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Iceland Packing List for Summer – Your Guide to What to Pack for Iceland

Having visited Iceland in June, I know firsthand what to pack for summer in Iceland.  One of my most frequently asked question is about what to wear in Iceland.  In this post I will go over everything from the best footwear for Iceland to the necessary travel accessories.  But, first lets’s talk more about what summer in Iceland really means.

Summer is a relative term when it comes to talking about Iceland. An Iceland summer consists of temperatures between 50-55°F (10–13 °C ). That is exactly what we experienced when we visited Iceland in June. If you’re very lucky you will experience warmer weather, but don’t count on it. One of the sayings we heard when planning our trip to Iceland was if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes. It’s true, the weather in Iceland is completely unpredictable and you should pack for anything. Whether you will be staying 10 days in Iceland or a stopover in Iceland,  this post will be your comprehensive guide to what to pack for Iceland including clothing, accessories and supplies.

Ultimate Iceland Packing List

Clothing and Outerwear

1. Waterproof Jacket

This is an absolute must for Iceland in the summer. We encountered a light rain almost every day of our trip, plus you’ll want this when you’re walking behind waterfalls or close to them. Be sure your jacket is waterproof and not just water resistant! You can also benefit from packing a small travel umbrella as it’s not always windy.  Here are my picks for the best coat for Iceland:

2. Waterproof Shoes

Just as important, if not more important than a waterproof jacket are boots for Iceland.  In Iceland you’ll no doubt find yourself hiking around waterfalls, near the beaches, on glaciers and doing your best to avoid puddles. I wore my Hunter rain boots and although they were good at keeping me dry I would have preferred a pair of insulted boots or hiking shoes instead like the ones below.  Here are some of the best boots for Iceland:

3.Rain Pants

Are you sensing a theme here? We did not have rain pants with us and that was our biggest regret. We ended up being soaked when we got up close to some of the water falls and the mist really carries pretty far in the wind. They have plenty of great options for kids and adults, definitely do yourself a favor and pack a pair! You can wear jeans or leggings under them and just take off the rain pants for when you’re in restaurants or out in the evening.

4. Lots of Layers!

You’ll need plenty of different base layers for under the above mentioned items. I suggest packing a few t-shirts as well as long sleeve thermals and sweatshirts or sweaters. You can wear them all under your waterproof rain jacket and then undress layers as needed throughout the day.

5. Gloves and Hats

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go to Iceland anytime of the year without gloves and a hat, especially with kids in tow. We needed to use ours just about every day and were so thankful we brought them. You might not need full on insulated winter gloves and can get away with a pair of knitted mittens or gloves, the same goes for the hat.

6. Bathing Suits

Iceland has an abundance of hot springs you can visit, so a bathing suit is an absolute must any time of the year. We brought two bathing suits for each family member just in case we didn’t have time to dry our first suit before our next visit to a pool. Don’t forget a pair of flip flops!

7. Wool Socks

I am obsessed with wool socks and these ones from Darn Tough Vermont are my absolute favorite. They are comfortable, keep you dry and warm and have a lifetime guarantee! You’ll appreciate them for keeping you both dry and warm while in Iceland, even during the summer.

Gear and Accessories you’ll need to pack for Iceland in summer:

1. Sleep Mask

It is light for nearly 24/7 all summer long in Iceland.  Most hotels and airbnb’s will have room darkening curtains and shades, but trust me that won’t be enough.  You can pick up inexpensive eye masks like the ones below before your trip to ensure you get a good night’s rest.

2. European Electric Adapter

The electrical outlets in Iceland are standard European outlets. If you’re coming from the US you will need a converter to use any of your appliances and chargers. Along the same lines, you’ll benefit from having a car charger (they use the same ones as we do in the United States) and a portable charger for charging up any electronics like your cell phone or tablets. The summer days are long in Iceland and you’ll likely find yourself exploring long past your normal bedtime and battery life.

3. Microfiber Towel

These quick drying towels will come in handy for your hot springs visits as well as wiping yourself or gear down after being outside during the rain. These aren’t your typical towels that take up a ton of room, these fold up so tiny, smaller than a pair of socks making them perfect for your trip to Iceland.

4. Reusable Water Bottle

You can drink the tap water almost anywhere in Iceland. It is possibly some of the cleanest drinking water you’ll find anywhere in the world. Not only is it clean and environmentally friendly, but you’ll save a ton of money on water by using a reusable water bottle.

5. Backpack

You’ll definitely want a backpack for your adventures in Iceland. I don’t think we saw anyone carrying a purse anywhere in Iceland. You can get a rain cover to go over your backpack or use a poncho when needed. You’ll appreciate having the extra storage that a backpack can offer you while out exploring Iceland.

6. Camera Gear

You’ll find yourself wanting to capture all of Iceland’s incredible beauty , trust me! I brought along my Canon 6d with a few lenses as well as our GoPro which was great for the hot springs and other times when we needed a waterproof camera like hiking behind the waterfalls.

7. Credit Cards

Iceland is a credit card country, meaning you don’t need cash for anything. I’m serious, we didn’t use any cash or exchange any currency. My favorite travel credit card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Clicking here will get you 50,000 sign on points which is generally enough for 2 FREE flights or 4-5 nights of FREE hotel stays! We use this card all the time and barely pay for any of our travel out of pocket.

8. Medications

Sure, you can buy plenty of over the counter medications in Iceland, but prices are much more expensive so it’s best to pack travel sizes of the medications you’ll need. If you suffer from any food allergies don’t forget to pack multiple sets of Epi-pens!

READ MORE: Our Iceland Itinerary

I hope you have found his guide helpful while packing for Iceland. If so, please share it! You can pin the image below: