Everything you need to pack for Iceland, organized by season. Use these as your checklist before you travel.
Summer Packing List (June, July & August)
Clothing — Upper Body
Lightweight waterproof jacket (essential!)
Fleece or mid-layer
T-shirts (3–4)
Long-sleeve base layer (1–2)
Light down jacket for cool evenings
Clothing — Lower Body
Waterproof trousers / hiking pants
Jeans or casual trousers
Shorts (for warm days)
Thermal leggings (1 pair)
Footwear
Waterproof hiking boots (essential)
Sandals or casual shoes
Thick wool socks (3–4 pairs)
Accessories
Sunglasses (24-hour daylight!)
Sun hat
Light beanie or buff
Gloves (light)
Reusable water bottle
Small daypack
Essentials
Waterproof phone case
Camera & memory cards
Adaptor (Type F — 2 round pins)
Binoculars for wildlife
First aid kit
Insect repellent (midges in July)
Autumn Packing List (September & October)
Clothing — Upper Body
Waterproof jacket (heavier weight than summer)
Fleece / mid-layer (2)
T-shirts (2–3)
Thermal base layer (2)
Down or insulated jacket
Clothing — Lower Body
Waterproof trousers
Warm hiking pants
Thermal leggings (2 pairs)
Jeans or smart-casual trousers
Footwear
Waterproof hiking boots
Warm, waterproof casual shoes
Thick wool socks (4+ pairs)
Boot gaiters (for wet terrain)
Accessories
Warm beanie hat
Scarf or neck gaiter
Waterproof gloves
Sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Headlamp (nights are getting longer)
Northern Lights Kit
Tripod for camera
Charged power bank
Warm hand warmers
App: Vedur.is for aurora forecast
Extra layers for standing outside at night
Winter Packing List (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar & early April)
Clothing — Upper Body
Heavy waterproof jacket (non-negotiable)
Heavy fleece or wool sweater (2)
Thermal base layer tops (2–3)
Down or synthetic insulated jacket
T-shirts (2)
Icelandic wool sweater (lopapeysa — buy one there!)
Clothing — Lower Body
Waterproof, insulated trousers
Thermal base layer bottoms (2 pairs)
Warm jeans or fleece-lined trousers
Footwear
Waterproof, insulated winter boots with good grip
Ice grips / crampons (Yaktrax)
Thick wool socks (5+ pairs)
Waterproof gaiters
Accessories
Wool or fleece hat
Balaclava or neck gaiter
Waterproof insulated gloves + liner gloves
Hand warmers
Wool scarf
Headlamp (it gets very dark!)
Safety & Essentials
Download road condition app (Road.is)
Emergency contact list
Snacks & thermos for car
Car shovel (rental cars rarely include)
Jump leads / tow rope
Fully charged phone & power bank
Spring Packing List (Late April & May)
Clothing — Upper Body
Waterproof jacket (essential)
Fleece mid-layer (2)
T-shirts (3)
Thermal base layer (1–2)
Down jacket for cool mornings
Clothing — Lower Body
Waterproof trousers
Hiking pants
Thermal leggings (1 pair)
Jeans or casual trousers
Footwear
Waterproof hiking boots
Casual waterproof shoes
Thick wool socks (4 pairs)
Light gaiters for muddy trails
Accessories
Beanie (mornings can be cold)
Light gloves
Sunglasses
Sun hat (longer days)
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars for puffin spotting (arrive in May)
Essentials
Camera equipment
Waterproof phone case
Power bank
Travel insurance documents
Adaptor (Type F)
💡 Jessica's tip: The Mini Monthly Guides include a detailed, month-specific packing list alongside practical information about weather, daylight, activities, and what's open — all in one convenient guide.
