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Ever thought you’d see puffer coats and bikinis on the same packing list? Surprisingly, these two items are an important part of what you’ll wear in Iceland in October. That is, if you want to properly experience this windy, albeit otherworldly land filled with hot springs, whipping winds, and waterfalls galore.
When traveling to Iceland in October, it is good to be prepared for many different weather conditions. For example, you may visit a hot spring in the morning before heading out on a road trip that is both rainy and snowy. Or you may check day time temperatures, and find they aren’t too cold, but forget to bundle up for a Northern Lights tour in freezing nighttime weather.
Basically, you’ll want to be prepared for just about anything. Don’t worry though – this doesn’t mean you have to pack your whole wardrobe or even check a bag. In this post, we’ll cover exactly what to wear in Iceland in October from head to toe so you stay comfortable during your adventures.
What to Wear In Iceland in October
Let’s start from the top down, to make sure we cover everything you need! Chances are you’ll have to do some shopping for this trip. Even for our 4 days in Iceland, we had to make some key purchases to be fully prepared for the things we wanted to do.
Weather in Iceland in October
October is technically when winter weather begins in Iceland. The average temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the month ends colder than it begins. Icelandic weather can be a bit volatile in October, so you’ll want to be prepared for all conditions.
Average precipitation for Iceland in October is three inches, and it’ll likely rain or snow at least a little bit every day of your trip. Despite this, October really is the sweet spot for visiting Iceland, as the winter snow and ice hasn’t quite set in yet, which is good for driving. Plus, this is typically a lower month for tourism, which means fewer crowds.
Since most of Iceland’s best sights are outside, you need to dress appropriately for the elements. This means waterproof and windproof clothing, and comfortable layers to move around in.
Keep Your Head Warm
Hat
Bring a winter cap to keep your head and ears warm. I brought a simple knit hat that fit easily under the hood of my coat, in case I needed both layers.
Head Band
If your hat gets damp, or if it’s a little too warm, a headband to go around your ears will help you stay warm without overheating.
Insulate Your Body
Coat
A good waterproof and windproof coat might be the most important thing you bring. The winds in Iceland get pretty nasty and cause misery when combined with rain. And during an October visit there will definitely be rain.
I bought a down parka specifically for this trip, and it was one of the best purchases I have ever made. It may look like it’s for the arctic tundra, but this coat is actually super lightweight and protected me from both the wind and rain. The hood fit perfectly over my hat so that it didn’t get wet.
The best part is I’ve continued to use this coat since our Iceland trip. It’s now kept me warm through five Cleveland winters, and let me tell you, I’ve been so grateful for it. The splurge was definitely worth it!
Vest
If you get too hot in your coat or prefer not to wear one on a dry day, a windproof vest is the perfect alternative. I’ve had a vest for years that I bought for running, and it keeps my core toasty in temperatures near freezing.
Shirts
Wear something athletic that is easy to layer and move around in. I already had a lot of long sleeve running tops for chillier seasons, so that is what I brought with me. These provided great extra protection from the wind, which you can’t have too much of in Iceland.
Sports Bras
This one’s for the ladies. During your trip to Iceland you’ll be quite active with hiking, exploring black sand beaches, climbing rocks, and what have you. A regular bra will be uncomfortable, so definitely bring a sports bra for each day.
The Perfect Gloves
Bring a nice pair of winter gloves with you that are somewhat waterproof and windproof. My insulated gloves were perfect, and I still use them during winter on Ohio’s nastiest days.
Protect Your Legs
Comfortable Pants
For all the exploring you’ll do, wear something easy to move around in. Once again, my pants came from my cold weather running gear collection.
My favorite pair I brought are so warm, with a nice thick lining, while also being comfy and stretchy. I actually bought them for about $25 at Marshall’s, so if you’re keeping your Iceland purchases on a budget, that is a great place to start.
Rainproof Outer Shell
It rains a lot in Iceland, and the wind makes it go sideways. This means your pants will get soaked with no protection, which will lead to misery. A loose pair of rainproof pants is perfect to wear as a second layer, and you can put them on and take them off as needed.
Keep Your Feet Warm & Dry
Socks
Bring many pairs of socks with you. Cabin socks are my favorite, and I happened to already own lots of them before this trip. They are thick and woolly, so very cozy for lounging in the winter, even at home!
Pack at least two pairs for each day. During outdoorsy day trips in Iceland, if conditions are wet, your socks will inevitably become damp. You’ll be grateful for that extra pair to change into.
Shoes
There are two types of shoes that will be helpful to have in Iceland. For both versions, you’ll want to find things that are as waterproof as possible:
- Hiking Shoes: You’ll be out in damp conditions and likely walking near waterfalls, whose surroundings may be slippery. You’ll want shoes with some grip that are easy to move around it. My husband and I both own Keen hiking boots, and they are one of the best purchases we’ve ever made. These boots are so comfortable for long hikes and provide great support.
- Winter Boots: These Sorel boots kept my feet so warm and dry in Iceland, and continue to here in Cleveland. Plus, they are adorable – especially with jeans. The only downside is that they are kind of stiff and heavy, and not the easiest to move around in.
Travel Savvy Tip
If you can only bring one pair with you, or only want to purchase one of the above, I’d buy the hiking shoes. You’ll be moving around a lot in Iceland, and will want something easier to get around in than clunky boots.
Although I do love my boots, they weren’t always necessary in the mid-October weather. I ended up switching to sneakers a lot, which were less than ideal for staying dry and stable in wet, slippery conditions. Unfortunately, I did not yet own my beloved Keen hiking boots at that time.
Other Things to Wear in Iceland in October
As you can see, planning what to wear in Iceland in October can be complicated, and the fall weather is hard to predict. Here are some other miscellaneous items you may want to bring for your trip. You never know when you may need them!
- Swimsuit for hot springs, like the Blue Lagoon!
- Sunglasses for when the sun occasionally peaks out.
- Rubber boots if you’d like to wade to a hidden waterfall
- One pair of jeans for exploring and eating out in Reykjavik
- One or two casual tops to wear when out in Reykjavik
- Regular bra (females)
- Something simple to wear to bed. I usually just bring one or two pairs of pajama shorts and a few tank tops.
• • •
That covers everything you should wear to stay comfortable while in Iceland. All items described are things I actually brought and that I feel are truly essential. I also pack carry-on only and still managed to fit everything.
Best of all, I was warm and dry for the whole trip, being especially grateful for the extra pairs of socks. Trust me on this one – there is nothing worse than wet feet in cold weather. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly, but if you prepare with this list, you’ll be good to go!
