Iceland Northern Europe

What to Pack for Reykjavik, Iceland

Layer up, waterproof everything, and prepare for weather that changes every five minutes

Updated April 13, 2026 · 4 seasons covered

Quick answer

Pack for Reykjavik with a three-layer system every day: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating fleece or down mid-layer, and a fully waterproof, seam-sealed, windproof shell rated for sideways rain and 40-plus mph gusts. Add waterproof hiking boots for the Golden Circle and glacier hikes, a buff or neck gaiter instead of a scarf (wind destroys umbrellas), a swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon and geothermal pools year-round, and Type C or Type F adapters for Iceland's 230V outlets. Skip cheap rain gear entirely.

Reykjavik sits on the edge of the subarctic, where weather changes fast and often without warning. You can experience sunshine, rain, sleet, and gale-force wind in a single afternoon. The golden rule of packing for Iceland is simple: layers, layers, layers. A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell will keep you comfortable no matter what the sky throws at you.

Most visitors use Reykjavik as a base for exploring the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Blue Lagoon, and glacier hikes. These day trips take you into exposed, windswept terrain where conditions are far harsher than in the city. Waterproof outer layers are not optional. Regular rain jackets and hiking boots will not cut it. You need fully waterproof, windproof gear that can handle sideways rain and 40+ mph gusts.

Iceland uses Type C and Type F power outlets with 230V electricity. US plugs will not fit without an adapter. Reykjavik is compact and walkable, but you will need a rental car for the Golden Circle and South Coast. Tap water in Iceland comes from glacial springs and is some of the cleanest in the world, so bring a reusable bottle and skip the bottled water entirely. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even in remote gas stations.

Build Your Custom Packing List

Use PackSmart to create a personalized packing list for Reykjavik, Iceland based on your trip dates, activities, and style.

Try PackSmart Free
Temperature: 32-45°F°F Spring in Reykjavik is unpredictable. Snow showers, rain, sunshine, and gale-force winds can all happen in one day. Temperatures hover around freezing in April and warm slightly by late May. Daylight increases rapidly, reaching nearly 24 hours by the end of May. Roads to highland areas begin opening, but some remain closed through May. Wind is constant and often stronger than the temperature alone would suggest.

👕Clothing

Essentials

  • Merino wool or synthetic base layer tops x3 (Moisture-wicking base layers are critical. Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and chills you.)
  • Merino wool or synthetic base layer bottoms x2 (Wear under pants for warmth on windy days and glacier hikes)
  • Fleece or down insulating mid-layer jacket x2 (Your warmth layer between the base and waterproof shell)
  • Long-sleeve shirts x3
  • Warm hiking pants or softshell trousers x2 (Wind-resistant and quick-drying. Jeans are a poor choice for day trips.)
  • Underwear x7
  • Wool-blend hiking socks x7 (Merino wool socks keep feet warm even when damp)
  • Warm hat (beanie or wool cap) (You lose significant heat through your head in Icelandic wind)
  • Insulated gloves (waterproof preferred) (Touchscreen-compatible if possible. Wind chill is brutal on bare hands.)
  • Buff or neck gaiter (Protects face and neck from wind, rain, and sleet)
  • Swimsuit (For the Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Reykjavik's geothermal pools)

👟Footwear

Essentials

  • Waterproof hiking boots (broken in) (Ankle-height minimum. You need grip and waterproofing for lava fields and wet trails.)
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the city (Water-resistant preferred. Reykjavik streets are often wet.)

Nice to Have

  • Warm slippers or camp shoes (Nice for hostels and guesthouses after long days outdoors)

🌧️Outerwear & Rain Gear

Essentials

  • Waterproof windproof hardshell jacket with hood (This is your most important item. Must be seam-sealed and rated for heavy rain and wind.)
  • Waterproof pants or rain trousers (Full-length waterproof pants for glacier hikes and rainy day trips)
  • Packable lightweight down jacket (Extra insulation layer for cold days. Packs small for day trips.)
  • Waterproof backpack cover (Iceland rain comes from every direction. Your bag will get soaked without this.)

Nice to Have

  • Waterproof gaiters (Keep water and debris out of your boots on muddy trails)

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

  • Heavy-duty moisturizer for face and hands (Cold wind strips moisture from exposed skin fast)
  • Lip balm with SPF x2 (Wind and UV reflection off snow chap lips quickly)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+) (UV reflects off snow, ice, and water. You can sunburn even on cloudy days.)
  • Basic first aid kit (Band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, blister patches)
  • Prescription medications (Pharmacies outside Reykjavik are rare. Bring more than enough.)

Nice to Have

  • Motion sickness medication (Helpful for whale watching tours and winding coastal roads)

📱Electronics & Gear

Essentials

  • Type C/F power adapter (European 2-pin round) x2 (Iceland uses 230V with Type C and Type F outlets. US plugs will not fit.)
  • Portable charger / power bank (10,000+ mAh) (Cold weather drains batteries fast. Essential for day trips away from outlets.)
  • Waterproof phone case or pouch (Protects your phone from rain, spray, and waterfalls)

Nice to Have

  • Camera with extra batteries (Cold weather kills battery life. Bring spares and keep them warm in a pocket.)
  • Headlamp or small flashlight (Useful for early April when evenings are still dark)
  • Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds

📄Documents & Money

Essentials

  • Valid passport (Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay. US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.)
  • Travel insurance documents (Glacier hikes and adventure activities make travel insurance especially important)
  • Credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees x2 (Iceland is nearly cashless. Cards work everywhere, even remote gas stations.)
  • Rental car reservation and international driving info (A car is essential for the Golden Circle, South Coast, and day trips)

Nice to Have

  • Printed backup of hotel and activity confirmations (Cell service is unreliable outside Reykjavik)
  • Small amount of Icelandic krona in cash (Rarely needed, but a small amount is good as backup)

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

  • Sturdy waterproof daypack (30-40L) (Needs to hold layers, rain gear, water, and snacks for full-day excursions)
  • Reusable water bottle (Iceland tap water is pristine glacial water. No need to buy bottled.)
  • High-energy snacks and trail mix x6 (Food options are scarce between stops on the Golden Circle and South Coast)

Nice to Have

  • Thermos or insulated bottle (Fill with hot coffee or cocoa before heading out into the cold)
  • Hand warmers (disposable) x4 (Cheap warmth boost for windy viewpoints and waterfall stops)

Packing Tips for Reykjavik, Iceland

  1. 1 Dress in three layers every day: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof windproof shell on top. This system works in every season.
  2. 2 Bring Type C or Type F power adapters for Iceland's 230V outlets. US plugs will not work without one. Pack at least two so you can charge multiple devices overnight.
  3. 3 Do not buy cheap rain gear. Iceland's wind drives rain sideways. You need a fully waterproof, seam-sealed jacket and pants rated for harsh conditions.
  4. 4 Pack a swimsuit for every season. Iceland has geothermal hot springs, heated pools, and the Blue Lagoon year-round. You will use it more than you expect.
  5. 5 Wear your heaviest boots on the plane to save luggage space. Waterproof hiking boots are the best choice since you will need them for the Golden Circle and glacier hikes.
  6. 6 Bring a buff or neck gaiter instead of a scarf. It stays put in high wind, covers your face during sleet, and takes up almost no space in your bag.
  7. 7 Download offline maps before you arrive. Cell service is unreliable outside Reykjavik, especially on remote stretches of the Ring Road and highland tracks.
  8. 8 Skip the umbrella. Wind in Iceland will destroy it within minutes. A good waterproof jacket with a hood is far more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of power adapter do I need for Iceland?
Iceland uses Type C and Type F plugs, which are the standard European two-pin round plugs. The voltage is 230V at 50Hz. US plugs will not fit without an adapter. Most modern phone chargers and laptops support dual voltage (100-240V), so you just need the physical adapter. Check your device labels before plugging in older appliances like hair dryers, which may only support 110V.
Do I really need waterproof pants for Iceland?
Yes. Waterproof pants are one of the most important items you can pack. Iceland's wind drives rain, sleet, and snow sideways, and regular pants will be soaked through within minutes. Waterfalls like Skogafoss and Gullfoss throw spray everywhere. Glacier hikes involve wet ice and snow. Even summer visitors get caught in surprise downpours. Pack full-length waterproof trousers that fit over your hiking pants.
Can I see the northern lights from Reykjavik?
You can sometimes see the northern lights from Reykjavik, but city light pollution weakens the display. Driving 20 to 30 minutes outside the city gives much better viewing. The northern lights are visible from late September through early April when skies are dark and clear. They are not guaranteed on any given night. Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast and look for clear skies with KP index 3 or higher for the best chances.
Should I rent a car in Iceland or take tours?
A rental car gives you the most flexibility, especially for the Golden Circle and South Coast. You can stop wherever you want and avoid crowded tour bus schedules. In summer, a standard 2WD car works for paved roads. In winter, a 4WD with studded tires is strongly recommended because roads can be icy and conditions change fast. If you are uncomfortable driving in winter conditions, guided tours are a safe and convenient alternative.
How much should I budget for food in Iceland?
Iceland is expensive. A casual restaurant meal costs $25 to $40 per person, and a nicer dinner runs $50 to $80. A basic hot dog from the famous Baejarins Beztu stand is about $5. To save money, shop at Bonus or Kronan grocery stores and pack lunches for day trips. Bringing snacks and trail mix from home also helps since convenience store prices outside Reykjavik are steep.
What should I wear to the Blue Lagoon?
Bring your swimsuit, and the Blue Lagoon provides towels, robes, and sandals with admission. Apply the free silica conditioner to your hair before entering the water, because the mineral-rich water can make hair dry and tangled. Leave jewelry in your locker since the silica and minerals can damage certain metals. You do not need to bring shampoo or body wash because the changing rooms have soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Iceland?
Yes. Iceland's tap water comes from glacial springs and natural aquifers and is some of the cleanest, best-tasting water in the world. There is absolutely no need to buy bottled water. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it from any tap. Note that hot tap water in Iceland has a slight sulfur smell because it comes from geothermal sources. It is safe but tastes better from the cold tap.
Do I need an umbrella in Iceland?
No. Umbrellas are useless in Iceland. The wind is so strong and constant that an umbrella will flip inside out and break within minutes. Locals never use them. Instead, rely on a high-quality waterproof jacket with a secure hood, waterproof pants, and a buff or neck gaiter to protect your face. This combination handles Iceland's sideways rain far better than any umbrella ever could.

Full country guide

Iceland Packing List

Plug types, visa, cultural notes, and regional packing across Iceland.

→

More Packing Lists

Build Your Custom Packing List

Use PackSmart to create a personalized packing list for Reykjavik, Iceland based on your trip dates, activities, and style.

Try PackSmart Free

Share this post

X / Twitter Reddit Hacker News

Stay in the loop

Get notified when I publish new posts. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.