When I booked our first trip to the land of fire and ice, I had no idea what to wear in Iceland in winter. I live in Brisbane, which is fairly warm all year round, so my standard wardrobe didn’t really consist of any appropriate clothes for Iceland in winter. I had to buy a whole suitcase full of new outfits for my trip.
I’m usually a minimalist packer, but I also like to look stylish wherever I go. So I did a fair amount of research before my trip and came up with my own Iceland winter packing list!
Iceland’s winter actually lasts for around six months of the year!
My husband and I did a road trip in Iceland in early March. However, if you are planning a trip and wondering what to wear in Iceland in winter, not only will this packing list will help you figure out what to wear in Iceland in March, but it will work for anyone planning a trip anytime between October to April.
I actually ended up taking way too many clothes with me on my trip to Iceland and didn’t wear some things. Turns out even a lot of research didn’t prepare me for what I actually needed to pack for Iceland in winter.
So, I decided to share my personal experience with all my readers, along with examples of what I wore in Iceland in March. Hopefully, this article will help you be a little more prepared with your Iceland winter packing list than I was!
The list below should help you figure out what clothes you are going to need (and not going to need) to wear in Iceland in winter!
+ scroll to the end to get your free printable Iceland winter packing list

Table of Contents
Considerations for Planning What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
Activities in Iceland
It’s a good idea to consider what activities you plan to do when deciding what to pack for Iceland in winter. The best things to do in Iceland in winter are outdoors, where you may be subjected to the harsh weather conditions – it’s important to pack appropriately. Some of the activities we did were ice-caving, snowshoeing, glacier walking, snowmobiling, soaking in hot springs, hiking, and chasing the Northern Lights.
Weather in Iceland in Winter
The weather is a key factor in working out what to wear in Iceland in winter. Iceland’s weather conditions can be quite harsh and it’s important to pack appropriately. As mentioned earlier, Iceland’s winter can last from October through April. While the average temperature hovers around 0°C (31°F) between December and March, the wind chill can make it feel much colder. There is also snowstorms and freezing rain you need to consider.
Related Post: The Ultimate Iceland Bucket List: Top 50 Things to Do

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General Tips for Your Iceland Winter Packing List
- Layers, layers, layers! So long as you wear layers, you actually won’t need to pack many clothes for Iceland in winter.
- Choose merino wool for your base layers – particularly thermals and socks. Due to its breathability and resistance to odor, wool clothing can be worn again and again before it needs a wash.
- Make sure your outer layer is waterproof and windproof. Not taking a waterproof or windproof jacket is the worst Iceland winter clothing mistake you can make!
- Humans lose most of their body heat through their heads, so a good beanie is one of the most essential items of clothes for Iceland in winter!
Related Post: 7 Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle and South Coast Road Trip
What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
Essentials
- Wool Scarf – Make sure it’s a warm one – it’s worth investing in a good quality wool scarf as you will probably wear it every day.
- Backpack – This Scandinavian designed Fjällräven backpack is water resistant and perfect for travel in Iceland in winter. It also comes in a huge range of colors to compliment your chosen jacket.
- Swimwear – There are hot springs everywhere in Iceland. A swimsuit is absolutely needed!
- Gloves – Windproof Tech Glove Liner are essential Iceland winter clothing items because I was taking my hands out of my gloves all the time to use my phone or take a photo and the wind was freezing. I paired these with a more stylish outer glove.
- Beanie – You will wear this every day. I like this cable knit beanie with pom pom.
- Warm Socks – Again, wool is the best option because they are warm, breathable and naturally antimicrobial.
SHOP ICELAND ESSENTIALS:

Related Post: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Iceland
Outerwear
- Windproof Outer Shell – The number one item of clothes you need for Iceland in winter! I put on my outer shell every time the weather turned windy or rainy (one and off on most days). Choose a lightweight waterproof and windproof outer shell to wear over warm layers.
- Waterproof Down Jacket – Another good option to add to your Iceland winter packing list to keep you warm on particularly cold and rainy days.
- Icelandic Sweater – Literally everyone was wearing these Icelandic style sweaters in Iceland!
- Long Puffer Jacket – Another good puffer jacket option to keep you looking stylish and warm below the waist and protect against wind chill.
SHOP OUTERWEAR:
Layers & Tops
- Thermal Top & Thermal Pants – Thermals are absolute essential clothes for Iceland in winter. Merino wool is the best option for both warmth and comfort. Icebreakers range is my favourite. It naturally resists odor, which means they can be worn more than once before washing. Just air them out at the end of each day.
- Fleece Pullover – Perfect for layering over your thermals on particularly cold days!
- Wool Sweater – A stylish wool sweater can be worn over your thermals during the day and also out for dinner at night.
- Down Vest – I love these Patagonia Down Vests because they pack up really small and keep you warm under your waterproof outer layer.
- Flannel Shirt – Pick a stylish plaid flannel shirt to compliment the color of your jacket or down vest – finish off the look with a neutral colored knit hat.
- Long Sleeve Tops for Layering – Take a few lightweight long-sleeve tops in a variety of colours to change up your look each day! Wool is best.
SHOP LAYERS & TOPS:
Related Post: The Coolest Things to Do in Iceland in Winter
Bottoms
- Waterproof Pants – Absolutely essential for outdoor winter activities in Iceland.
- Fleece Lined Leggings – These are the best invention ever – so warm and stylish. You can also wear them under a pair of waterproof pants.
- Jeans – I wouldn’t say that jeans are absolutely essential items of clothes for Iceland in winter, having waterproof pants is far more important. However, I took a pair of my fave stylish lightweight black jeans to wear around the hotel for dinner in the evening.
SHOP WINTER BOTTOMS:
Shoes
- Waterproof Boots – for the best boots for Iceland in winter, most people recommend the Sorel Caribou boots, due to their waterproof construction and warm inner made from Sherpa pile.
- Snow Boots – I personally thought these Sorel Joan of Arctic boots were the best boots for Iceland in winter, because you could get away with only wearing one pair for your entire trip! They are waterproof, warm and stylish. I literally wore them everywhere – I even wore them hiking and out for dinner on most evenings.
- Stylish Booties – you probably only need two pairs of boots for your Iceland winter trip, but if you like to dress up a little for dinner in the evening, I recommend this pair of warm and stylish boots.
SHOP WINTER SHOES:

Related Post: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Book a Trip to Iceland
Other Useful Things to Pack for Iceland
- Universal Power Adapter – A must-have travel item no matter where you’re going.
- Portable Charger – I used my phone to take a heap of photos and videos throughout the day, so a portable charger is great for charging on the go.
- Hand Sanitizer – I always have a bottle of this stuff no matter where I go.
- Wipes – Another must-have travel item for any trip, anytime!
- Travel Towel – Great for when you visit one of the many hot springs around Iceland.
- Water Bottle – The tap water in Iceland is so pure and fresh, so there’s no need to buy bottled water. I love my Larq bottle because it’s self-cleaning.
- Thermos Mug – Most days we wanted to get out early because there was so much to see and do, so we took our coffee to go in these handy thermos mugs.
- Moisturizer – Your skin gets so unbelievably dry in Iceland’s weather conditions. I reapplied moisturizer several times per day, plus the hyaluronic acid helps with hydration.
- Rugged Suitcase or Duffle Bag – You’ll be moving around a bit so forget the dainty spinner suitcases with flimsy wheels. Opt for a suitcase with heavy-duty wheels or a tough duffle bag instead. This one is perfect to fit all your clothes for Iceland in winter.
- Packing Cubes – I swear by these!
- Travel Insurance – No Iceland winter packing list is complete without the most essential item of all – travel insurance! Be sure to check that all your planned activities are covered.
Related Post: 25 of the Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Iceland
Shop More Winter Travel Essentials:
Download our Iceland Winter Packing List
Ready to start packing? Subscribe to our newsletter and download our free printable Iceland winter packing list which contains a list of all the clothes you need for Iceland in winter. You’ll also get access to our other free travel resources including our Iceland bucket list, map, and trip planning checklists!

Read More About Iceland:
- 7 Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle and South Coast Road Trip
- Ultimate Iceland Bucket List: Top 50 Things to Do
- The Coolest Things to Do in Iceland in March
- What to Wear in Iceland in Winter + Packing List
- 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Iceland
- 25 of the Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Iceland
- 20 Photos to Inspire You to Book a Trip to Iceland
- Video: Staying at the Silica Hotel in Iceland
- The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

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- Luxury Escapes for luxury package holiday deals and tours
- Get Your Guide for a great range of day tours
- Tourradar | Intrepid for multi-day experiential and adventure tours
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About the Author:
Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Fly Stay Luxe – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.
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Patri says
Great post! Cold travel destinations aren’t as popular as beach destinations so it is likely people oversee some essentials. I think the most important on the list would be a good pair of winter shoes. I live in Mongolia and it gets really cold in winter, so I have experienced first hand what it is to forget some sort of winter gear. I would add to the list a couple of hand or feet heating pads in case you are going to be out for a long period of time. IT does make a difference.
Amanda Twine says
I totally agree about the heating pads. My hands get so cold! The Sorel boots are the best!
Sharon says
This has been on my bucket list for a very long time! One day I’ll get there. Great post, and great tips, thanks for sharing.
Amanda Twine says
It’s absolutely a bucket list trip! Let me know if you have any questions when you eventually plan a trip!
Emma says
Those boots look so warm and cozy. Iceland is on my list and I don’t know if it’ll be winter when I’m there but I’m definitely taking notes with some of these things to bring. Towel for hot springs is a great one
Amanda Twine says
The Sorel boots are the best for snow! The locals tell me that there actually isn’t a huge temperature difference between summer and winter. Summer is still very cold but there is just more snow in winter. I see photos of people i summer still wearing similar clothes to what I wore in winter. The key for either season is layering!
Jori says
Wow this is so helpful! I visited Iceland in the summer and it was still cold! I’ve always wondered how you could possibly pack for winter there.
Amanda Twine says
Hi Jori, I would love to go back and visit Iceland in the summer!
I’ve heard the temperature difference doesn’t vary a great deal between summer and winter. The key is always layering!