Many who
are planning to travel to Iceland ask what to wear. Well, that depends on the
time of year you are travelling. Iceland during winter and Iceland during
summer are two totally different things. And that is a good thing because that
gives you an excuse to visit at least twice!
Here are
some general information on what clothes to bring with you during your stay (we
presume that you are a typical traveler; doing a mix of visiting the main
tourist attractions, taking a few light hikes and exploring the city).
The most
important thing to realize is that the weather in Iceland can change, for
better or worse, very rapidly. The rule of thumb is: It is better to use warmer
clothes than expected, because you can always take them off.
It is also important
to note that you should dress in layers. If it is too warm, then shed a layer.
If it is too cold, then add a layer.
Lastly
please note that due to strong winds and the famous horizontal rain, umbrellas
are usually worthless in Iceland.
Summer
We have
spring in May and into June. The temperature very slowly gets higher each week.
During the first weeks there can be a huge difference between day temperature
and the temperature at night. Expect day temperatures to reach 10°C – 12°C in
early spring, perhaps reaching 15°C in late June. High summer is during July
and into August. Expect temperatures to reach up to 20°C. In good days the temperature
can reach 25°C or more. The official starting point of a heatwave in Iceland is
when the temperature reaches 25°C.
What to
wear: Wear trousers that can be converted into shorts. Wear a light cotton
T-shirt and a thin Fleece jumper over the T-shirt. Always bring with you a
small rucksack with thin water proof breathing trousers and jacket. And don’t
forget to bring your swimming wear because you’ll definitely be visiting one of
the many geothermal swimming pools (there is at least one in every village). Light,
comfortable shoes are fine. If you plan to hike you should of course bring
hiking boots that fit the amount of hiking you plan to do.
Winter
Late August
and in September the weather gradually gets colder. In September and October
expect strong winds and lots of rain. In October and November expect the first
days with snow and frost. Late December and early January the weather usually
calms down a bit with fever days of strong wind. But in February the wind seems
to pick up momentum again and we usually have the worst snowstorms in late
January, February and early March.
Expect
temperatures between 5°C and -10°C.
What to
wear: Wear trousers made of thick material (hiking trousers), long sleeved shirt
and a thin fleece jumper. Over that wear a thicker fleece jumper with a zip
front. As an outer layer wear a wind and rainproof trousers and jacket. Always bring
with you a small rucksack with thin and thick mittens, warm socks and a warm hat.
Also consider bringing with you a down parka with a wind and water tight outer
shell. And don’t forget to bring your swimming wear because you’ll definitely be
visiting one of the many geothermal swimming pools, basking in one of the Jacuzzis
while looking at the Northern Lights! For shoes bring warm shoes with a sole
that is good in snow and frost.
The
suggestions above should take you through most sightseeing situations during
your stay. If you want to explore the night life in Reykjavik during your stay,
simply forget all that is said above. Just wear as skimpy clothes as you want, regardless
of the weather. At least that is what the locals do. You’ll be amazed to see
the girls wearing high heels, short skirts and thin blouses cueing in front of
a club during a snowstorm!
Some
examples of the appropriate clothing mentioned above:
