What to Pack for Iceland in July: From My Summer Trip

Summer temps in Iceland can be all over the place, anywhere from 40 to 75°F, though you’ll mostly be hanging out in the 50s.

In other words, layering is key because the weather changes fast.

One layer you do not want to skip? A solid waterproof and windproof jacket.

When we landed in Iceland and hit the road for the Golden Circle, it was pouring rain, cold, and windy.

I was beyond grateful for my Arc’teryx jacket, which kept me warm and dry without taking up much space in my bag.

I also relied on this same jacket when we hiked and explored Milford Sound in New Zealand. If your trip involves rain, wind, or cooler temps, you’ll want something like this.

My exact jacket is no longer available, but a great alternative is the highly-rated Helly-Hansen jacket.

It’s waterproof, windproof, and breathable—basically, everything you need to stay comfortable while tackling Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Layers are your best friend in Iceland’s ever-changing weather!

One piece I swear by is my ultralight puffer jacket. It’s ridiculously lightweight, provides impressive warmth, and packs down to practically nothing in a suitcase.

This jacket has been with me on so many adventures, including our recent South African safari at Lion Sands River Lodge.

In Iceland, I layered it under my windproof jacket, and the combo kept me perfectly warm while braving the elements.

For my next layer, I went with a sweatshirt, specifically, my all-time favorite from Athleta.

It’s insanely soft, feels amazing on the skin, and adds just the right amount of extra warmth without feeling bulky.

Underneath that, I wore my Mott & Bow T-shirt as my base layer. Simple but effective.

So, my full layering system for Iceland looked like this:

1. Windproof jacket
2. Ultralight down jacket
3. Sweatshirt
4. T-shirt

Four layers might sound like overkill, but in Iceland’s unpredictable weather, you’ll be glad you have options!

A scarf is one of those deceptively simple items that makes a huge difference in Iceland. Yes, even in the summer.

Layering is the name of the game, and a good scarf gives you that extra bit of warmth when the wind decides to kick up.

I love a classic, multicolored scarf that pairs well with everything. Mine kept me toasty while exploring the south coast and added a little extra style when we capped off the day with cocktails at my favorite bar in Iceland.

Practical? Absolutely. But also a way to make those travel photos look just a little more put together.

I hate hat hair.

So at first, I wasn’t planning on packing a beanie for Iceland. But at the last minute (thank you, Amazon Prime), I caved and ordered one.

Best decision ever.

Iceland is no joke when it comes to wind, and my beanie saved my ears from freezing off. It’s lined with soft fleece and has a nice stretch that makes it super comfortable. There’s no way I would have survived our trip without it.

Lesson learned: sometimes fashion takes a backseat to actually feeling your face.

Polarized sunglasses are a must for outdoor adventure. They cut glare, reduce eye strain, and make everything look sharper.

I’ve been loyal to my Ray-Ban polarized shades for years, and if you scroll through my travel photos, you’ll spot them in almost every shot.

They’ve survived hikes, boat rides, and plenty of questionable packing jobs, and they’re still going strong.

We tackled several day hikes in Iceland from the stunning  Svartifoss Waterfall to the steamy Reykjadalur Hot Springs.

Unless you’re planning a glacier hike, hardcore hiking boots aren’t necessary in the summer. The right shoes depend on the type of trails you’re hitting.

Since we stuck to well-marked paths during our July trip, I wore my trusty trail runners, and they were perfect. Lightweight, cushiony, and with just the right grip for uneven terrain.

Basically, they’re like souped-up sneakers but way more fun because they come in colors other than boring brown.

Another must? Smartwool socks. Worth every penny.

And a second pair of walking shoes.

Trust me, after a muddy hike, you won’t want to track dirt into your car. I always toss my trail runners into a trash bag and swap them for my Allbirds.

And yes, those things really do feel like walking on clouds. Your feet will thank you after a long day on the trails.

You won’t be in hiking boots or trail runners the entire trip. At some point, you’ll want to swap them out for something a little less “just climbed a mountain” and more “ready for cocktails.”

For nights out in Reykjavik and dinners in smaller towns, I wore my Blondo waterproof booties.

They’ve got a low block heel, are ridiculously comfortable, and keep your feet dry when that Icelandic rain inevitably shows up.

Plus, they instantly make any outfit look more put together without sacrificing comfort, which is always a win.

On the last day of our whirlwind 4-day itinerary in Iceland, I treated myself to an in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon (highly recommend, by the way).

My favorite flip-flops were a lifesaver for walking around in a swimsuit and towel.

Trying to shuffle in and out of the water with tennis shoes and socks? No thanks. I was so glad I tossed my flip-flops in my bag.

If you’re not planning to hit any hot springs or pools, you can skip packing them. But if you are, trust me, bring the flip-flops.

Yes, you’ll definitely need gloves even in the summer!

I packed an old pair I’d bought from REI years ago, thinking they’d be fine. Well, they weren’t.

On our first day in Iceland, we were walking along the Almannagjá Gorge toward Öxarárfoss Waterfall when the rain rolled in, and the wind kicked up. I was freezing, and this was in July!

My gloves weren’t waterproof, and to make matters worse, I kept taking them off to snap pictures, which didn’t exactly help my frozen fingers.

Lesson learned.

If you’re heading to Iceland, bring waterproof and windproof gloves with touchscreen fingertips.

That way, you can keep your hands warm and still grab those epic photos without freezing your fingers off like I did.

Don’t even think about hiking in jeans while exploring Iceland. Save them for nice dinners out in Reykjavik.

Wet jeans are the worst. They’re heavy, uncomfortable, and take forever to dry.

You’ll want pants that can handle Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

I’m a big fan of Athleta for travel pants.

For my Iceland trip, I wore Athleta’s Wander Stash Skinny Pant in black. It’s loaded with handy pockets (always a win), and the TREK TECH material is tough, resists tears, and somehow manages to avoid wrinkles.

By day, I paired them with a sweatshirt and trail runners while chasing waterfalls. At night, I swapped the sweatshirt for a nice sweater, added my waterproof booties, and was good to go.

The Athleta pants I wore aren’t available anymore, but a fantastic alternative for outdoor adventures is the highly-rated Hairmont water-repellent pants.

If you haven’t tried fleece-lined leggings yet, you’re really missing out.

They’re possibly the comfiest, warmest piece in my travel wardrobe.

I wore mine lounging at our favorite boutique properties in Iceland, styled them with an oversized sweater for a night out in Reykjavik, and even used them as a base layer under hiking pants when it got extra chilly.

They’re incredibly versatile, and honestly, I don’t know how I traveled without them before!

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is touristy, but honestly, my husband and I loved it.

Soaking in those milky blue waters felt like relaxing in the world’s biggest hot tub, and I couldn’t resist booking an in-water massage (highly recommend!).

One thing you’ll absolutely need? A bathing suit. Sure, the Blue Lagoon offers rentals, but… yeah, no thanks. Just bring your own!

The Blue Lagoon isn’t the only spot where you can enjoy Iceland’s magical waters.

There are plenty of other fantastic geothermal options, both natural and man-made.

In addition to the Blue Lagoon, we hiked to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, which was a bit more off-the-beaten path.

Bottom line: Pack a swimsuit.

I’ve found that having the right daypack can make or break an outdoor adventure, and there are two I now swear by for all my “outdoorsy” vacations.

For longer, more intense hikes (think 5+ miles) or long bike rides, my CamelBak is my go-to.

It’s lightweight, has handy pockets for personal items, and includes a bladder that’s perfect for staying hydrated without constantly stopping to grab a water bottle. It’s ideal for travel.

For shorter, easier hikes like the ones we did to Svartifoss Waterfall and Reykjadalur Hot Springs, I opted for my Zomake daypack instead.

This little bag is amazing. It packs down tiny but still holds a surprising amount.

On our Reykjadalur hike, I managed to fit my water bottle, a travel towel, and a change of undergarments (I wore my bathing suit there and changed into dry clothes afterward).

It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect when you just need the essentials. And it’s super affordable.

Both bags have earned a permanent spot in my travel gear lineup.

You don’t need to lug around a giant beach towel.

A compact, super-absorbent, and lightweight travel towel works just fine. We’ve put plenty of them to the test.

My husband and I have snorkeled all over the world, trying out different quick-drying towels for our underwater adventures. Some were great, some… not so much.

Depending on the activity, we have three go-to towels that we swear by.

When we visited the Blue Lagoon, towels were provided. But when we hiked to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, we had to bring our own, and that travel towel saved us.

Not only did it dry us off quickly, but it also doubled as a makeshift screen when we had to awkwardly change into dry clothes with an audience of strangers nearby.

Oh, and one more tip: toss a trash bag in your daypack. It’s perfect for stashing your wet swimsuit when you’re done.

I messed up. Big time.

I’m the one who’s always prepared with snacks, extra layers, backup phone charge, you name it. But somehow, I completely forgot bug spray.

In my mind, bugs = hot, sticky, tropical weather.

So when we went to Iceland in July, with temps hanging in the cool and comfortable 50°F, the thought of packing bug spray never even crossed my mind.

Well… I was wrong.

When we hiked to Reykjadalur Hot Springs, we were swarmed, and I mean attacked, by relentless black flies.

It was like being trapped in a buzzing cloud that followed us the entire way. At one point, I snapped a photo, and you can actually see the flies dive-bombing my camera. It was ridiculous.

During the hike, we passed a group of horseback riders all decked out in fly nets. I now get why.

If you’re planning this hike in the summer months, consider pre-treating your hiking clothing with Sawyer bug spray.

I’m not sure if there is a “fly season” or maybe I just got unlucky.

If you’re heading to Iceland during the Midnight Sun, you’ll want to plan for those endless daylight hours.

One of the smartest things you can do is book accommodations with blackout curtains. Otherwise, your body won’t have a clue when it’s time to sleep.

Even if your hotel has blackout curtains, that sneaky sun can find the tiniest crack to beam right into your face. That’s why I always pack a sleep mask.

I’ve tested a bunch over the years, and my favorite by far is the MZOO sleep mask.

It’s got these soft, cushioned cups that keep the mask from pressing against your eyes, so you can still blink comfortably without feeling like you’re trapped in a blindfold.

If Iceland’s on your summer travel list, don’t skip this one.

Don’t let those cool temperatures and overcast skies fool you. The sun doesn’t care.

Even in Iceland’s chillier weather, those UV rays are still working hard, and you will get burned if you’re not careful.

I never skip sunscreen even when the weather feels more “sweater season.”

My longtime favorite is Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave that greasy feel, and never clogs my skin. I’ve been using it for years, and it’s never let me down.

Lather up!

If you’re packing for Iceland, seriously consider bringing a GoPro even if you wouldn’t normally think to.

I usually reserve my GoPro for our snorkeling trips, but I decided to throw it in my bag for Iceland and ended up using it way more than I expected.

Iceland’s wild, wet weather is practically made for it, so if you’ve got one, pack it.

It was perfect for those misty, damp conditions where I didn’t want to risk my phone.

When we walked behind the thundering Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, my GoPro handled the constant spray without any issues.

I also used this waterproof case to slide my phone in while wandering through the thermal waters at the Blue Lagoon, which made it easy to grab photos without stressing about water damage.

Both ended up earning a permanent spot on my Iceland summer packing list after this trip.

On a sunny summer day in Iceland, hand warmers probably won’t even cross your mind.

But here’s the thing … Iceland’s weather loves to keep you guessing. One minute you’re enjoying a calm breeze, and the next you’re battling icy rain and wind that feels like it’s slicing right through your jacket.

And when that happens? It’s cold.

I’ve used hand warmers before, but for some reason, I forgot to pack them for this trip and I regretted it.

It’s always those little things that end up making a huge difference in how comfortable (or miserable) you feel on an adventure.

So toss a pack of hand warmers in your bag. You may not need them, but if the weather turns, you’ll be glad you did.

This might sound a little random, but packing some portable utensils is super helpful when you’re eating on the go.

When we landed in Iceland, we grabbed our rental car and made a beeline for the BONUS grocery store.

We couldn’t resist picking up some local rye bread and Skyr yogurt, which are two must-try Icelandic foods.

Thankfully, we’d packed some eco friendly silverware, which made it easy to dig into the yogurt and slice up that hearty bread right in the car.

Those utensils turned out to be handy throughout the trip whether we were making quick sandwiches for a hiking break or cutting up some fruit on the go.

And don’t forget to pack a few sandwich bags. They’re perfect for tossing in snacks, packing up a simple lunch, or even doubling as mini trash bags so you can leave no trace behind.

A little prep goes a long way when you’re road-tripping through Iceland.

I never travel without a power bank anymore. It’s one of those things I’ve learned the hard way.

I take a ridiculous number of photos and videos when we’re out exploring, and my phone battery drains fast.

More than once, my power bank has saved me from being stranded with a dead phone while sightseeing all day.

I’m a big fan of Anker power banks. They’re solid, reliable, and I’ve had great luck with them.

I actually have two: the Ultra Compact, which is small enough to pass for a lipstick tube, and the slightly larger PowerCore, which charges a bit faster.

If you’re the type who’s constantly snapping pics or navigating on your phone, a power bank is a must.

This one’s pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Stay hydrated when you’re hiking.

I always bring my trusty Embrava water bottle on our trips. It’s sturdy, easy to drink from on the go, and has held up through countless hikes.

If I know we’re tackling a longer trail or sweating it out on a warmer day, I’ll toss in a no-sugar Gatorade packet for some extra electrolytes.

Don’t underestimate how quickly you can get dehydrated, even in cooler weather. A solid water bottle (and maybe a Gatorade boost) can make all the difference.

Iceland’s cool temps and windy weather can do a number on your skin.

I never rely on hotel moisturizers. They might smell nice, but most of them are just fancy bottles filled with disappointment.

That’s why I always pack my trusty CeraVe cream. It’s fragrance-free, works for both face and body, and never causes breakouts.

Plus, it’s packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

And don’t forget about your lips. The wind can dry them out just as fast. I swear by Aquaphor lip ointment for moisture.

Hair perfector and leave-in conditioner might not be at the top of your Iceland packing list, but they should be.

If you’re planning a visit to the Blue Lagoon (especially if you’re treating yourself to one of their incredible in-water massages), you’ll want to show your hair some love before and after your dip.

The geothermal water is packed with silica, which does wonders for your skin but leaves your hair feeling like straw. Stiff, dry, and impossible to manage.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Before getting in, rinse your hair thoroughly in the shower, then load up with a generous amount of a high-quality leave-in conditioner. Don’t skimp!
• Bring your own — the conditioner they provide just doesn’t cut it.
• After your soak, I swear by Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector to repair the damage. I use it once a week even when I’m not soaking in silica-rich waters.
• After that post-Lagoon shower, go in with another layer of conditioner. Trust me, your hair will need it.

A little extra hair prep goes a long way in keeping your locks soft and manageable. No brittle, tangled mess here!

Iceland is rugged, wild, and unpredictable, and its weather likes to keep you on your toes.

Packing the right clothes and gear can make all the difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your outdoor adventures feel.

Even in summer, layers are your best friend. One minute it’s sunny, and the next you’re zipping up your rain jacket while the wind tries to steal your hat.

I put together a complete Iceland packing list to help you prep for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

And if you’re still sorting out your itinerary or where to stay, check out my guides on How to Spend 4 Days in Iceland and my Favorite Boutique Property Picks for some tried-and-true recommendations.

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Did I miss anything? Questions about my What to Pack for Iceland in July List?

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