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What to Pack for Iceland in Summer (Clothing & Other Essentials)

What to Pack for Iceland in Summer (Clothing & Other Essentials)

Are you traveling to Iceland soon and wondering what to pack for Iceland and what to wear in Iceland?

First, let me tell you that there is not one Iceland clothing list that fits all seasons. What to wear in Iceland depends on when you travel to Iceland.

In this article, you can find our Iceland clothing advice for summer.

By summer I mean the warmest months from mid-May to mid-September. However, keep in mind that summer is a relative term in Iceland.

Even in the warmest month – July – the average temperatures are around just 10–13 °C (50–55 °F). If you are extremely lucky, you will have a day or two with temperatures above 20°C (68°F) and maybe even some sunshine. Most likely, you will have the two extremes within a week or will experience all four seasons in just a day.

TIP: If you are traveling to Iceland in the winter months (October to April), here you can find more information on what to pack and what to wear in Iceland in winter.

This Iceland packing list will answer your questions about what to wear in Iceland in June, July, or August.

You can also use this list for Iceland clothing advice for May and September. However, for those months I would definitely go for a warmer jacket and also a full set of thermal underwear as well as wool socks.

No matter when you travel to Iceland, remember that waterproof clothing and layers are a must. Below you can read all about what to pack and what to wear in Iceland in summer. Find out!

What to pack and what to wear in Iceland - Iceland clothing for summer
 

Iceland Summer Packing List – OVERVIEW

  • Waterproof hiking shoes.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • Layers of short- and long-sleeved shirts and sweaters.
  • Hiking pants and rain pants.
  • Gloves, buff, winter hat.
  • Sleep mask.
  • Swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops.
  • Reusable water bottle and a thermos.
  • Day backpack and rain cover.
  • Sun protection.
  • Moisturizers.
  • Mosquito head net.
  • European electrical adapter.
  • Camera gear.
  • Power bank.
Jurga at Kirkjufell waterfall in Iceland in summer wearing an Icelandic sweater
If the weather is really nice, you’ll often be ok with just a sweater in Iceland in the summer. This picture was taken at the end of August.

What to Wear in Iceland in Summer

Below is a list of Iceland clothing essentials that you shouldn’t forget to pack for Iceland in summer. I didn’t include any obvious items, as I assume you don’t need anyone telling you to pack underwear and socks.

This list also doesn’t include any regular clothing, but of course, you should also pack some jeans or light pants to wear at dinner. I also recommend packing light shoes to wear in your hotel in the evening.

This Iceland packing list is meant to help you with packing for Iceland, beyond the usual clothing and packing essentials that you would take on any other trip. Find out!

 

Waterproof hiking shoes

If you pack just one pair of shoes to Iceland, take sturdy waterproof hiking shoes. If you are serious about exploring Iceland even a little bit, you will need good footwear. If you are planning to visit any of the natural wonders of Iceland, you should opt for waterproof slip-resistant shoes or, ideally, waterproof hiking boots.

You will need good sturdy hiking boots if you are planning to go on a glacier hike in Iceland as well.

I know some people also like to use waterproof socks and they told me it’s one of the most useful items they have packed for Iceland. So it’s worth looking into these, especially if you are planning to do any hiking.

Some others who don’t feel like investing in new waterproof hiking boots opted for waterproof shoe covers.  However, I would only recommend these if you are only visiting Iceland for a day or two and your time outdoors is really limited.

There are many affordable waterproof hiking boots and I think that having dry feet is extremely important if you want to enjoy Iceland. Below you can find some examples of waterproof hiking shoes that should be suitable for regular sightseeing trips in Iceland in summer.

What do we wear? My husband and I now own these Lowa Renegade GTX hiking boots and have used them on various trips in Iceland (and also in Norway, Greenland, Switzerland, etc.). We had these hiking boots for several years and I can’t fault them in any way. Worth every cent.

Our kids have had various hiking shoes (since their feet keep growing, we keep on buying new ones for every trip). Some of the best waterproof hiking shoes they have had recently are these waterproof hiking boots from Salewa. However, these seem to be only sold in Europe, I haven’t seen them in the USA. You will find similar price/quality with the Merrell hiking shoes for kids.

Hiking through lava fields in Iceland in summer
Hiking through lava fields in Iceland.
 

Waterproof jacket

You have absolutely no use for an umbrella or a water-resistant jacket in Iceland. Your outer layer has to be wind- and waterproof! 

Even in summer, a thin K-way will probably not be sufficient, so you may want to get one of those 3-in-1 jackets or a waterproof jacket with more insulation. In July and August, you may be ok with a light rain jacket, but it really depends on the weather you get. In any case, make sure you always pack enough layers to wear underneath in case it gets really cold!

I would definitely opt for a thicker jacket when traveling to Iceland in any season, as memories of the snowstorm we had in Iceland in June are still very vivid…

What do we wear? When traveling in Iceland in summer, we always pack a light rain jacket with some space to layer up underneath when needed. For years, our entire family had Vaude Escape rain jackets. They are excellent for travel.

When we expect it to be colder and drier, we sometimes also opt for a packable puffer jacket, plus – when it rains – a very light k-way-style packable rain jacket on top. Or you could just opt for a 3-in-1 jacket instead, especially if visiting Iceland in May-June or in September.

Kids wearing rain jackets and warm hats at Hvitserkur in Iceland in summer
We were all wearing rain jackets and warm hats at Hvitserkur in August.
 

Layers of short- and long-sleeved shirts and sweaters

One of the first things any Icelander will tell you when you ask what to wear in Iceland is that you need to wear many layers.

The weather changes often and so it’s best to wear plenty of layers that you can put on or take off when necessary.

Ideally, you have 3-4 layers at hand. In summer, I would go for a T-shirt or a long-sleeved thermal shirt, a sweater or a light fleece, a zip-up sweatshirt or zip-up fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket. A warm vest might be nice to have if you are planning activities like hiking.

What do we wear? For Iceland in summer, we usually pack t-shirts and a few long-sleeved shirts, coupled with a few light fleeces that can be layered if needed. We also always pack one warm wool sweater per person and usually wear it every day. I own an Icelandic wool sweater and my husband and kids just take the warmest wool sweater they have at that moment.

 

Hiking pants and rain pants

I usually wear jeans when we travel (I wore jeans in Iceland when we visited Iceland for the first time in June 2006), but I can tell you that Iceland is not an ideal destination for jeans.

Jeans have one huge disadvantage – they take forever to dry. I would still pack a pair of jeans to wear when you go out for dinner or in your hotel in Reykjavik, but for sightseeing, during the day, I would recommend wearing hiking pants.

I suggest to also pack a pair of waterproof rain pants as well, especially if you are planning on spending lots of time outdoors. When it rains in Iceland, it pours. Rain ponchos are useless in Iceland because of the wind. So it’s best to have light rain pants in your backpack at all times so that you can quickly put them on when it starts to rain.

What do we wear? We wear simple hiking pants (something like this) for 90% of our time in Iceland, plus we always take waterproof rain pants with us. In the evenings, in the city, or when we go to a restaurant, we usually simply wear jeans.

Visiting Kerlingarfjöll in Iceland on a cold summer day
It was freezing cold when we visited Kerlingarfjöll in the highlands in August. The temperatures were just above freezing but the wind made it feel even colder.
 

Gloves, buff, winter hat

When packing for Iceland, you really should take gloves, buff, and a warm hat. Yes, even in the summer!

You will definitely need gloves and a warm hat for whale watching excursions, glacier hiking, and definitely if you are camping in Iceland.

Do you need shorts and T-shirts in Iceland in summer?

If you are extremely lucky, you might have a day or two with summer temperatures in Iceland in July or August but don’t count on it. I would definitely pack T-shirts to wear as the under-layer. As for the shorts, you might find the zip-off travel pants more practical.

Do you need smart clothing or summer dresses in Iceland?

If you plan to get acquainted with the (supposedly) vibrant nightlife of Reykjavik, you might want to pack a set of smart clothes and shoes for Iceland. Otherwise, leave them at home. Summer dresses are of no use for sightseeing at all.

Iceland clothing for tourists should be mostly focused on waterproof outdoor clothing. If you really want to enjoy Iceland, you need to dress comfortably and stay dry.

Akureyri snow storm in June
Akureyri snowstorm in June 2006
 

What to Pack for Iceland in Summer

Sleep mask

If there is one thing you don’t want to forget when traveling to Iceland in summer, it’s a good sleeping mask. You know, one of those eye masks that are designed to keep all the light away from your eyes and help you fall asleep.

It stays light 24 hours a day in the Nordics in summer. And so it hardly gets dark in Iceland in the months of May, June, and July. While it’s fun to experience the midnight sun, it’s definitely not fun if you are trying to get some sleep. And you cannot count on finding blackout curtains in the hotels outside Reykjavik.

We didn’t think of this the first time we went to Iceland (in June) and I remember we used buffs to cover our eyes to be able to fall asleep. Not very comfortable, as you can imagine, but it gave us a nice picture and lots of sleepless memories.

Pack sleeping masks for Iceland in summer
This is what happens when you don’t pack sleeping masks in summer
 

Swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops

Iceland is famous for its hot water springs and geothermal pools and there is nothing better than a relaxing hot tub after a long day outdoors. So when packing for Iceland, make sure to pack a swimsuit, a towel, and also flip-flops with you.

A quick-drying microfiber towel is also nice to have when traveling around Iceland. Some swimming pools rent towels, but they are quite expensive. And if you go swimming in natural hot springs, then you definitely want to have your own towel with you.

PRO TIP: You can visit local pools in Iceland without much advance preparation. However, if you are planning to go for a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon, it’s essential to book in advance! It’s also the case if you want to go to the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik.

Reusable water bottle and a thermos

Tap water is absolutely pristine in Iceland and it’s very convenient if you have a reusable water bottle that you can refill during the day.

I would definitely pack a travel thermos as well. I took one with me on the last two trips to Iceland and filled it with warm tea at the hotel every morning. It’s so nice to be able to enjoy a warm drink after a walk in the cold and the rain!

Picnic for lunch is one of the easiest ways to save time and money in Iceland
We always pack a thermos to Iceland
 

Day backpack and rain cover

Even if you don’t plan on doing longer hikes, you will be walking a lot in Iceland. It’s convenient to have a small day backpack, where you can stash all your clothing layers and travel gear.

Waterproof backpacks are expensive, but a backpack rain cover is the best cheap travel item that you’ll be glad you packed for Iceland. It’s an absolute must!

I usually pack this 30-liter backpack for our outdoor adventures. It comes with an integrated rain cover included.

Sun protection

As everywhere else, you need sun protection in Iceland in the summer as well. Sun cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen should always be in your backpack.

Moisturizers

Face lotion or face cream and a lip balm are must-haves when packing for Iceland. The sun and the wind are particularly harsh for your skin in Iceland, so don’t forget these simple travel essentials.

Mosquito head net

Some areas of Iceland, especially around Myvatn Lake (Mosquito Lake), are full of black flies in summer. If you happen to be there when the flies arrive, you really want to have a mosquito head net.

There are two periods in the summer when there are massive swarms of flies in the Myvatn area. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict in advance when exactly the flies will be there.

Mosquitoes should not be a big concern in Iceland. There are very few mosquitoes, so normally, you don’t really need a mosquito spray.

Boy wearing a mosquito headnet at Lake Myvatn in Iceland in summer
A mosquito head net is really useful if you happen to visit Lake Myvatn during the prime midges season.
 

European electrical plug adapter

Electrical sockets in Iceland are standard European electrical socket types C and E. If you have European appliances, you can just use them in Iceland as you would at home. If you are traveling from outside of Europe, make sure to bring a European travel adapter.

Camera gear

When packing camera gear for Iceland, make sure that you have plenty of batteries and memory cards with you. Rural Iceland is really rural, so you might not be able to find these items for sale.

I recommend packing a good travel tripod for Iceland. It’s a must if you want to take silky waterfall pictures.

If you are planning to go whale-watching or want to see puffins in Iceland, I also recommend packing a good zoom lens (e.g. 70-200mm or 70-300mm) for your camera. If you are not sure what camera gear to pack, please check our guide to camera gear for wildlife photography.

Portable charger

I really recommend taking a good power bank with you when packing for Iceland. The days are long in the summer and the chances are high that your phone will be empty long before you have finished sightseeing for the day.

Washcloths

If you are used to using washcloths at home, you may want to pack a few of them to Iceland. You won’t find them in most hotels here.

 

So, this is our packing list for Iceland for summer. I recommend that you download our printable Iceland packing list as well – you can do so via the form below. It’s a great checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything when packing for Iceland.

 

If you have any additional questions about Iceland clothing or packing for Iceland for the summer months, don’t hesitate to leave a reply below.

Alternatively, join our Iceland and Scandinavia travel group on Facebook. It’s a great place to ask any questions about your upcoming trip to Iceland.

What to Pack for Iceland – FAQ

What clothes should you always bring to Iceland?

No matter in which season you visit Iceland, you should pack a waterproof outer layer, waterproof shoes, a couple of sweaters, gloves, a fleece hat, and a buff or scarf. In summer, rain pants and a rain jacket will do, whereas in winter, you also need warm base layers, a wool sweater, an insulated waterproof jacket, and winter pants.

What kind of shoes should I wear in Iceland?

If you are visiting Iceland in summer and are not planning any adventurous outdoor activities, you could just wear sneakers or trainers. However, if you are planning to visit many outdoor destinations, we recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes. In winter, waterproof winter boots with a good grip are a must.

Do I need a waterproof jacket for Iceland?

A good waterproof jacket is truly essential when packing for Iceland in any season. Water-resistant or softshell jackets aren’t ideal for Icelandic weather because when it rains (it WILL rain), you’ll get soaking wet in a matter of minutes.

Do I need waterproof pants for Iceland?

Wind- and waterproof pants are very useful in Iceland. They are definitely essential if visiting in winter, but also in summer, you should pack light rain pants for nature excursions. Iceland is known for its notorious winds and ‘horizontal’ rain, so if you want to enjoy the outdoors, you better make sure that you stay dry and warm!

 

More tips for your summer trip to Iceland:

Itinerary suggestions:

Some of our favorite places in Iceland:

MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION & TIPS: Iceland Travel Guide

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Iceland summer packing essentials - what to wear and pack for Iceland in June, July and August
Complete Iceland packing list for summer
What to pack for Iceland in summer
 

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Graeme

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

This is the best site that I have found so far on what to see in Iceland. We are planning a 24 day holiday in Iceland in July/Sept 2024, hiring a camper, and using the camping pass to keep costs down. Until now, I have been confused as to what to see (in detail) and what is close to other attractions. Thanks so much!!

Jurga

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi Graeme, thank you for the kind feedback and glad to help. For the summer trip, book your camper well in advance and enjoy Iceland!

Karen collier

Friday 5th of May 2023

We’ve been in contact before and now I have a few questions if you can help answer. We want to do the Golden Circle . Viking is our cruise line and they want $229. Per person. Could you recommend a company that would take us on this trip for less? Is the Sky Lagoon worth seeing and is there legit companies to take us here? How about Whale watching in Akureyri? Any better place and thoughts on local guides. Thank you Karen

Jurga

Saturday 6th of May 2023

Hi Karen, we always use the GetYourGuide website for all tours and excursions. It should be much cheaper than what your cruise company is charging, but you have to be more careful with the timing to be sure you get back in time. For example, there are tours that do Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon in one day (see here), but I'm not sure if it works for you - depends on how much time you have in Reykjavik. Otherwise, you can do a shore excursion to Golden Circle. As for Sky Lagoon, yes, it's totally worth it. You could take a taxi there (book tickets for the lagoon in advance!!!), or book a transfer with tickets included. As for Akureyri, take a look at the tours here. I would recommend a trip to Myvatn/Godafoss Waterfall instead of whale watching, but it really depends on your interests if course. Have a great trip!

Debbie

Wednesday 29th of March 2023

Hi Jurga- My adult aged daughter and I are planning a trip to Iceland during May. We are renting a car and I was wondering if there are cigarette lighters in European vehicles, and if so, are they different from the United States' version? I was hoping we could charge our cellphones using the car's cigarette lighter. Thank you for sharing all of this great information, I have found your articles to be extremely helpful! Debbie

Debbie

Thursday 30th of March 2023

@Jurga, Thank you for the response! We plan to take full advantage of extended daylight hours. Can't wait to see the beautiful country of Iceland!

Jurga

Thursday 30th of March 2023

Hi Debbie, yes, European cars have the same system as the US. That being said, more and more newer models now simply have a USB connection so you can usually connect directly to your phone to the car via your charging cable. We usually pack a USB car charger and always a good powerbank (plus all the cables we need) just in case because you never know what you'll find. Hope this helps.

Noreen McComiskey

Friday 10th of March 2023

Hello we are planning on camping and hiking in Iceland the first week in September. I was going to purchase the dry robe to wear as a coat. Would this be an ok coat to wear.

Noreen McComiskey

Friday 10th of March 2023

@Jurga, thank you much appreciated

Jurga

Friday 10th of March 2023

Hi Noreen, I have no idea what a 'dry robe' is so I can't advise you. A quick search online shows me something that looks more like a big coat under which you can change clothes when swimming/surfing - much too long and too bulky to wear when hiking. It also looks like something where the lower part of it isn't well closed and would blow up and down in the wind. But maybe you mean something totally different... Anyway, what you need is a waterproof jacket (in September - you could use a somewhat warmer jacket with some insulation), with enough space for several layers under it. I would also be hesitant to pack anything that's longer than your knees as it limits your ability to hike, do stairs, etc. Hope this helps.

Brian

Wednesday 7th of September 2022

I was going through this post and I found it to be quite helpful in terms of things to pack. I am going to Iceland towards the end of this month from September 21st to 28th. Given that this is sort of in the sweet spot between summer and winter, I have a question as it pertains to the need for a winter jacket. I have a rain jacket from Columbia which I'm definitely bringing as that is waterproof, but I also have this 3-1 Interchange winter jacket from Columbia that is used in winter. The inside "Shell" is the puffy Columbia Omni Heat insulated jacket (basically looks like a down jacket) that I planned on bringing since I can see that being good for hiking when it's colder out.

My question is this. Is it really necessary to bring that winter jacket shell? I was inclined to leave the bulkier winter shell jacket home and just bring the black down jacket shell which is part of the interchange jacket and the rain jacket can be worn over it if it gets cold. I would of course wear layers under the down jacket or other jackets I plan on bringing when it's colder out. I plan on seeing many of the different sites (Golden Circle, waterfalls, possibly Reykjanes peninsula to see the volcano, Westman Islands, solheimajokull glacier, Vatnajokull, etc.)

I was leaning towards the summer list, but just wanted to get your thoughts. I just was leaning towards not bringing the winter jacket given how bulky it is and it not being November/December when things get really cold

Brian

Thursday 8th of September 2022

@Jurga, Thank you very much for the response. I was able to find the name of the 3-in-1 jacket I got some years ago and it's the Columbia Men's Rural Mountain II Interchange Jacket if you are curious. After thinking about it and fitting the jacket with both components in my suitcase after rolling it up, I will probably bring it. Since I am bringing a checked bag, carry on bag and personal bag, I should have enough room in luggage for all my clothing. I can also just wear the 3-in-1 jacket on my flight to save room in luggage. Worst case, I don't end up needing both components of the 3-in-1 jacket. I will look up the weather forecast as well and I am looking forward to my first trip in Iceland.

Jurga

Thursday 8th of September 2022

Hi Brian, it's difficult for me to comment on the specific jacket you have, but in general, yes, a 3-in-1 jacket should be just perfect for Iceland at the end of September. If you are very lucky and the weather is dry, you may not always need the outer layer, but you'll be very glad to have it when you encounter very cold wind and/or rain. You can always check the weather forecast just before your trip and decide based on that, but remember that the wind makes it feel so much colder than you'd expect based on the temperatures. I was once in Iceland in mid-September and we had exceptionally dry and warm (+-14°C (57F) during the day) weather. Even then, I wore my winter jacket in the highlands one day. For the rest of the trip, I just used a softshell windproof jacket and a sweater and it was enough. But a week after I left, it was snowing in some of the places we visited... So you really never know. Have a great trip!

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