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

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

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

Contents

When to go to Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

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

What to wear/what to pack for Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

If you are traveling to Vestmannaeyjar in January, you will notice that it is frosty. Daytime temperatures are in the high 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vestmannaeyjar. 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 repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs 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 places.

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

Traveling to Vestmannaeyjar in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the high 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

Traveling to Vestmannaeyjar in April, you will notice that it can be brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vestmannaeyjar. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the right type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you visit Vestmannaeyjar during May, you will probably see that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 80 during the day.

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 things these days, an AirTag can help you find 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 Vestmannaeyjar. 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
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large 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 correct type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Vestmannaeyjar is brisk. 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 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 bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vestmannaeyjar. 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 airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Vestmannaeyjar is cold. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • 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 excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day.

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 bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vestmannaeyjar. 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
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September for Vestmannaeyjar can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vestmannaeyjar. 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Vestmannaeyjar is pretty cool. 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 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 repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the right kind. Many adapters currently sold 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 be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November in this region can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day.

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vestmannaeyjar. 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 airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available 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 should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you visit Vestmannaeyjar during December, you are likely to notice that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 30s 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.

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 Vestmannaeyjar. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to the Natural History Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, is a cluster of 15 islands located off the southern coast of Iceland. This archipelago boasts of stunning landscapes of towering cliffs, picturesque harbors, and dramatic volcano formations. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that Vestmannaeyjar has to offer:

1. Heimaey Island: Heimaey Island is the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. Visitors can explore the island's breathtaking scenery by hiking up the Eldfell volcano or visiting the Sæheimar Aquarium and Natural History Museum.

2. Stórhöfði Peninsula: This area is a popular spot for bird-watching, offering a unique opportunity to witness puffins in their natural habitat. Visitors can also enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the archipelago from the top of the peninsula.

3. Eldheimar Museum: This museum tells the story of a dramatic eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973, which destroyed half of the town of Vestmannaeyjar. The museum features a collection of personal stories, artifacts, and photographs that showcase the history and resilience of the island's inhabitants.

4. Vatnajökull Glacier: Known as Iceland's largest glacier, Vatnajökull is located just a short boat ride from Vestmannaeyjar. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the glacier and learn about the natural phenomena that shape the island's landscapes and ecosystems.

5. Surtsey Island: Located just off the coast of Heimaey Island, Surtsey Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was formed by a volcanic eruption in 1963. Due to its pristine environment and unique geological features, the island remains uninhabited and is only accessible through guided tours.

In addition to these top attractions, Vestmannaeyjar offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing, as well as local culinary experiences that showcase the island's rich seafood and agricultural traditions. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, Vestmannaeyjar is a must-visit destination that offers something for everyone.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, United States of America, Asilah, Morocco, Dickson, Tennessee, United States of America, Barranca, Peru, Paderno Dugnano, Italy, Beihai, China, Ryde, England, United Kingdom, Atsugi, Japan, Sullivan County, New York, United States of America, Ureshino, Japan, and Wimmera, Victoria, Australia.