The name Ice-land says a lot about what type of clothing is expected for a vacation in this country. However, a minute in Iceland will show you that the weather can be quite unpredictable, so you need to prepare for all kinds of weather.
One major thing to consider for your Iceland packing list is the season you’ll arrive. Are you visiting during summer to experience the midnight sun or taking a winter trip to catch the northern lights?
In this guide, we have created a checklist of what to pack for Iceland regardless of the season you plan to travel (summer, winter, spring, autumn) plus essential tips.
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Iceland’s weather can change rapidly, even within a single day, so bringing items that will help you adapt to the varying conditions is important. No matter the season you visit, you’ll find that the weather can shift from calm and sunny to icy and stormy in an instant. Even in the height of summer, temperatures can be cool, and rain is common throughout the year.
Activities like hiking, exploring waterfalls, and visiting natural hot springs are popular year-round. Making sure you have the right gear is key, especially in a destination like Iceland, where the weather can be unpredictable. Being prepared will make all the difference and help you fully enjoy your adventure.
These things are essential in your Iceland packing list regardless of the season you plan to get here:
Iceland Packing List for Summer
Summer runs from June to August and is the most popular time to visit Iceland. During this season, you can experience milder temperatures and might even enjoy some sunny days. You can also enjoy some of the best activities the country has to offer, such as riding Icelandic horses, exploring beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, or whale watching.
Summer in Iceland is also when you can witness the midnight sun, meaning you can expect 24 hours of daylight (eye shades will come in handy!).
However, even though it’s summer, it doesn’t get very hot in Iceland; the average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), and it can sometimes feel cooler due to wind chill or rain. So, even if you’re planning a summer trip to Iceland, it’s best to be prepared for all four seasons.
Here are the must-have items to pack for a summer trip to Iceland:
Packing List for Autumn
Autumn runs from September to November, and it’s a beautiful time in Iceland. The trees turn hues of orange, yellow, and red, and by October, the country begins preparing for the winter season. Days start to become shorter, and you can expect cooler temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), with the wind often picking up. Rain is common, and you might even see a bit of snow, especially in the North.
Pack the right clothing to stay warm and dry so you can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors, witness the amazing aurora borealis, and relax in one of the many hot springs.
Here is the list of must-have items if you’re visiting Iceland in autumn:
FULL GUIDE TO VISITING ICELAND DURING AUTUMN
Packing List for Winter
Iceland gets really cold in winter (from the end of November to March), but it’s also worth traveling during this time because it’s the off-season! You’ll get to enjoy amazing natural experiences, such as exploring the Golden Circle, going on glacier and ice cave tours, and witnessing the beautiful Northern Lights!
The average temperature in winter is usually around -3°C to 2°C (27°F to 36°F), but you should definitely brace yourself for strong winds and snow. Experiencing Iceland’s nature during this season also means being ready to face the icy conditions. Imagine being out at night chasing the Northern Lights—it’s incredible, but you need to prepare for extra warmth.
Layering up properly is perhaps the most important thing to stay warm. And a good tip is to bring gloves that you can use with your camera so you don’t have to take them off and risk freezing your hands.
Some things you should add to your Iceland packing list for winter are:
Packing List for Spring
Spring (end of March to May) brings a mix of melting snow, chilly days, and the first signs of warmer weather. Like in all seasons, you can expect rapidly changing conditions, from sunny skies to rainy and windy.
Overall, it’s a beautiful time to visit Iceland, with stunning landscapes and fewer crowds than the summer months. Spring is also a great time to road trip around the country, go on a boat tour to see sea animals like whales and puffins, and explore the blossoming scenery.
Here’s a list of items to pack for Iceland in spring:
What to Pack for Hiking
Hiking is a very popular activity in Iceland, especially during the long summer days. All around Iceland, you will find hiking routes with diverse landscapes and attractions like lava fields, moss-covered slopes, volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Whether you’re hiking along Landmannalaugar or the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula, you will get to discover and experience the natural beauty of Iceland.
If hiking is on your itinerary (and should be!), you should prioritize rain wear and some solid walking boots for rainy days and rugged terrains.
Here are some essentials you should include in your Iceland packing list for hiking:
Other Packing Tips and Advice
Some other tips to keep in mind when packing for an Iceland vacation are:
