Iceland Summer Packing List: What To Wear In Iceland In Summer

So you’ve finally bought flights and are soon headed on that dream trip to Iceland, but you’re probably wondering what to wear. You’re wondering what is the weather going to be like? What should I pack?

The weather in Iceland continuously changes, to the point that in the same day you might experience wind, rain, sun, heat and cold.

Therefore you need to pack accordingly, with a layered approach to be ready for all the different weather changes.

If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, this Iceland summer packing list will be a good starting point to help you figure out what to pack and what to wear.

* This is just an indicative list that uses as examples some of the clothes and essentials I brought myself for a week in Iceland in summer. Please check the weather forecast, how long you will be there for etc and pack accordingly *

What is the weather like in Iceland in summer?

First things first, what is the weather like? What kind of weather do you need to be ready for? Temperatures in Iceland are generally mild thanks to the Gulf Current, with cool summers and mild winters.

In summer the maximum temperature ranges from 15 °C to 25 °C, and the minimum between 3° C and 6 °C. This is obviously a big difference, and when heading there even if just for a week, you need to be ready for both extremes!

The weather is also very variable, with wind, sun, rain and fog changes all in the same day (for the Londoners reading this, it’s nothing new anyway)!

There is a popular Icelandic saying that goes “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes”. That gives you a good idea of how variable it can be. If you’re looking for advice about Iceland in winter, check out this article.

What should you wear in Iceland in summer?

As mentioned above the weather can change considerably also within the same day.

If you’re planning on being out and about all day, especially doing activities like hiking where you will get warm, you will want to take the “onion” approach and dress in layers.

I won’t tell you exactly how many pairs of socks or underwear you should pack for a week long holiday (I feel like you should know that without my input)!

Starting from the bottom up, some of the main things to add to your summer packing list include:

Packing for Iceland in summer – Shoes

1 x Hiking / waterproof boots: If you’re planning on walking around a lot and hiking, you will need these.

Iceland isn’t exactly a polished and paved country, and even in some of the most touristy areas the paths will get wet and muddy. You will need some proper hiking or waterproof boots to ensure your feet are comfortable and dry.

Click here to purchase your hiking boots!

1 x Trainers: Imagine you get back at your hotel in the evening, your hiking boots are wet and muddy after being used all day, the last thing you want to do is put them back when you head out for a casual evening.

Having a spare pair of comfortable shoes is always a good idea, especially if the others get too wet to be worn.

Click here to purchase trainers for your Iceland trip!

1 x Flip flops: These aren’t an essential, but if you’re planning on going to one of the thermal hot springs, it will easier if you have them!

Purchase your flip flops here!

What to pack for a summer trip to Iceland – Trousers

2 x Leggings: I love leggings because they are super comfy, especially if you’re out all day hiking around.

Also, they are so tight they can easily fit under another pair of trousers if the weather is really cold or wet. You’ll want to take more than one in case they get wet or dirty.

Purchase your leggings here!

1 x Waterproof trousers: If it’s going to rain a lot, or you’re planning to visit a lot of Icelandic waterfalls, these will come in handy. You can wear them over jeans or leggings and will be sure to stay dry under.

Click here to purchase your waterproof trousers!

1 x Jeans: While jeans may not be as comfortable as leggings for activities during the day, it’s good to always have a spare pair of trousers that you can wear in the evenings.

Purchase jeans for your Iceland summer trip here!

What to wear in Iceland in summer – Tops

3 x Thermal shirts: Like the thermal shirts you wear under layers of clothing while skiing, they will keep you nice and warm.

Click here to purchase thermal shirts for Iceland!

4 x Tank tops & t-shirts: These are always handy, whether you chose to wear them under your thermal shirts or for an evening out, you will want some casual tops too.

Buy your shirts for Iceland here!

1 x Heavy hoodie & 1 x light hoodie: It will most likely be cold, which means you will want a heavy hoodie or jumper of some sort.

However you want to also bring a lighter one for when you will be indoors, for example having dinner or around your accommodation.

Each day is different so it’s good to have both options, so that you can dress lighter or warmer depending on the weather.

Purchase your hoodies for Iceland here!

1 x Light waterproof jacket: You will need a waterproof jacket. Even if it doesn’t rain, if you’re planning on getting close to some of the waterfalls like Gullfoss and Dynjandi, the spray from them is enough to get you very wet.

I prefer wearing heavy hoodies and light jackets, since if it’s warm but rainy you can take off your hoodie but still have a waterproof jacket. With heavy coats if it gets too warm and you take it off that’s your water protection gone.

If you’re looking for an alternative kind of jacket, check out these travel jacket with hidden pockets.

Click here to purchase a light waterproof jacket for Iceland!

Summer in Iceland packing list – Accessories

1 x Scarf: You will want something to wrap around your neck and face when the wind picks up and it feels very chilly.

Purchase a scarf for your Iceland trip here!

1 x Gloves: These aren’t essential, but they don’t take up a lot of space in a suitcase, so why risk getting cold hands?

I have a pair that you can still use with touch screen phones, a must if you want to take pictures and wear gloves at the same time!

Find the perfect gloves for Iceland here!

1 x Hat: Similarly, not an essential but nobody likes cold ears. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and if the weather gets bad, you’ll be glad you have it on you!

Click here to purchase a hat for your trip!

Other useful things to pack for your summer in Iceland

First aid kit: Better safe than sorry! I have an anxious Italian mother, which means I take an emergency medicine kit everywhere I go. Especially if you plan on doing lots of activities, always better to have plasters, paracetamol etc.

Click here to purchase your first aid kit!

Sleeping mask: The midnight sun is beautiful, but it might cause some trouble sleeping.

Purchase your sleeping mask here!

Ear plugs: Always in the sleeping trend, you might not need them but it’s always handy to have ear plugs in case you end up in a hostel dorm with noisy roommates.

Get your ear plugs for Iceland here!

Bathing suit: I didn’t stop at any thermal pools so I didn’t need this, however Iceland has loads of thermal pools and hot spring everywhere, so you might wan to bring along a bathing suit so you can enjoy them!

Find the perfect bathing suit for your Iceland trip here!

Fast drying towel: Unless you go to the Blue Lagoon or the hot pool of your hotel, chances are you won’t have a towel. Some of the best ones are literally just pools in the middle of nowhere!

You will want to have one of those light and fast drying towels with you, so that it doesn’t take up much space and it doesn’t get the rest of your stuff wet.

Purchase your fast drying towel here!

Reusable water bottle: Iceland is expensive. Save some cash by bringing your own water bottle and refilling it before you set off on your daily adventures. Tap water in Iceland is delicious.

Get your reusable water bottle here!

Final thoughts on what to pack for summer in Iceland

As mentioned earlier these are based off my own Iceland summer packing list, and that worked well for the weather I found.

I was there in August, so this list is a good indication of what to wear in Iceland in the summer months, from early June to end of August. Use this only as indicative guidelines, check the weather forecast before your own trip!

If you need further help planning your trip check out this 6-day Iceland itinerary, my compilation of unique Iceland hotels or this compilation of awesome Iceland tours!

Have you been to Iceland before? What did you take with you? Let me know in the comments below!

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