How do Icelanders dress in the winter?

Coming to Iceland in Winter? Here’s How to Dress

Are you visiting Iceland and wondering how locals actually dress in the winter?
It’s one of the most common questions we get at IcelandCover.

A lot of travelers aren’t sure what they really need. Some even buy expensive winter gear, only to arrive and find it’s 10°C with no snow or rain.
Not exactly a great investment if you’re not planning to use it back home.

So here’s a guide to help you dress smart (and warm!) in Iceland.

How do Icelanders dress in the winter?

First, let’s get one thing straight: Don’t copy how people dress in Reykjavík.

In the city, style often comes before practicality. Locals might be wearing trendy clothes that aren’t warm or waterproof, because they’re just walking from the car to a building. And that’s totally fair!

But if you’re thinking, “Wow, these people aren’t dressed for winter,” you’re not wrong. We just dress differently depending on where we’re going.

When we head out into the countryside or the mountains, we always wear proper outdoor gear.

What You Should Wear in Iceland

Unlike the locals, you don’t have a closet full of options. And unless you’re packing multiple suitcases, you probably can’t bring all your gear either.

That’s why renting outdoor clothes (wink wink) is such a good idea.

The goal of your trip is to explore Iceland’s nature, and to do that comfortably, you need the right clothing.

Here’s what we recommend for winter:

• A thick parka (waterproof and windproof)
• Sturdy winter boots (don’t even think about sneakers)
• Outdoor pants (jeans won’t cut it!)
• Gloves and a warm hat (beanie)
• Crampons (essential if you’re coming between December and March)

You can wear a puffer jacket, but they’re usually not waterproof—so bring a shell to go over it. And if you’re only wearing a shell, you’ll need to layer up underneath.

Be Ready for Surprise Weather

Iceland’s weather changes fast. One moment it’s clear, and the next it’s snowing.

If it snows and starts melting (which happens a lot), sneakers will soak through in seconds. If the snow doesn’t melt, your feet will just get cold. Either way: winter boots are a must.

Raincoat, Windbreaker, or Parka

This one comes up a lot. Here’s the deal:

• Raincoats are great for the rain, but they are not very warm. They can be a valid option for october – november but I wouldn’t recommend it
• Windbreakers are breathable and highly water-resistant. They offer great versatility with layers, but you might need to wear a lot of them!
• The parka is the best option for the winter. It’s warm, windproof and highly water-resistant. You won’t need as many layers and if you do, you’ll be glad that you’re wearing a parka!

So early winter you can either go for a windbreaker and extra layers or a parka. While for November – March, I’d recommend the parka

I hope this clears things up a bit and that you’re no longer thinking how do Icelanders dress in the winter.

Still unsure what to pack, buy, or rent?

Send us a message at icelandcover@icelandcover.com and we’ll be able to help you out!

Stay warm, and enjoy your trip!