What to Wear in Iceland (Every Season): Tips from an Icelander  

So you’re coming to our little island and wondering what to wear in Iceland, you’ve come to the right place!

Wardrobing one’s way around such a volatile place can be a feat, but no need to worry!

We will tell you everything you need to know so that you can have a great time in Iceland!

General tips

Below are a number of general ideas regarding how to clothe Iceland.

When packing for Iceland, remember one golden rule above all others: layering.

Think of your clothing as a lasagna; all of the layers together keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.

Base Layers

Your base layer is just like the bottom of a great lasagna, not flashy but necessary.

This layer is touching your skin, so choose fabric that can manage perspiration and will pull perspiration away from you. Choose synthetic fabric or wool. Merino wool is a great choice here.

Ideal base layer products are:

Socks (Merino wool is my go to)

Moisture-wicking underwear (but regular underwear will do just fine)

Long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts (not ideal as a layer, but good to have of course!)

Mid-layers

Your mid-layer is your insulating layer, with warm air close to you.

Wool sweaters, fleece sweaters, and hoodies (from a sports brand) are a good place to start. Do your best to avoid polyester as it doesn’t breathe very well.

And breathability is the name of the game!

In colder months, heavier socks above your base layer socks will keep your toes warm.

Ideal mid-layers are:

Fleece sweater

Woolen sweater

Hiking sweater

Outer Layers 

It will all be dependent upon month and season.

Most importantly, however, it will need to be extremely water-resistant and insulated to stay warm.

We rent outdoor apparel that will keep you warm so you don’t have to wear a crazy amount of layers.

Cause like everywhere in Scandinavia, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

Good winter coats for Iceland:

Winter parka

Puffer jacket + shell (it’s important to have them both cause the shell isn’t warm and the puffer jacket can’t handle water)

Good summer coast:

Insulated raincoat

Shell

Then you should of course wear;

Good outdoor pants to protect from the wind and rain and keep you warm because of it!

And hiking boots!

I like mine to be gore-tex and leather!

What to wear in Iceland in Spring (April-May)

Spring in Iceland is a bit like a Viking thawing out after a long winter—still brisk, but slowly warming up.  

Average temperatures range from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C).  

Expect wind, rain, and even the occasional snow. 

You can rent all the outdoor items you need from us!  Check out our selection right here! 

So here’s what you’ll want to wear   

Thermal base layer 

They keep you warm and dry fast!  

Fleece sweater 

This is a good mid-layer for breathability. However, if you’re wearing a parka, it might be a bit overkill 

Parka or insulated raincoat 

The parka is a heavy hitter, extremely warm, and mainly for the winter months. So a good choice for those that are always cold or if you’re coming early in Apil. 

The insulated raincoat is warm and waterproof. It’s not as warm as the parka but you won’t have to worry about the rain. A great choice for the end of April and rest of spring and summer.  

Hiking boots 

Water-resistant hiking boots are a must during all months! 

Warm hat, gloves 

What to wear in Iceland in summer (June-August)

Summer is the busiest season for tourists, with temperatures ranging from 48°F to 59°F (9°C to 15°C), occasionally hitting a balmy 68°F (20°C).  

While it’s the warmest season, Icelandic summer is still cooler than most summer destinations. 

So here’s what you should wear! 

You can save money and space in the bag by renting the outdoor clothing you need! 

Check out our selection right here! 

But here’s what you should wear!

Base layers

Thermal underwear or a mix of short and long-sleeved shirts 

You can also bring shorts for the good days (hopefully)

Tank tops for the daring 

If you truly have no fear, then you can wear a tank top on some days! 

Fleece or wool sweater 

Great mid-layer, might not be necessary all the time, but a must-have just in case. 

An insulated raincoat or a shell 

The insulated raincoat will protect you from the wind, rain, and cold. It doesn’t breathe well so start off with fewer layers. 

The shell is water-resistant and windproof. It breathes better than the insulated raincoat, but it isn’t as warm. So you’ll need more layers underneath. 

Outdoor pants 

Outdoor pants are mandatory. They will protect you around waterfalls and if the wind picks up. They will also allow you to wear fewer layers which is always nice! 

Good socks 

Good socks all year round!  

Hiking boots

Have I mentioned them before?

Hiking boots are a great option all year round! Even in summer.

We go into more detail in the article, Tips From An Icelander: What To Wear In Iceland In Summer

What to wear in Iceland in Fall (September-October)

Fall brings cooler temperatures (36°F to 55°F or 2°C to 13°C), stronger winds, and frequent rain.  

It’s the perfect time to don your rain gear and embrace the dramatic Icelandic landscapes. 

So what do you need to wear? 

Rent the winter clothes you need from us! Just bring a carry-on and travel light, check out our selection of winter clothes right here 

Thermal base layer 

Thermal underwear are great all year round but for the winter they are a must.! 

Breathable, warm and dry fast! They are the perfect base layer. 

Warm sweater or fleece 

You could go for a wool sweater, fleece sweater, hoodie or a sweater from a sports brand. 

Just make sure it’s not made out of polyester. A little bit is fine, but polyester doesn’t breathe well. So make sure to choose a sweater or a hoodie from a sportsbrand. 

Insulated raincoat or Parka 

The insulated raincoat is still a good choice from September, but after that, the winter parka is the way to go! 

The winter parka is made for extreme conditions. Highly water resistant, windproof and warm. There’s a reason almost every Icelander owns at least one! 

Outdoor pants 

Outdoor pants are mandatory during the winter. 

They will help protect you from the wind and cold. Don’t leave home without a pair! 

Good socks 

A thick pair of socks are a must. Make sure they breathe well and dry fast. Something like merino wool 

Hiking boots 

Hiking boots are great all year round but especially during winter. Make sure they are water resistant and provide ankle support.  

Hats and gloves 

What to wear in Iceland in winter (November-March)

Winter is the longest and coldest season, ideal for Northern Lights hunting and soaking in hot springs.  

Temperatures range from 14°F to 37°F (-10°C to 3°C). It can of course get lower and we also don’t factor in the wind.  

So the windchill will bring these numbers down further. 

You’ll want to be prepared if you’re doing a glacier hike, food walk or just exploring the country

Prepare for snow, ice, and fierce winds. 

 So what should you wear? 

Long johns 

Best base layer for Iceland! 

Thick socks 

Mandatory during winter 

Insulating mid layer (fleece or wool) 

Make sure the mid layers breathe well. So don’t wear something that’s mostly polyester. 

A parka 

The winter parka is the way to go! It’ll keep you warm while you explore Iceland 

Water-resistant and windproof pants 

Outdoor pants will help keep you warm. If you neglect you legs, you’ll feel cold no matter what 

Insulated boots with good grip 

Essential for the winter. 

They should be mid or hight top to prevent snow from getting inside the boots.

I recommend gore-tex and leather boots.

Crampons 

These are a good choice if you’re exploring Iceland and doing day trips. 

Especially from December – March

Warm hat, thick gloves or mittens 

Don’t ignore your fingers!

You can find more details our article, what to wear in Iceland in winter

Weather warnings in Winter

You have to be aware of the weather warnings during winter.

They are more frequent and will make it feel much colder.

We’ve got yellow, orange, and red.

Yellow means it’s going to be windier and therefore, a lot colder.

Orange means that you should probably stay inside

Red means you have to stay inside

What NOT to wear

Some items are best left at home when heading to Iceland: 

Denim or Cotton Outerwear 

These absorb moisture and will leave you feeling cold and damp in wet weather. 

Slippery or Uncomfortable Shoes 

The terrain can be challenging, so wear sturdy shoes with good grip and ankle support. 

High Heels or Dress Shoes 

Impractical for Iceland’s rugged landscape. 

Umbrellas 

The wind will render them useless. Opt for waterproof jackets and hats instead. 

Bomber jacket

Don’t rely on your bomber jacket to keep you warm in winter.

What to wear in Reykjavík

While the weather still applies in the city, the rules are more relaxed.  

In Reykjavik, you can get away with more stylish options.  

Denim jeans, cotton sweaters, and sneakers are perfectly fine.  

When going out in the evenings, think “smart casual”, a pair of jeans and a nice top will do nicely. 

– Stylish jacket or coat 

– Jeans or casual trousers 

– Smart casual tops 

– Comfortable shoes for walking 

– A warm coat for evenings 

And that’s it!

More details here! 

I hope you have a better understanding of what to wear in Iceland. If you follow our advice, you’ll be able to enjoy Iceland on your terms without worrying about the weather! 

You can check out our selection of outdoor clothing right here!