If you’re visiting Iceland during winter, packing the right clothing can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a very cold holiday.
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is assuming Iceland is simply “cold”. In reality, it’s the combination of wind, rain, snow and rapidly changing weather that catches most people out.
We’ve travelled to Iceland in winter ourselves, and while the temperatures weren’t as extreme as we expected, the wind made it feel much colder. Having the right clothing meant we could comfortably spend hours exploring waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches without worrying about the weather.
Here’s everything we’d recommend packing for a winter trip to Iceland.
What is Winter Like in Iceland?
Winter temperatures usually sit between -1°C and 4°C, depending on where you are and the time of year.
While those temperatures might not sound particularly cold, Iceland’s famous winds can make it feel much colder.
The weather also changes incredibly quickly, so it’s not unusual to experience sunshine, rain, snow and strong winds all in the same day.
That’s why layers are so important.
Your Winter Packing Philosophy
Forget packing one huge winter coat and hoping for the best.
The secret to staying warm in Iceland is wearing multiple layers.
A typical outfit should include:
- Base layer
- Mid layer
- Waterproof outer layer
This allows you to easily adjust throughout the day as conditions change.
Waterproof Jacket
If you only buy one thing specifically for Iceland, make it a good waterproof jacket.
You’ll be standing beside waterfalls, walking in rain, snow and wind, so a proper waterproof shell is essential.
Look for something that’s:
- Windproof
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Comfortable enough to wear all day
Waterproof Trousers
Many people forget these.
Trust us—you’ll be grateful for them.
They’re particularly useful when:
- Visiting waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss.
- Walking through snow.
- Exploring in heavy rain.
- Sitting outside during breaks.
They also help keep the wind out.
Thermal Base Layers
Thermals help trap body heat without adding lots of bulky clothing.
Pack:
- Thermal tops
- Thermal leggings
Merino wool is particularly comfortable if you’re planning long days outdoors.
Fleeces and Mid Layers
A warm fleece or insulated jumper works perfectly between your thermals and waterproof jacket.
This layer provides warmth while allowing flexibility if temperatures rise slightly.
Hat, Gloves and Scarf
You’ll use these far more than you expect.
Wind is often a bigger issue than temperature, so protecting your hands and ears makes a huge difference.
Waterproof gloves are even better if snow is forecast.
Warm Walking Boots
Comfortable waterproof walking boots are one of the best investments you can make.
Many attractions involve uneven paths, wet ground or snow.
Good grip is particularly important during winter.
Thick Socks
Cold feet quickly ruin a day exploring.
Bring several pairs of thick walking socks, preferably wool or thermal versions.
Swimwear
It might sound strange…
…but don’t forget your swimming costume!
One of Iceland’s biggest attractions is its geothermal lagoons.
Whether you’re visiting:
- Blue Lagoon
- Sky Lagoon
- Forest Lagoon
You’ll definitely want your swimwear.
Power Bank
Cold weather drains phone batteries surprisingly quickly.
A power bank can be incredibly useful, especially if you’re:
- Navigating.
- Chasing the Northern Lights.
- Waiting for roadside assistance.
During one of our winter trips, our hire car battery failed just outside Reykjavík, and having a fully charged phone made contacting our rental company and arranging roadside assistance much easier.
Snacks and Water
Always keep a few snacks and drinks in your backpack or car.
If weather delays your journey or you’re waiting for assistance, you’ll be very glad you packed them.
This is especially important if you’re exploring more remote parts of Iceland.
Camera
Winter offers some of the most spectacular photography opportunities anywhere in the world.
Snow-covered waterfalls, frozen landscapes and the Northern Lights are all worth capturing.
Don’t forget spare batteries—they drain faster in cold weather.
Travel Adapter
Iceland uses Type C and Type F plugs with a standard voltage of 230V, the same as much of mainland Europe.
If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll need a European travel adapter.
Stay Connected
Having mobile data is incredibly useful during winter.
We constantly use it for:
- Weather forecasts.
- Road conditions.
- Navigation.
- Aurora forecasts.
We always use Saily eSIM, which activates before landing in Iceland.
📱 Save 10% with Saily here:
Winter Driving Essentials
If you’re hiring a car, we’d also recommend keeping:
- Extra warm clothing.
- Blanket.
- Power bank.
- Snacks.
- Drinking water.
- Ice scraper (usually provided by rental companies).
For winter trips, we’ve always had excellent experiences with Blue Car Rental, who provide vehicles well suited to Iceland’s changing winter conditions.
🚗 Hire your car here:
Our Winter Packing Checklist
Before you leave, make sure you’ve packed:
✔️ Waterproof jacket
✔️ Waterproof trousers
✔️ Thermal base layers
✔️ Warm fleece
✔️ Hat
✔️ Gloves
✔️ Thick socks
✔️ Waterproof walking boots
✔️ Swimwear
✔️ Power bank
✔️ Snacks
✔️ Reusable water bottle
✔️ Camera
✔️ Travel adapter
Final Thoughts
Packing for Iceland in winter doesn’t have to be complicated.
The key is dressing in layers, staying dry and preparing for rapidly changing weather conditions.
With the right clothing and a few simple essentials, you’ll stay comfortable whether you’re exploring waterfalls, driving the Ring Road or searching for the Northern Lights.
We’d much rather carry an extra layer in our backpack than wish we’d packed one!
Hopefully this guide helps you prepare for an incredible Iceland winter adventure.
Safe travels, and enjoy every snowy moment!
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