Packing for Iceland

Packing for Iceland is a challenge for two reasons. The weather changes fast, often several times a day, and you're probably packing for two different trips at once: muddy days on glaciers and in lava caves, and evenings out in Reykjavik, where people do make an effort on a Friday night. Tour companies hand out some gear (crampons, helmets, drysuits for Silfra), but not all of them do, so always check what's included before you go.

The short version: pack layers, pack wool, pack something waterproof, and pack a swimsuit whatever the month.

The layering system

Iceland rarely gets very cold by northern standards. Reykjavik's average January low is about -2°C and the average July high is about 15°C (see our weather page). What gets you is wind and rain together. The fix is three layers you can add and remove all day.

• Base layer: thermal top and long johns, merino or synthetic. Essential from October to April, and useful on summer glacier walks too.
• Mid layer: a fleece or a wool sweater. Plan on one sweater for every two or three days. A lopapeysa bought in Reykjavik counts, and it's the most useful souvenir you'll ever buy.
• Outer layer: a waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood, all year. Add a pair of waterproof, breathable over-trousers that you won't mind getting filthy crawling through a cave or standing in spray at Seljalandsfoss.

The packing list

Clothes

• One pair of heavy wool socks for every excursion you plan (winter and summer), plus a pair for each other day in winter
• Long- and short-sleeved T-shirts to layer under sweaters
• One or two pairs of jeans or casual trousers, plus something nicer for going out
• For a night out: a dress, skirt or smart shirt, with dressy boots in winter or comfortable flats in summer. Heels and Reykjavik's hills and icy pavements don't mix.
• Hat, gloves and a scarf or neck gaiter (winter, spring and fall; in summer, bring them anyway for boat trips)

Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots, broken in before the trip
• Comfortable shoes for the city
• In winter, slip-on ice cleats for your boots. Reykjavik's pavements get glassy, and so do the paths at Gullfoss and Geysir.

For the pools and lagoons

• A swimsuit, all year. The city pools are where Icelanders socialize, and you'll want to try the hot pots.
• A quick-dry towel. You can rent one, but it adds up: Earth Lagoon Mývatn charges 1,100 ISK for swimsuit rental and 1,200 ISK for a towel (as of 2026).
• Know the rule before you go: everyone showers without a swimsuit before getting in the pool. It's not optional, and the pool staff will tell you.

Everything else

• Sunglasses, all year. Low winter sun off snow is blinding, and so is the summer glare on a glacier.
• An eye mask in summer, when Reykjavik has daylight for around 21 hours in June. Not every guesthouse has blackout curtains.
• A reusable water bottle. The tap water is excellent, and bottled water is a waste of money.
• A plug adapter. Iceland uses the European two-round-pin plug (types C and F) and European voltage.
• A small daypack with a dry bag or rain cover
• An umbrella is less useful than you'd think. The wind turns it inside out, and a good hood does the job better.

Packing by season

Winter asks for more of everything: thermals every day, a warmer insulated jacket, and ice cleats. Summer is lighter, but it isn't warm: pack a fleece and a hat even in July, and read our midnight sun page before you plan on sleeping well. For month-by-month detail, see our seasonal guides:

• What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
• What to Wear in Iceland in Spring
• What to Wear in Iceland in Summer
• What to Wear in Iceland in Fall
• What to Wear in Reykjavik

What not to pack

Skip the cotton hoodie as your warm layer. Once it's wet, it stays wet. Leave the big umbrella at home. And don't overpack out of fear of prices: Reykjavik has outdoor shops, including Icelandic brand 66°North, if you forget something, though you'll pay for it.

If you're driving the highlands or hiking in the backcountry, add the gear that goes with it (a map, a charged phone and power bank, and a travel plan filed with Safetravel). Save Iceland's emergency number, 112, plus the backup line 599-0112, which Safetravel lists for when a call to 112 won't connect after the 2G and 3G network shutdown.

FAQ

Do I need a swimsuit in winter?

Yes. Geothermal pools stay hot all year, and soaking outdoors while it snows is one of the best things to do in an Icelandic winter.

Can I wear jeans in Iceland?

In Reykjavik, sure. On a hike or a glacier walk, no: wet denim is cold and heavy, so wear quick-drying trousers with waterproof over-trousers.

Photo by ndanger