If you’re planning a visit to Reykjavik in winter, then you might be agonising over what to pack or wear.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve sat despairing for hours wondering whether you need to buy specialist gear, stock up on thermals or just turn up (hoping for the best) in your trainers and winter coat.
You see, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable, changeable and sometimes unexpectedly mild (wind chill, aside).
Indeed, Reykjavik can see four seasons in one day. As such, packing can take a little planning – however, it’s fairly straightforward once you know what to expect. From personal experience, we were definitely a little naive when we turned up at the airport – and were completely unaware of that freezing Icelandic wind.
Indeed, even if on paper the temperature is fairly mild, those icy gusts will soon send the mercury plunging. It really is eye-wateringly cold.
So- and so that you can learn from our own mistakes – here’s our guide to what to pack for a winter break to Reykjavik, as a female traveller.
The Ultimate Reykjavik Packing List for Winter
Here’s a quick and easy packing list for a winter’s break to Reykjavik as a female traveller. This is everything we took with us (and used), alongside some additional items we picked up along the way.
1. Winter and Waterproof Coat
First off, although the temperatures might be fairly mild in theory, the wind in Iceland is definitely not. A thick, waterproof coat is therefore a necessity.
We both took our Lululemon Wunder Puff duffel coats, which whilst (very) expensive, were worth their weight in gold on that trip. I highly recommend a long coat that will go past your hips (bum), in order to offer maximum protection from that wind.
A waterproof jacket, with a hood, is also essential for keeping your ears and head warm and dry (especially if you take a boat trip).
If it can be wind-resistant, even better.
2. Walking or Hiking Boots
Second on your packing list for visiting Iceland in November or December, should be a sturdy pair of walking or hiking boots.
Although Reykjavik is easy to wander about in just a pair of trainers, it can be very damp – and a pair of boots will keep you far warmer. You’ll also need walking or hiking boots if you’re exploring the Golden Circle and beyond – the walk to the Gulfoss Waterfall, for example, is located up slippery steps and you’d struggle in anything other than walking boots.
13 Stylish Walking and Hiking Boots for Women 2025
3. Hat and Gloves
Convinced that Iceland would be fairly mild, I didn’t pack any gloves for our winter’s city break to Reykjavik (I know, I know).
It’s a decision I immediately regretted.
As I keep mentioning, the wind is brutal and your hands can get very cold, very quickly. I ended up picking up a pair from Iceland’s flea market, ahead of our whale watching trip, and I am so pleased I did because those 3 hours on the boat were some of the coldest of my life.
If, like me, you like getting your phone out during your travels to take photos, I’d suggest investing in gloves that are touch screen friendly.
Next up on my Reykjavik packing list for winter is a warm hat. Just like my hands, my ears got very cold from the wind and I ended up wearing my hat most of the time. I’d recommend one that can neatly fit under a hood – you’ll want double protection – that is wool based, if possible.
5. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another must when packing for a trip to Reykjavik in the winter. Not only are they needed on sunny days, but they also help protect your eyes from the never-ending wind that can leave you with tears streaming down your face.
I always suggest packing a spare, cheap pair of sunglasses when you travel, as they always seem to be the one thing I lose when on holiday.
6. Swimsuit and Flip Flops
If you’re planning on visiting a thermal pool while in Iceland, then make sure you pack your swimsuit.
Rather than visit the Blue Lagoon, we opted to visit the relatively new Sky Lagoon, that’s located just outside of Reykjavik – and we’re so glad we did. The Sky Lagoon was the perfect end to our city break in Reykjavik, and it was especially exciting visiting during the dark, when the stars twinkled above and sea shimmered below.
(As well as a swimsuit, you may wish to bring a pair of your own flip flops for moving between the geothermal pools).
7. Thermal layers
I probably did overpack on the thermal layers, but I definitely got my use out of the thermal leggings and vest during the evenings in Reykjavik. I don’t think you need to go overboard with your thermals, as the temperature doesn’t generally dip below 0 degrees, but if you do feel the cold, I would suggest packing a vest and a pair of leggings.
Skip the long-sleeved thermal tops if you want and just go for a vest.
(Thermal, or thick wool socks, are also a great idea).
8. Water Bottle
It goes without saying that any packing list should include a water bottle. This is particularly handy if you’re doing day trips from Reykjavik, where you’ll want a drink to hand during the long drives.
Although we came across plenty of restaurant stops along the key Golden Circle sights, everything was very expensive and busy. So, bringing your own water (and lunch) if possible will probably save you a lot of money.
My favourite water bottles are always from Chilly’s, who have got it just right when it comes to keeping your drink either icy cold or piping hot. I also find they wash really well and don’t get the musty smell that lots of other brands seem to get.
Note: tap water is perfectly fine to drink in Reykjavik, in fact it’s probably the most delicious water we’ve ever tasted. That’s not particularly surprising when you learn that 95% of water in Iceland comes from its natural springs. Fill up in your hotel room each day and enjoy.
9. Backpack
A small backpack for your trip to Iceland is another essential for your Reykjavik packing list for winter.
During the summer, we visited Svalbard and I picked up a great, compact backpack from Go Outdoors for just £6. I would highly recommend having one of these packed as a) it takes up no space in your suitcase b) its really useful for when doing more of an outdoorsy trip and need easy access to your arms/hands when hiking.
10. Wool or Fleece Jumpers
I packed two thick fleeces and one warm jumper for my visit to Reykjavik, and felt like that was just about right.
I saved the jumper for evening times, when I wanted to feel a little more put-together for restaurants, and used the fleeces in the day. To be honest, most of the time you’re wearing a coat and so what you’re wearing underneath really doesn’t matter – just pack to keep warm and to keep your suitcase as light as possible.
I like to buy most of my thick fleeces and jumpers off Vinted, where there’s loads of great deals to be had on excellent outdoor brands, such as Patagonia.
11. Thick Wool Socks
Another essential to add to your Reykjavik winter packing list is a couple of pairs of thick woollen socks.
As mentioned, there’s certain activities where the weather does feel decidedly colder, such as whale watching tours, and you’ll want some thick socks to keep those toes warm. Trainer socks are definitely not going to do the job, so leave those at home and replace them with some warm, cosy socks.
Wool is always the winner when it comes to cold toes, so invest in some if you can.
12. Portable Charger Bank
Finally, if you’re hoping to capture lots of content in Reykjavik and around, then I always recommend packing a portable charger bank.
The cold drains mobile phone batteries incredibly quickly, so it’s always top of my packing list to bring a portable charger.
FAQs: Reykjavik Packing List for Winter
As well as providing you with the ultimate Reykjavik packing list for winter, below is a round-up of everything you need to know about visiting Reykjavik in winter more generally.
How Cold is Iceland in November?
In the weeks leading up to my winter trip to Iceland, I was fairly surprised by the mild(ish) temperatures that my weather app was showing me. Expecting to see minus temperatures, the typical average was actually around 8-9 degrees. This is thanks to the Golf Stream that keeps Iceland somewhat milder than its location might suggest.
As it turns out, however, it was actually colder than the weather app claimed, thanks to that infamous Icelandic wind. It’s a wind that gusts in from across the Atlantic ocean and makes winter in Iceland much colder than the balmy figures suggest.
Average temperatures in November in Reykjavik are 3-5 degrees, and in December and January, average temperatures are 2-3 degrees. Although these might be milder than you’d expect, remember to fact in a very icy windchill, which definitely caught us out on our visit.
As well as being windy, the Icelandic weather in winter is also incredibly changeable. During our stay in the city, we saw sun, rain, cloud and sleet – sometimes all in the course of one morning.
Do I Need Special Gear for Iceland in Winter?
It really depends on what you’re planning to do when visiting Iceland.
During our visit, we were based in Reykjavik, with just the one day-trip around the highlights of the Golden Circle and a whale watching tour. We therefore didn’t need any special gear for our trip to Iceland in winter, as we were mainly based in the city. In fact, the most we needed in terms of special gear were hiking shoes, a thick coat and some thermal socks and vests for the whale watching trip.
If, however, you’re planning on doing some specific icy or snowy hikes, you may wish to bring more specialised gear, such as crampons, ice grips and walking poles. If, however, you’ve booked onto a specific hiking tour, it’s likely all of this gear will be provided for you anyway (but you may want to double check before leaving home).
Should I Pack Thermal Underwear for Iceland?
I guess this is quite the personal question, but from my experience of visiting Reykjavik in November, I wouldn’t say that thermal underwear is necessary.
Obviously, each to their own – and I can’t tell you how cold you might feel – but I didn’t feel the weather was cold enough for such reinforcements. Having travelled to the Artic many times, I guarantee Iceland feels positively balmy in winter compared to some of its Arctic neighbours.
What Type of Bag is Best for Iceland in Winter?
Our favourite backpack for travel is the Travel Hack backpack (read our full review of this backpack in our post of the best underseat cabin bag).
If you want a slightly larger bag to fit in some extra layers, water bottle, snacks and some room for any purchases, the Travel Hack is the ideal travel and everyday bag for a city break to Reykjavik.
Alternatively, as mentioned in this post, if you’re looking for a super light and small bag, I recommend the Eurohike 10L bag from Go Outdoors, which is just £6 if you become a member (free of charge).
Can I Buy Winter Gear in Reykjavik if I Forget Something?
Absolutely (although it’ll be expensive).
Reykjavik is a big city and more than set up to cater for anything that tourists or locals might need to keep them warm and dry.
I saw plenty of outdoor shops in the city, although, be prepared to pay far more for anything in the country than you might do back home. With that said, I’d suggest you triple check your suitcase before leaving – the last thing you want to do is waste all your money on a pair of woollen socks once you’re there.
What to Pack for Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter
If you’re planning on doing a day trip from Reykjavik, for example, the Golden Circle – there’s a few things I’d suggest you pack:
1. Lunch for on the go
As I mention elsewhere in this blog post, although there are restaurants at many of the key sites along the Golden Circle, they are generally overcrowded and overpriced.
I would suggest, therefore, making yourself a little picnic for any road trip from Reykjavik. Alternatively, we highly recommend the brilliant Geothermal Bakery, that’s easy to visit on the Golden Circle Route. Here, you can enjoy delicious, warm bread that’s been cooked underground using the warmth of the geothermal springs.
2. Extra layers
Make the most of the extra space in your hire car by loading it up with some spare layers. The weather on Iceland is extremely variable, and we found ourselves moving between sunshine and heavy rain over the course of just an hour. Before setting off for a day trip from Reykjavik, be sure to therefore take your time and throw in a few extra layers.
3. Torch
During the winter months, Reykjavik’s daylight hours are limited.
In fact, we were quite surprised at just how dark it was in the mornings (until about 10am) and how quickly it got dark (around 3.30pm). When out on our Golden Circle day trip, we found ourselves travelling around in the dark a fair bit.
Keen to still squeeze in the last of the sights, we did visit our final stop in the dark and had to use our phone lights to navigate around. A little pocket-torch might therefore be useful if you’re planning a day trip during the winter months.
4. Toilet roll
Finally, given its rural nature, I would advise on packing some loo roll if you’re off on a road trip from Reykjavik. I can confirm that there’s nothing worse than being caught short in freezing winds, without any toilet roll for comfort.
What type of plug does Iceland use?
Iceland uses the standard European plug type (Type C and Type F), the same as most of mainland Europe.
- Plug type: Two round pins (Europlug/Schuko)
- Voltage: 230 V
- Frequency: 50 Hz
If you’re coming from the UK, US, Canada or anywhere outside mainland Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter. For US and Canadian travellers, most electronics (like phone chargers and laptops) are dual-voltage.