A common saying here in Iceland, “If you don’t like the weather now, wait five minutes.” After living here for over a year I can say this statement is spot on in describing the weather!
With the constantly changing weather it can make it quite challenging to know what to pack for your trip to Iceland. So to help all you future Iceland travelers make your packing a bit easier here is 8 items that you will want to make sure is in your back no matter what time of year you are visiting Iceland!
8 Items To Pack For Your Trip to Iceland
1/2/From Top Left
Waterproof Jacket // A lightweight waterproof jacket is going to be your best friend no matter what time of year you are here! In the colder months you will definitely want a warmer coat but I recommend still bringing a lighter jacket to layer underneath. You never know when the weather will warm up quickly (especially when your out hiking) and you will be glad to have a proper jacket on underneath.
In the warmer months (May to September) do not forget to pack a jacket. I know it may be summer where you are but once you come to Iceland don’t be surprised to have rain and temperatures around 5-10 degrees Celsius. Even if it is a warmer day you will want this jacket around to throw on in case it gets windy, it can get quite cold on a warm, sunny day when the wind picks up.
Hiking Boots // Any type of outdoor shoe will do, just be sure its in your bag! A pair of proper outdoor shoes will make your life so much easier when your visiting the beautiful waterfalls with slippery paths, going on daily hikes, and walking around in the snow covered Reykjavik.
Just remember, a pair of your favorite TOMS won’t make the cut for your time in Iceland. Trust me your going to want your hiking boots so you can go to places with views like this!
Casual Evening Wear // People in Reykjavik are some of the most fashionable people I have seen and they love to get dressed up before heading out. After a day of exploring get dressed up for your dinner or drinks and no one will know your not a local. Wear your jeans and sweatshirt out to dinner and you may feel a bit out of place in the room full of chic dressed Icelanders.
Sunglasses // This may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a packing list for Iceland but trust me your going to want a pair with you. During the summer the sun shines for almost 24 hours meaning you could very well need a pair of sunglasses on at 11pm. And in the winter months, even though the days are short and the sunlight is limited, the glare from the snow will have you reaching for your sunglasses.
Sunglasses and sweaters, just your normal winter day in Iceland.
Outdoor pants // A pair of breathable, waterproof pants is going to make your outdoor activities much more enjoyable! Hiking around in jeans on a rainy day will make you want to throw in the towel and head back to your hotel. Don’t let the bad weather stop you, throw on a pair of outdoor pants (don’t worry about fashion right now this is about exploring the beautiful Iceland!) and keep on with your Iceland to-do list!
Cardigans // Layers, layers, layers, this is all you need to remember when packing for Iceland. Cardigans are key to my survival here! When going out for a day of exploring always pack a few extra layers, even if the day looks bright and sunny don’t let it trick you and at least grab a cardigan to take with you.
Bathing Suit // Iceland doesn’t really say beach vacation so some may forget to pack their bathing suit, don’t make that mistake. With hot springs steaming all over the country, local pools that are a must visit, and of course the stunning Blue Lagoon, your bathing suit will get a lot of use here in Iceland.
You are going to want to soak in these hot springs, trust me.
Lotion // With all that relaxing in the pools you will be doing mixed in with the lovely Icelandic wind your skin is going to need some extra TLC. Help keep the dry skin away and throw in a bottle of your favorite lotion. In the winter months I recommend an even thicker lotion, like body butter, to give your skin that extra bit of moisture it will definitely need.
One last packing tip!
Make sure to leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs. After you see everyone in their Icelandic sweaters your going to want to bring home your very own lopapeysa!
Question of the Day?
Any questions of what to pack for specific times of the year?
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