By Bridget Castner ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
Fall, Winter, Summer... Whichever season you choose to visit Iceland, there are a few things you should always be sure to bring.
Whether your main goal is to enjoy the lagoons, adventure through Reykjavik, or explore the Golden Circle, it's best to be fully prepared. Read on for our top recommendations on what to pack for Iceland, no matter the season!
Ready to start exploring? Check out our vacations to Iceland with air.
Fall
Fall graces the landscapes of Iceland from August until the end of October. Think waterproof jackets, hiking shoes, and a warm hat or two to help keep you warm (and dry) during any outdoor excursions.
Autumn days tend to be chilly in Iceland, so it's best to take some thermal leggings, waterproof pants, and gloves or mittens. With additional items such as gloves and hats, a backpack would also be a great thing to bring to Iceland to carry those essentials in.
It's important to layer with some t-shirts or long sleeves so you can adjust if there's a dramatic shift in the weather along the way – Iceland tends to be known for those.
Side Tip: No matter the season, you should invest in a universal adapter since Iceland uses European plugs. This is a great investment because you can take it on other trips around the world!
Winter
Winter in Iceland lasts from the end of October until April. During this time temperatures are around 31 °F, and with windy days and quick-changing weather, you want to dress as warmly as possible.
More specifically, an insulated jacket is an ideal item to add to your Iceland winter packing list as it effectively combats Iceland’s chilly winds. Your favorite chapstick brand is also a good thing to pack for Iceland during the winter as the high winds can easily dry out and irritate your lips!
Think lots of layers: Wool socks and sweaters, thermal leggings and underwear, waterproof boots, and a waterproof outer layer. Having windproof outerwear can be very beneficial as well like waterproof gloves, hats, and scarves. If you plan on having a rental car, it's a good idea to pack an ice scraper and snow brush to assist in snow removal.
Side Tip: You may want to invest in ice cleats or stabilizers if you plan on walking around a lot. Even if you have quality winter boots, Iceland is very icy during the winter months, and having this type of shoe can help you get around easier.
Spring
Spring in Iceland blooms from mid-March to mid-June, during which the wildlife awakens and the official whale-watching season begins! Alongside the warm and extended days, April is when the snow starts to melt away and the greenery starts to come to life again.
Be sure to bring along your most reliable antihistamines to manage any potential allergies that may arise from the abundance of pollen produced by the newly blooming plants.
Don't let the spring awakening fool you though; temperatures can still be chilly and there are times when snow, cold weather, and storms are present. Temperatures can be as low as 37 °F and usually don't get any higher than 57 °F.
During this time you'll still want to have waterproof outerwear and layers you can add on or take off as needed.
Summer
Iceland’s summer temperatures can be as low as 41 °F and reach up to 77 °F. If you plan on heading for the waterfalls, make sure you have a rain jacket and waterproof pants ready! Having a backpack can be handy so you can quickly switch your clothes depending on the activity.
During the summer in Iceland, you'll still need a light jacket, and some light long-sleeved shirts are recommended as well. Also don’t forget to bring your favorite bathing suit to Iceland. With the abundance of heated pools and lakes, you’ll inevitably visit a few.
Another essential item to bring when packing for Iceland is a good pair of sunglasses. While the summers aren’t brutally hot, the sun is almost always out creating a massive glare when it bounces off Iceland’s snowy landscape!
Believe it or not, hiking in Iceland is a popular activity that is mostly done in the summertime. This is the only time of the year when visitors can safely hike areas that are normally covered in snow during the colder months such as the Central Highlands.
A few important things to bring to Ireland during this time include a physical map (in case there is a lack of cell service), a compass, energy-based snacks, and reliable hiking boots. Additionally, grabbing your trusted brand of insect repellent wouldn’t hurt – this is also the season where bugs are the most prevalent.
If you plan to spend the night outdoors, then packing the necessary camping gear/equipment would be ideal for your Iceland summer packing list. Some of these items include a sleeping bag, a tent, food/cooking supplies, and toiletries. Be sure to travel with plastic bags to keep your food items sealed – we wouldn’t want you to attract any bears!
Side Tip: Summer marks the best time to see Puffins in Iceland!
Before you start planning your trip to Iceland, here are a few more items you might want to bring no matter the season: A camera, a refillable water bottle, and sunscreen. Temperatures might not be high, but the sun can be very strong!
Now that you know the essentials of what to bring to Iceland, are you ready to start exploring? Check out our vacation packages to Iceland!
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