So you’ve booked your flight and planned your trip. Now for the really tricky part, what to pack for your dream holiday. This is a surprisingly difficult task, thanks to Iceland’s four seasons in one day style of weather. In fact, you’re just as likely to get warm, calm and sunny days as you are wet and windy, regardless of the time of year. This makes packing a little difficult. So we’ve created the ultimate packing list that works well all year round, with only minor variations.
If you’re here for a week you’ll likely experience all weather types that Iceland has to offer. The good, the bad and the windy!
Summary of the Top 10 Things to Pack For Iceland
Keep scrolling down to learn about seasonal changes and more details on clothing types and suggested purchases.
Must haves:
1. Hats, gloves and buff (yes, even in summer)
2. Multiple layers with a good base layer (avoid cotton as a base layer)
3. Waterproof jacket and pants (something light to go over your clothes)
4. Small back pack (for water, snacks and shedding layers)
5. Reusable water bottle and / or thermos (we hate single use plastic!)
6. Sunscreen, sunglass, lip balm and moisturiser (yes, even in winter)
7. Credit Cards & European Plug Adapter (Visa and MasterCard are accepted everywhere)
8. Camera and Tripod (or a really good phone)
9. Waterproof hiking boots and comfy socks (dry feet = happy traveler)
10. International SIM or roaming phone (always check your roaming fees)
Nice to haves:
– Sleeping mask (especially in the 24 hour sunlight in summer)
– Map of Iceland (everything is digital now but you don’t need to be)
– Micro-spikes (when not on tour with us in autumn and winter)
– Binoculars (wild life is plentiful year round but sometimes shy)
– Basic First Aid Kit and medication
– Slippers / flip flops / quick dry towel (for the outdoor hot pools)
– Formal wear (for the fancy dinners)
– Shorts and t-shirt (it does get warm in summer sometimes)
Don’t worry about:
One thing you don’t have to worry about bringing is any technical equipment such as helmets, harness, crampons or any other safety equipment required for glacier hikes or other wilderness tours. We even provide micro spikes for walking around during autumn and winter while on tour. Warm overalls are also provided by our partners if doing activities such as ATV or snowmobiling tours.
What is the weather really like in Iceland?
Thanks in part to the gulf stream, Iceland is a lot warmer than you might think for a small island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean skirting the Arctic Circle. The warm waters that flow up from the Equator flow around Iceland all year round, allowing the winters to be unseasonably warm (compared to places of the same latitude) and for the summers to be surprising mild, despite up to 24 hours of daylight.
LUGGAGE TIP: Aim for one full sized suitcase and one small day pack. We have lots of space in our vehicles but there’s always a limit.
Is winter really that warm?
In winter, on the coldest and darkest days of the year, the average temperature is around 0-1 degrees Celsius (32-34 Fahrenheit) though it can fluctuate quite wildly above and below that number. That means lots of layers on some days and practically t-shirts on others. Believe it or not, this is quite a similar temperature to New York City, thanks to the gulf stream keeping us warm.
Is summer really that cold?
In summer, on the warmest and sunniest days of the year the average temperature is around 13-15 degrees Celsius (55 – 60 Fahrenheit). Just like winter, it can swing quite wildly above and below this number. We’ve experienced days as high as 25 Celsius (80 F) and days as low as 7 Celsius (45 F) in the middle of summer. Assume evenings will be chilly regardless of the day temperature.
TERMINOLOGY: For the purposes of the Top 10 Things to Pack for Iceland, consider summer to be from early May until the start of September and the remaining months in the winter camp.
What about the wind and the rain?
You’ve probably heard the old adage, “if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.”
Regardless of the temperature and time of year, Iceland can get a little wet and windy at times. Don’t worry though, we also get lots of sun and calm days too. I promise! Thankfully, it’s rare to get long spells of bad weather at any time of year.
With that said, the stronger storms tend to confine themselves to winter, though summer is by no means immune. This is why we’ve added waterproofs and multiple layers to the Top 10 Things to Pack for Iceland. It is also the reason we only recommend self-driving from mid-April to mid-October. Any further into winter and an inexperienced driver might struggle with the conditions.
Is there a big difference between winter and summer packing?
Of course there are variations in what you should bring but the reality is that what’s good for summer is often good for winter. It tends to mostly come down to the sheer number of layers that you might wear in summer or winter (or spring and autumn for that matter).
Before you read on, just remember the Top 10 Things to Pack for Iceland is an evergreen list, so if you want a little more detail for specific clothing items then check out our winter packing list here. Or summer packing here. Either way, the below list will serve you well regardless of when you are travelling.
What about spring and autumn (fall)?
I’ll be using the term ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ throughout our Top 10 Things to Pack for Iceland, with little mention of spring and autumn. This is mainly to keep the word count down and to reduce unnecessary explanations. The reality is, spring and autumn should really be regarded as winter when it comes to packing. Of course, it’s not usually as cold in April or October as it is in January or February but trust me when I say, it can definitely feel like winter on some days. For the purposes of this list, consider ‘summer’ from early May until the start of September and the remaining months in the ‘winter’ camp.
FUN FACT: The Viking Calendar divided its year into 2 equal parts, summer and winter. These days, all four seasons are recognised.
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