The weather in Iceland is very similar to the weather in the United Kingdom. One minute it can be bright and sunny, and the next minute it can be pouring down rain, freezing cold, and then back to sunny. The biggest tip I can offer you is to dress in layers and waterproof clothing! If your not prepared for the weather it can seriously make or break your day. On the day we did a tour of the southern coast of Iceland, the weather turned into freezing and sleeting rain, but we had prepared for it, and had a blast regardless. I was coming from a warm climate (Florida), and thoroughly enjoyed my time in Iceland, even with the cold weather.
I found dressing in layers was the best way to keep myself warm. This is especially crucial if you are going out at night to try and find the Northern Lights. It was incredibly cold for the hours we were chasing the lights around.
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Your Packing List for Iceland in September
- A warm hat. I took a warm knitted slouchy beanie and it worked perfectly for me. In fact, I take them on every colder region trips now. This is the one I have.
- A scarf. I took a lighter scarf and it was soaked from the rain. I had to keep drying it out in the van. I would definitely recommend a fleece or blanket scarf like this or this or this one.
- A waterproof rain jacket. Waterproof clothing is a must for Iceland, and it saved me from being miserable while exploring in the rain. I take my Columbia rain jacket with me on a majority of my trips to the U.K and to Iceland. With the layers I wore under it I was completely dry. Similar and Similar.
- Thermal/Fleece lined leggings. I wore one pair while exploring Reykjavik. When we spent a day outside of the city exploring the Southern Coast I wore a pair of these under jeans under waterproof pant covers.
- Waterproof pant covers. If you are taking waterproof (hiking) pants you don’t necessarily need this. I purchased frogtog waterproof pant covers here. I love these pants! I have taken them on several trips!
- Waterproof hiking shoes. I wore my merrells for walking around Reykjavik. I take them on almost every trip and feel more comfortable in them vs tennis shoes.
- Waterproof snow boots. I’m so grateful that I had these on this trip . . . between the freezing weather and heavy rain my feet stayed warm and toasty. They can be purchased here. If you want a shorter boot that takes up less space in your suitcase I would recommend this pair as an alternative.
- Wool Socks. These wool socks in addition to my boots kept my feet completely warm.
- Long Sleeve Shirt. I recommend something quick drying like this
- Sweater. You can buy an Icelandic one there for a souvenir or bring your own.
- Waterproof backpack. I always carry a daypack with me on trips. Generally, it holds my camera gear, snacks, water, money, eat. You don’t want your stuff getting soaked through, because your bag wasn’t waterproof. I would recommend a waterproof backpack or a waterproof backpack cover, such as, this, this or this backpack cover.
- Swimsuit. This is a must for visiting Iceland’s hot springs . . . and I don’t recommend leaving Iceland without visiting one.
- Gloves! I didn’t think about this ahead of time, and paid dearly for it at the beginning of our day along the southern coast. Luckily, we stopped somewhere that was selling gloves, so I was able to buy a pair. Unfortunately, they weren’t heavy ones or waterproof, so I had to continually keep my hands in my pockets in between taking pictures to warm them up. My recommendation would be this pair.
- Camera! This is a must have for Iceland. Iceland is such a beautiful country, and your going to want pictures of the Northern lights! I took two cameras on this trip with me, my sony and my gopro.
Iceland is such a beautiful country with so much to offer. It’s one of my absolute favorite trips. What are your must have items for Iceland?
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