Jess at Sea

Thinking of visiting Iceland in the summer? Get ready for jaw-dropping waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, black sand beaches, and… wildly unpredictable weather! Yes, even in the warmer months, Iceland can throw everything at you – wind, rain, sun, snow (sometimes all in one day). Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, hiking a glacier, or soaking in the Blue Lagoon, packing smart is essential.

Here’s your ultimate packing guide for Iceland in the summer – layered, waterproof, and hot-spring ready.

Layers, Layers, and More Layers

Summer temps in Iceland hover between 50–60°F (10–15°C), but with the wind chill, it often feels colder. The trick? Dress like an onion – in layers!

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Base layers	Thermal Underwear for Women Long Johns Set	Ensure your base layers are thermal for ultimate warmth.
Mid layers	33,000ft Women’s Zip Up Fleece Jacket	Fleece jackets or light sweaters to add warmth without the bulk.
Outer layer	33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket	A waterproof and windproof puffer jacket to protect against the cold as well as sudden rain or gusty winds.
Pants/Leggings	baleaf Women’s Fleece Lined Leggings Thermal Warm Winter Tights	Comfortable, durable pants that are flexible enough for hikes and waterproof if you plan on getting close to waterfalls or the beach. I would recommend fleece lined water resistant leggings as I found jeans a little chilly in the colder areas.
Rain Pants	33,000ft Women’s Rain Pants	Essential for adventures up close to the waterfalls that you can wear over the top of your regular pants.

Footwear: Waterproof or Bust

You’ll be hiking volcanic craters, strolling along mossy lava fields, and possibly tiptoeing through some snow. Your feet deserve VIP treatment.

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Waterproof Hiking Boots	Columbia womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped	Ideal for hiking and snow. Choose a pair with insulation and good grip.
Warm Socks	Anlisim Merino Wool Hiking Running Socks for Women	Wool socks are ideal for cold weather and will keep your feet warm even in wet conditions.

Accessories That Make a Big Difference

Don’t overlook the little things – they can make or break your Iceland adventure.

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Hat/Beanie	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	A wool or fleece hat will help retain heat and keep you cozy. Make sure it covers your ears.
Gloves	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	Insulated, touchscreen-compatible gloves will ensure your fingers stay warm while still allowing you to use your phone or camera.
Scarf/Neck Warmer	LOROME Winter Beanie Hat Scarf Gloves	A thick scarf or neck gaiter is perfect for protecting your neck and face from biting winds.

Swimwear for Soaking in Iceland’s Hot Springs

No trip to Iceland is complete without a dip in a geothermal pool!

• Swimsuit: A comfortable swimsuit is essential for visits to places like the Blue Lagoon, Myvatn Nature Baths, and other hot springs across the country.
• Quick-dry towel: Some places may not provide towels, so it’s a good idea to bring your own, especially if you plan to visit several pools or natural baths in less touristy places.

Travel Essentials

Item	Amazon Recommendation	Description
Waterproof Bag	WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag	A small waterproof bag or dry bag will protect your electronics and other essentials from rain, especially if you’re visiting waterfalls.
Camera/Smartphone	8K Digital Camera for Photography	To snap photos of all the breathtaking sights you’ll encounter.
Power Bank	Miady 2-Pack Portable Charger	The cold can drain your phone’s battery faster, so a portable charger is handy.
Tripod	EUCOS 62″ Phone Tripod	Great for taking self-timer pics.
Waterproof Phone Pouch	Rynapac IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch	For keeping your phone dry in the rain/snow
Water bottle	Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle	Bring a reusable water bottle to refill and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Adapter and Chargers	VINTAR Universal Travel Adapter 30W	Pack a suitable adapter to charge your electronics.
Umbrella	BAODINI Mini Travel Umbrella with UV Sun Protection	Just in case it rains – this came in handy for me a few times on my trip!
Raincoat	33,000ft Women’s Rain Jacket	Just in case :)
Trekking Poles	Foxelli Trekking Poles	Optional for hiking

Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Even though the weather in Iceland may be cool, the sun can still be intense, especially in summer when the country experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s rays.

• Sunglasses: A good pair of UV-protection sunglasses is a must, especially if you’re planning to explore glaciers where the sun reflects off snow.
• Lip Balm/Chapstick: keep your lips hydrated in the cold air
• Moisturizer/Lotion: be sure to also keep your skin moisturized
• Sunscreen

Staying Connected in Iceland

One of the best travel hacks for exploring Iceland stress-free is staying connected. From navigating those winding Ring Road drives to checking live updates on weather and road conditions (which change fast in Iceland!), having reliable data is a total lifesaver. Instead of scrambling for a local SIM or relying on spotty café Wi-Fi, I used an eSIM from Airalo and it worked perfectly! I was online the second I landed in Reykjavik, and topping up along the way was super easy through the app. If you want the same hassle-free experience, you can check out Airalo here.

Ready for Your Icelandic Summer Adventure?

With the right gear, you’ll be ready to hike through volcanic valleys, warm up in steamy lagoons, and chase waterfalls to your heart’s content – rain or shine. Iceland is wild, beautiful, and unpredictable – but with this packing list, you’ll be ready for anything it throws at you.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Check out my 10-Day Itinerary and 2-Week Itinerary here!

Iceland Helpful Links

Where to stay in Reykjavik
Luxury: Fosshotel Baron
Mid-Range: Hotel Cabin
Budget: Nordic Hostel

Top Tours from Reykjavik
– Blue Lagoon Admission Including Return Transfers from Reykjavik
– Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
– Reykjavik: Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride & South Coast Full Day Tour
– From Reykjavik: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier
– Jökulsárlón: The Original Ice Cave Tour on Vatnajökull

How to Get Around Iceland
Iceland is best explored on your own schedule, and renting a car or campervan is hands-down the easiest way to see the country. Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to stop at scenic lookouts, hidden waterfalls, and roadside cafés whenever you like – which, trust me, happens a lot here.

For longer distances or if you’re not driving, tour buses are a reliable option. Booking transport in advance can save both time and money, especially during peak travel seasons.

👉 Check out rental car options here

Iceland SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Iceland is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best waterfalls near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Iceland data plan before you even land.

There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.

👉 Get your Iceland eSIM with Airalo here

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