Dress like an onion: thin, smart layers you can peel on and off. Prioritize windproof and waterproof outerwear, warm mid‑layers, and dry feet. With the right kit, Iceland is comfortable in every season—so you can focus on the waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and sky shows that brought you here.
May 25, 2022
Iceland’s weather changes fast: wind, rain, sun, even sleet can take turns in a single hour. The secret is smart layers that you can add or remove. This guide gives you simple, practical outfits and packing lists for every season and all the classic activities (waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, city evenings, northern lights).
Weather vibe: Cool, windy, changeable; lingering snow/ice in the north and Highlands.Wear:
Weather vibe: Mild but breezy, 8–15 °C (can be colder/wetter). Midnight sun = long days.Wear:
Weather vibe: Cooler, more rain, first frosts; northern lights season begins.Wear:
Weather vibe: Cold + windchill, snow/ice, short days.Wear:
Waterfalls & Black‑Sand Beaches: Spray + wind = wet & cold. Wear shell jacket and waterproof pants even in summer; bring spare socks; secure hats (gusts are strong). Keep distance from waves.
Hot Springs & Blue Lagoon: Swimsuit, small quick‑dry towel (or rent), flip‑flops/sandals, hair tie and conditioner (silica can dry hair), remove jewelry. In winter, bring beanie/robe for the walk between pools.
Whale Watching / Puffin Boats: It’s colder at sea. Add an extra fleece/puffy under your shell; beanie + warm gloves; consider seasickness bands/meds.
Glacier Hike / Ice Cave Tour (guided): Tour provides crampons/helmet/harness. You bring: warm base layers, fleece + puffy, waterproof shell + pants, sturdy ankle‑support boots (no sneakers), warm hat & gloves. Avoid jeans.
Highlands / F‑Roads (summer): Sun + wind + dust. Buff for dust, lightweight long sleeves and pants for sun & bugs, shell for surprise squalls; gaiters if hiking across wet ground.
City Day & Dinner: Smart‑casual layers. Dark jeans or chinos, knit sweater, waterproof parka, leather boots or clean sneakers. Many restaurants are informal; comfort first.
Northern Lights Nights (standing still): Extra insulation: base + fleece + heavy puffy under a shell, warm hat, Buff, thick gloves with thin liners (you can operate a camera), insulated boots, hand/foot warmers.
Summer carry‑on idea: shell jacket • light puffy • light fleece • 2 base tops • 2 quick‑dry tees • hiking pants • waterproof over‑trousers • 3 wool socks • underwear • hiking shoes • beanie/cap • Buff • liner + shell gloves • swimsuit + sandals • sleep mask • small first‑aid • daypack.
Winter week: heavy puffy/parka • waterproof shell (or insulated shell) • 2 warm base tops + 2 base bottoms • thick fleece • waterproof pants • insulated boots • 4 wool socks • hat • Buff/balaclava • liner + insulated gloves • microspikes • hand/foot warmers • swimsuit (hot pools!) • headlamp • thermos.
Photographer kit add‑ons: thin glove liners + mitt shells • microfiber cloths • rain cover for camera • extra batteries (keep in inner pocket) • small groundsheet for kneeling on snow.
Family with kids: extra mittens, backup socks and base layers, snacks and hot drink, simple rain suit or bibs, bright hat/vest so kids are visible in wind and spray.
If you don’t own winter gear, several outfitters in Reykjavík and major hubs rent jackets, pants, boots, and even spikes. Renting is smart for short trips—just bring your own base layers and socks.
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