Iceland’s weather can change quickly. Even in summer, a single day can bring sunshine, rain, strong winds and low temperatures.
Prioritise protection from wind and rain, warm layers and secure footing.
Dress in layers
Use layers that you can add or remove as the weather and activities change.
Base layer: bring enough underwear and socks. Mid-height or high wool or hiking socks help with warmth and comfort.
Insulating layers: fleece, a light wool sweater or cardigan, and a lightweight down jacket or liner.
Even summer mornings, evenings and rainy days can be cold, particularly near glaciers and fjords.
Outer layer: bring a genuinely windproof and waterproof hooded shell. Long trousers, waterproof overtrousers or flexible hiking trousers are useful.
Choose your shoes carefully
Many sights involve walking on wet steps, gravel, sand, mud, stones or standing water.
Choose waterproof, non-slip walking shoes with good support. High-ankle hiking boots are useful for glacier activities.
Break in your footwear before the trip; avoid wearing brand-new shoes for the first time in Iceland.
Sun protection and skincare
Do not overlook sun protection. Long summer days and reflections from water, snow and ice can increase exposure.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lip balm, face moisturiser and hand cream.
Hotel essentials
Bring personal toiletries such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, slippers, compact towels and skincare products.
Hot-spring essentials
A swimsuit is useful for hot springs, public pools and experiences such as Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
Consider a waterproof bag, waterproof phone pouch and a small bag for separating wet and dry items.
Drinking water
Tap water in Iceland is drinkable. Bring a reusable bottle or insulated flask.
Your usual medication
Bring your usual personal medicines, including any regular prescriptions. Consider your own needs for travel sickness, minor stomach upsets, cold symptoms and small first-aid items.
Comfort on longer drives
Iceland’s attractions can be far apart. Speed limits, weather, road conditions and stops may make journeys longer than a map suggests.
A neck pillow, small back cushion, snacks, water bottle and headphones can help. Do not judge travel time by distance alone.
Payments and currency
Cards and mobile payments are widely used for everyday purchases in Iceland.
Bring a Visa or Mastercard and, if possible, a second card from a different bank or network as a backup. A small amount of cash is usually sufficient if you want to carry some.
Your luggage
Follow the baggage allowance of your actual flight. Avoid unnecessarily expensive or fragile checked luggage.
A daypack is useful for your passport, phone, wallet, power bank, camera, medication, sunglasses, rainwear and a few snacks.
Electronics
Bring a European plug adapter, phone charger, cables, power bank and any camera equipment you need.
Power banks must meet the operating airline’s requirements and should be carried in cabin baggage, not checked luggage. Follow the airline’s current capacity and labelling rules.
Keep rainwear handy
Weather can change even after a clear morning. A light raincoat is useful.
Umbrellas are often less practical around windy waterfalls, coastlines and fjords.
Documents and important belongings
Before departure, check your passport, visa and entry documents, flight and itinerary details, accommodation confirmations, insurance information, cards, phone, power bank and usual medicines.
Keep photographs or electronic copies of important documents in case of loss.
The five essentials
If you are unsure where to start, remember wind protection, waterproofing, warmth, grip and light packing.
1. Windproof, waterproof shell
2. Waterproof walking shoes with good grip
3. A warm mid-layer or lightweight down jacket
4. Sun protection and sunglasses
5. A practical daypack
Enjoy the sunshine when it comes, and feel prepared when the weather changes. The iyou team wishes you a wonderful journey.