The Icelandic weather in winter is dramatic and unpredictable — layering is the only way to stay comfortable. When I booked a winter trip to Iceland over New Year’s Eve, I had no idea how to dress for it. So here is my real Iceland packing list for winter – what I actually took, wore, and used — plus a few things I regretted forgetting, and a few I could’ve left at home.If you’re heading to Iceland in December or January, this Iceland packing list is exactly what got me through waterfalls, snow, wind, hot springs — and Reykjavík on New Year’s Eve.
This trip was originally taken in winter 2016/2017. The packing list and recommendations have been updated for 2025 based on my experience, current best practices, and recent product research.
What to Wear: My Iceland Packing List Essentials
Layers were key. The temperature hovered around freezing, but the windchill made it feel colder — especially on exposed walking tours and during long stints standing around at night.
Most days I wore:
- Thermal base layer — synthetic tops and fleece-lined leggings from Primark held up fine
- Waterproof over-trousers — I wore these regularly, especially when walking near waterfalls or in snow
- Insulated jacket — a High Gear coat with a decent hood
- Waterproof outer shell — necessary in wind and rain
- Wool socks & thermal socks — rotated daily
- Sports bras & long-sleeved base tops — for comfort and layering
Trousers
I packed light overall, but brought enough that I didn’t need to do laundry mid-trip (though I did include a small bottle of travel laundry wash, just in case).
While jeans can be a practical choice for evening dinners in Iceland, especially when layered over thermal leggings, they aren’t ideal for wet, cold weather or anything outdoorsy. Instead, I’d consider some smart-looking thermal trousers that combine the look of jeans that are designed for outdoor activities with water resistance and thermal insulation.
The rest of the time, I rotated fleece-lined, thermal, and gym leggings, which were far more practical. I wore waterproof trousers on several of the wetter days, especially during the Southern Iceland tour and anytime we’d be out near waterfalls or snow.
Here’s what I packed:
- Thermal and fleece-lined leggings – base layer for outdoor tours or under jeans in the evenings
- Gym leggings – great for lounging, flights, or layering
- Waterproof over-trousers – worn often, especially for wet hikes or tours
- Jeans – layered with thermals for dry evenings in Reykjavík
Footwear
Footwear is one of the most important things to get right when packing for Iceland in winter. The weather is unpredictable, pavements can be icy, and many tours involve walking through snow, gravel, or slush — sometimes all in the same day. Forget fashion — this is about staying warm, dry, and upright.
- Waterproof, insulated boots – You want something fully waterproof, ideally with a grippy sole like Vibram or similar. Look for ankle-high hiking boots or snow boots with thermal lining — not just water-resistant. Brands like Keen, Columbia, Sorel, and Merrell do good winter options.
- Good quality wool socks – Bring at least two or three pairs of thermal or merino wool socks. Cotton won’t cut it in the cold — once they’re wet, they stay wet. Wool insulates even when damp.
- Optional: Ice grips / microspikes – If you’re going in peak winter (late Dec–Feb), it’s worth bringing ice cleats. You may not need them, but if Reykjavík pavements or tourist paths are icy, they’re a game changer.
For evenings and dinner:
- Reykjavík is casual, even in its better restaurants. There’s no need for heels or dress shoes.
- If your winter boots are fairly sleek or neutral in colour, you can easily wear them to dinner.
- Alternatively, you could pack a second pair of lighter boots (fleece-lined, or a water-resistant Chelsea boot) for evening wear, as long as they’re warm and have grip.
What not to bring:
- Trainers — They’ll soak through in minutes.
- Heeled shoes or boots — Slippery and unsafe on icy cobbled streets.
- Multiple shoe options — One or two practical pairs are more than enough.
Accessories That Made a Big Difference
It’s the accessories that kept me comfortable:
- Woolly hat, fleece headband, and touchscreen gloves
- Neck snood — better than a flappy scarf in Icelandic wind
- Backpack — I used a Longchamp rucksack for day trips
- Clutch bag — handy for dinner and drinks in town
- Sunglasses – The low sun and snowy glare can be surprisingly bright.
Swim & Spa Items
A swimming costume is essential — whether you’re going to the Blue Lagoon or just using a hotel hot tub. Don’t forget that geothermal water will wreck your hair — I packed dry shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and a brush I didn’t mind ruining. I skipped straighteners; totally pointless
- Swimsuit
- Flip-flops
- Microfibre towel (in case one wasn’t provided)
Essentials That Made My Life Easier
- Power bank –this was one of the most useful things I packed and something I’d now consider non-negotiable on any Iceland packing list, especially in winter when batteries drain fast.
- Reusable water bottle – Icelandic tap water is clean and cold.
- Moisturiser and lip balm – Between the wind and hot springs, your skin needs this.
- Day bag – For snacks, water, and extra layers.
- Quick-dry towel – Came in handy more than once.
What I Didn’t Need
- Umbrella — it wouldn’t have survived ten minutes in Icelandic wind
- Hair tools — the water, wind, and hats made styling pointless
- Dressy outfits — Reykjavík is casual, even for dinner
- Too many extras — the waterproof gear did the heavy lifting
What I Wish I’d Packed
- Hand warmers for Northern Lights tours — standing still for 2 hours in freezing temperatures was brutal
- Spare gloves or a second hat — mine got soaked one night and didn’t dry by the next morning
- Ice grips/crampons — not essential, but would’ve helped on icy pavements
- Smart-looking thermal trousers
Final Thoughts
Iceland in winter demands warm, waterproof layers, and thoughtful extras that make the difference between cold-but-happy and cold-and-miserable. If you’re heading out for New Year’s, a Northern Lights chase, or just exploring Reykjavík on foot, pack for practicality — and don’t underestimate a decent pair of socks and a solid moisturiser.
See more of Iceland:
