Planning a summertime trip to Iceland? There are a ton of “Iceland packing lists” out there, but honestly, most of them are full of stuff you’ll never need, like umbrellas in the wind or three different types of hiking poles.
This list is different. I’ve put together an actually useful, and realistic Iceland Summer packing list based on real first-hand experience, so you can get exactly what you need to enjoy your trip.
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Packing For Iceland In Summer
Packing for Iceland in summer sounds easy until you realize “summer” there doesn’t mean warm beaches and sundresses.
The weather changes constantly. One minute it’s sunny and calm, the next it’s windy, misty, and you’re questioning your life choices for not packing that extra layer.
When we visited, I learned quickly that the secret to packing for Iceland isn’t bringing everything. It’s bringing the right things.
You need the pieces that keep you warm, dry, and comfortable without overstuffing your suitcase. You don’t need to go overboard, but you do need to be prepared for pretty much anything.
Read on for my top tips for packing for a summer vacation in Iceland, along with a comprehensive checklist containing everything you need for the perfect Icelandic adventure.
If you need help getting started planning your trip to Iceland, I’ve got you covered!
Summer Weather In Iceland
Even though it’s the warmest time of year, Iceland’s “warm” is relative. Summer temperatures usually sit somewhere between the mid-40s and mid-50s Fahrenheit (7–13°C).
You’ll get long days of daylight and often some sunshine, but the wind can make it feel cooler, and rain showers are common.
Basically, Iceland in summer is all about layers. You might start the day in a fleece, be just in a t-shirt by lunch, and end up in a waterproof jacket by dinner.
This list will help you pack for a mix of everything so you’ll be ready for whatever Iceland decides to throw your way.
Clothing: It’s All About the Layers
If there’s one rule for dressing in Iceland, it’s layers, layers, layers.
The weather can change from sunshine to sideways rain in minutes, so you want lightweight, easy-to-remove layers that can handle all of it.
Thermals
Even in summer, you’ll want a good base layer. Start with lightweight thermals that keep you warm without feeling bulky.
I wore mine almost every day under my other layers, especially during early morning adventures or windy hikes.
Long Sleeve Shirts
I packed a few long sleeve tees and lightweight sweaters, and they were perfect for layering under my fleece or rain jacket.
You can even double up and wear them as pajamas if you want to save space in your suitcase.
Leggings
Leggings are a must when packing for Iceland.
They’re great for layering under hiking pants, comfy for long drives, and easy to wash and rewear. I brought a couple of pairs – one simple black and one athletic style for hiking.
Lightweight Fleece
A quarter zip lightweight fleece is probably the ultimate layering piece. You can wear it over your other layers to stay warmer, use it as a standalone jacket, or wear it under your coat.
There are tons to choose from, but here are my favorites.
Outerwear
Leave the umbrella at home. Iceland’s wind will laugh at it.
Instead, bring a lightweight waterproof jacket and pants. You’ll need them for waterfalls, rainy days, and even just exploring in misty weather.
Waterproof Jackets
These are the exact jackets we used on our trip to Iceland, and they kept us warm and dry, even while venturing behind waterfalls!
They are lightweight, and were simple to take off and stash in our bags or around our waists when we didn’t need them.
Waterproof Pants
Skip the jeans (they’ll stay wet forever) and go for lightweight waterproof hiking pants. They dry fast, breathe well, and make exploring so much easier.
Hat
The wind can get fierce, even in summer. A cozy hat that covers your ears is a lifesaver when the temperature drops.
Gloves
You might not always need them, but you’ll be glad to have a pair if the weather turns chilly.
I especially recommend having a pair of touchscreen gloves, so you can still use your devices and keep your hands warm at the same time.
Footwear
Comfortable, waterproof shoes are non-negotiable in Iceland. You’ll be walking over wet rocks, exploring lava fields, and maybe even hiking on glaciers, so the right footwear makes a huge difference.
Hiking Boots
If you plan on doing any outdoor exploring (and trust me, you will), bring a solid pair of waterproof hiking boots with ankle support.
Iceland’s terrain can go from smooth trails to slick lava rock in seconds. Between glacier hikes, waterfall walks, or venturing inside a volcano, you need boots that can handle it all.
Don’t forget to break them in before your trip! You don’t want your first full day in Iceland ruined by blisters.
If you’re planning to explore spots like waterfalls on the South Coast or take a Golden Circle day trip, check out my posts on the Best South Coast Tours in Iceland and The Golden Circle in Iceland for ideas on where your boots will really come in handy.
Casual Shoes
You won’t always need your hiking boots. For wandering around Reykjavik or heading out to dinner, pack a comfortable pair of casual shoes.
I usually wear mine on the plane to save space in my luggage.
Something lightweight but sturdy is perfect. Just skip anything that can’t handle a bit of drizzle.
Flip Flops
Flip flops might sound strange for Iceland, but you’ll definitely need them if you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon or any of the other hot springs.
You want something easy to slip on and off at the changing areas.
Socks
Don’t underestimate your socks.
You don’t need heavy winter wool ones for summer, but do bring thick, moisture-wicking hiking socks. They’ll keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable all day long.
I always pack a few extra pairs just in case.
Accessories
Next up on my Iceland summer packing list are the smaller items that can make a big difference. They don’t take up much space, but they’ll absolutely come in handy during your trip.
Refillable Water Bottle
“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” – Loren Eiseley
If you’ve ever heard people rave about Icelandic water,they’re not exaggerating. The tap water is some of the cleanest and freshest in the world, straight from glaciers and underground springs.
My husband and I even filled our bottles from the Sólheimajökull glacier in the South Coast of Iceland and it tasted incredible.
Skip buying bottled water and bring a refillable one instead. It’ll save money, reduce waste, and you’ll always have cold, crisp glacier water on hand.
Day Bag / Backpack
You’ll need a day bag for exploring. Go for something lightweight, water-resistant, and roomy enough for snacks, your camera, and extra layers.
I use mine as my carry-on for flights, so it doubles as a travel bag too.
Camera
If you have a newer phone, you’ll get amazing photos with it. But if you want to capture Iceland’s landscapes in more detail – waterfalls, puffins, glaciers, and all – consider bringing a good camera or a compact DSLR.
There are a ton of great options out there, and all kinds of various accessories and attachments that you can add on. Here are a couple highly rated options for nice cameras and accessories sets.
Power Bank
If you’re anything like my husband and me, you hit the ground running and don’t stop until you drop. You want your devices to last as long as you do, so be sure to bring backup.
I always bring a power bank with us to charge our phones on the go.
Travel Adapter
You definitely want to make sure you can charge your electronics while you’re in Iceland. If you’re coming from the US, you’ll need a travel adapter. Iceland uses a 2-prong European plug (Type C).
This two pack is what I brought with us and it was perfect. Each one has 2 spots for your regular plugs, and 2 USB ports as well.
![[2-Pack] European Travel Plug Adapter, VINTAR International Power Plug Adapter with 2 USB Ports, 2 American Outlets (Type C)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411Al4TznzL._SL500_.jpg)
A Few Extra Essentials
Along with clothing, shoes, and everyday accessories, there are a few extra items that really make your Iceland trip more comfortable and stress-free.
These are things you might not think of at first, but once you have them you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them.
Hotel Door Locks
Safety first! I always pack a small portable door lock for hotels.
Iceland is very safe, but having a little extra peace of mind never hurts. These locks are super easy to install and take down, and they give your hotel room an extra layer of security while you sleep.
They set up in just seconds, and it makes the door impossible to open from the outside, even with a key.
Swimsuit
You will go in the water.
Between the Blue Lagoon, hot springs, and geothermal pools scattered around the country, a swimsuit is essential. Pack one that dries quickly so you can move between pools comfortably.
Towel
Since it’s extremely likely you will be visiting at least one of Iceland’s numerous hot springs and thermal baths, you’ll want to bring a towel with you.
Opt for something lightweight and fast-drying, like this travel towel below. It comes in 6 different sizes, and a bunch of different colors.
Medications
Pack any prescriptions you need, plus small travel bottles of pain relievers, cold medicine, or motion sickness tablets.
I also bring bandages and antiseptic wipes. You never know when a small scrape might happen on a hike. Grab a travel first aid kit for convenience!
Sleeping Mask
Another item you’ll want to pack for Iceland in summer in a sleeping mask. The midnight sun is real. Even in summer, it can be bright enough to make it hard to sleep.
A comfy sleep mask makes a huge difference on flights and at your hotel.
The Complete Iceland Summer Packing List
- Thermal layers
- Long sleeve shirts for layering
- Sweater/hoodie *Expert tip- don’t pack a hoodie or sweater. Buy one as a souvenir on day 1!
- Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof Hiking Pants
- Leggings/pants for layering
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Hiking Boots
- Casual Shoes
- Gloves
- Hat
- Ponchos
- Day bag/Backpack
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Flip Flops
- Sleepwear
- European Travel Adapter
- Power Bank
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Camera/video camera
- Phone Charger
- Toiletries
- Hotel Door Lock
- Dental Hygiene Kit
- Credit Card *Expert Tip- Iceland is basically a cashless society. Just bring a pin-enabled credit card and you’ll be all set! Check with your credit card company that there are no foreign transaction fees as well.
- Passport
- Medications
- Sleep masks
- Snacks *Expert tip- If you’re taking tours, you’ll want snacks on hand! Your schedule may not allot time to stop at a grocery store, so bring snacks like protein bars and beef jerky.
Final Thoughts
Packing for Iceland in the summer can feel a little overwhelming, but honestly, it’s all about smart choices and layers.
Bring the right pieces, a few extras, and you’ll be comfy no matter what the weather throws at you.
Iceland is one of those places that just sticks with you, and being prepared means you get to enjoy every crazy, magical moment instead of worrying about being cold or soaked.
If you want even more tips to make your trip awesome, check out my other Iceland guides:
- The Best Blue Lagoon Tours in Iceland
- 10 Best Things to Do in Iceland
- Best South Coast Tours
- The Golden Circle Iceland
- How to Plan a Trip to Iceland
- Iceland Weather in August
Pack smart and have fun!
