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What to Wear in Iceland in Winter | Complete List
If you're reading this, it means you're close to getting pregnant.carYou're on a winter trip and it's already on your mind What clothes to wear to Iceland in winter.
Packing for a winter trip to Iceland can be challenging; the cold and harsh weather are no joke. Having lived in Iceland during the winter ourselves, we've put together a guide that we hope will answer all your questions about what to pack for a winter trip to Iceland.
We tell you what thermal clothing to wearThe type of footwear needed, accessories, and other essential items you'll be glad you packed once you're there. Get ready to make the most of your Icelandic experience!
Of all the recommendations We encourage you to try to buy the minimum for the trip, recycle what you have at home or borrow from a friend. But if you still need some things, I will leave you during the article links to Decathlon and Amazon, two companies with which we work, so Every time you buy through one of our links the price is the same and you give us a small commission.
HOW NOT TO GET COLD, ICELAND IN WINTER, ESSENTIAL LAYERS
On a trip to Iceland in winter the trick to not get cold is to dress in layers like an onion, and what layers are these? I tell you What clothes to take to Iceland in winter to avoid getting cold not even when you are seeing auroras at night ↓
1. Thermal cover
This first Thermal layer is essential to keep the entire body warm.
We recommend a good thermal shirt and thermal leggings, and I would also include a first layer of gloves made of thin but thermal fabric or the typical wool ones as an alternative option. You should also not forget some good thick, tall socks.
2. Polar layer
Un pair of fleeces should not be missing from your list of what to wear to Iceland in winter whether they are sweater type or jacket type. You could also replace it, or complement it, with warm wool sweaters.
3. Coat layer
Ideally it would have a good anorak or thick down, a little long so that it reaches at least below your ass. This will protect you much more from the cold. If it were waterproof, even better to save you the fourth layer.
It is very appreciated that the coat has a hat to protect more ears and head from the famous Icelandic wind.
4. Waterproof layer
This last layer It's super important, because since you're only wearing a coat Getting it wet is a real pain. In addition, the waterproof layer acts as an additional windbreak.
So even if your coat is waterproof I would take a cape raincoat the kind that reach up to your knees in case it snows a lot one day during your trip to Iceland in winter. Later in the list of everything you have to bring to Iceland we leave you more information.
SUITCASE FOR ICELAND IN WINTER: COMPLETE LIST ✓
What to wear to travel to Iceland in winter
Then I leave you a list of what clothes to take to Iceland in winter, which in Iceland runs from November to March.
Depending on the length of the trip you need more or fewer units, but remember that traveling light is more practical and that in a place this cold you will at most sweat your inner layers. And in almost all the photos you will appear with the coat so you don't need much variety.
Each garment is linked so you can see an example.
Thermal T-shirt
Try to make it fit snugly to better maintain heat and absorb sweat.
The best material for this layer is merino wool for its ability to breathe and insulate. If you don't have any and you like the mountains, it is a small investment that is worth it. In addition, due to its breathability, it is a material that barely smells so you can use it for many more days. But just a warm one, take a look this of women or this other for men.
Thermal leggings
Cover essential so that it keeps you warm under your pants, and when you go indoors you can take off your pants and stay more comfortable in leggings. These thermal leggings They are quite economical and useful.
But if you get cold easily, I recommend the bus.car some with fuzz for a greater feeling of warmth or bring one of each to wear bothIf you spend many hours at night looking for the Northern Lights, you'll be grateful.
snow pants
For cold, huage and areas with a lot of snow you will need some snow pantsObviously, the warmer the better, but they are more carThese are other garments so you can "compensate" for a more basic range of snow pants with better thermal leggings or a double layer of leggings.
To children I recommend you take un snow suit complete, warmer and you will prevent the layer framework from moving while playing.
The option alternative if you are going to avoid going where there is snow and your stops are going to be short and close to the car, it's a pair of thick corduroy pants, a tracksuit with fur inside, or sweatshirt (with thermal leggings underneath).
Fleece
Is the perfect layer to insulate you from the cold and if it's not too cold it can be used as a jacket. If you want to dress cuter, you can change it for a thick, warm wool sweater.
But any fleece that you have warm is also perfect, even with the basics of Decathlon They give good results if you don't want to spend a lot.
Thick down or anorak
In a suitcase for Iceland in winter you cannot miss a good shelter raincoat with hood that protects you up to the height of your ass. I do not recommend taking one that is too long because it will not be comfortable for walking or taking an excursion such as ice caves.
In case you have to buy one or something this type it is perfect.
Oilskin
Whether your anorak is waterproof or not, I would take a long raincoat that covers you up to your knees to prevent snowfall from getting on you.
These type raincoat poncho, it is the typical thing that many people have at home and have only used once!Ask friends!
Hat, an essential for traveling to Iceland in winter
Keeping your ears protected is super important since it is one of the most thermoregulatory points of the body. A good material for your cap it's the wool with an internal fleece lining so that if there is wind the cold does not penetrate you.
Scarf or panty
The neck is another point that loses a lot of heat so the more protected the better. I would take one braga Cover your mouth well and if you are very cold, a large scarf to put over it.
Te I recommend bringing two. in case one gets wet so you can change it, or even if it gets very wet from your own breath.
Thermal socks
Another essential on the list of what clothes to take to Iceland in winter are thermal socks. I would take long even the twin and others short to wear over the coldest days or if you are going to spend a lot of time outside.
Gloves and mittens
To travel to Iceland in winter and not getting your hands cold, the key is to wear two layers of gloves. The first is some thin wool or hiking thermals, we have these. As a second layer, some gloves waterproof snow boots, or gauntlets, which are even better at keeping warm.
Hands freeze immediately when you want to take a photo or have to pick up anything. This way with the double layer you can always wear the thin glove and remove the thick one, or even get some mittens that you can sacar the fingers, this way you will have mobility and a large part of your hand will not lose heat nor will the glove get cold inside.
What footwear to pack in your suitcase to travel to Iceland in winter
You don't need anything very specific, as long as they meet some minimums it's enough because in Iceland most days you will be getting in and out of the carFurthermore, the distances you walk will not be very long.
What you do need is for it to be warm and waterproof. You will most likely find places with a lot of snow, and by having your foot half sunk if it is not waterproof you will get wet and freeze in a moment.
One option is this style of boots warm snow, or this option more economic.
carry some heaters Chemicals are also recommended for when you spend more hours outside.
Winter trekking shoes with an interior lining and a good sole would also be very good footwear, but if it is not something that you are going to use more, it is not worth the investment.
Crampons, cannot be missing in your suitcase to travel to Iceland in winter
The mini crampons They are a real must-see. After spending several winter months living there, We promise you that this is essential. in your suitcase for traveling to Iceland in winter.
Deep snow and frozen streets are very slippery. And the biggest problem is that the most trampled places are the tourist ones, so you are sure to find skating rinks like the photo below in the Kvernufoss parking lot.
These crampons are small metal points, like little tacks, so even if your suitcase for traveling to Iceland in winter is a carry-on. You can take them with you on the plane.
Toiletry bag for traveling to Iceland in winter
You will need to bring all the basic hygiene products; gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste... Let's go with the usual. But it is important thator leave moisturizer and lip balm for cold weather because the skin suffers a lot from the Icelandic wind and cold
If you need a practical travel bag that I recommend this o this other larger than the one we have used for months of traveling and we love it.
First aid kit in your suitcase for Iceland in winter
Don't forget to pack a small first aid kit with essential products like something for the headache, muscle pain or some drug that works well to stop a cold. Keep in mind that it is a sparsely populated region and many kilometers can pass between pharmacies.
It is also interesting that you add dressings in case your boots cause any chafing.
And of course our recommendation It is always important to travel with insurance because in Iceland the European Health Card does not cover many expenses.
A 10-day insurance will cost you less than €30. Here I leave you a 5% discount with Mondo Insurance.
Other essentials | What to wear to Iceland in winter
These are other essential elements that I advise you to add to your list of what to wear to Iceland in winter.
Swimsuit
Despite the cold, don't forget a swimsuit! Bathing in the middle of winter in thermal baths is one of the best sensations there is. look at GeoSea With the entire snowy fjord, a wonder.
Front light
it will be for you very useful for going out in search of auroras. With the front You will be able to see where you are stepping, but not only that, it also serves to illuminate you if you take a photo with auroras, that point of light is important so that they look good.
And let's hope not, but it is also very important to carry it in case you have a car accident to be able to draw attention and not waste your cell phone battery by using it as a flashlight. This is a recommendation that is given from safeiceland.
Credit card without commissions abroad
In Iceland the Icelandic krona (isk) is used so for payments I recommend you bring yes or yesa wallet card traveler as TradeRepublic.
Iceland is already enough carso that you end up paying more due to bank feescarias and poor conversion rates.
ᐈᐈ You may be interested in reading… Best travel cards abroad and not pay commissions (Updated 2026) ✅
Reusable water bottle
Bring a couple of bottles like these, we use them on all trips. One to fill with tap water (The purest in the world!) and the other for Take a boiling infusion with you when you leave the hotel and along with a camping cup, drink something hot during the morning.
Backpack for excursions
A small backpack about 30 liters pplows day to day It is an essential thing to put in your Iceland suitcase in winter.
In it you can carry water, a raincoat, a camera when you get out of the car... and it will be super necessary for slightly longer excursions such as visiting ice caves.
If you have a waterproof backpack it will be ideal but if not, bring one bag to protect her.
Sunglasses
Sunlight is very scarce during the winter in Iceland but I would take them in case it is very windy or to drive on a sunny day because since the sun does not rise and is always on the horizon it is quite uncomfortable.
Self-heaters
Especially for when you go out in search of auroras, having some hand warmers You'll find them a great choice for gloves. And if you're prone to getting cold feet, they also make them in the shape of shoe soles.
Portable battery
With the cold The batteries drain much faster than normal. But the truth is that you will almost always be coming and going in the car, so an external battery may be good just in case, but for me it is not essential that you pack your Iceland suitcase in winter.
I hope this article has helped you decide what clothes to take to Iceland in winter. If you have any other recommendations, please leave them in the comments so other travelers can read them.
Thanks for reading us! And remember that all links are affiliate So if you need to buy something and you do it through them, it costs you the same and it helps us a lot.
