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Iceland Summer Clothing Guide

Clothing Guide for Visiting Iceland in Summer

🌤 Overview: What to Expect

  • Average temperatures: 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 15°C)

  • Weather: Variable — can switch between sunshine, wind, rain, and chilly fog within hours

  • Daylight: Up to 20+ hours of daylight, especially in June

  • Activities: Hiking, hot springs, boat tours, city exploration, glacier walks

🧥 Essential Outerwear

  • Waterproof Rain Jacket (with hood): Icelandic summer often brings light or sudden rain. Breathable and windproof is ideal.

  • Packable Down Jacket or Insulated Layer: For colder days or evenings, especially in rural areas or higher elevations.

  • Windbreaker: If you have a separate light windbreaker, it's great for layering on hikes or coastal areas.

👚 Base Layers & Tops

  • Moisture-wicking base layers: Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve tops are great for layering.

  • T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts: Bring a mix of both for layering depending on the temperature.

  • Fleece or Wool Sweater: Warmth without bulk; perfect under your rain jacket.

👖 Bottoms

  • Hiking Pants or Quick-dry Trousers: Avoid jeans — they get cold and stay wet if it rains.

  • Leggings or Thermal Tights: Great for layering under pants or for comfort during drives or casual strolls.

  • Waterproof Overpants (optional): Especially useful for serious hikes or glacier walks.

🧦👟 Footwear

  • Waterproof Hiking Boots: Essential for terrain and weather. Break them in before your trip.

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: For Reykjavik, museums, or less rugged days.

  • Wool or Thermal Socks: Keeps feet dry and warm even when wet.

🧢🧤🕶 Accessories

  • Beanie or Warm Hat: Wind and cold can hit even in July.

  • Gloves: Thin, insulated ones — especially for glacier hikes or early mornings.

  • Buff/Neck Gaiter: Versatile for warmth and wind protection.

  • Sun Hat / Cap: For sun protection during hikes.

  • Sunglasses: For glare off water or snowfields.

  • Swimsuit: For hot springs, pools, or lagoons.

  • Flip-flops or Sliders: For hot springs or shared showers at campsites.

🎒 Other Tips

  • Dress in Layers: The key to staying comfortable is layering. Icelandic weather is unpredictable — you’ll often add/remove layers throughout the day.

  • Daypack: Bring a small waterproof or water-resistant backpack for daily excursions, snacks, water, and spare layers.

  • Dry Bags or Ziplocs: Keep electronics, documents, and clothes dry in your bag during rain or hikes.

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Iceland Winter Clothing Guide

❄️ Overview: What to Expect

  • Average temperatures: 20°F to 35°F (-6°C to 2°C) — it often feels colder with wind chill

  • Weather: Snow, sleet, rain, high winds, ice, and occasional clear skies

  • Daylight: Limited — as little as 4–6 hours in December/January

  • Activities: Northern Lights chasing, glacier tours, snowmobiling, hot springs, icy hiking, city exploring

🧥 Outerwear: Your First Line of Defense

  • Insulated Winter Parka: Must be windproof and waterproof with a hood; down or synthetic insulation is best.

  • Waterproof Shell Pants: Layered over thermal leggings or fleece-lined pants; essential for wet or snowy conditions.

  • Waterproof Overpants (for hiking or glacier tours): Optional but recommended.

👕 Base and Mid Layers

  • Thermal Base Layers (Top & Bottom): Merino wool or synthetic — breathable and insulating.

  • Fleece or Wool Sweaters: Great insulating mid-layer over base layers.

  • Insulated Vest (optional): Adds warmth without bulk, especially useful under your parka.

👖 Bottoms

  • Fleece-lined or Softshell Pants: Ideal for staying warm and dry.

  • Thermal Leggings or Long Johns: Worn under pants for extra insulation.

  • Avoid jeans: They get cold when wet and take a long time to dry.

🧦👢 Footwear

  • Insulated, Waterproof Winter Boots: Essential for snow, ice, and cold. Good traction is a must.

  • Wool or Thermal Socks: Bring several pairs — wool blends keep feet warm even if damp.

  • Gaiters (optional): Useful for keeping snow out of your boots during deep snow hikes.

🧣🧤🧢 Winter Accessories

  • Warm Hat (Beanie): Fleece- or wool-lined, covering the ears.

  • Scarf or Neck Gaiter/Buff: Wind protection and added warmth.

  • Insulated Gloves or Mittens: Waterproof and windproof, ideally with a liner glove for extra warmth.

  • Hand & Foot Warmers: Pocket-sized heat packs can make a big difference during outdoor activities.

🕶🧴🩱 Additional Essentials

  • Swimsuit: For hot springs and geothermal pools (e.g., Blue Lagoon, Myvatn, or local pools).

  • Flip-flops or Shower Sandals: For pool areas or guesthouse showers.

  • Sunglasses: Snow glare can be intense even in winter.

  • Lip Balm & Moisturizer: Cold, dry air can chap skin quickly.

  • Headlamp or Flashlight: Useful in rural areas with little light.

  • Crampons or Ice Grips for Boots: Essential for walking safely on icy sidewalks and paths.

🎒 Tips for Staying Comfortable

  • Layer Smart: Use moisture-wicking base layers, warm insulating layers, and wind/waterproof outer layers.

  • Pack a Day Bag: To carry spare gloves, warmers, water, and a camera for aurora or snowy scenes.

  • Stay Dry: Wet = cold. Waterproof outerwear and boots are non-negotiable.

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