North Iceland, Iceland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to North Iceland, Iceland? If you're planning to go to North Iceland, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to North Iceland
- Important essentials for North Iceland
- Activities for North Iceland
- North Iceland in January: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in February: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in March: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in April: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in May: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in June: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in July: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in August: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in September: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in October: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in November: weather and what to pack
- North Iceland in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to North Iceland, Iceland
Based on the climate and weather in North Iceland, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for North Iceland, Iceland
Here are some general tips on what to wear in North Iceland, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one works in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for North Iceland, Iceland by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here is freezing. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting North Iceland, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
North Iceland has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in North Iceland is frosty. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to North Iceland, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
North Iceland has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
If you go to North Iceland in March, you will notice that it is freezing. Expect it to rain or snow a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to North Iceland, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
North Iceland has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
If you visit North Iceland during April, you are likely to see that it can be very chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to North Iceland, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
North Iceland has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
If you vacation in North Iceland during May, you will probably see that it is cold. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
June in North Iceland is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
July
If you vacation in North Iceland during July, you will probably see that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
August
August here is crisp. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
September
September in North Iceland is pretty cool. 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:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
October
If you vacation in North Iceland during October, you may see that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to North Iceland, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
North Iceland has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
November in North Iceland is freezing. 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:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to North Iceland, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
North Iceland has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
Traveling to North Iceland in December, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting North Iceland, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
North Iceland has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for North Iceland, Iceland
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for North Iceland.
If you're considering visiting Goðafoss, prepare to get wet, and take these:
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