Summer in Iceland is a stunning time to visit, with many active waterfalls, flourishing lupine flowers, and the possibility of a nice sunny stay along your journey. In the summer, Iceland does not live up to its name since it is not nearly as cold as it appears. You don’t need to bring your winter boots and a lot of additional clothes as you would in the winter.

Iceland weather in summer

The weather in Iceland is notoriously fickle. You may be on a cold-winded walk one minute and then be sitting in your t-shirt near a waterfall eating lunch in the sun the next. Sun, rain, snow, and wind, plenty of wind, are all to be expected.

Iceland’s summer season lasts from April to September. The temperature fluctuates from 8–15 degrees Celsius in the middle of July. If you’re lucky, you’ll get some lovely warm summer days with temperatures of 20–25 degrees!

Pack layers

Expect to carry a variety of clothing, regardless of the season. Layers are the most crucial items to have on your Iceland packing list! Bring additional shirts, vests, socks, and underwear.

Layering is a great way to stay warm, and as the sun comes out, you can take off your large sweater and spend the rest of the day chilling in your t-shirt when camping in Iceland. What a wonderful sensation! 🙂

Packing List

Now, what should everyone bring for a summer trip to Iceland?

Iceland Summer Packing List

  • International driver license
  • Passport
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves
  • Power adapter (Euro plug, type C/F)
  • Wind & rainproof jacket
  • Towel (for hot springs)
  • Swimwear (to dip in the Hot Springs)
  • Driver license
  • Offline music like Spotify (to sing along during long beautiful drives)
  • 5 t-shirts
  • Toiletries
  • 2 or 3 warm jumpers
  • A set of thermals (for hiking)
  • Travel insurance (Here’s how to find the right travel insurance)
  • Loads of warm socks
  • Sunscreen (The sun in Iceland is super strong and can be dangerous. Even if you are used to the sun!)
  • A warm hat
  • Good weatherproof boots

Camping in Iceland

Camping is by far the most enjoyable way to explore Iceland. Expect to carry additional warm clothing and stuff that will make your travel simpler. Icelandic camping is well-organized, with a large number of campsites with showers and toilets. We recommend that you include these things in your Iceland packing list.

  • 3 x extra towels (for showering)
  • Clothespins
  • Take food (Groceries in Iceland are expensive! Take some peanut butter, protein shakes, energy bars, etc)
  • Wear layers during the night
  • Eye mask
  • Warm sleeping bag
  • Earplugs

In Iceland, it does not grow dark at night during the summer. Hang extra towels in front of your car window with clothespins to generate darkness for a good night’s sleep.

Photographing in Iceland

Iceland is a photographer’s dream, whether amateur or professional. Photographing in Iceland may be difficult at times due to the harsh weather.

Always bring a few cleaning cloths with you so you may clean your lens from the waterfall’s fog or mist.