Packing list for Iceland – what to bring?

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What to pack for a trip to Iceland? Icelandic weather is known for its ability to change quickly, and it's not always the temperature that's the biggest challenge. With wind, rain, and rapid weather changes, the right clothes can make a big difference.

I have a special relationship with Iceland myself. The first time I came here, I lived for a whole year in Vestmannaeyjar as an exchange student and attended Icelandic high school. Since then, I have returned many times, during different seasons and on different types of trips. And if there is one thing I have learned, it is this: Pack layers – and never underestimate the Icelandic wind.

The weather in Iceland can change quickly

Iceland is located far north, but the climate is milder than you might imagine. The ocean and the North Atlantic Current play a major role in the climate, and along the coasts, winters are relatively mild. At the same time, different air masses meet over the country, which contributes to rapid weather changes, wind and precipitation.

This means that the weather can change several times in the same day. Sunshine can be followed by rain and strong winds – and when the sun comes back a little later it feels like a completely different weather. That's why it's better to think in layers than trying to find one perfect jacket for Iceland.

Layers upon layers are best in Iceland

A good way to dress is with three layers:

• Closest to the body: underwear or other clothing that wicks away moisture.
• Midlayer: fleece, wool sweater or other warm sweater.
• Outer layer: Wind and waterproof jacket, preferably with rain or shell pants.

This makes it easy to take off and put on layers when the weather changes or when you switch between hiking, driving and other activities.

A wind and waterproof jacket is almost a must

If I could only choose one really important piece of clothing for Iceland, it would be a good shell jacket.

Rain in Iceland doesn't have to come from above. When it's windy, it can come from the side – and then an umbrella isn't very useful. A jacket that can withstand both wind and rain is much better.

Rain pants or waterproof shell pants are also valuable, especially if you are going to be out in nature a lot.

Good shoes make a big difference

You don't need hiking boots to go to a restaurant in Reykjavík, but if you're going to discover Iceland's nature, a pair of sturdy and preferably waterproof shoes is a very good investment.

At waterfalls, the ground can be wet and slippery, on hiking trails it can be muddy and in volcanic areas the surface is often uneven.

Feel free to bring two pairs of shoes if you have room. It's not much fun starting the next day's excursion in yesterday's soaked shoes.

Hat and mittens are useful even outside of winter

This is one of those things that's easy to forget when packing for a summer trip. But a thin hat, a pair of gloves and maybe a buff take up almost no space in your bag – and can feel very comfortable when the wind blows in from the North Atlantic.

Above all, I wouldn't let the temperature in the weather forecast decide whether they should go with you. Ten degrees and wind can feel significantly colder than ten degrees on a calm day.

What to pack for Iceland in the summer?

Summer is mild rather than hot and even then you need to be prepared for variable weather. For a typical summer trip I would pack approximately:

• Shell jacket
• Rain or shell pants
• Warm sweater or fleece
• Trousers
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Water-resistant hiking shoes
• Comfortable shoes for the city
• Cap
• Thin gloves
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses

And yes – short sleeves can definitely come in handy. Sometimes Iceland surprises with really nice weather.

What to pack for Iceland in winter?

In winter, more warmth is needed, but the principle remains the same: layers and good protection from the elements. Pack warm base layers, insulating mid layers, winter jacket or warm layer under your shell jacket, warm water-resistant shoes, a hat and proper gloves.

If you are going to photograph the northern lights, it is also good to keep in mind that you may be standing outdoors for quite a long time. This will require more heat than during a normal walk.

Don't forget your swimwear

Swimwear is one of those things I always would pack a bag for Iceland – regardless of the season.

Bathing in warm geothermal water while the air is cool is one of the great Icelandic experiences. This applies not only to famous spas like the Blue Lagoon but also to municipal swimming pools, smaller geothermal pools and various hot springs. For natural baths, a quick-drying towel can be handy. At larger spas, towels are usually available for rent or included depending on the ticket.

Feel free to pack for city life too

Iceland isn't just about waterfalls, volcanoes and hiking. Especially if you're going to Reykjavík, it can be nice to have something that works for restaurant visits and nightlife.

You don't need to dress up to the extreme, but Icelanders can be considerably more dressed up in restaurants and bars than you might expect after seeing all the fleece jackets and hiking boots during the day. A pair of casual shoes and a few pieces that work for both day and night will go a long way.

What don't you need to pack?

The umbrella can stay at home. Of course, there may be days when it works perfectly, but when the Icelandic weather really shows what it's capable of, a good rain jacket is much more useful.

And don't pack your entire wardrobe. With a few well-thought-out garments that can be combined in layers, you can handle a wide range of weather conditions.

My most important lesson after many trips to Iceland

Having both lived in Iceland and returned many times, I would say that the most common mistake is to blindly stare at the temperature. Iceland doesn't have to be particularly cold. But it may feel cold.

A day with 8–10 degrees, rain and strong wind is something completely different from the same temperature on a calm autumn day back home in Sweden. At the same time, the sun can suddenly peek out and make you want to take off two layers. So my best packing tip is simple: good outerwear, good shoes and several thin layers. Then you will be ready when Iceland does what Iceland does best – changes.

Tips on places to visit in Iceland

There are many beautiful places to see and experience during a trip to Iceland. Here you will find tips and reports:

• Things to do in Reykjavik
• Gullfoss
• Strokkur and Geysir
• Þingvellir National Park