Planning a summertime trip to Iceland? I’ve put together the ultimate Iceland Summer packing list so you can be prepared for the vacation of a lifetime!
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Iceland is an amazing country with an incredibly diverse landscape. Aptly dubbed “The Land of Fire and Ice”, you can potentially see an erupting volcano on the same day that you hike a glacier.
So how on Earth do you pack for a vacation like that? Well, I took an amazing trip in August and can tell you everything you need to pack for Iceland in Summer!
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, we’ve got you covered!
Summer Weather In Iceland
As you can see from the chart above, summer in Iceland is not anything even resembling summer in the Caribbean. You’re looking at average high temperatures around 55°F, maybe up to 60°F if you’re lucky.
The biggest thing to remember when packing for Iceland in summer is that the weather is extremely volatile. There’s a well known saying in Iceland, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.” It’s possible for you to experience weather conditions from all 4 seasons, all in one day!
The wind and the rain are really the driving factors in choosing what to pack for Iceland. You want to be protected from the elements, and ready for whatever comes your way.
Layers, it’s all about the layers!
The key to successfully dressing for Iceland’s temperamental weather is to dress in layers. You want lightweight, easy to add and remove layers, in order to stay comfortable as the weather changes throughout the day. Therefore, any helpful Iceland summer packing list will have multiple layers listed for you to bring.
Thermals
We recommend always having a thermal base layer, and then adding easy-to-remove layers on top as needed. It’s a simple way to ensure warmth in volatile weather conditions.
Long Sleeve Shirts
Throw in a few long sleeve shirts for layering. You could opt for short sleeves, but chances are you’ll be happy you stuck with long sleeved shirts. I know I was! I packed long sleeve t-shirts and lightweight sweaters.
Your long sleeve t-shirts can also double as tops for bedtime too.
Leggings
Stretchy leggings and tight pants are definitely the way to go when packing for Iceland. You want to be warm, but also want to be able to freely move when walking, hiking, and exploring. I tend to pack both simple black leggings for layering, and also athletic leggings.
Lightweight Fleece
A 1/4 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 our favorites.
Outerwear
The wind in Iceland renders umbrellas completely useless, so don’t even waste the suitcase space on one. Instead, invest in a good set of waterproof outerwear. You’ll need it not only for the rain, but also for when you venture out to the numerous waterfalls dotting the Icelandic landscape.
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
Whether you’re exploring Reykjavik, taking a whale watching cruise, taking a golden circle tour, visiting the south coast, or adventuring in more remote parts of the island, chances are you will get wet! Jeans soak up water and take forever to dry so don’t bother with those unless you’re going to be indoors.
Instead, opt for lightweight waterproof hiking pants like these ones that we packed for our trip to Iceland in summer.
Hat
Even in summer you’re going to want to bring a hat to keep your head and ears warm. The wind can be brutal! Here are some of our picks to keep your head warm while you’re in Iceland.
Gloves
You may wind up not needing gloves in Iceland in summer, but if the weather decides to be particularly finicky while you’re there, you’ll be glad you brought them. It’s always a good idea to have a pair in your pocket. 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
Next on our Iceland summer packing list we cover all the various types of footwear you need to bring with you.
Hiking Boots
If you are going to be having any sort of outdoor Icelandic adventures whatsoever you definitely will need a good pair of hiking boots. Some people opt for hiking sneakers but we strongly recommend boots with ankle support.
Iceland has an extremely wide variety of terrain, some of which can be quite treacherous. Between hiking glaciers or venturing inside a volcano, there are many reasons you want a solid pair of shoes to protect your feet. Choose waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry, and don’t forget to break them in before your trip!
Casual Shoes
If you’re just out exploring Reykjavik, or heading out for the night to dinner, you are going to want something other than your hiking boots. Be sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes with you. Ideally, these will be the shoes you wear on the airplane, so as to save space in your luggage.
Flip Flops
Flip flops will be essential if you stop at any of the geothermal spas or hot springs all over Iceland. And let’s be honest, you’re definitely going to stop at at least one! Bring a pair of flip flops with you for ease of getting in and out of the lagoons.
Socks
Generally speaking you won’t need super warm wool socks in Iceland in summer, but we definitely recommend bringing thicker hiking socks. You’ll want something comfortable when you’re out in rugged terrain. It’s a very good idea to choose moisture-wicking socks as well.
Accessories
Next up on our Iceland summer packing list are the different accessories you may need during your trip to Iceland.
Refillable Water Bottle
“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” – Loren Eiseley
You will find bottles of Icelandic water being sold, but trust us, don’t waste your money, or the plastic! Tap water in Iceland is not only safe, but it’s quite delicious.
Iceland has some of the purest water in the world, sourced from deep underground wells. We filled our bottles right from the melting Solheimajokull glacier and it was incredibly refreshing.
So grab a refillable bottle, and fill it up once you get to Iceland. You won’t regret it! Here are a few of our top picks for refillable water bottles.
Day Bag / Backpack
Any time you go on vacation you need a bag of some sort to carry around your stuff while you’re out exploring. Ideally it’s durable yet lightweight, has multiple compartments, and is water resistant.
Realistically, you should use this bag as your carry on for the airplane, so you don’t have to pack an additional bag in your luggage! There are plenty of bags to choose from, but here are our top picks.
Camera
If you have a relatively recent cell phone, chances are you’ll be able to take great photos just with that. Modern cell phones come equipped with surprisingly great cameras, so the average person will definitely come home with great shots just from using your phone.
If you are the type to want to take more professional pictures, you are definitely going to want to take a better camera with you. Iceland’s landscape is just begging to be photographed!
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 us, 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. We 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 we 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- 4 in 1 Outlet Adapter,Travel Essentials to Italy,Greece,France, Spain (Type C)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411Al4TznzL._SL500_.jpg)
Additional Items
Any good Iceland summer packing list will tell you the clothes you need, but we go above and beyond to tell you the extra items you want to bring along with you.
Hotel Door Locks
Any time we travel anywhere, both in the US and abroad, there are a couple safety items we always bring with us. That is not to say any particular location is inherently dangerous, more so that we always want to exercise caution, no matter where we are.
One such item we always bring with us is an extra door lock for our hotel room. This set of two is what we purchased, and bring with us on every single trip, no matter where we go. These just give me a little added peace of mind when we’re away, that our room is secure while we sleep.
They set up in just seconds, and it makes the door impossible to open from the outside, even with a key.
Swimsuit
A trip to Iceland is not complete without a dip in one of the many hot springs and lagoons dotting the landscape. The Blue Lagoon is easily the most famous geothermic spa in Iceland, but the island sits on a “hot spot” of sorts, meaning there is a multitude of places to take advantage of all the geothermic activity.
Therefore, you absolutely need to remember to pack a swimsuit for your Iceland trip. That is one item you will absolutely regret forgetting!
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 numerous colors, so you can find the perfect one for you.
Medications
Just like when you travel anywhere, when you visit Iceland you want to be sure you have all necessary medications. This of course includes any prescriptions you might have.
We also strongly recommend bring travel size bottles of general medications – pain relief, nausea, cold medicines, etc. You also should bring some bandages, just in case. You never know what you might need!
Sleeping Mask
Another item you’ll want to pack for Iceland in summer in a sleeping mask. That midnight sun is no joke, and you can’t always rely on your hotel curtains to block out all the light.
Do yourself a favor and pack a sleeping mask with you. Throw it in your carry-on so you can get some shut-eye on the plane too!
The Complete Iceland Summer Packing List
- Thermal layers
- Long sleeve shirts for layering
- Sweater/hoodie *Pro tip- forego packing a hoodie or sweater and 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 *Pro 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 *Pro 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 for quick on-the-go nourishment!
Additional Helpful Iceland Information and Resources
My husband and I absolutely adore Iceland. We would go back a million times, and can’t wait until our next adventure there. Here are some of our other articles that you may find helpful and informative.
The Best Iceland Blue Lagoon Tours
The 10 Best South Coast Iceland Tours
Iceland’s Weather In August – Everything You Need To Know
Best 10 Things To Do In Iceland In Summer
The Golden Circle Iceland – Everything You Need To Know
