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When most travelers think of Iceland, they imagine a country of glaciers, mountains, and Instagram friendly lagoons to warm you up from the cold. Iceland is not all about cold weather and icy nature; however, it can get quite cold in Iceland, even in summer. The weather is milder than summers elsewhere in the world, and the days are longer. Not being a traditional summer, it can be a little difficult to know what to pack for Iceland in summer.
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation, then summer is a great time to visit Iceland. From hiking to horseback riding and glacier walking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. One of the best things about visiting Iceland in the summer is that you can experience the Midnight Sun; from late May to early August, the sun never sets in Iceland. This means that you can enjoy 24 hours of daylight to explore everything from hiking trails to waterfalls.
With all that time available to be outside, and some tricky weather to boot, your packing list is going to have to work a little harder for you. The most important thing you will come away with is the need for layers, due to ongoing temperature changes throughout the day, and also for rain proofing. Keep reading for our comprehensive Iceland packing list for summer.
In a hurry? Here are my 3 must haves for what to pack:
Why?: (#1) A light rain jacket doesn’t take up too much room, but helps you from getting caught out when it rains.
Why?: (#2) There are many different brands available but a set of wireless headphones are amazing for long bus or train journeys.
Why?: (#3) Having a lens cloth is so important yet its often left off packing lists. They’re cheap to buy and can save your photos from random smudges.
What to Wear in Iceland in June, July and August
The following list is aimed at a 1-2 week trip in Iceland in Summer. If you’re going for more than 2 weeks I’d recommend the upper limits and washing as you go, as remember, you still have to move your luggage around and meet baggage weight limits.
1-2 jackets – one longer that’d work well for city days. At least one should be water proof, preferably both. The waterproofing will come in handy if it rains and near certain waterfalls such as Dynjandi and Gullfoss. Something that is also wind proof will come in handy as Iceland can have strong winds at times.
1-2 sweaters or hoodies – bring one normal (for layering) and one warmer one such as a bulkier knit sweater or hoodie. You should pick things that will fit underneath your waterproof jacket above.
A vest (optional) – If you are quite suspectable to the cold, you can also consider taking a warm vest to help with layering. Consider how much space you have in your suitcase or bcakpack though. If you do go this route, look into a packable down one, which decreases the space it will take up in your luggage.
Woollen hat + scarf + gloves x 1-2 – you may wish to bring a woollen hat, gloves and a scarf, however this will depend on your tolerance to the cold. Others will be fine without any of these.
1 pair of sneakers or hiking boots – especially if you plan to do a bit of walking in nature. If you’re planning on one of the longer, or multi day hikes, I’d strongly recommend hiking shoes. Also, opt for waterproof shoes if you can afford it because it can and will rain.
1-2 pairs of comfortable flats – for daily use. Just keep in mind the ever present threat of rain.
4 pairs of socks – if you’re going hiking, I’d strongly recommend waterproof socks.
Mix of long and short sleeved tops: 4-7 for a week long trip, 4-10 for a 2 week or longer trip (ie: wash as you go). Keep in mind that summer in Iceland is colder than summer elsewhere so pick items that will keep you warm such as thicker materials, or items you can layer. You can also opt for some thermal shirts here.
2-4 pairs of pants – I personally love jeans, but Iceland is one of the only placesI wouldn’t recommend them, so if you want to bring them, limit them to one pair. For Iceland, you’ll be best choosing some waterproof pants to help you in case of rain or an overzealous waterfall.
There are some nice options which don’t look like you’re wearing a garbage bag, so I’d strongly recommend looking into them instead of just packing all jeans. Pick something you’ll feel comfortable in sitting and walking.
1-3 dresses – opt for moderate to thicker materials (like this gorgeous dress). These will come in handy in the evenings, however again, it depends on your tolerance to the above mentioned temperatures. A dress made out of thinner material may be best pair with stockings and a cardigan.
1-2 pairs of Stockings – perfect for wearing under dresses to keep you warm as the day stretches towards the evening. Pick something warm.
1-2 pairs of leggings – pick something thermal if the temperatures are set to be extra cold during your stay. You can wear these for hiking or under your dresses when it gets cold, or even under your pants.
A daily pair of underwear – the other option is to handwash in your hotel but due to the weather in Iceland, drying can take some time.
3-5 bras
Sunglasses
1 swimsuit – because if you skipped the Blue Lagoon, did you really even go to Iceland?
What Technology to Pack for Iceland in Summer
Portable hard drive – this is more so if you are bringing a laptop with you, as you can use it as a backup for your photos / memory card.
International adapter – I always recommend buying a general international adapter rather than one for each individual country you visit. Iceland uses the classic European two round prong plugs, standard voltage is 230V.
2 16 or 32gb memory cards – I recommend multiple, smaller memory cards because sometimes they fail and you don’t want to loose all your pictures. Organise a safe spot in your bag so you don’t loose them.
Camera + lenses + charger + spare battery – for Iceland a wide angle lens will work well as its famous for it’s landscapes. If you plan to see the whales or the puffins, bring your zoom lens as well.
Tripod (optional) – See the FAQ section at the bottom of the page for more information, but some may wish to bring a tripod. Don’t forget to check that you have all the needed parts packed.
Phone + charger – I mean yeah, you could find a new charger in Iceland if you forget to bring yours, but its best to triple check you’ve packed yours instead.
Laptop + charger (optional) – I normally pack a laptop if I’m staying in hotels so we can watch movies at night, and to help me back up photos. I bring the smaller one which doesn’t weigh too much. However you’ll be fine without one (you can also just use your phone).
Power bank – for when you phone dies while you’re out and about.
Go Pro – if you have one you’ll get some good use out of the Go Pro here on hikes and while swimming.
Waterproof phone case – if you don’t have a go pro and want to take your phone into the thermal springs, consider picking up a waterproof case for your phone instead.
Headphones – so you can listen to music
Cosmetics, Medicine & Toiletries to Bring
A toiletries bag – to keep things organised.
Shampoo and conditioner – (travel sized, wrapped in plastic bag incase of leakage). Alternatively you can pack solid shampoo and conditioner.
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Hair brush + hair ties
Deodorant
Basic medicine kit – no need to take a lot as you can easily get medicine in Iceland. I recomend something for headaches, a minor cold and for motion sickness (if you need it).
Medicine – If you have any prescription medicine, take the prescription with you if you still have it.
Makeup + moisturizer – keep in mind that the Iceland summer may not be as warm as you expect so keep your skin from getting too dry with some travel sized moisturizer.
Lip balm – cause it’s a little chilly.
Wet wipes for makeup removal
Insect repellent – or buy this in Iceland when needed.
Sunscreen
Ear plugs – these will come in handy if you’re staying in a dorm
Travel sized blow dryer (optional) – if you have space in your luggage it may be worth taking one if your hotel doesn’t have their own. Please make sure you bring one that has the right voltage – see our suggestions for the best travel blow dryers here.
All Other Things for your Iceland Packing List in June, July & August
2 credit / debit cards – I always prefer to have two different ones, such as one Visa and one Mastercard.
A photocopy of your passport (or digital equivalent) – in case you lose yours and need to remember the details.
A small backpack – for during the day, hikes. Bonus points if its waterproof.
A small clutch or handbag (optional) – for evenings if you want to go to nicer places, otherwise you can stick with the backpack.
A plastic poncho – incase the summer rain comes out of nowhere and your clothes aren’t waterproof.
Rain cover – something for your big bag and your day back if they are not waterproof.
A sleep mask – because that midnight sun can be really, freaking annoying if you’re a light sleeper without good curtains. Alternatively you can pull you woollen hat / beanie over your eyes.
A lightweight towel – you can rent these but its always handy to have your own. Towel renting can be a little expensive in Iceland at the springs. I recomend bringing something lightweight such as a microfibre towel.
A water bottle – the tap water in Iceland is of high quality so you can save some money by bringing your own reuseable water bottle. For longer hikes you also may want to bring something insulated so you can have a warm drink while out in the cold.
Mosquito & fly head net – In summer the bugs in Myvatn can be intense, and many locals recommend a head net during this time. It sounds dramatic but many people do wear these on their visit to the lake, and its pretty cheap to get one.
Binoculars (optional) – these come in handy on longer hikes or animal spotting experiences.
What is Summer in Iceland like?
Summer in Iceland is a unique experience, encompassing June, July and August. The weather is pleasant, but can get a little chilly. The days are long, especially when it comes time for the midnight sun. The average temperatures in summer are 50-60F / 10 to 15C, but temperatures can get up to 25C/ 77F, and go as chilly as 5C/41F.
Summer is the best time to visit Iceland. The days are longer so you can make the most of your time and there are so many great things to do in Iceland during this time. The weather is also perfect for those who hate the heat – no overbearing humidity here.
Unfortunately, it can be cold, and rain does happen here, but as long as you are prepared with waterproof options, you wont find it to be too much of a hassle.
While its not the same kind of summer that you get in places such as Australia or Thailand, its still a great (perhaps the best) time to get outside in Iceland. Snow can occasionally happen, but you’re most likely to encounter mild temperatures and some rain. Most of the things to see in Iceland are outdoors and involve walking so you’ll warm up in no time.
FAQ for your Iceland Packing List
What to wear hiking in Iceland?
Leggings are a good option for hiking in Iceland as they will keep your legs warm, or even just for under dresses. If you’re used to colder temperatures (10-15C) you may be fine with shorts, but opt for shorts that are longer.
Shoe wise, for bigger hikes it will be worth investing in some quality hiking shoes – just make sure you’ve worn them in before you arrive. For easy, shorter 1-2 hour hikes, sneakers are fine.
What to wear in Iceland at night?
A medium-warm jacket will serve you well during the day and in the evenings. If you are going to nicer restaurants or nightclubs, you may wish to bring a second dressier jacket just for the evenings. Apart from that jeans and a nice top, or a pretty dress, will serve you well.
Do you need shorts in Iceland?
It’s probably going to be a touch too cold to pack shorts in Iceland, even in Summer.
What lens should I take to Iceland?
If you can only bring one lens I’d recommend a wide angle, as there’s so much beautiful nature in Iceland, often on an epic scale. You don’t really need a zoom lens unless doing animal spotting.
Should I bring a tripod to Iceland?
This will depend on the type of photos you want. If you are serious about photography as a hobby you may wish to bring one so you can use longer exposures. Alternatively its a good way to get photos of yourself while traveling solo. Just keep in mind, you’ll have to carry the tripod around so pick something light weight.
Should I bring an umbrella to Iceland?
No, while it seems like a good idea, Iceland can have very strong, umbrella breaking winds. Instead make sure your outer layers are waterproof, and preferably have hoods.
What to pack for a honeymoon in Iceland?
I would recommend using the above packing list, but adding a feel nicer dresses or evening outfits for dinners out with your husband. You could also take some clothing for the bedroom if you are so inclined.
What should I pack for a week in Iceland?
The above packing list is perfect. For a week you can take a top for each day, unless you’re travelling carry on. However I recommend only taking 3-4 pairs of pants maximum as these tend to take up a lot of space.
Should I bring flipflops to Iceland?
These are not needed as it will be too cold. I will normally take a pair to use in the shower no matter where I travel though. If you do bring some they can come in handy for walking around the hot springs.
Do I need a waterproof jacket for Iceland?
Yes, because it does rain often here.
Is Iceland safe?
Yes, Iceland is a pretty safe place to visit. The crime rate is very low and there is little violence. The police are generally helpful although you wont see them around everywhere as you do in some countries outside of Europe.
In saying that, you should be able to easily find a station and get assistance if needed. Iceland is a developed country so you can also expect there to be security cameras in many populated places. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling anywhere.