What to Wear in Iceland in Winter (October to March) + Full Packing List for Men & Women

Are you planning to visit the land of Fire and Ice between October and March and wondering what to wear in Iceland in winter? (Yes, the Icelandic winter generally lasts at least 6 months of the year).

This Iceland winter packing list details everything you need to pack for both men and women during the coldest time of year! From warm base layers, to waterproof jackets and even those little things you didn’t know you needed.

When we booked our first Iceland trip, we had no idea what to wear in Iceland in winter. We live in Brisbane, Australia, which is fairly warm all year round. So our standard wardrobe doesn’t really consist of many appropriate clothes for Iceland in winter. We had to buy a whole suitcase full of new outfits for our winter trip.

We did a road trip in Iceland along part of the Ring Road in early March. This was arguably the best time to visit Iceland. If you are planning a trip during the winter months, not only will this Iceland packing list will help you prepare for a trip to Iceland in March, but it will work for anyone wondering what to wear in Iceland in October, November, December, January, February, March, or April.

If you’re a minimalist packer, but like to look stylish (like me), then this packing list is for you! We did a fair amount of research before our trip and came up with our own Iceland winter packing list.

Although, we actually ended up taking too many clothes on our trip to Iceland and didn’t wear some things (rooky error). Turns out even a lot of research didn’t prepare us for what we actually needed to pack for Iceland in winter.

So, we decided to share our personal experience with you, along with examples of what we wore (and what we didn’t wear) in Iceland in winter. Hopefully, this article will help you be a little more prepared with your Iceland winter packing list than we were!

This List should help you figure our what clothes you are going to need (and not need) to wear in Iceland in winter

+ scroll to the end to get your free printable Iceland winter packing list!

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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. All the best things to do in Iceland in winter are outdoor activities, where you may be subjected to the strong winds and harsh cold weather conditions. It’s very important to pack appropriately.

Some of the activities we did included ice-caving, snowshoeing, glacier walking, snowmobiling, horse riding, soaking in geothermal pools, hiking, and chasing the Northern Lights.

Weather in Iceland in Winter

Icelandic winters are characterised by the cold weather and strong winds during this time of the year. The cold climate is a key factor in working out what to wear in Iceland in winter. The Icelandic weather conditions can be quite harsh and change dramatically so it’s important to be prepared.

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

Did You Know? We use ads to help pay the bills so we can continue to publish free travel advice. We also have affiliate partnerships, so when you click through and make a purchase or book your stay from one of our blog posts, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting Bucket List Seekers! Read our Disclosure Policy for more details.

General Tips for Your Iceland Winter Packing List

1. Layers, layers, layers! The best way to pack for Iceland is layers. So long as you pack layers, you actually won’t need to pack many warm clothes for Iceland in winter as layers don’t take up as much space. Shop mens layers and womens layers.
2. Choose merino wool for your base layer – particularly for thermal layers, underwear and socks. Due to its breathability and resistance to odor, wool clothing can be worn again and again before it needs a wash. It’s totally worth the extra cost and will save space in your bag. Icebreaker and Smartwool are my go-to brands!
3. The most important thing to pack is a waterproof and windproof rain jacket. Not taking a waterproof or windproof jacket is the worst Iceland winter clothing mistake you can make! Snow jackets are usually the best option (shop mens or womens snow jackets).
4. Humans lose most of their body heat through their heads, so a warm hat is one of the most essential items of clothes for Iceland in winter! Shop womens beanies or mens beanies.
5. You are going to need a good pair of gloves. I recommend going for windproof tech gloves otherwise your fingers will freeze every time you take your hands out of your gloves to take a photo or use your phone. Shop womens gloves or mens gloves.

Related Post: 7 Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle and South Coast Road Trip

What to Wear in Iceland in Winter

Essentials

• Wool Scarf or neck warmer – 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. I opted for a simple merino wool neck gaitor, but I also love this cute wool scarf.
• Backpack – This Scandinavian designed Fjällräven backpack because its water resistant, fits a 15 inch laptop and is perfect for travel in Iceland in winter. It also comes in a huge range of colors to compliment your chosen jacket.
• Bathing Suit – For the Blue Lagoon, plus there are natural hot springs everywhere in this beautiful country. You will get a lot of use out of your swimsuit! I love this Seafolly one piece.
• Windproof Gloves – windproof and waterproof gloves are essential Iceland winter clothing items. Getting a pair with the tech tip is a good choice, because if you have to take your hands out of your gloves to use your phone or take a photo, they will freeze very quickly. I paired these merino wool inners with a more stylish outer glove.
• Beanie – You will wear this every day. I like this unisex cable knit beanie with pom pom or this cute double lined mammut beanie. This stylish Smartwool beanie also comes in a range of colours.
• Warm Socks – Again, merino wool socks are the best option because they are warm, breathable and naturally antimicrobial. Opt for hiking or ski socks.
• Thermal Underwear - Another essential layering item. Icebreaker does really comfy thermal underwear for both men and women.

SHOP ICELAND ESSENTIALS:

Related Post: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Iceland

Outerwear 

Waterproof Jacket – The number one item of clothes you need for Iceland in winter is a windproof and waterproof coat or outer shell! I put my outer shell on every time we had bad weather (which was on and off on most days). Choose a lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket to wear over warm layers - I love this Patagonia Triolet Jacket or this Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket. The North Face also has some great options.

Down Jacket – Another good outer layering option for your Iceland winter packing list is a warm jacket. I wore my down jacket as my outer layer on sunny days. If the wind or rain picked up I wore it under my outer shell which provided an extra layer of warmth. I love this Patagonia Down Jacket. Also, this Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisper 2 is water resistant and made for alpine conditions.

Icelandic Wool Sweater – This Icelandic-style sweater is so cute and literally everyone was wearing them in Iceland!

Long Puffer Jacket – Another good jacket option to keep you looking stylish and warm below the waist and protect against wind chill is this Canada Goose long puffer jacket perfect for alpine temperatures. It’s an investment piece, but totally worth it.

Traveller Tip: If you’re only visiting Iceland for a week and don’t want to take too much luggage, I would recommend at least a down jacket and a waterproof outer shell (because they can be layered together when it gets really cold and rainy). I took three - a down jacket, an outer shell and a long puffer. I used the long puffer on days that we were driving or sightseeing around the city and the outer shell when we were out on the glacier, or hiking, or if it was raining heavily. I wore the down jacket as my middle layer everyday.

SHOP OUTERWEAR:

Layers & Tops

• Base Layer – Thermals are absolute essential clothes for Iceland in winter and the first thing you will put on everyday under your top layers. Merino wool is the best option for your base layer for both warmth and comfort. Icebreaker is my favourite brand for merino wool thermals. It’s naturally resists odor, which means they can be worn more than once before washing. Be sure to pack a pair of thermal leggings and at least two or three thermal tops. One or two should be enough, just air them out at the end of each day.
• Fleece Jacket or Sweater – You will need one or two fleece sweaters or jackets for layering over your thermals and under your outer layer. They provide extra warmth, particularly needed on very cold days! I love this Sherpa-style fleece pullover.
• Wool Sweater – A stylish wool or cashmere sweater like this one can be worn over your thermals during the day and is also great for going out for dinner at night.
• Down Vest – I love these Patagonia Micro Puff 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 Trousers – Absolutely essential for outdoor winter activities in Iceland are a pair of snow pants or waterproof pants. Opt for outer shell pants that you can wear over thermal leggings or insulated ski pants.
• Waterproof Soft-shell Pants – if you are planning to do any hiking or active pursuits, take a pair of soft-shell pants designed for the alpine environment. These Backcountry ones are fleece-lined and specifically designed for winter.
• 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 nice pair of lightweight black jeans to wear around the hotel for dinner in the evening.

SHOP WINTER BOTTOMS:

Shoes

Waterproof Winter 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 and I never got cold feet. I literally wore them everywhere – I even wore them hiking and out for dinner on most evenings.

Casual Boots – I wore these most of the time when driving around, sightseeing and in the evenings. I love the Danner brand of boots because they’re stylish and they have some great options for casual city boots that can also handle short day hikes. I love the Danner Adrika Hiker or the Danner Mountain Light Boots because they’re both waterproof.

Hiking Boots – If you plan to do any hiking in the snow, then you’re going to need a decent pair of mountaineering boots with good grip that are designed for the alpine environment or waterproof hiking boots.

Traveller Tip: I actually only took two pairs of boots to Iceland. A pair of casual boots that were also good for short hikes, sightseeing, and evenings. The other pair of boots I took were the Sorel Joan of Arctic snow boots - I used these whenever we were out sightseeing, on the glacier and when it was really cold. I think one pair of waterproof or snow boots plus one pair of casual boots is enough, unless you want to do any long snow hikes, then you’ll need to take some waterproof hiking boots.

SHOP WINTER SHOES:

Related Post: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Book a Trip to Iceland

Other Things to Pack for Iceland

• Universal Travel Adapter or European Plugs – One of the most essential personal items for travel no matter where you’re going.
• Power Bank – 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.
• Resuable 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.
• Lip Balm – the harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on your lips!
• Face Mask – You can’t go anywhere without one of these in your pocket nowadays!
• Pocket Laundry Wash - I never go on a trip without this. You never know when you’ll need to wash something in the hotel bathroom sink!
• 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 rugged suitcase with heavy-duty wheels or this Patagonia tough duffle bag with wheels instead. This one is perfect to fit all your clothes for Iceland in winter.
• First Aid Kit – We actually had to use one of these during our trip when Graeme cut his hand. This one is lightweight and waterproof.
• Packing Cubes – I swear by these!
• Camera Gear – You will probably take so many photos of this beautiful country.
• Travel Insurance – No Iceland winter packing list is complete without the most essential item of all – travel insurance! We use and recommend World Nomads. 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!

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