What to wear in Iceland | Intrepid Travel

What you need to pack to wear in Iceland, and how warm your clothing needs to be, will vary depending on what time of the year you're travelling. It’s all in the name – Iceland can get quite icy, especially in the dark winter months, so packing according to the season is a must.

In the popular summer months, Iceland experiences cool but mild weather throughout the country, with maximum temperatures averaging around 13°C (55°F). It’s still important, however, to pack some warm clothing at this time, as temperatures at night can drop quite dramatically.

In winter, some days barely reach over 0°C (32°F), so preparing for this is crucial. It can be wet and windy, and roads may be iced over, so thermal gear, a waterproof jacket and pants and sturdy walking boots are all highly recommended.

As well as your clothes, passport, toiletries and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some suggestions of items that will be useful to take to Iceland.

Packing list for Iceland

Thermals, base layers and thermal underwear
Waterproof and windproof rain gear, including a hooded jacket and waterproof trousers
Gloves or mittens
Sturdy shoes, such as waterproof walking boots with good grip
A small backpack or satchel for use as a daypack
Headwear (like a beanie) and sunglasses
Swim shorts or a bathing suit and a towel (if you wish to visit the thermal baths)
A reusable water bottle

You may also want to consider renting gear upon arrival in Reykjavik. If the streets are iced over, we recommend you purchase ice crampons, which are available in supermarkets in the centre of Reykjavik.

See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Iceland.

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