Iceland · Packing list
Iceland packing list: what to pack
What we took for four days of February snow and wind.
This is our Iceland packing list. We spent four days in February in a campervan, driving the south coast from Keflavík out to Jökulsárlón and back to Reykjavík, so the winter list is the one we’ve tried for ourselves. The summer list is what we’d take next time.
What to pack for Iceland: the short version
- A waterproof, windproof jacket and waterproof trousers, whatever the season
- Layers you can add and take off, rather than one heavy coat
- Waterproof boots or shoes with good grip
- A hat, gloves and a scarf or buff, even in summer
- A swimsuit and a quick-dry towel for the pools and hot springs
- No umbrella: the wind will break it
It depends on the season
No single list works all year. Summer in Iceland is relative: July averages around 10 to 13°C, and a day above 20°C is rare. You’re likely to get several kinds of weather in a week, sometimes in a single day. Whatever the season, leave the umbrella at home. It won’t survive the wind, especially in winter.
Winter packing list (October to April)
By winter we mean the colder months from October to April, when we went. Here’s what to take:
- Fleece jacket or lightweight wool jumper
- Waterproof, windproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Sturdy walking shoes with good grip (ideally waterproof)
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Warm hat or beanie
- Swimsuit and flip-flops
- Thermal base layers (especially for highland trips and activities)
- Waterproof hiking boots (for highland trips and activities)
- Warm socks
- Quick-dry towel for pools and hot springs (you can also hire towels at the pools)
- Crampons or Yaktrax for icy paths
- Sunglasses for the low winter sun
- Camera gear
- Power bank
Why these matter in winter
Warm layers for early starts. On our second day we were up at about 5.30am to catch the sunrise at Stokksnes, and on the last day we left the campsite before dawn to reach Skógafoss. A February sunrise on an open beach is cold, so put the base layer, fleece and hat on before you leave.
Waterproofs for the waterfalls. At Gljúfrabúi the spray hung in the air all around us, and Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss throw out plenty too. Waterproof trousers as well as a jacket mean you can carry on with the day without getting soaked.
Grip for the ice. In winter the path behind Seljalandsfoss is often too icy to use and is frequently closed, and paths and car parks elsewhere can be icy too. Slip-on grips such as Yaktrax take up very little room. For a glacier hike or ice cave, like the one we did on our third day, you have to go with a qualified glacier guide, so ask the tour company what equipment they provide.
Comfortable shoes for steps. There are around 527 steps up the side of Skógafoss to the top viewing platform.
A power bank. Winter days are short and the cold drains batteries, so carry one for your phone and camera.
Summer packing list (mid-May to mid-September)
By summer we mean the warmer months from mid-May to mid-September. We haven’t been in summer yet, but this is what we’d take:
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Short and long-sleeved tops and a jumper for layering
- Long trousers and waterproof trousers
- Gloves, a buff and a warm hat
- Sleep mask for the light nights
- Swimsuit and flip-flops
- Quick-dry towel for pools and hot springs
- Reusable water bottle (the tap water is excellent)
- Day pack with a rain cover
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Insect repellent or a head net for midges
- European plug adaptor
- Camera gear
- Power bank
- Sunglasses
If you’re travelling by campervan
We picked up our van from Campeasy near Keflavík airport and went straight to the nearest Bónus supermarket to stock up before the longest drive of the trip, roughly 375km along Route 1 to Skaftafell. Outside towns you need the landowner’s permission to stay anywhere other than a campsite, so plan your nights around campsites that are open in winter. Skaftafell is open all year, but some others, such as Hamragarðar, are listed as open only from May to October.
Before you go
Check the forecast and road conditions every morning, because the weather changes fast. A storm cut our last day short and we had to squeeze the rest of our plans into a few hours.
For more on our trip, see our Things to Know page and our Iceland trip page.
Useful official sites:
Also from Iceland
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Everything else we wrote from the same trip.