Ultimate Iceland Packing List: What to Pack for Every Season & Adventure
This Iceland packing list breaks down what you’ll need for both summer and winter, helping you stay warm, dry, and adventure-ready no matter the season. Iceland’s weather is extremely unpredictable, so making sure you’re prepared will be a huge key in how enjoyable your trip is.
Links are provided to a lot of the products I use, feel free to check them out. I wouldn’t recommend anything I didn’t truly believe in.
Iceland Packing List Overview
Before diving into seasonal essentials, there are a few universal items you’ll want to pack no matter when you go:
- Reusable water bottle – Iceland has some of the purest tap water in the world! There are even some streams that you can dip your bottle in directly and drink straight from the stream or water fall!
- Swimsuit – Yes, even in winter. You’ll want one for hot springs and geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon.
- Quick-dry towel – Great for impromptu swims or rain showers.
- Travel adapter – Iceland uses the standard European plug (Type F). Make sure you have this!
- Portable Charger – You’re going to be on the go a lot out in nature, make sure you have a full charged portable charger to keep your phone charged throughout the entire day. Great one here for super cheap!
- Moisturizer & lip balm – The cold, dry air can be harsh on skin. Don’t have your trip ruined from chapped lips
Summer in Iceland offers long days, wild landscapes, and generally milder weather. That said, you’ll still want to dress somewhat warm as the mornings and nights can be cool
Summer Iceland Packing List (May – September)
- Light waterproof jacket – Windproof and breathable is ideal. Iceland is known for strong winds since majority of the country is baron landscape
- Comfortable hiking pants or leggings – Quick-dry material is best. Baleaf is a great brand for men and women. Lightweight, water and sweat resistant and affordable. Check them out with the link here.
- Water-resistant hiking shoes – The terrain is usually rocky and wet most of the time, having good hiking shoes is a huge game changer
- Hat & sunglasses – Midnight sun = bright skies nearly 24/7.
- Swimsuit – For secluded hot springs, as well as the Blue Lagoon, although you can rent bathing suits there as well.
Iceland’s weather changes fast so make sure you check the forecast and you’re prepared for whatever they throw at you.
Winter Iceland Packing List (October – April)
If you’re visiting Iceland in the winter, prepare for icy roads, snow-covered landscapes, and seriously cold winds. Proper gear is essential, especially if you plan to see the Northern Lights or go glacier hiking.
We visited in October and I thought that was the perfect time, we got the Iceland experience, the snow, the cold and it was awesome. Here’s what we packed:
Winter Clothing Essentials:
- Insulated warm winter coat – My Carhartt coat was my best friend on this trip. Kept me super warm and dry. Check out the link to the best brand in my opinion here
- Waterproof hiking boots – Look for high-ankle boots with insulation and strong grip. Make sure they’re waterproof as you’ll be trudging through snow and puddles and mud etc.
- Thermal base layers – Make sure you dress in layers, a few insulated long sleeve tees, sweatshirt over them and then the coat.
- Waterproof / Thermal gloves – Nothing worse than wet and cold hands, make sure you get a good pair of gloves, you won’t regret it.
- Warm hat – A beanie or wool hat is essential.
- Neck gaiter or scarf – Protect your face and neck from windburn.
- Fleece-lined or insulated pants – If you visit in October or November, you most likely won’t need snow pants, but in the winter months like December – February then definitely. I brought a few pairs of sweatpants and that was totally fine. But good hiking pants also won’t hurt.
- Wool or thermal socks – Pack several pairs, and bring backups. nothing worse than having wet socks and your feet get cold. Definitely make sure you pack extra socks. The best socks to get here
Accessories to Pack for Winter:
- Hand warmers – link here for hand warmers
- Moisturizer & lip balm – Trust us, the cold is dry and biting.
- Good sturdy backpack – My cotopaxi is my best friend when traveling, however there are tons of great affordable back packs as well. Check out the link here for a discount!
Packing smart for your Iceland Adventure
With this Iceland Packing List, you’ll be ready to go and brave whatever conditions you may face. Feel free to print this out and use it. Check ahead of time the weather but especially if you’re going in the winter, dressing warm is the key the having fun. Iceland is best experienced in the winter, don’t go unprepared.
Check out our other Iceland articles!
The Best Way to Book Your Iceland Trip while Saving Time and Money