THE ULTIMATE ICELAND PACKING LIST

Your travel style dictates your Iceland packing list. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts need windproof, waterproof, and breathable gear to battle the elements and sustain activity levels.

For road-trippers, the priority is comfort and layer adjustability during stops. If your focus is city sightseeing, dress casually but with comfortable shoes and a rain jacket. For nature outings, sturdy boots and rainwear are crucial.

If your itinerary leans more towards urban exploration, a relaxed wardrobe will suffice. Though remember, comfort is key! Consider reliable footwear and perhaps a rain jacket for those surprise showers. Equally, if you're keen on exploring Mother Nature's wonders like cascading waterfalls and rugged beaches, don't forget your sturdy walking boots and rain gear.

When it comes to stepping into cosy bars, locals won't bat an eyelid at your outdoor attire. However, upscale dining spots and theatres appreciate a more refined look. A quick check on the dress codes will keep any embarrassment at bay.

Nightlife in Iceland is a fashionable affair. Embrace your inner style guru and channel glamorous, cool, and retro-inspired looks. European high-street favourites such as Zara, H&M, Lindex, and Reserved are go-to shopping destinations here. And don't forget local Nordic brands like Cintamani, 66North, and Farmer’s Market, perfect for indulging in retail therapy and spicing up your Icelandic wardrobe.

Items of Clothing to Avoid

Exploring natural attractions warrants particular care in your choice of attire. Denim items, such as jeans, and cotton clothing are less than ideal as they absorb and retain water, taking an age to dry and potentially leaving you shivering in dampness all day.

Plastic raincoats, although seemingly practical, are not your friend in this Nordic clime. They are not only tough to adjust, but also poor at shielding you from the rain and wind. Plus, their lack of breathability can trap moisture, leading to a swift transition from dry to damp, and they often lack in design sensibility.

Clothing that's overly heavy can feel burdensome, hindering your comfort and mobility. Instead, aim for lightweight, protective gear for a more pleasant experience. It's fine to pack spare layers, but don't pile on weighty attire all at once. The key is moderation!

Venturing into Iceland is like stepping into a breathtaking postcard. The high volcanic peaks, the grizzled glaciers, the dramatic coastlines, and majestic waterfalls are a photographer's paradise. Whether you're capturing the northern lights with a professional camera or using your phone, ensure your camera, memory cards, and chargers are ready to go.

And remember, if you're arriving from the UK, you'll need an adapter "C" or "F" to keep your devices charged and ready.

Here's a selection of additional accessories that can significantly enhance your comfort and convenience during your Icelandic adventure.

Handy Backpack

A compact backpack can be your best ally, providing an easy and secure means to tote your daily necessities, like wallet, keys, camera, drink, and collapsible rain jacket. It gives you the freedom to explore hands-free, minimising the risk of losing items, and allowing for easy access.

Skin and Eye Protection

Believe it or not, you'll need sun protection in Iceland, even in winter! Sunburn can be an unwanted souvenir from March to September, if you're not careful, especially during lengthy outdoor escapades. Make sure you pack or purchase a robust sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. A cap or sunhat can offer added safeguard for your face. You may not need it in winter, but it is absolutely crucial in summer.

Sunglasses aren't just for looking cool; in Iceland, they are a practical accessory all year round. They can offer added comfort during sunny summer sightseeing, improve visibility when driving during low-evening sun, and reduce winter sun's glare off the snow.

Sleep Aid

A sleeping mask can be a valuable travel companion, whether on flights or in hotel rooms lacking blackout blinds. The extended daylight of Iceland's summer may challenge your regular sleep pattern. From late April, early sunrises and late sunsets can shift your internal body clock. By late May, the Midnight Sun reigns, offering non-stop daylight until late August.

As spring unfolds from April to May in Iceland, the lingering chill of winter begins to recede, and daylight generously extends its stay. This season, however, is akin to a weather roulette wheel, oscillating between fresh snowfall and brilliant sunshine, often within the same day!

Prepare yourself for a wide spectrum of temperatures, from below freezing to as high as the mid-teens Celsius (32 to 60°F). The key to mastering this weather conundrum lies in the art of layering!

Indeed, donning a winter parka in these months isn't a rare sight, as wintry weather continues to assert its presence in spring. It is not surprising to find oneself amidst a sudden snow flurry even as the season unfolds. Yet, as unpredictable as the chill descends, the temperatures can sometimes climb to a more welcoming 10 degrees Celsius (50°F), breathing an early hint of summer into the air.

Thus, equipping yourself with a versatile wardrobe becomes paramount. A collection of layers that can be adjusted to the fluctuating conditions is your best bet. Start with thermal undergarments, add warm mid-layers like fleece or wool sweaters, and top it off with a waterproof, wind-resistant parka. Such a setup ensures you're always ready to peel off or pile on as the day's conditions dictate. Iceland's spring season is a vibrant blend of winter's remnants and summer's promise, and with the right attire, you can comfortably embrace all its beautiful complexities.

Summer in Iceland, spanning from June to August, welcomes a warmer ambiance and lingering twilight hours, creating an ethereal, otherworldly aura. Though encountering snow is unlikely, the Highlands can get notably cooler then the lowlands.

On occasion, the summer days can escalate in warmth with temperatures reaching up to 20 degrees Celsius (68°F). Coupled with the shining sun and wind chill, the perceived temperature can often feel even higher. Thus, packing a few light materials such as T-shirts might prove beneficial. However, don't overdo it, as these warm spells are not the norm.

Interestingly, summer in Iceland can still surprise you with low temperatures dipping down to a chilly 5-10 degrees Celsius (40-50°F), and even lower in the Highlands region.However, this doesn’t mean you need to load your suitcase with heavy winter gear. Instead, focus on items like high-quality merino long-sleeve shirts and thermal fleece sweaters to keep you warm. A hat will also provide necessary warmth on those unexpectedly cool days.

Though an insulated parka isn't needed in the summer, don't underestimate the importance of a wind-and waterproof outer layer. This crucial piece of clothing will protect you from Iceland's volatile weather, and it allows the option of adding one or two layers of insulation underneath should the chill become more pronounced. Iceland's summer may be a little different

Autumn, spanning from September to November, is just as unpredictable as spring in terms of weather and temperature fluctuations. You'll need a versatile wardrobe ready for anything!

Layering remains the golden rule as you dress for Iceland's autumn, ready to navigate the varying hues of its climate. The dazzling brilliance of a sunny day can swiftly surrender to an overcast sky, accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperature. The presence of both pleasant and harsh weather days in your itinerary should be assumed and prepared for, making a versatile array of attire indispensable.

As the autumn chill deepens, particularly during evenings, a warm parka can be your most trusted ally. This is particularly true for those adventurous souls who choose to brave the crisp air in search of the elusive Northern Lights, a celestial spectacle that is worth every shiver.

As you stand beneath the star-studded sky, patience is key and so is warmth. For these awe-filled but motionless hours, warm footwear becomes essential. A pair of good boots coupled with thermal socks can make the difference between an uncomfortable wait and an exhilarating experience.

Winter in Iceland, running from late November through March, morphs the landscape into a stunning spectacle of glistening snow and glittering ice. Immersing yourself in this wonderland necessitates suitable attire.

Essential items include thermal layers, snug clothing, gloves, a cozy hat, and robust footwear specifically designed for frosty terrain. While temperatures seldom rise above freezing, it is worth noting that they can occasionally plummet as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius (-4°F)

These potentially extreme conditions call for the prudent use of reusable hand warmers, providing an additional source of heat during your wintry explorations. Complement these with windproof hats and gloves to fortify your defense against biting winds, ensuring comfort even in the heart of winter. A comfortable, high-quality winter parka is an indispensable ally, offering a warm embrace amidst the frosty surroundings.

When crafting your winter wardrobe, it's crucial to remember that thickness is not the sole indicator of warmth. Avoid relying on excessively bulky items that can hinder movement and weigh you down. Instead, prioritize lightweight garments made from premium materials known for their insulation properties. Think wool, fleece, or specially designed synthetic materials. These will keep you warm without impeding your ability to freely engage with the environment.