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What to wear in Iceland

By PackTheLook · Updated 28 October 2026

Iceland is about function, not fashion: the weather changes every 15 minutes, the wind is relentless and waterfalls soak you from 50 metres away. Dress in three layers — a thermal base, a warm mid-layer (fleece or wool) and a fully waterproof, windproof shell — plus waterproof hiking boots. Even in July it rarely passes 15°C. And pack a swimsuit: hot springs and lagoons are the national pastime.

Pick your month

Average daytime high shown. Tap a month for weather, events and a packing list.

Jan 3° Dark, icy Feb 3° Dark, icy Mar 4° Dark, icy Apr 7° Cold, brightening May 10° Cold, brightening Jun 13° Cool, bright Jul 15° Cool, bright Aug 14° Cool, bright Sep 11° Cool, windy Oct 8° Cool, windy Nov 5° Dark, icy Dec 3° Dark, icy

Dress code

  • Layering is everything: thermal base, fleece or wool mid-layer, waterproof and windproof shell.
  • Waterproof hiking boots with grip — paths are wet, icy or volcanic rock most of the year.
  • Swimsuit required for lagoons and pools, and you must shower naked before entering (public pools enforce this).
  • Jeans are a bad idea outdoors — they soak and stay cold. Choose hiking or softshell trousers.
  • Reykjavik nightlife is casual-smart; no dress code beyond that.

Plugs: Type C / F (two round pins), 230V.

What to wear for…

Blue Lagoon and geothermal pools

A naked shower before you enter is compulsory. Bring swimwear and flip-flops, and put conditioner in your hair, because the silica makes it stiff.

Glacier hikes and ice caves

Tours provide crampons and helmets, but you need stiff waterproof hiking boots and warm, waterproof layers.

Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss)

You will get drenched walking behind Seljalandsfoss. A fully waterproof jacket and trousers make the difference.

Northern lights hunting

Standing still at −5°C or colder for hours. Wear a down jacket, thermal trousers, wool socks, mittens and hand warmers.

Winter (Nov–Mar) Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec

Around −3 to 3°C, but wind chill feels far colder; icy roads and 4–7 hours of daylight. Northern-lights season. Full thermal layering, insulated waterproof parka, boots and microspikes.

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

Spring (Apr–May) Apr, May

Cold (0–9°C), windy and changeable, with daylight growing fast. Full layering and waterproofs, slightly lighter than winter.

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

Summer (Jun–Aug) Jun, Jul, Aug

Iceland's "summer" is 9–15°C with near-24-hour daylight, wind and rain. Still layer up: waterproof shell, fleece and hiking boots, plus a sleep mask.

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

Autumn (Sep–Oct) Sep, Oct

Cooling quickly (2–10°C), stormy at times, and the northern lights return. Layers, waterproofs and warm accessories.

Also pack

Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.

For men

Iceland is about function for everyone: a merino base layer, a fleece or wool sweater, waterproof shell jacket and trousers, and waterproof hiking boots. Reykjavík nightlife is casual-smart, and dark jeans with a wool sweater fit in anywhere. Bring swim shorts for the pools and lagoons. Showering naked before you enter public pools is required.

Common packing mistakes

  • Packing an umbrella. Icelandic wind destroys it in seconds.
  • Wearing jeans as outdoor trousers. They are cold when wet and slow to dry.
  • Bringing fashion boots for icy paths. Pack microspikes in winter.
  • Expecting summer warmth, when July highs are only around 15°C.

What's on through the year

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