Every time I travel, I make a packing list. It helps to avoid forgetting important things, but sometimes, it’s still not foolproof. If you’re planning your trip to the land of fire and ice, the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, it’s best to be prepared with the right gear and clothes. At the same time, packing light will allow you to move around more easily.
No matter the season, Icelandic weather is unpredictable. A classic Icelandic joke says, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.” Well, it’s funny because it’s true! Even in the same day, you can experience snow, sun, rain, and wind—one by one or all at once.
After living in Iceland for several years and traveling all over the country, I’ve learned a few things about what you really need to bring—no matter when you visit.
Year-Round Must-Haves: Things I Never Left the Car Without
Experiencing Iceland’s weather sometimes feels like facing the end of the world—just kidding! But seriously, the weather can be challenging for visitors. Here’s what you should always bring:
✔ Waterproof & Windproof Jacket – Don’t skip this! It will keep you dry when visiting waterfalls, and Icelandic wind is relentless, making the temperature feel even colder than your weather app says.
✔ Sturdy Hiking Boots – I learned this the hard way when I tried walking on wet lava rocks in sneakers. My feet were soaked, and I nearly slipped in front of a group of serious-looking hikers. Get waterproof boots—you’ll thank me later!
✔ Thermal Layers – Even in summer, the air can feel surprisingly crisp. I always wear a merino wool base layer—it keeps you warm, and since it’s breathable, you won’t end up soaked in sweat.
✔ Gloves, Hat & Scarf – If you want to take thousands of photos without losing feeling in your fingers, bring warm gloves. Otherwise, you might miss the perfect moment when the Northern Lights appear—sometimes, they last only a few minutes! Even in summer, light gloves come in handy. Bonus tip: touchscreen-friendly gloves = warm fingers, great photos!
✔ Quick-Dry Travel Towel – This tip is mostly for women (but not exclusively!). If you plan to visit Iceland’s natural hot springs, a quick-dry towel will help dry your hair quickly and prevent getting sick.
✔ Reusable Water Bottle – Iceland has the cleanest, freshest tap water ever. You can fill up at any sink, so there’s no need to buy bottled water.
✔ Sunglasses – Iceland’s sun is low on the horizon, meaning it can blind you while driving. Also, when there’s snow on the ground, the sunlight reflects off it, making it hard to see.
✔ Power Adapter – Iceland uses European plug type F (230V, 50Hz). Trust me—arriving at your guesthouse only to realize you can’t charge your phone is frustrating.
✔ Daypack – A small backpack is essential for road trips. Use it for snacks, extra layers, and camera gear. It helps keep everything organized, so you don’t leave scattered belongings behind (I’ve seen many travelers forget things this way).
💡 Bonus Item: A Swimsuit – Because nothing feels better than soaking in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon while it’s snowing around you!
Packing for Iceland in Winter (October – April)
My first time in Iceland was in winter, and luckily, I had friends who lent me winter clothes—because I wasn’t prepared at all! I had no idea what to expect, but after that experience, I now know exactly what to pack.
What I Wore & What I Wished I Had
✔ Insulated Parka or Down Jacket – My regular “winter” coat wasn’t enough. Icelandic wind cuts right through lightweight jackets. Invest in a solid, insulated jacket with a hood.
✔ Wool or Fleece Layers – Bring thermal leggings, wool socks, sweaters, and merino wool underlayers. They keep you warm without sweating.
✔ Waterproof Pants – If you want to get close to waterfalls, these are a lifesaver. At Seljalandsfoss, walking behind the waterfall will soak you completely. Without waterproof pants, you’ll be shivering for the rest of the day.
✔ Ice Grips/Crampons – I slipped on the icy surface at Skógafoss. It was funny at first, but it could have ended in a broken bone. Avoid bad luck—get ice grips!
Other Winter Must-Haves
✔ Headlamp or Flashlight – Winter days are short. Having a light source saved me when walking back from a waterfall in total darkness.
✔ Hand & Foot Warmers – Standing outside for hours waiting for the Northern Lights? These little lifesavers kept me from losing my fingers to frostbite (dramatic, but true!).
Packing for Iceland in Summer (May – September)
Summer in Iceland is incredible—midnight sun, green landscapes, and easier road conditions. Even though I’ve lived here for over nine years, it’s still not “warm” by my standards.
What I Packed & What I Wish I Had
✔ Lightweight, Waterproof Jacket – It rains a lot, but in Iceland, the rain is light and short-lived. Sometimes, one area will have rain, and 10 km later, it’ll be dry.
✔ Breathable Hiking Clothes – Hiking is amazing in summer, so you’ll want clothes that dry sweat quickly but still keep you warm. Merino wool is my go-to!
✔ Convertible Pants & Shorts – Mornings can be chilly, but afternoons warm up. Having options helped.
✔ Water Shoes – Some hiking trails have small river crossings, and Iceland’s hot springs often have slippery rocks. Bring good grip water shoes.
Other Summer Must-Haves
✔ Sleep Mask – The Midnight Sun is real. If you need a dark room to sleep, this is a must!
✔ Bug Spray – In North Iceland, especially around Mývatn, midges are everywhere. They won’t bite, but they will drive you insane. A face net helps you breathe in peace.
Extra Gear for Special Activities – Hidden Gems: Packing for Iceland’s Best Experiences
If you’re planning some bucket-list adventures, don’t forget these items:
✔ For Glacier Hikes & Ice Caves → Waterproof gloves, extra thermal layers. Tour companies provide crampons, but bring extra socks.
✔ For Camping & Road Trips → Sleeping bag, portable stove, extra power bank.
✔ For Photography Enthusiasts → A camera with extra batteries (cold weather drains them fast!).
✔ For Hot Springs → Waterproof phone case and flip-flops (walking barefoot on sharp volcanic rocks is not fun!).
✔ For Puffin Watching in Summer → Binoculars and a windproof hat—those cliffs get breezy!
Final Tip: Pack Smart & Be Ready for Anything! Iceland’s weather is wild and unpredictable, but that’s part of its magic. Pack wisely, layer up, and enjoy every breathtaking moment!
