Winter Packing List for Iceland

Winter in Iceland is the perfect time to chase the Northern Lights, visit blue ice caves, take a dip in glorious geothermal spas or go snowmobiling and hiking across spectacular snow-capped glaciers.Winter Packing List for Iceland

Iceland’s weather is just as dramatic as its landscapes. To stay safe, warm, and dry, you need to be ready for all conditions.

Positioned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, where mighty currents collide and fierce winds blow across the sea, you might experience “four seasons in one day” or enjoy a perfect blue sky day without a breath of wind. You never can tell!

Iceland has a much milder climate than its name might suggest. Even though it’s much further north, the average winter temperatures in Reykjavík are often close to those in New York or Berlin.

That’s because the Gulf Stream brings warm water from the south, which helps moderate the colder polar winds from the Arctic Ocean. 

That meteorological mix creates a very unpredictable climate in Iceland. Temperatures, wind, cloud cover, and visibility can all change in minutes!

Icelanders have a couple of sayings about the weather - once you’ve read them, that’ll help you understand how to prepare for your time in the Land of Fire and Ice.

• There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!
• If you don’t like the weather, then just wait five minutes!

That means it’s important to make sure you’ve packed the right clothes for your visit and have flexible options ready if the weather changes during the day when you’re exploring.

The Old Icelandic calendar only had two seasons - winter and summer - each lasting six months. 

Even now, spring and autumn aren’t as well-defined seasons in Iceland as in other countries. 

Wintry conditions can last well into May, summer storms can sweep the country at short notice, and cold snaps can come as early as September. 

Here’s our handy guide to preparing for all eventualities!

Packing for a winter trip to Iceland 

You must be prepared for colder temperatures, icy surfaces, changeable conditions, and a higher probability of strong winds, snow, and freezing rain.

Because Iceland’s weather is so changeable and unpredictable, you’ll need lots of layers that are easy to take off and put back on when needed.

Base Layers 

Start your packing with the base layers, which need to be warm and draw moisture away from your body. 

Choose merino wool, polyester, or other moisture-wicking fabrics for your underwear. 

Pack at least a couple of sets of thermal tops and bottoms just in case you need to allow any wet items to dry out from one day to the next. 

Long-sleeved shirts, leggings, or long johns are an ideal base layer for outdoor exploring in Iceland.

Don’t pack cotton underwear. This material absorbs moisture from your body and can make you feel cold and uncomfortable if it gets damp.

Insulating Mid-Layers 

For the mid-layers, pack lightweight fleeces, padded shirts, or down-filled or synthetic insulated jackets to preserve your body heat.

These mid-layers should be able to fit comfortably under your outer shell, so check how well these combine before you leave for Iceland.

Outer Shell Layer 

Your outer shell layer must be fully waterproof and windproof. 

When the wind blows in Iceland, it can significantly affect how the air temperatures feel, making a big difference to your day when you’re out and about.

To give you an idea, Icelanders have over a hundred words for wind (vindur), from andvari (breath of wind) and gola (breeze) to rok (gale) and bylur (storms).

Choose jackets and trousers made of Gore-Tex or similar breathable materials that adequately protect you from strong winds. 

Test them out at home to see how well they perform in a storm. Don’t think a water-resistant coat is just as good as a waterproof one - it isn’t!

Ski pants or salopettes are also good choices. Avoid jeans—if you get wet wearing them, it’ll be a long time before they dry out! Keep those for your nights out in the city.

One of each is enough. Choosing colorful jackets can help you stand out from the landscapes in your photos! Make sure the coat has a sturdy hood.

Sweaters and Jumpers

Iceland is the home of the famous woolen sweater, the lopapeysa, which has unique qualities to keep you warm while you’re outdoors.

If you haven’t already got a comfortable woolen jumper, this might be the ideal time to get one so you can blend in with the locals! 

Bring a couple of chunky warm sweaters or fleece-lined tops, but leave some space in your suitcase if you spot the perfect lopapeysa on your travels around Iceland.

Woolen Hat / Beanie

You can lose a lot of body warmth through your head, so pack a couple of woolen hats or beanies to keep your head warm. 

Don’t pack anything with a brim, like baseball caps or travel hats. If the Icelandic wind catches these, you might never see it again!

Pick close-fitting caps, bobble hats, or beanies instead.

Gloves

Bring thick, waterproof gloves, preferably with an insulated lining to keep your fingers warm.

Pack thinner liner gloves made of silk or a moisture-wicking material to wear underneath for extra comfort.

You should have a couple of pairs of each to save yourself from any emergency purchases on the road if you lose one!

Ideally, your gloves should be touchscreen-compatible so you can use your phone or tablet without taking them off.

Scarf / Neck Gaiter

It’s best to protect your exposed skin, including your neck, from Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Scarves are one solution for keeping your neck warm, but the wind can easily blow them away, so Icelanders prefer buffs (neck gaiters) instead.

These multipurpose fleece or woolen tubes can be positioned in multiple ways (balaclava, headband, bandana, etc), covering your neck, face, and head as you wish.

Socks

Keeping your feet warm and dry is vital when you’re on the move in Iceland.

As with your base layers, pick merino wool or breathable synthetic materials and avoid cotton. Bring 3-5 pairs for a week’s worth of exploring.

Waterproof Boots

Iceland in the winter means icy conditions are almost guaranteed, so it’s essential to pack the proper footwear. 

Walking trails are well-marked and well-maintained in Iceland but can quickly become muddy and slippery.

Your packing list should include waterproof hiking boots with thick soles, good grip, and ankle support. Trainers are not practical in Iceland—fashion is irrelevant!  

Try to avoid bringing brand-new boots - break them in first before arriving in Iceland. 

Crampons or Cleats

For extra grip, you can strap crampons like Yaktrax or cleats onto your boots, which will help you reduce the risk of slipping on ice or snow. 

Sunglasses

In the winter months, the Sun hangs low in the Icelandic sky and reflects off the snow and ice, so it’s a good idea to bring sunglasses to beat the glare.

Swimsuit

Iceland is famous for its glorious geothermal hot pools and spectacular spas, and relaxing in one of these is the perfect way to soothe your body and soul after an action-packed day of exploring.

So, remember to pack a swimsuit to experience Iceland’s unique bathing culture for yourself!

Quick-Dry Towel (Microfiber)

If you are going swimming, pack a compact, quick-drying microfiber towel, just in case towels aren’t available where you’re taking a dip.

Reusable Water Bottle

Iceland’s tap water is among the tastiest and purest in the world, so you won’t need to buy bottled water on the road. 

Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up whenever you take a break. Collapsible water bottles are best.

Waterproof Rucksack

A small waterproof rucksack or day pack is ideal for keeping all your essentials protected from the weather, safe, dry, and in one place.

Travel Pillow / Blanket

Our coaches are air-conditioned and very comfortable, but you might like to bring a travel pillow or a small blanket for a little extra luxury on the transfer journeys to and from the capital.

Camera and Accessories

Iceland’s winter landscapes are breathtaking, and you’ll want to take as many pictures as possible.

If you have a digital SLR or mirrorless camera, Iceland will reward you with endless opportunities for incredible images, night and day.

The latest generation of phone cameras are highly effective at capturing the Northern Lights, sometimes seeing more of the Aurora Borealis than the naked eye. 

Flexible mini-tripods will help with aurora photography. Bring extra batteries (these can drain quickly in the cold) and additional memory cards.

Power Bank

Our coaches have USB ports for charging your phone or tablet while we’re on the move. 

However, it’s a good idea to pack a power bank to provide extra charge for your devices and prevent battery drain.  

Plug Adapter

Iceland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. If you’re visiting Iceland from overseas, you’ll need a power converter or adapter.

If you don’t have one, you can buy these at Keflavík when you arrive or at bookstores and shops around Iceland.

Icelandic power points use Type C and Type F plugs, also known as Europlug sockets with two round prongs. 

Type F plugs have two earth clips on the side, while Type C plugs do not. 

Moisturizer and Lip Balm

Winter temperatures and cold winds will dry out your skin and cause chapped lips, so it’s a good idea to pack moisturizer and lip balm for your face and hands.

Sunscreen

You might not think of Iceland as a place to get a suntan, but sunburn can be a risk when the winter sunshine reflects off all that snow and ice.

Pack sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher for skin protection.

Don’t forget the basics, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, and deodorant. 

A small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medications you might need is always handy.

But don’t worry - you can find all these items in shops all around the country. 

Passport and Travel Documents

Before you travel, make sure your passport is up to date and has a validity period of at least six months from the end date of your visit to Iceland.

Some visitors may need a visa, so checking your requirements before booking is best. 

Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and bring the documents with you when you’re out and about in Iceland.

Don’t pack an umbrella—it’ll be useless in Iceland! Instead, make sure your outer jacket has a waterproof hood.

Whatever you pack at first, you could probably reduce it by a third or a quarter. 

And you’ll want to leave some space in your case for some splendid souvenirs of your time in Iceland, too! 

Final Thoughts

Winter in Iceland is a magical time to visit the Land of Fire and Ice, so long as you are prepared for changeable conditions and cold weather.

Layering is the best strategy, and practicality is more important than fashion.

When you’re chasing the Northern Lights or exploring glaciers and volcanoes, that will make all the difference to an enjoyable day of exploring.

Focus on the 3 Ws - warmth, waterproofing, and windproofing.

With the 3Ws in your suitcase, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in Iceland’s winter wonderland in comfort!