What clothes to wear in Iceland?

If you’re planning a visit to Iceland, you might expect perpetual snow and ice spread across a beautiful but intimidating tundra. This breathtaking visualisation is true for certain parts of the country during the winter, but you’ll encounter a surprising variety of temperatures and winter precipitation across the island, not to mention Iceland’s two distinctly different seasons of summer and winter.

So, how do you pack for Iceland’s weather? What conditions should you expect?

Contents

• Introduction

• Which clothes to pack for a trip to Iceland

• Packing for Iceland based on planned activities

• What to wear in Iceland during the winter

• Shoes to wear in Iceland

• What to wear for going out at night

• How do the locals dress in Iceland?

• Conclusion

Key findings

• Iceland is not as cold as you might think, with winter temperatures typically hovering around freezing.

• Packing for a trip to Iceland starts by determining the season you’ll be travelling in. Icelandic summers often mean packing clothing you probably already have.

• Based on your planned activities, the clothing you pack might include outdoor clothing and camping gear. Pack for your plans.

• Look out for fast changing weather, especially precipitation. Snowy trails can be slick and slippery. Rain can leave anyone wearing jeans or cotton t-shirts soaked, cold and uncomfortable.

• Remember, it’s important to never underestimate the value of wicking and waterproof clothing, especially when you’ve planned outdoor activities and sports where your body temperature will rise.

• It pays to acquire the best outdoor gear somewhere that you can ask for local assistance. Do your shopping in Iceland to gain automatic souvenirs and the opportunity to kit out with the best-quality clothing designed with Iceland seasonal weather in mind and it won’t be out of place in your wardrobe at home.

• Footwear is crucial too. Wearing the wrong shoes or boots can impact your comfort and safety when exploring Iceland’s great outdoors. The right footwear makes all the difference to comfort and safety.

Because you know that Iceland is close to the arctic circle you won’t be expecting sun filled days on the beach when choosing a trip to Iceland. It’s the destination for travellers who want to explore, experience, people come for the breathtaking landscapes, seascapes, the glaciers the connection to ancient times. But the weather isn’t always as harsh or extreme as many people think. 

During the summer in Iceland, temperatures are usually between 15 and 20°C. When visiting or staying in Reykjavik, the capital city you will see people dressed in similar clothing you’d see in the spring or early autumn at home. Many of the coastal towns and villages around the coast can be explored in your usual spring and autumn wear too.

The temperatures do drop during Iceland’s winter, generally temperatures are around freezing. Plan for precipitation though, a mix of snow and rain that is sometimes blustery or horizontal.

When dressing for Iceland’s climate its crucial to be prepared for fast changing weather conditions. Iceland is one of those places where people often say, "If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes". Temperatures might fluctuate rapidly and a snowstorm can seem to come from nowhere. It’s very easy to underestimate the power of the Nordic wind that prevails over the island, it’s common for visitors to Iceland to get caught out if they are unprepared. People even get lost during bad weather. Because exposure to the coldest winter days can cause bodily harm if you aren’t prepared. The answer to get the most out of exploring Iceland is to be prepared for all eventualities. 

Avoid weather-related mishaps by packing and wearing the right gear for Iceland exploration, day trips and sports. Make a habit of letting your friends know where you’re going whenever you go out. Together with knowing how to pack and what to wear in Iceland it could save your life.

Which clothes to pack for a trip in Iceland

Many tourist trips begin by flying into KEF International Airport.

Many visitors begin their Iceland orientation with one of the most popular tours the Golden Circle Bus Tour. It gives you your first experience of some of Iceland’s beautiful natural formations, such as the Blue Lagoon, the Geysir hot springs and the Gullfoss waterfall, together with a tour through Reykjavik.

Short city trips and bus tours are possible with the ordinary clothes that you already own. Although to get the  most out of even these trips a good waterproof coat and a hat make a massive difference to enjoying the experience. Even a light shower of rain on a whale-watching tour can soon cause discomfort if you’re not appropriately dressed.

When purchasing clothing for your Iceland trip before arriving at the island requires care to ensure you buy gear that is up to the job. Probably the most important item to buy specifically for your trip to Iceland is a warm, waterproof jacket. You will also need a hat (or two).

Packing for Iceland based on planned activities

Your planned activities will drive your clothing choices. Staying in a city hotel, touring by coach or car exploring the comparative urban areas and staying in hotels you won’t need as much in the way of specialist clothing. Especially if visiting during the summer, then a waterproof jacket, lightweight walking shoes and comfortable quick dry and or water repellent trousers should suffice.

Conversely, if you plan to explore Iceland’s great outdoors, you’ll want more robust, specialist clothing.

Trekking the highlands means that lightweight shoes and ordinary trousers or jeans just won’t work.  Instead, you’ll want to wear supportive hiking shoes or boots, good quality woollen socks, trousers designed for hiking, a good waterproof jacket for the summer or a padded waterproof jacket for a winter visit. It’s recommended when buying trousers to select those with natural stretch and trousers and jackets with plenty of pockets.

For winter trips its worth investing in a designed for purpose jacket or coat to protect you against the cold and wet that’s suitable for more adventurous activities. It’s also a useful tip to consider overnight camping gear, if you plan on hiking the Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk or similar adventures.

When your holiday includes hiking and camping, you’ll also need the following:

• A moisture-wicking inner layer

• An insulating middle layer

• And a wind and water-resistant outer layer

Hiking expeditions are popular tourist options when visiting Iceland. A good quality waterproof jacket suitable for the time of year and waterproof trousers are essential items to pack for hiking.  Worn in hiking boots and socks for layering are also recommended. Don’t forget your tent, sleep mat and sleeping bag. Just make sure that the tent and sleeping bag have a water column of at least 5,000mm and choose a breathable sleeping bag.

Always ensure that the clothing chosen for hiking is fast drying and moisture wicking. Although Jeans and cotton t-shirts are comfortable enough when in an hotel or urban environments, but because they trap moisture against the skin, they may lead to poor body temperature regulation for sports or hiking activities which could lead to hypothermia.

When you don’t already own the clothing and equipment required for your Iceland trip, it’s best to  buy fit for purpose kit after you’ve arrived in Iceland. That way physically visiting the local shops you can seek advice, view kit and try on clothing. The Icewear retail team are always happy to help tourists choose the best options for their planned activities. Plus, buying this way means that you’ll always be reminded of the great time you had in Iceland when you wear or use your outdoor gear in the future, making them a perfect souvenir to take home from Iceland.

What to wear in Iceland in winter

Most tourists visit Iceland during the summer. Iceland is a great place to visit during the winter to enjoy Iceland’s winter traditions and Iceland is a great place to experience the norther lights. This is when clothing advice changes considerably due to the cold weather and different kinds of precipitation.

When travelling to Iceland in winter, you’ll want to arrive already prepared. You might acquire additional kit once you arrive, too, if necessary. If we assume that your itinerary includes tourist activities and tours, your core packing list to stay warm and dry, including and have the essential flexibility to layer, includes the following:

• A good parka

• Gloves

• A hat and neck snood

• Warm socks

Jeans aren’t ideal, even for city activities, because they retain moisture even if it’s from kicked up snow. Cotton clothing isn’t suited for Icelandic winter; due to the way it holds moisture when you sweat under your layers. Weather as trousers, jeans or base layer cotton will grow cold, heavy and wet.

If it’s not already something you do then learning about layering is essential before visiting Iceland and is a real pleasure in Iceland when you use clothing designed to be used that way.  Begin with a thermal layer like a vest, long johns and socks that regulate body temperature. Merino wool, which has natural temperature regulation and anti-bacterial qualities is the best choice.

It may vary according to your scheduled activities, but your next layer may be a woollen jumper. For really cold weather make it an Icelandic wool jumper for added warmth. Don’t forget you can acquire Icelandic souvenir jumpers from Icewear stores as you arrive in Iceland.

The outer layer will be a winter coat. Puffer jackets are popular for city outings, whereas longer length wool-insulated jackets are best for adventures in the highlands. The main criteria is that outer layers must be absolutely waterproof to ensure ultimate comfort.

Shoes to wear in Iceland

Footwear is important when packing for your trip to Iceland. The shoes you select will depend on the season and your planned activities.

If you plan to stay in the city during the summer, you’ll get away with wearing comfortable waterproof trainers, although bringing two pairs is advisable: one for going out socially and one supportive enough for lots of walking.

For venturing further out for adventures in Iceland, then your footwear will depend on your specific activities.

Here’s a breakdown to determine the right outdoor footwear depending on activities for your trip to Iceland:

• Hiking shoes can be relatively lightweight whilst also being supportive. Hiking shoes are engineered to support you in changing environments and over different terrains.

• Hiking boots should feature a high cut to better support your ankle. They also tend to have  stiffer midsoles for more extreme hikes and terrains. They’re the best choice for serious hikers and exploring more challenging and off-trail hikes.

• Trail running shoes provide superior cushioning and flexibility and traction but look for those that offer stiffness where you need it and night-time reflectivity is a great safety feature.

• Mountaineering boots are made for climbing and are stiffer than hiking boots. They’re designed to wear with crampons if required to help with the most inclement weather conditions. They frequently have added insulation to keep your feet warmer too.

What to wear for going out at night

When going out socially in the evening during your stay in Iceland you can dress smartly without worrying as much about the cold. Once inside it will be warm, and chances are you’ll only be a short walk or taxi ride away from your hotel. To fit in and dress like a local you could go for "Scandinavian modern", Icelanders combine European trousers and shirts with Scandinavian jumpers and headwear.

It is worth considering the place and purpose for your night out. Your dress code might differ depending on if you’re going to a restaurant to enjoy some Icelandic fish or if it’s a big event. How you dress for evenings out in Iceland will probably be similar to smart casual wear at home. So, bring your favourite going out outfit with you or buy your next one whilst in Iceland.

What do locals wear in Iceland?

Icelandic people spend most of their time indoors. Icelandic houses are heated with some of the cheapest heating in the world, it’s powered by thermal hot water (used to heat swimming pools, kitchens, bathrooms, and floors, indirectly or directly). Because of the thermal heat billowing underneath them, even car parks remain easily accessible when it snows.

If you were to knock on someone’s door in Iceland, they are likely to greet you in shorts and a t-shirt. However cold it is outside locals in Iceland wear the same clothing you would expect during warm or hot weather in the UK or in other European countries.

A major difference between UK and Iceland is the way Icelander’s are prepared for snow and rain when they venture outdoors. Icelanders rely on their cars when they go out, expecting them to get them about in safety and comfort. Most shopping takes place at shopping centres and supermarkets.

When they go outside during colder weather, Icelanders usually wear a combination of sturdy shoes, a parka or lightweight insulated jacket, and a fleece jacket or wool jumper.

Like most countries there is a fashion scene in Iceland and Icelanders do have their own taste in fashion taste and culture. The fashion trends tend to change through the generations, too and generally the clothing culture harks back to Scandinavian heritage. Expect to see lots of Nordic wool knit patterns when you visit the island nation of Iceland. Just like at home kids and teenagers worry more about their look than they do about the weather. Expect to see more fashion statements and the latest trends in how the youngsters dress.