North Iceland, Iceland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for North Iceland, Iceland? If you're planning to go to North Iceland, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to North Iceland, Iceland

Based on the climate and weather in North Iceland, Iceland, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for North Iceland, Iceland

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in North Iceland, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for North Iceland, Iceland by month

January

January in North Iceland can be extremely cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

February in North Iceland is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

March in North Iceland is very cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) to 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

April in North Iceland is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

May for North Iceland can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

If you go to North Iceland in June, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

In July, North Iceland is cool. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for North Iceland, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

If you go to North Iceland in August, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September in North Iceland can be brisk. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) to high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the right type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

October can be brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

November in North Iceland is frigid. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 80% to 90% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December here is frigid. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Iceland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in North Iceland. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you plan to visit Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in North Iceland, Iceland

With its striking natural beauty and unique landscapes, North Iceland is a prime destination for tourists seeking out adventure, culture, and relaxation alike. From soaring fjords and dramatic waterfalls to geothermal hot springs and quaint fishing villages, North Iceland is a region packed with must-see attractions. Here are some of the highlights of this stunning area in Iceland.

1. Lake Mývatn – Located in the heart of a volcanic area, Lake Mývatn is one of Iceland's most renowned natural attractions. Visitors can explore the lake's surrounding geothermal hotspots, craters, and steam vents, as well as get up close with the exotic birdlife that calls the area home.

2. Akureyri – Known as the 'Capital of the North', Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest city and a hub of cultural and social activity. Visitors will find plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options here, as well as easy access to the region's most famous natural attractions.

3. Ásbyrgi Canyon – Formed by a glacial flood some five thousand years ago, Ásbyrgi Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Visitors can take a hike through the winding canyon to experience its stunning rock formations and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

4. The Arctic Coast Way – Stretching over 900km, the Arctic Coast Way is a scenic coastal route that runs along the famed Ring Road. The drive offers awe-inspiring views of the rugged coastline as well as plenty of opportunities to stop and explore charming fishing villages along the way.

5. Goðafoss – One of Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls, Goðafoss is known as the 'Waterfall of the Gods'. Visitors can take a short hike to view the falls up close and snap some incredible photos of this magical site.

6. Whale watching – North Iceland is one of the world's best places to see whales, with a wide range of species regularly sighted in the region's waters. Taking a whale watching tour is a must-do for visitors looking to experience the thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures up close.

7. Vatnajökull National Park – Home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull National Park is an incredible wilderness area filled with soaring peaks, shimmering glaciers, and natural wonders. Visitors can hike, explore, and relax in this stunning corner of Iceland.

From wild natural wonders to quaint seaside towns, North Iceland is filled with attractions that will take your breath away. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there's something for everyone in this remarkable region of Iceland. So pack your bags and come explore the magic of North Iceland today!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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