The Ultimate Iceland Packing List: Summer Edition

Planning a trip to Iceland and unsure what to pack? You’ve come to the right place! With its unpredictable weather, packing smart for Iceland is key. We’ll guide you through everything you need to bring—and what you can leave behind—so you can travel efficiently with the perfect Iceland packing list.

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Weather in the Summer

Iceland’s summer weather is quite unique compared to other destinations. You won’t need shorts and sandals, but a winter coat is essential! Average temperatures in June range from 48°F to 58°F, but the wind and rain can make it feel even colder. During my two weeks in Iceland, there was only one day when I didn’t feel the need for my winter coat. Be prepared for chilly weather and stay cozy!

What Clothes to Pack for Iceland

The key to staying warm and comfortable in Iceland: layers! The weather changes from day to day and some times from hour to hour so its essential that your are able to add and remove layers to stay comfortable.

Thermal Base Layer

Even in summer, a thermal base layer is essential for Iceland. Pack at least 2-3 pairs so you always have a fresh one while the others are drying. During our 12 days in Iceland, there was only one or two days when I didn’t feel the need for it. I recommend sets similar to these, (men version) you want them to be snug so they keep your heat in and fit nicely under other layers.

Hiking Pants

Hiking pants are the only pants you’ll truly need in Iceland. Skip the jeans—they’ll likely stay in your suitcase. Instead, opt for insulated hiking pants that are either waterproof or water-resistant. These will keep you warm and dry, even if you’re fortunate enough to avoid rain, you’ll appreciate them at waterfalls, where the spray can get you soaked.

Tops

Long Sleeve Tops: Perfect for layering over your thermal base layer, these will keep you warm and comfortable.

Quarter Zip Fleece: These are perfect to wear hiking or just while walking around town. They are also the perfect thickness to fit under an outer shell on those extra chilly days. One of these will suffice, however if you want options, like me, then I recommend packing 2.

Warm Insulated Coat: A thick, insulated coat should keep you cozy on the colder and windier days. Opt for one that is either waterproof or water-resistant to unsure you stay dry!

Rain Jacket: If your warm coat is waterproof, you can skip packing an additional jacket. However, if it’s only water-resistant or not waterproof at all, you’ll want to bring a reliable raincoat to layer on top to keep you dry. Trust me, the last thing you want to be is wet and cold on your hike!

Swimsuit

Iceland has loads of hot springs and public pools so be sure to bring a swimsuit so you don’t miss out on experiencing these! Just one will do the trick because you should have time of it to dry between hot springs.

Other Gear to Stay Warm

Gloves: Waterproof, insulated gloves are essential for keeping your hands warm in cold weather! Since you’ll be taking a lot of photos, choose a pair with touchscreen fingertips for convenience. It’s also a good idea to bring two pairs—this way, if one gets lost or soaked, you’ll have a backup ready.

Beanie– Another necessity to combat the cold weather. If you have an extra, I recommend bringing it as a back up.

Neck Warmer– One or two neck warmers will do the trick. Wearing one can make a huge difference in retaining body heat and staying cozy!

Socks– Its important to pack good socks to keep your feet dry and warm. Look for socks that are made from merino wool if possible and say away from cotton. Merino wool is excellent for keeping your feet warm and dry because it’s moisture-wicking, breathable, and naturally insulating.

Shoes

Hiking Boots– Since these will be your primary footwear, choose a pair that is both comfortable and waterproof. This will keep your feet dry and comfortable during your hikes.

Tennis Shoes– At the end of a long day of hiking, you’re not going to want to wear your hiking boots any longer. I suggest a comfortable pair of tennis shoes to wear around towns, to dinner, or if you have a light hiking day.

Essentials & Extras

Ponchos– If you have a good raincoat, you might not need ponchos. However, it’s still a good idea to keep a couple on hand just in case. They came in handy at Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui, but we didn’t use them other than that.

Hiking Backpacks– Bring a hiking backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers while you’re on the trails. I also recommend bring water bladders to stay hydrated. Even on the days when we did short hikes, we kept them full in our cooler and used them to refill our water bottles.

Chargers – I recommend bringing a portable charger to keep your phone powered up on the trails. Also, pack a car charger to ensure you can charge your devices while traveling between destinations.

Adapter– In Iceland, the standard outlets are Europlug sockets with two round plugs. Make sure to bring a type “C” or “F” adapter to use these outlets.

Selfie Stick- Optional but its nice to have! Especially if you are traveling with a few people, it makes it easier to get everyone in the shot!

Eye Mask– An eye mask is essential in the summer! In the summer Iceland only gets a few hours of darkness so to keep a good sleep schedule you’ll need an eye mask. Most places we went had blackout curtains but there are a few places that didn’t!

Toiletry Kit– When traveling between hotels and Airbnb stays, especially in smaller spaces, a hanging toiletry bag is a lifesaver. It saves valuable counter space, keeps everything organized, and ensures you don’t leave anything behind.

Iceland Packing List

Of course, you’ll still need your basic items like toiletries, medications, and undergarments. However, this packing list is designed to help you focus on the specific clothing essentials you’ll need to stay warm and comfortable during an Icelandic summer. With the right gear, you’ll be ready to explore the stunning landscapes without worrying about the cold or unpredictable weather. Happy packing, and enjoy your adventure!