Reykjavík, Iceland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

Traveling to Reykjavík, Iceland? If you're planning to go to Reykjavík, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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 Reykjavík, Iceland

Based on the climate and weather in Reykjavík, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

Important essentials for Reykjavík, Iceland

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

COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022


  • Travel insurance

    If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans


  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.


  • A vaccine card protector

    Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.


  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.


  • Kids' KN95 masks

    N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).


  • N95 masks to use in crowded airports

    These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.

General health necessities

Don't forget these

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

Already know when you're traveling?

January

If you go to Reykjavík in January, you will notice that it is frosty. Expect it to rain or snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

February

February in Reykjavík is frigid. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

March

March in Reykjavík is very cold. 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 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

April

April in Reykjavík can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits 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:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

May

May in Reykjavík can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s 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:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

June

June in Reykjavík can be very chilly. 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 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

July

In July, Reykjavík is cold. Temperatures routinely are in the 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Reykjavík, 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:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

August

If you go to Reykjavík in August, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

September

In September, Reykjavík is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Reykjavík, with most of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

October

October is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

November

In November, Reykjavík can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Reykjavík, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

December

December in Reykjavík is frosty. 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 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

If you intend to see the majestic Reykjavík Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:

If you go to Reykjavík Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Binoculars

    Like these

Activities for Reykjavík, Iceland

Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Reykjavík.

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