What to pack for Iceland in Winter
5 nights · 28–37°F / -2–3°C · daylight lasts only about 4–5 hours in December, and wind and sleet can change fast
clothes
- warm waterproof coat with a hood
- merino or thermal base layers, top and bottom
- fleece or wool mid-layer
- waterproof pants to wear over leggings or jeans
- thick wool socks, one pair per day
- warm hat that covers your ears
- waterproof gloves and a neck gaiter
for the hot springs + icy days
- waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- slip-on ice cleats for icy paths
- swimsuit for geothermal pools
- flip flops for the pool deck
- waterproof bag for wet swimwear
- conditioner to put on your hair before soaking
- waterproof pouch to protect your phone near water
toiletries + meds
- rich moisturizer for cold, dry wind
- lip balm
- hand cream
- motion sickness tablets for rough boat tours
- pain reliever
- blister pads
- hair ties
the stuff you always forget
- phone charging cable
- slim power bank, since cold drains batteries
- insulated water bottle
- sunglasses for low-sun glare off snow
- European plug adapter
- hand warmers for aurora waiting
- aurora and road-condition apps saved offline