One of the biggest questions people ask before visiting Iceland is:
“What should I wear?”
The answer depends on the time of year—but one thing never changes:
The weather can change incredibly quickly.
We’ve visited Iceland in both winter and summer, and we’ve experienced sunshine, heavy rain and strong winds all in the same day. Dressing correctly made a huge difference to how much we enjoyed our trips.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring glaciers or relaxing in a geothermal lagoon, here’s everything you need to know about what to wear in Iceland.
The Secret to Dressing in Iceland
The key isn’t wearing one huge coat.
It’s wearing layers.
A simple layering system allows you to stay warm while adjusting your clothing as the weather changes.
We recommend:
- Base layer
- Mid layer
- Waterproof outer layer
This works throughout the year.
Waterproof Jacket
If there’s one item we’d never visit Iceland without…
It’s a proper waterproof jacket.
You’ll almost certainly experience:
- Rain
- Waterfall spray
- Strong winds
A waterproof jacket keeps you comfortable throughout the day.
Look for something that’s:
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Breathable
Waterproof Trousers
Many people don’t think about these until it’s too late.
If you’re visiting famous waterfalls like:
- Seljalandsfoss
- Skógafoss
- Gljúfrabúi
You’ll quickly discover just how wet you can get.
Waterproof trousers are one of the best things we’ve ever packed for Iceland.
Thermal Base Layers
During colder months, thermal clothing helps trap body heat without adding lots of bulk.
Pack:
- Thermal tops
- Thermal leggings
Merino wool is particularly comfortable if you’re spending long periods outdoors.
Mid Layers
A fleece or insulated jumper works perfectly between your thermals and waterproof jacket.
This gives you flexibility if temperatures change throughout the day.
Hat, Gloves and Scarf
Even during spring and autumn, Iceland’s wind can make it feel much colder than the temperature suggests.
Warm accessories make a huge difference, especially if you’re:
- Watching the Northern Lights.
- Whale watching.
- Visiting waterfalls.
- Hiking.
Waterproof Walking Boots
Good footwear is essential.
You’ll often be walking on:
- Gravel
- Mud
- Wet paths
- Snow
- Ice
Choose waterproof boots with good grip.
Your feet will thank you.
Thick Socks
Cold feet can ruin an otherwise brilliant day.
Bring several pairs of:
- Walking socks
- Thermal socks
- Wool socks
Especially during winter.
Swimwear
It might sound obvious…
…but it’s surprisingly easy to forget.
Some of Iceland’s best experiences involve geothermal lagoons, including:
- Blue Lagoon
- Sky Lagoon
- Forest Lagoon
- Secret Lagoon
Don’t miss out because you forgot your swimming costume.
Sunglasses
Even during winter.
Snow reflects sunlight incredibly well, and low winter sun can make driving difficult.
Polarised sunglasses are ideal.
What to Wear in Summer
Summer temperatures are usually between:
10°C and 15°C
Although it can occasionally be warmer.
We’d recommend:
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Walking trousers
- Waterproof boots
Shorts are possible on warm days, but we’d still pack long trousers.
What to Wear in Winter
Winter temperatures usually range between:
-1°C and 4°C
You’ll want:
- Thermals
- Fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Hat
- Gloves
- Thick socks
- Waterproof boots
Layers are absolutely essential.
What to Wear in Spring & Autumn
These seasons can be particularly unpredictable.
Pack for all conditions.
A mixture of summer and winter clothing usually works best.
What Not to Wear
We’d avoid:
❌ Flip-flops (except at lagoons)
❌ High heels
❌ Fashion trainers with poor grip
❌ Cotton clothing as your only warm layer
❌ Heavy umbrellas (they’re often useless in Icelandic winds!)
Our Favourite Clothing Items
If we could only recommend five things, they’d be:
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof walking boots
- Waterproof trousers
- Thermal base layers
- Warm fleece
Those five items will cover almost every situation you’ll encounter in Iceland.
Don’t Forget These Essentials
Alongside your clothing, we’d also pack:
- Power bank
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera
- Travel adapter
- Sunglasses
- Backpack
- Lip balm
- Moisturiser
The combination of cold weather and wind can dry your skin surprisingly quickly.
Getting Around Iceland
The easiest way to explore Iceland is by hiring a car.
We’ve always had excellent experiences with Blue Car Rental, giving us the flexibility to explore waterfalls, glaciers and hidden gems at our own pace.
🚗 Hire your car here:
https://www.bluecarrental.is/?affiliate=IcelandicAdventure
Planning a Ring Road adventure?
We’d also highly recommend travelling by campervan.
We explored Iceland with CampEasy, and it gave us the freedom to travel wherever we wanted.
Book through our link and you’ll also receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.
🚐 Book your CampEasy campervan here:
https://campeasy.com/?tap_a=107011-a856e5&tap_s=8902128-1989f0
Stay Connected
Whether you’re checking the weather, road conditions or planning your next stop, reliable mobile data makes travelling around Iceland much easier.
We always use Saily eSIM, which activates before we even land.
📱 Save 10% with Saily here:
https://go.saily.site/aff_c?offer_id=101&aff_id=15717
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear jeans in Iceland?
Yes, especially around Reykjavík.
However, for sightseeing and waterfalls, we’d recommend walking trousers or waterproof overtrousers, as jeans become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.
Do I need hiking boots?
Not always.
If you’re mainly exploring towns and popular attractions, sturdy waterproof walking shoes are usually enough.
For hiking, we’d definitely recommend proper walking boots.
Is Iceland colder than the UK?
Not necessarily.
Winter temperatures are often similar to parts of the UK.
The biggest difference is the wind, which can make it feel much colder.
Do I need waterproof clothing?
Absolutely.
If you’re visiting waterfalls or travelling during autumn, winter or spring, waterproof clothing is one of the best investments you can make.
Final Thoughts
Packing for Iceland is much simpler than many people expect.
The key isn’t packing lots of bulky clothing—it’s packing the right clothing.
Dress in layers, choose waterproof outerwear and wear comfortable footwear, and you’ll be prepared for almost anything Iceland throws at you.
We’ve followed this approach on every trip, and it’s never let us down.
No matter what time of year you visit, dressing appropriately means you’ll spend less time worrying about the weather and more time enjoying one of the most incredible countries in the world.
Happy travels!
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