What to Wear in Iceland in Winter (October – April)
Are you wondering what to wear in Iceland in winter? After visiting Iceland plenty of times throughout the winter season, here’s everything you should pack for your trip.
While beautiful, Iceland can be pretty unforgiving when it comes to weather. You can have blue skies and sun one minute and then rain that hits you sideways the next! So, packing and knowing what to wear can be pretty tricky to decide.
This is even more true in winter when the weather is the most unpredictable and the coldest. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than being too cold and not having any way to warm up. It will literally ruin your trip!
So, if you’re wondering what to pack for Iceland in winter, here is everything we bring to stay warm and toasty.
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in a hurry?
These are all of our Iceland winter packing essentials! ❤️
THERMAL: Merino Wool Base Layer
BOTTOMS: My Fave Thermal Trousers
BOOTS: Super Comfy Snow Boots
COAT: My Go-To Thick Parka
GLOVES: Quality Fleece-Lined Gloves
CRAMPONS: The Crampons We Use
Tops
Keeping your top half warm is super important. You’ll need to ensure you’re bringing high-quality clothing that is both thermal and will trap heat but will also ensure you don’t get too hot if the environment changes.
- Thermal Base Layer – I always choose a Merino Wool base layer like this one as it is both breathable and moisture-wicking. It’s great at keeping you warm outside but also can help regulate your temperature if you go into a warm environment.
- Mid-Layer Fleece – You’ll need to pack several mid-layers for a winter trip. Fleece is great for layering and isn’t too thick, so is often easier to pack. This is my go-to brand.
- Jumpers/Sweaters – You can’t visit Iceland and not bring any jumpers. Not only are they warm and snuggly, but they can add a great pop of colour to your outfit, perfect for photography. I love authentic jumpers made from Icelandic wool, like this one.
- Packable Down Jacket – Even though you’ll have an overcoat, Icelandic weather can be so unpredictable that I recommend bringing multiple layers. The last time I visited Iceland in the winter, I wore my packable down jacket underneath my large coat for extra warmth on most days. You can also get one that comes in a bag for easier packing.
Bottoms
While my bottom half never gets as cold as my top half, it’s also super important to bring warm trousers. With the wind chill, your legs can get very cold, plus, there’s nothing worse than it raining when you’re wearing jeans – they will soak through pretty quickly!
- Thermal Leggings – Once again, we vote for Merino Wool. I always bring these leggings with me and wear them underneath my trousers. Andrew takes these.
- Waterproof Thermal Trousers – As well as a thermal base layer, I also recommend investing in a sturdy pair of waterproof trousers. I love these. They’re comfortable and stylish, and you can buy a fleece-lined pair that adds even more warmth to your outfit. Andrew brings his Revolution Races trousers which are a fantastic option for men.
- Socks – Cold feet are the worst! When packing for Iceland in winter, you’ll need to include a pair of thick socks for every day you’re out there. I opt for Merino Wool socks too as they are moisture-wicking and prevent your feet from getting too hot.
Shoes
Shoes are so important for Iceland in winter. You’ll need a pair that is sturdy enough to handle all the walking you’ll be doing, waterproof enough to cope with the weather, and comfortable enough to cushion your feet all day.
I recommend bringing several pairs so you have a range of options.
- Walking Boots – For winter in Iceland, you’ll almost definitely need a pair of sturdy walking boots. There are so many different options to choose from, but I have these from Sketchers and these boots from Sorel. They both come with me on every trip to Iceland. Andrew loves these walking boots and swears by them for every hiking trip.
- Snow Boots – For those especially chilly days or days when you know you’ll be walking in deep snow or lots of rain, having the extra warmth on your legs can make a lot of difference. I also love these snow boots and they are my go-to for heavy winter days. I have this much cheaper pair too which I also take with me.
- Trainers – For the evenings. You probably don’t want to be walking around your hotel or restaurant in huge thick boots, so I recommend bringing a pair of comfy trainers as well.
- Flip Flops – These come in very handy when visiting Iceland’s geothermal spas.
Waterproof Outer Layer
Do not skimp on a high-quality coat to wear in Iceland in winter. You will most definitely need it and you’ll need to ensure that it’s adequately waterproof too. When Iceland rains it RAINS!
I usually bring at least two coats with me to Iceland. This way, if one soaks through, I can use the other one! Here are some of the options I recommend:
- This is my favourite coat (I’m wearing this in the photo above). It’s got loads of colour options, it’s so thick and warm, and the waterproofing level is good. The rain does soak into the top layer after a while, but it’s never gotten inside the coat on all the times I’ve worn it. They also do a longer option and it’s unisex. Andrew has the same coat in a pale grey colour.
- For a slightly lighter option (perhaps to pack in your case), I also love this coat. It has a waterproofing level of 20,000mm and has a built-in down layer which you can remove. Be sure to get one size up, so you can wear lots of layers underneath.
- For a longer, thick coat that will keep you toasty, this is another fantastic option. I love the colours and the amount of pockets, which are great for storing camera gear.
- I also love this lighter option for non-rainy days – plus, it’s super cute!
Accessories
You’ll also need quite a few extra accessories to keep your extremities warm while you’re in Iceland. Don’t skimp on these either – cold fingers or cold ears are not fun!
- Hat – I recommend bringing a fleece-lined beanie with you. This one is a really good brand, but the first time we went to Iceland in December, we simply bought thermal ones online like this one or this one and it was perfect.
- Scarf – Pick a wolly one and your neck will be nice and toasty. I love thick scarves that you can wrap around you multiple times.
- Gloves – You’ll need to make sure you buy quality gloves to wear in Iceland in winter. I love this pair and they also have touchscreen fingers so you can still use your phone. These are also a great option and are super thick for extra warmth.
- Face warmer – Do not underestimate the wind in Iceland. While you might feel wrapped up with a hat and scarf on, if your face is exposed it can get really cold really quickly. I used my face warmer almost every day when I was last in Iceland to keep my chin, nose, and cheeks protected from the wind.
- Sunglasses – Surprisingly, these can come in very useful in winter, especially if you are driving. The glare from the bright white snow can be blinding.
- Swimming Costume – If you want to visit any of Iceland’s thermal pools, you’ll need to remember your swimming costume. I recommend packing at least two as it’s not easy to get them dry again in the winter.
Other Essentials
Here are a few other things you’ll need to bring with you to Iceland in winter.
- Backpack – You may not need this as much as you would visiting Iceland in summer because you’ll likely not be outside for as long at a time. However, if you’re bringing a packed lunch, camera gear, or just some extra layers, a backpack can be really handy. I’d choose a waterproof one like this one with a supportive strap for your chest. You can also get one with a waterproof cover like this.
- Water Bottle/Flask – there’s no need to buy bottled water in Iceland as you can refill your bottle almost anywhere. I recommend bringing an insulated bottle like this one that can be used for both hot and cold drinks.
- Ice Cleats/Crampons – For certain places in winter (like Kvernufoss), these are essential. Places can get seriously icy in the winter months and a pair of crampons will stop you from slipping. These are the ones I use and they helped a lot during our last winter trip.
- Lip Balm – The cold air can really dry out your skin, especially your lips. We recommend bringing a quality lip balm with you to keep them hydrated.
- Towel – While the Blue Lagoon may offer a towel with your tickets, many of the other thermal pools in Iceland make you hire these separately. We suggest bringing a towel with you for instances like these.
When is Winter in Iceland?
Because of the country’s northern location, winter in Iceland lasts from mid-October until late April. We visited Iceland in March and April and found the ground covered in snow and ice.
We’ve also visited Iceland in December and visited Iceland in January, and it’s much colder and snowier during these months.
So, while you may think it’s spring, the temperatures are often much colder than elsewhere in Europe
Temperatures in winter range from 5°C (41°F) to -5°C (23°F). If you visit the north of Iceland, near Akureyri, it can drop to -8°C (17.5°F). So, it’s more important than ever to wrap up warm.
👉Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Iceland for all our tips.
Top Tips for Packing for Iceland in Winter
Iceland is beautiful in winter, but don’t underestimate the cold! From the northern lights to the beautiful winter scenery, frosty ground, and frozen waterfalls, it’s a completely magical time to visit, and there are so many great things to do.
But not wearing the right clothes can really ruin your experience.
Our advice is to always wear layers, pack more layers than you think you’ll need, and make sure you have the best quality coat, gloves and shoes that you can get.
I find that those are always the things that people skimp out on. Getting wet from not having a good coat or getting cold hands and feet really isn’t fun!
Also, there is no point bringing an umbrella to Iceland – the wind can be brutal, and it won’t be of any use.
So, whether you’re exploring the Golden Circle or going on a road trip, I hope this list has helped you know what to wear in Iceland in winter.
If you have any other questions about your trip to Iceland, join our Free Facebook Group and ask us anything!
👉 Still planning your trip to Iceland? Check out our favourite 5-day itinerary!
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