Lots of memory cards
  • A clip to hold the camera on your backpack strap, to free your hands and relieve your neck - I looooooove mine
  • A waterproof protection for your camera (rain sleeves). Between the rain and the mist of waterfalls
  • A Tripod (especially to capture the northern lights) - a cable release is also great especially with the cold on your finger
  • Polorizing filter
  • ND filter to photograph the flow of waterfalls and the waves around the iceberg
  • A red light headlamp to be able to look at your camera settings in the dark without bothering the other photographers around you

See red light options

Olympus EM1 Mark III with 12-100 lens

Peak design Capture Clip


Other useful Items for your Iceland Packing List

But clothes and photography gear are not the only things to pack for Iceland. Below are some extra suggestions.

Iceland travel guide

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning tips) in my travel guide eBook to help you easily plan your Iceland road trip (for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days...)

Winter road trip

Small cover Road trip guide - Iceland in Winter eBook

Plan your perfect trip to Iceland in Winter!

  • 6 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 75+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Winter Accessibility + Planning Tips
  • 115+ large photos to get inspired
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

Summer road trip

Iceland road trip travel guide cover small

Plan your perfect trip to Iceland!

  • 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 100+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Planning Tips to make the most of your time
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
  • 130+ original photos to get inspired

LEARN MORE

Journal

Don't forget anything. Write down your memories as you explore these magnificent landscapes!
I created those to make it easy to write down everything:

Iceland road trip Journal
Iceland Winter road trip Journal 2

Other practical items to bring to Iceland

Binoculars  

To admire all the details of  the scenery, the puffins and the details of the glacier tongue, traveling with binoculars is a great idea.
Check out my practical guide to choosing the best binoculars for travel for you.

Plug adapter 

The advantage is that you can re-use it for all your travels

See all adapters on Amazon

Where to stay in Iceland?

  • Reykjavik - capital city - see accommodations
  • Selfoss - between Golden Circle and South Coast - see accommodations
  • Vik - near waterfalls and glaciers - see accommodations
  • Höfn - gateway to the East fjords - see accommodations
  • Egilsstadir - between fjords and North Iceland - see accommodations
  • Reykjahlid - for the wonders of Lake Myvatn - see accommodations
  • Akureyri - capital of the North - see accommodations
  • Grundarfjordur - to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula - see accommodations
Iceland Accommodations

See my selection of all the best areas to stay to enjoy the beautiful regions of Iceland...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

And the essentials not to forget...

  • Passport
  • Driving license (if applicable)
  • Credit card
  • Electronic equipment chargers
  • First aid kit
  • All your medical essentials
  • ...

Go through my Travel Checklists to get ready


FAQs

What should you not wear in Iceland?

It is essential to keep dry and warm. Do not wear:

  • jacket or shoes that are not waterproof
  • slippery shoes
  • heels
  • fancy clothing, you are in nature, it will get dirty
  • jeans - with the cold and the rain, it can become very uncomfortable

Should I take cash to Iceland?

Not really. Credit card are widely use even for small paiements.
Locals rarely use cash.

Can you wear leggings in Iceland?

Absolutely. 
They can be really practical as they can be used as a layer. Just the legging if it is sunny and with waterproof overpants as required.

What electrical plugs are used in Iceland?

The plugs are Type C and F with two round pins.

Can I wear snickers in Iceland?

I don't recommend it once outside of Reykjavik, unless you are not getting out of the car.
Remember that you will be getting out in Nature, in a country where it can rain a lot. Your snickers could easily get ruined.
However, in Reykjavik or Akureyri they can be nice to go out in Summer.


Want to see more of Iceland in Summer?

  • Tips to plan your Iceland road trip - read article
  • 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures - read article
  • The best stops on the Ring Road - read article
  • The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland - read article
  • 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - read article
  • The Golden Circle - read article
  • The Snaefellsnes peninsula - read article
  • ...

Want to see more of Iceland in Winter:

  • Best things to do in Iceland in Winter - read article
  • 35 pictures of Iceland in Winter - read article
  • Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips - read article
  • Tips for visiting Iceland in Winter - read article
  • Planning an Iceland Winter Road Trip - read article
  • Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions - read article
  • Driving in Iceland in Winter - read article
  • ...

Want to see more of ICELAND?

PREVIOUS: 

PLAN A TRIP TO ICELAND

NEXT: 

Iceland Road Trip Guide

Iceland destination guide travel planning addict

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jatinder says

    January 11, 2018 at 4:06 AM

    A comprehensive packing advise. I am heading to Iceland in Feb first week n it will be helpful

    • Claire Robinson says

      January 11, 2018 at 9:14 AM

      Thanks. I am glad you found it useful.
      I wish you a wonderful trip!

  2. Julia Pearl says

    January 17, 2018 at 8:47 PM

    Thank you for this list, it was very helpful for me and my bf! I guess the trick is layers!

    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      January 18, 2018 at 9:04 AM

      Yes it is 🙂
      Have a great trip!

  3. Indie says

    November 10, 2018 at 5:10 AM

    Thank you for the very helpful list !
    For a 2 week trip at end of July, will I be able to manage with 1 waterproof pants ? Do these dry quickly (as in overnight) ?
    The rainproof jacket you recommend — did you find it kept you dry ?
    Will ponchos do the job too ?
    Thank you !

    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      November 10, 2018 at 10:33 AM

      Hi Indie
      You can shake the rain overpants when you remove them and most of the water falls from it.
      You can use ponchos or anything you normally use for rain.
      Those are just suggestions. I personally don’t find ponchos practical with all my equipment but take what you like.

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