How to Dress for Icelandic Winter

Winter weather in Iceland can be cold and unforgiving. As a traveler you may only have a limited time to spend seeing the country. If you follow our guide and dress properly you are less likely to have to sit a day out or cut your day trip short because you are not properly dressed for the weather. Below is a head to toe guide on how to dress for winter weather in Iceland. You will need to be prepared for wind, rain, snow and slippery conditions.

Head and Neck

• A hat for your head
• A buff of balaclava for keeping your face warm
• A scarf or buff for your neck

Upper Body

• A base layer (wool or synthetic – no cotton!)
• A mid layer (fleece, wool, down or synthetic)
• A waterproof outer layer – GoreTex recommended

Lower Body

• A base layer (wool or synthetic – no cotton!)
• A mid layer (fleece, wool, down or synthetic)
• A waterproof outer layer – GoreTex recommended

Feet

• Warm socks (no cotton!)
• Warm waterproof boots
• Micro spikes (for slippery areas)

Hint: Leave the umbrella at home! Its often too windy to use them and it usually rains sideways in any case.