What to Pack for Iceland by Month and Season

When planning your trip, knowing what to pack for Iceland can make or break your experience. The country’s unique climate and rapidly changing weather—wind, rain, sun, often in a single day—make smart packing essential.

You wouldn’t want to overpack, but forgetting some key items could leave you uncomfortable. This guide covers what you need, what you can leave at home, and a few surprising essentials that could make all the difference. Men’s and women's packing lists for Iceland are practically the same, so you're safe using ours.

You might be surprised to learn that even during the start of summer in Iceland, there is often snow, rain, and strong wind. Eventually, average summer temperatures rise to 10-13 °C (50-55 °F). Each summer month is fairly similar, but there are a few things to know before you go.

When choosing what to pack for Iceland in June, include layers and waterproof covers to be prepared for sudden storms. As the season progresses, the daylight stretches longer, up to 22 hours. So, when considering what to pack for Iceland in July, prioritize sun protection, trail shoes, and breathable garments.

Midsummer is the warmest time of the year and the best time to go to Iceland. As summer winds down, cooler evenings and increased rainfall become more frequent. If you’re unsure what to bring to Iceland in August, pack cozy fleeces, waterproof jackets, and regular hiking boots. Whether you’re on a 7-day trip or a 10-day excursion, understanding what you need to travel to Iceland and dressing appropriately will help you prepare for the country’s unpredictable weather, so pack wisely:

• Several layers of clothing to protect you from fickle weather and keep you dry:
  • Long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts as a breathable base layer.
  • Sweatshirts, fleece, and quick-dry pants or leggings as the middle layer.
  • Waterproof jacket or raincoat and windproof outer shell for the top layer.
• Quality hiking shoes with ankle support for hikes and sightseeing.
• Light sneakers for urban exploration.
• Comfortable sandals to cross rivers and walk around hot springs.
• A smaller backpack for day trips and a bigger one for camping.
• Hat, gloves, and neck buff to guard you against the rain and wind.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for UV protection.
• Swimsuit to relax in Iceland’s famous geothermal pools and natural hot springs.
• Lip balm to keep your lips safe in windy conditions.
• Sleep mask to get quality rest during almost constant daylight.
• Bug spray to repel midges when visiting near lakes or streams.

The local weather in the winter months can be tough, especially if you're used to tropical climates. Average temperatures in winter drop to -2 to 3°C (28-37°F). Expect a mix of snow, icy rain, and biting winds, so focus on protection. A lightweight, insulated shell with proper waterproofing is better than a heavy fur coat, which could restrict movement. When deciding what to pack for Iceland in December, take waterproof outer clothes and thermal items.

If you’re wondering what to bring for Iceland in January, focus on covering exposed skin—warm accessories help against the wind chill. The strategy is very similar when planning what to pack for Iceland in February: layer moisture-wicking base and insulated mid-layers to keep you warm while releasing moisture. With so many activities to do in winter, like glacier hikes, ice cave visits, and Northern Lights hunts, you need to stay mobile and protected against icy conditions.

• Multiple layers to keep you warm during the day and night.
  • Thermal shirt and synthetic underwear as a moisture-wicking base layer.
  • Merino wool fleece and leggings for an insulating middle layer.
  • Fully waterproof parka or jacket and ski pants for the outer layer.
• Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to prevent injuries.
• Wool socks to avoid getting your toes cold.
• Day backpack spacious enough for the bare sightseeing essentials.
• Thick, windproof hat to shield your head and ears from the winter chill.
• Water-resistant, insulated gloves to protect your hands from the cold.
• Cashmere or wool scarf that protects the whole neck.
• Hand warmers to keep your fingers toasty during extreme temperatures.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright snow reflections.
• Thermos for keeping drinks warm throughout the day.
• Bathing suit for experiencing spas and city pools.
• Light microspikes for shoes to walk safely during sightseeing.

Traditionally, Iceland only recognized winter and summer, but with more visitors, spring and autumn are now commonly acknowledged—though they can feel colder than you might expect. Average temperatures in autumn and spring: 32-45°F (0-7°C). When choosing what to pack for Iceland in March, take clothes that can handle getting dirty, as melting snow makes it the muddiest month. As you plan what to pack for Iceland in April, add binoculars for bird migrations and lightweight waterproof layers to stay dry.

When you prepare for what to pack for Iceland in May, focus on light, breathable layers for warmer days and windy hikes. As autumn arrives, what to pack for Iceland in September mirrors winter gear - insulated layers and a thermos for nightly aurora hunts. You’ll need to adjust for low temperatures when considering what to pack for Iceland in October: take layers suited for frost and snowfall. Finally, if you want to plan what to pack for Iceland in November, a heavy winter outfit is crucial to handle storms and blizzards as winter sets in.

• Layers will protect you from the unstable weather during the transitional period:
  • Breathable, moisture-wicking top and leggings for the base layer.
  • Insulated sweater or hoodie provides warmth as the middle layer.
• Waterproof boots that you’re not afraid to get dirty.
• A rainproof backpack that is versatile for day tours.
• Allergy medicine in case of intolerance to pollen, spores and other allergens.
• Sunglasses for shielding against the glare.
• Warm hat, scarf, and gloves to stay warm in changeable temperatures.
•  Swimwear for unwinding in Iceland’s famous hot springs and heated lagoons.

When planning a trip to Iceland for a week or even just a few days, you should pack several layers of clothing - base, middle, and outer, regardless of the season. In summer, the layers should be light and more win-resistant.

Meanwhile, in winter, focus on the insulating and waterproofing qualities of your garments. For spring and fall, the muddiest periods of the year, taking a few clothes items you’re not afraid to get dirty can save a potential headache.

No, jeans should not be worn in Iceland because they soak up moisture fast, whether it's rain, snow, or mist, and once wet, they stay cold and heavy. For summer, go with quick-dry hiking pants. In autumn and spring, water-resistant trekking pants work better since the weather's wetter. For winter, pack insulated, waterproof pants—snow and icy rain can hit hard.

Don't pack cotton or denim clothes for Iceland—they stay damp and cold when wet, making them uncomfortable and impractical. Skip umbrellas, too - the wind makes them useless, so a waterproof jacket with a hood is better.

Avoid bulky winter coats - layering with a windproof, waterproof shell works best for warmth and mobility. Iceland is casual, so you won’t need multiple fancy outfits—focus on practical, moisture-wicking clothes and waterproof hiking boots instead.

First of all, don't wear just one layer in Iceland—layering is key for staying warm and dry. Avoid moisture-retaining clothes like denim pants or jackets, as they stay wet and cold. Skip heels, slippers, or casual sneakers, even in summer, as they’re impractical for the rugged terrain and changing weather.

Yes, you can bring up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of food to Iceland with a maximum value of 25,000 ISK, according to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). Certain items, such as unpasteurized dairy and raw meat, are restricted to protect Iceland's agriculture.

You can bring candy, dried fruits, non-perishable vegetables, canned goods, spices, and processed foods. You can also bring alcoholic beverages that don’t exceed 1.5 gallons in total (6 units or 6 liters).

You cannot bring dairy products, fresh meat, fish, or unsealed cans into the country from outside the European Economic Zone (the US and European Union countries). These restrictions protect local ecology and ensure visitors don’t bring in dangerous pests or parasites.

Carrying around 10,000 ISK (about $70 USD) is enough for emergencies or rare cases where cards aren't accepted in Iceland. The country is mostly cashless, with credit and debit cards widely used, even for small purchases. ATMs are available in major towns and the airport if you need more cash. You should also notify your bank before traveling to ensure your cards work without issues.

Iceland uses the standard Europlug Type C and Type F sockets with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. These plugs have two round prongs, common across most of Europe. If you're traveling from regions like the UK or North America, you'll need a compatible adapter. Ensure your devices support 230V to avoid damage, as some may require a voltage converter.

Yes, people wear bathing suits in Iceland's public pools and hot springs—it's required. Before entering, you’re expected to shower thoroughly without swimwear for hygiene reasons, a standard practice in Icelandic culture. Once you've rinsed, wearing a swimsuit is necessary while enjoying the geothermal waters.

Yes, you may often see people wearing formal and informal clothing when eating dinner in restaurants. However, Icelanders tend to wear casual attire when eating out to stay comfortable in local weather conditions.

A dry bag isn't essential for Iceland but can be very useful. With the unpredictable weather, it helps keep valuables like phones, cameras, and extra clothes dry, especially during boat tours, hikes near waterfalls, or glacier trips. If you're exploring Iceland's outdoors, it's a smart addition to avoid water damage.

You can fill your water bottle from cold taps, public fountains, and even meltwater during glacier hikes, as guides often offer refills due to its purity. Iceland’s tap water comes from natural springs and glaciers, making it exceptionally clean and safe to drink.

Most cafes and restaurants will also provide tap water if requested. Stick to cold water sources, as hot taps may have a sulfur smell from geothermal heating.

As a keepsake of your vacation, you can bring traditional gifts from Iceland, such as puffin souvenirs, a drink called Brennivín, or licorice candes. Other most popular hand-crafted or locally manufactured Icelandic souvenirs include Viking beer, knitted scarves, socks, or wool Lopapeysa sweaters.