How to pack for Iceland
Our biggest tip for figuring out what to pack for Iceland is to expect the unexpected. The weather across the island can change quickly from sunshine, to wind and rain, and back again. In the colder months, sunny hours can even give way to flurries of snow.
As the old saying goes, 'There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.' This is the best philosophy for packing for Iceland. As long as you've got plenty of layers and a few handy accessories, you'll be able to make the most of every day.
- Find out what to expect from Iceland’s weather and climate.
You'll want to be able to explore wherever the itinerary takes you, including thermal lagoons or black sand beaches. The best way to do this is to come prepared with plenty of versatile basics.
On top of your main luggage, it’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack or day bag with you, to keep your daily essentials in.
All-year packing list for Iceland
Whatever time of year you’re visiting Iceland in, there are a few basics you’ll need. Below we’ve put together the essential packing list for every season. You’ll then only need a few extra items for visiting in summer or winter.
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight fleece or wool sweaters
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof pants and rain jackets
- Warm socks
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- A power bank to keep your phone charged
- Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel (for visiting thermal spas like the Blue Lagoon)
- Refillable water bottle
- Reusable shopping bags for your souvenirs
Travel Light: Rent Your Outdoor Gear
Wondering about packing bulky outdoor clothes? We've partnered with Iceland Cover to offer you convenient clothing rental.
- Get 10% off using our special link: Iceland Cover discount link
- Book rental through their site - no need to contact us
- Have items delivered to your accommodation or pick up in Reykjavík
- Choose from quality jackets, boots, and accessories
Iceland summer packing list
Summer in Iceland might be milder than you expect. This is thanks to the Gulf Stream, a warm air current that blows over the Atlantic Ocean. Daylight hours in May, June, July and August are also long, giving you extra time to explore in the sunshine.
That said, don’t expect high temperatures. And when the sun does go down, you’ll want some extra layers to keep you warm. When packing for Iceland in summer, you might want to bring these few extra items:
- Flip flops
- Sleeping mask (for the midnight sun)
- Sun cap
- Experience some of the world’s longest days on an Iceland summer trip.
Iceland winter packing list
Weather in Iceland in winter can definitely be cold, but with the right gear, you’ll easily stay comfortable. Just like in summer, the Gulf Stream helps keep winter weather conditions mild. You can expect a mix of sunshine, windy days, blustery storms and snowfall.
Closer to the winter solstice, the nights get longer. This makes Iceland a good place to witness the Northern Lights. They’re a natural phenomenon, so it’s not guaranteed you’ll see them, but if you bring a few extra items you’ll be ready to look for them:
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves
- A scarf and neckwarmer
- Wool hat or beanie
- Check out this blog for more tips about visiting Iceland in winter.
Packing for city breaks
If you’ll be spending time exploring the capital city, Reykjavík, or towns like Akureyri, you might want to pack some smart-casual outfits as well as your outdoor gear. That way you can enjoy a nice meal out at one of the many charming restaurants.
- Discover top sights like the Golden Circle with these multi-day tours from Reykjavík.
Forgot something?
If you realise you've forgotten something, there are plenty of stores in Reykjavík where you can pick up essentials. This includes clothing, shoes and boots, swimsuits, accessories and more.
In central Reykjavík, you’ll find familiar chain stores such as H&M and Zara, where you can purchase extra clothing. Flying Tiger is a budget store selling useful accessories like sunglasses, ear plugs, stationery, and more.
One Icelandic apparel store that locals get a lot of outerwear from is 66° North. You’ll find a few in the capital, with friendly store assistants who can advise on the best items to stay warm and dry.
A staple of most Icelanders’ winter wardrobe is the lopapeysa, a traditional sweater. They’re knitted from the wool of Icelandic sheep that have evolved over centuries to stay warm in the subarctic winter. You’ll find them in stores all over the country.
Doing laundry
Self-service laundromats aren’t common in Iceland, but most hotels offer laundry or dry-cleaning services for a small fee. You can call your hotels in advance to check if they offer this.
When in Reykjavík, you’ll find self-service laundry facilities open to the public at KEX Hostel on Skúlugata 28. In Akureyri, you’ll find something similar at Grand Laundry on Freyjunes 4.
Browse Iceland vacation packages to find a trip that suits your travel dates and budget.
FAQs about packing for Iceland
Planning what to bring for an Iceland trip raises a lot of practical questions, especially around clothing and gear. Here are answers to the most common ones.
The essentials are thermal base layers, a mid-layer fleece or wool jumper, a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, and insulated gloves, hat, and scarf. Sturdy waterproof boots are important for walking on snow and ice. Swimwear is also worth packing, as geothermal pools and lagoons are open year-round and particularly enjoyable in cold weather.
The core layers still apply in summer: a waterproof jacket, warm mid-layer, and comfortable walking boots. Temperatures in July average around 12-15°C, so high summer clothing alone is not enough. A sleeping mask is useful if you are sensitive to light, as it stays bright through the night during the midnight sun period from late May to late July.
Hiking boots are strongly recommended regardless of season. Many of Iceland's most visited sites involve uneven ground, wet grass, or lava rock surfaces. Þingvellir, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara all involve some walking on rough terrain, and a waterproof sole makes a significant difference on Iceland's frequently wet trails.
Yes. Iceland Cover offers clothing and equipment rental with delivery to your accommodation or pickup in Reykjavík. This is a practical option if you are travelling light or do not want to pack a heavy winter jacket. Iceland Tours guests can use a discount link for 10% off rentals.
A quick-dry travel towel is worth packing for visits to geothermal pools and lagoons where towels are not included in the entry price. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon both offer towel rental, but smaller hot springs and public pools may not. Including one in your bag avoids the need to rent at each stop.
Reykjavík has a good range of shops where you can pick up clothing and travel essentials if you have forgotten something. For quality outdoor and waterproof gear, 66° North is an Icelandic brand with several stores in the capital, and staff who can advise on the right kit for the conditions. Most hotels can also point you toward the nearest pharmacy or general store for smaller items like sunscreen, lip balm, or earplugs.
