Winter in Iceland is harsh, but it is one of the best times to visit the country to see incredible landscapes covered in white, ice caves, and the Northern Lights. This Iceland winter packing list will help you pack and make sure you have everything you need to fight the cold.
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Despite the cold, winter is a great time to travel to Iceland. During these months, it’s more likely to see the Northern Lights, and you can also visit ice caves in the glaciers. Beyond that, winter offers some advantages, such as fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
Is it cold? Yes, very cold. But it is possible to travel to Iceland in winter and enjoy the trip by wearing the right clothing for this climate.
Weather in Iceland in winter
The climate in Iceland during winter is obviously cold, although not as much as in other European countries. In its capital, Reykjavik, temperatures can drop as low as -10°C. The southern part of the island tends to be windy, while the northern part is drier. The central interior of the island is the coldest, but it is usually inaccessible during the winter months.
Here are the average temperatures in Reykjavik to give you an idea:
- November: 4°C max / 0°C min
- December: 2°C max / -2°C min
- January: 2°C max / -2°C min
- February: 3°C max / -2°C min
- March: 4°C max / -1°C min
- April: 6°C max / -1°C min
Although winter spans from November to March, I’ve also included the months before and after.
The main problem in Iceland during winter is the wind. It makes the wind chill feel much colder, typically around -10°C or -15°C.
Iceland winter packing list: what to pack for winter in Iceland
CLOTHING
- Base Layer (Thermal Clothing): Thermal clothing is key when traveling to Iceland in winter. This will be your first layer, and it will help retain heat close to your body. I recommend buying good leggings and thermal shirts. The brand Uniqlo offers excellent thermal wear, and you can also find thermal sets like this thermal set on Amazon at very good prices. Merino wool sets are also a great option. They offer the best technology for winter, with odor-resistant properties and natural regulation of the body temperature.
- Mid layer: For the mid layer, it’s recommended to wear a fleece sweatshirt or a wool sweater. A fleece like this one is perfect for everyday use.
- Waterproof Pants: It’s essential that the pants you wear over the base layer are waterproof. Jeans are not suitable in Iceland due to humidity, snow, and rain. The best option is to wear snow pants. I wore snow pants similar to these and used them throughout the trip.
- Jacket: Another key item is the jacket, as this will be your final layer, so it must be completely waterproof and warm. I used the same jacket I wear for snowboarding. Here are some examples of jackets you could use:
- Underwear: If you’re very sensitive to the cold, you can bring thermal underwear. Make sure the socks you bring are thick or ski-specific like these.
- Swimsuit: make sure you bring a swimsuit for visiting hot springs like Blue Lagoon.
FOOTWEAR
One of the most important things to avoid getting cold in Iceland during winter is wearing the right footwear.
- Waterproof Hiking Boots with Good Insulation: A good pair of warm boots that will protect you from water and snow is essential. Boots like these Sorel or these Columbia ones are the ones I used during my trip. They are literally one of the best purchases I’ve ever made, and I use them for trekking all year round.
I also brought moon boots, which are super warm and comfortable. They’re great for walking on snow, but you’ll also need to bring another type of hiking boots so you can wear crampons when necessary.
- Flip-flops: Don’t forget to pack flip-flops or sandals. One of the best things to do in Iceland in winter is to visit the hot springs, so you’ll need them for that.
ACCESSORIES
- Gloves: You’ll need a good pair of gloves to protect your hands from the cold. They should be waterproof to keep your hands dry, like these ski gore-tex gloves.
- Beanie: Another essential accessory for the cold is a wool or fleece beanie to protect your head. I love my Carhatt knit beanie.
- Scarf or fleece neck: Scarves or fleece neck warmers are also useful accessories to protect your neck and ears.
- Hand and Foot Warmers: When traveling to Iceland in winter, it’s a great idea to bring these hand and foot warmers. They’re self-adhesive and keep heat for a couple of hours. I used them on the nights I went aurora hunting, when the temperatures were extremely cold, and they were a lifesaver.
- Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the sun’s reflection off the snow, which can be very bright.
- Ear muffs: Ear muffs are a great accessory to keep your ears cozy and warm.
EQUIPMENT
- Crampons for Walking on Ice: Please, don’t travel to Iceland in winter without crampons. It’s incredible how many people I saw slipping and injuring themselves by walking on ice without crampons. On the paths leading to waterfalls and viewpoints, there’s ice, so crampons are essential as they allow you to walk safely. I bought these crampons on Amazon, and they worked great for me.
- Headlamp: A headlamp is useful for illuminating the path when camping or during aurora hunting nights.
- Water Bottle/Thermo: One thing I always carry on my trips is a refillable water bottle like this one. I use it at airports and refill it at the hotel to have water throughout the day.
PERSONAL CARE
- Lip Balm: This is essential to avoid chapped lips from the cold and wind.
- Toiletries: Remember that in carry-on luggage, only containers up to 100 ml are allowed. The easiest way is to have silicone containers like these, which can be refilled with your products.
- Cosmetics and Makeup
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Medications
- Towel: If you’re traveling in a camper, you’ll need to bring a towel. It’s also a good idea to have one for the thermal pools, as many places charge for towel usage. If you don’t want to carry a bulky towel, I strongly recommend you pack a quick dry towel.
ELECTRONICS
- Universal adapter: A must item for any trip. Plugs in Europe are different in each country so with a universal adapter you won’t have to worry about not having the right adaptor.
- Portable Charger: A must-have if you’re going to be out all day long.
- Phone and Headphones
- Camera and Battery
OTHERS
- Passport: Essential documentation for traveling.
- Credit/Debit Cards: I recommend bringing multiple cards just in case, as there are many places in Iceland, like campsites and gas stations, that are fully automated with no staff. Sometimes international cards don’t work, so it’s good to have a backup. To avoid currency conversion fees on your card, I recommend opening an account with N26 or Wise. These are virtual accounts that don’t charge anything for payments in a currency different from the euro. Plus, you can request a physical card to take with you on your trip.
I hope you enjoyed this winter packing list for Iceland! Traveling to Iceland in winter is an amazing experience and you can completely enjoy it with the right clothes 🙂
Other useful posts about Europe:
- How to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
- 10 day Iceland Itinerary
- Crystal Blue Ice Cave in Iceland
- Ultimate Guide for an Iceland campervan trip
- Tips for planning your first trip to Europe
- Where to stay in Andorra
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