Packing for Iceland? Read This First

On every trip to Iceland, the weather always surprises us.

Whether it's March and we get beautiful sunshine for a week or June when it rains almost non-stop until the final day, the weather in Iceland changes constantly.

We're not exaggerating when we say that what you pack can literally make or break your trip.

Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything.

Here’s what you actually need to know before you pack 👇

1. LAYERS ARE EVERYTHING

No matter when you visit, Iceland isn’t a “one outfit per day” kind of place.

Temperatures can change quickly, especially if you’re road-tripping or heading into different regions. The temperature and weather in the north can vary dramatically from what you'll experience in the south.

A good layering system looks like:

• A base layer (something warm and breathable)

• A mid-layer (fleeces, jumpers)

• A waterproof outer layer

This way, you can adapt throughout the day without getting too hot or too cold.

2. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE WIND

People often expect rain and snow when they come to Iceland, but the thing many don't account for is the wind. It can be seriously intense to the point where it'll literally hold you upright,

As well as waterproof gear, make sure your clothing is also windproof. The wind can make temperatures feel much colder than they are and blow rain and snow at you in very interesting ways.

From our experience, it can also make your face hurt, especially your nose and ears, so face coverings and a hat are always a good idea, especially in winter.

3. WINTER VS SUMMER: WHAT CHANGES?

Regardless of what time you visit Iceland, the core of your packing will likely stay the same.

You need waterproofs any time of year, and sturdy hiking boots are always important. However, there are a few differences depending on the season:

Winter (Nov–March):

• Thermal base layers

• Insulated jacket

• Hat, gloves, scarf

• Waterproof boots

• Crampons for icy areas

Summer (May–August):

• Lighter layers (but still warm options)

• Waterproof jacket and boots

• Sunglasses (midnight sun can be intense)

• Eyemask for sleeping (not all hotels have blackout curtains

Even in summer, don’t expect “hot” weather—think mild at best.

WANT A DONE-FOR-YOU PACKING LIST?

If you don’t want to overthink it, we’ve created two full packing guides you can follow depending on when you’re travelling:

👉 Winter Iceland Packing List
👉 Summer Iceland Packing List

They include everything we personally bring, from essentials to small things people often forget (like an eye mask for summer!).

✨There's a saying in Iceland which is: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing".

It's very true, and we've found it's always best to pack smart, and you’ll spend less time worrying about the weather—and more time enjoying the landscapes.