Packing list
Iceland Packing List
Reykjavik runs from 0 °C (31 °F) nights in December to 14 °C (58 °F) days in July, and September is the wettest month, with about 18 days of rain. For your own dates, trip length and group, use the packing list generator.
What to pack for Iceland
Counts are per person for a 7-day trip. Weather gear depends on the month, so it is in the table below the list; the download adds it, marked with the months that need it.
Documents & Money
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
Get ISK cash / a no-forex-fee card
Check visa requirements for Iceland
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID and payment cards
Pen for arrival forms
Clothing
Underwear ×8
Per person
Socks ×8
Per person
Everyday outfits (tops and bottoms) ×5
Per person
Comfortable walking shoes
Hiking boots
Waterproof overtrousers
Wool hiking socks
Sleepwear
Light layer (sweater or hoodie)
Change of clothes in your carry-on
Flip-flops or shower sandals
Swimsuit
Compression socks
Light scarf or shawl for cold planes and buses
Tech & Accessories
Set up an eSIM or roaming plan for data
Install local apps: Straeto, SafeTravel, Appy Hour, Parka
Save your two-factor backup codes in case you lose your phone
Download an offline map & language pack for Iceland
Phone charger and cable
Power bank
Headphones or earbuds (noise-canceling for flights)
Travel adapter
Iceland uses Type C/F sockets.
Icelandic phrasebook
Multi-port USB charger or short extension cord
Luggage tracker (AirTag or similar) in checked bags
Health & Safety
Check SafeTravel conditions
List your medications by generic name, with a doctor's note
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletry bag (deodorant, shampoo, razor)
Prescription medication (with a copy of the prescription)
Glasses or contacts, solution and a spare pair (if you wear them)
Basic meds: pain relief, antidiarrheal, antihistamine
Small first-aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Travel wet wipes
Earplugs
Sleep eye mask
Lip balm with SPF
Nail clippers and tweezers
Period products (if you need them)
Blister plasters and anti-chafe balm
Pocket tissues or a small roll of toilet paper
Electrolyte powder packets
Motion-sickness tablets or bands
Face mask for the plane
Gear & Activity
Crampons or ice cleats
Reusable water bottle
Daypack
Zip bags in a few sizes
Packable tote or shopping bag
Laundry bag for dirty clothes
Luggage lock
Anti-theft crossbody bag
Quick-dry beach towel
Crampons for hiking boots
Waterproof phone pouch
Mini sewing kit and safety pins
Small flashlight or headlamp
Extras
Book Blue Lagoon entry
Book Sky Lagoon entry
Travel neck pillow
Book or e-reader
Download or print this list
Weather gear by month
A tick means at least one city on this route meets that weather in that month: 8 or more rainy days, nights at 8 °C (46 °F) or colder, or days at 24 °C (75 °F) or warmer.
| Month | Rain gear | Warm layers | Sun protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Feb | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Mar | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Apr | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| May | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Jun | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Jul | ✓ | · | · |
| Aug | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Sep | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Oct | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Nov | ✓ | ✓ | · |
| Dec | ✓ | ✓ | · |
Rain gear
- Packable rain jacket or travel umbrella
Warm layers
- Warm insulated jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Thermal base layer
Sun protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
What to wear in Iceland
By the average daytime high in Reykjavik.
May–Oct: highs 47–58°F (8–14°C)
A warm sweater and a mid-weight jacket; closed shoes.
Nov–Apr: highs 38–45°F (3–7°C)
An insulated coat, hat and gloves, and a thermal layer underneath.
Iceland weather by month
Average daily high and low, and rainy days per month. Source: Rain: contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; Temperatures: TerraClimate (Abatzoglou et al.), CC0.
Reykjavik
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F / 4°C | 32°F / 0°C | 17 |
| Feb | 39°F / 4°C | 31°F / 0°C | 15 |
| Mar | 41°F / 5°C | 33°F / 0°C | 16 |
| Apr | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 14 |
| May | 49°F / 10°C | 40°F / 4°C | 15 |
| Jun | 54°F / 12°C | 46°F / 8°C | 13 |
| Jul | 58°F / 14°C | 49°F / 9°C | 13 |
| Aug | 57°F / 14°C | 48°F / 9°C | 12 |
| Sep | 53°F / 11°C | 44°F / 6°C | 18 |
| Oct | 47°F / 8°C | 39°F / 4°C | 13 |
| Nov | 42°F / 6°C | 36°F / 2°C | 14 |
| Dec | 38°F / 3°C | 31°F / 0°C | 15 |
Akureyri
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F / 3°C | 27°F / -3°C | 16 |
| Feb | 37°F / 3°C | 27°F / -3°C | 15 |
| Mar | 39°F / 4°C | 28°F / -2°C | 14 |
| Apr | 43°F / 6°C | 32°F / 0°C | 10 |
| May | 51°F / 11°C | 38°F / 3°C | 11 |
| Jun | 61°F / 16°C | 47°F / 8°C | 13 |
| Jul | 60°F / 15°C | 48°F / 9°C | 15 |
| Aug | 58°F / 14°C | 46°F / 8°C | 14 |
| Sep | 55°F / 13°C | 43°F / 6°C | 15 |
| Oct | 46°F / 8°C | 36°F / 2°C | 16 |
| Nov | 39°F / 4°C | 29°F / -2°C | 15 |
| Dec | 36°F / 2°C | 26°F / -3°C | 17 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all year: every month at least one of the cities here averages 8 or more days with rain.
In Aug–Jun, yes: nights average 8 °C (46 °F) or colder somewhere on this route, so pack an insulated jacket, hat and gloves.
Iceland uses type C/F plugs at 230 V. Check your chargers say 100-240 V before plugging in.
Straeto, SafeTravel, Appy Hour, Parka.
Next: the trip itself
Going to Iceland for 7 days? Get the day-by-day plan too.
Timed activities, restaurant picks, a budget that adds up, and a map for every day. What you told us is already filled in. Free, no sign-up.
Plan my Iceland trip →More packing lists
Weather: Rain: contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; Temperatures: TerraClimate (Abatzoglou et al.), CC0. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information. Updated 2026-09-30.