What to Wear in Iceland in November (From a Real Trip!)

We did a lot of research on what we should pack for our first trip to Iceland. It’d be the start of the country’s winter season, so cold-weather gear was a must.

I pored through reviews of waterproof gear with fleece-lined layers and dropped quite a bit of cash on what I thought was the best of it all.

Then our luggage got delayed and we had to shop for emergency replacements at Costco, which meant we only had our goodies for the back-end of our trip.

I’ll be honest. It was heaven when we were reunited with it all. Research matters when it comes to a place like Iceland. It could mean the difference between misery and comfort while you’re out there doing all of the things.

This guide gets into everything we felt was essential and what we didn’t really need as you decide what to wear in Iceland in winter months like November.

Again, I can only speak to November and the start of Iceland’s winter season. I’ve never been to Iceland in the summer, so I can’t give you advice on that.

Is it cold in Iceland in November?

Average temperatures fall to the 30s in November with about five to eight hours of daylight per day. Winter is Iceland’s longest season. An Icelandic winter generally lasts from November until March, but sometimes things start getting chilly by late October.

What to Wear in Iceland in November

November is when we visited Iceland. When I was researching winter packing lists, the focus was on gear that would keep us warm as we hunted for the Northern Lights and went snowmobiling on glaciers.

While the heavy coat came in handy for a good chunk of the trip, there were days when I could get away with a sweater and hiking pants, and I generally run cold. As always, prepare for winter but come ready with layers.

Note: Climate change is real, and it has made Iceland’s weather tougher to predict from year to year.

Bathing Suit

I assume hot springs like the Blue Lagoon are on your agenda. Admittedly, I had to rent a swimsuit when our luggage was delayed. It’s a decent option if you don’t want that sulfur smell on your bathing suit for the rest of your trip. 

I wore my own suit on our second lagoon trip, and it was helpful to have a wet bag to pack it in after, even once it was completely dry.

Fun fact: This is the exact suit I’ve owned for the last few years. It’s super flattering!

Fleece-Lined Leggings

I lived in these fleece-lined leggings on our trip. They work with a long sweater if it’s not freezing or as a layer underneath another pair of pants in chillier temps. They’re also super slimming. That’s important during waterfall fashion shoots.

I also brought along a pair of fleece-lined tights. These are thin enough that you can wear them underneath a pair of hiking pants or looser jeans, and thick enough that they’ll withstand a decent Scandinavian breeze. 

Flip-Flops

If you have any plans to hit Iceland’s best hot springs on your trip — I assume you do! — bring along a pair of easy-to-pack flip-flops or sandals. You’ll need something to slip into from Point A to Point B.

Gloves

No matter when you’re going to Iceland, pack a pair of warm gloves or mittens. I bet most of what you’ll be doing will be outdoors, and it’s quite a miserable situation when your hands are freezing.

Hiking Pants

I already said I lived in those leggings for the majority of our trip, but we also had pretty dry weather for November. I had a pair of heavier, fleece-lined waterproof pants at the ready on the day it got chillier, and I was pretty pleased about it.

Watch the weather ahead of your trip. If wet weather is expected, you may want to prioritize insulated rain pants over anything else.

Scarf

No matter when you’re going to Iceland, a comfy blanket scarf will make your life so cozy when you’re sipping on some warm-up drinks in a Reykjavik bar. It’s also essential for any outdoor activities in the cold weather months.

READ MORE: Reykjavik is likely where you’ll start on your trip to Iceland. Use my guide to help you plan your day!

Thermal Tops

You’ll want at least two thermal tops as layers underneath a shell or sweater. I’d suggest getting something a bit more heavy-duty in a fabric like merino wool if it looks like the temps are going to be dipping below freezing.

Warm Sweater/Fleece

Bring along at least one warmer sweater or fleece if you’re visiting for a week or less. I bought an Icelandic sweater and was happy to reunite with it when our bags returned, as it was one of the higher-priced items on my list.

Waterproof Hiking Boots/Winter Boots

A solid pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots is a good idea if you’re planning to hike while you’re there. I was able to do everything I wanted to do with a pair of winter boots, instead.

I bought a pair of Sorel winter boots for our trip to Iceland. They’re super cute, short (you won’t need tall boots if you’re rocking all of your thermals underneath), and offer good traction. I still have them years later, so they’re built to last, too.

Winter Coat

There’s no way around this one. You’ll need a heavier coat for winter travel in Iceland. This will be especially important if you’re doing much after the sun goes down, like chasing the Northern Lights or getting yourself home from the bars in Reykjavik.

Note: Wear it on the plane no matter where you’re coming from so that it isn’t eating too much luggage space. It can serve as a nice travel pillow, too.

If you have the space, you may also benefit from a layered jacket or shell, especially if you’re planning on hiking. Something with a detachable fleece works great for trips you may take in the future that involve rain, dips in temperature, or elevation changes.

Winter Hat

Winter travel means you can treat yourself to an adorable beanie or winter hat. Heat escapes from the top of your head, or at least that’s what I hear. With the strong winds you may be exposed to in Iceland year-round, you’ll be grateful your head is covered.

Wool Socks

There’s something magical about wool socks. They keep your feet warm when it’s cool and dry when it’s hot. Bring enough pairs to last you through your trip, especially if you’re doing any hiking.

Accessory Essentials for Iceland Travel

The rest of this list isn’t necessarily about what you put on your body, but they’re all helpful things to pack for a winter trip to Iceland. I won’t include anything here that would dramatically add to your luggage, especially if you don’t to check bags.

Hiking Backpack

A solid hiking backpack is a good idea if you’re planning on hitting trails or for Iceland excursions. We both love the Osprey packs. Consider a waterproof hiking backpack cover for inclement weather if you have gear to protect.

Moisturizer

The older I get, the more important it becomes to keep my skin as hydrated as a seal. You’ll likely be staying in guesthouses without all of the amenities you may be used to in hotel stays.

Pack a travel-sized moisturizer to keep yourself from getting too chapped and dry. Winters here are long and brutal, especially when that wind starts kicking in.

Portable Phone Charger

Bring a portable phone charger when you’re on that multi-hour road trip along Iceland’s South Coast. You really don’t want your phone running out of battery when you’re in front of the most beautiful waterfall you’ve ever seen.

READ MORE: I have a detailed guide to Iceland’s waterfalls if you’re interested. The waterfall scene in this country is incredible!

Reusable Water Bottle

Iceland’s water is safe to drink, so don’t bother with plastic. Refill your water bottle whenever you’re able to keep yourself nice and hydrated.

I had a Yeti tumbler I’d bring around on trips that served me well until I left it somewhere. I couldn’t even tell you where. I’ve moved on to Hydro Flask, and the 24-oz size is perfect for travel. It feels lighter than my old one, too.

Sunglasses

The days may be quite a bit shorter, but the sun is no joke in Iceland, even in the winter months. Protect your eyes from that Icelandic sun with a good pair of polarized sunglasses.

Sunscreen

Again, Iceland’s sun is strong, even when you’re not expecting many hours of daylight. Bring along some sunscreen no matter when you visit. A lip balm that doubles as a sun protectant is a good idea, too, especially when the wind makes your lips chapped.

Travel Towel

Bring along a small quick-dry travel towel for your time in those hot springs so you don’t have to rent one while you’re there. Test out the sizing while you’re at it, especially if you’re not super comfy with nudity in the showers.

Fun fact: My towel was way too small for my body and it definitely caused me to have a moment.

Universal Adapter

I’m not expecting you to be bringing along those curling irons, but you’ll need to charge your devices at some point. Bring along a universal adapter to cover yourself for future travels.

Optional Items for Your Iceland Packing List

If I could do it over, we’d arrive in Iceland without any checked bags. We were trying to be cute and pack a few bottles of wine in our luggage after hearing how expensive it was to drink across Iceland.

Considering what we had to spend on emergency clothing when our bags were lost, the wine budget really didn’t matter in the end. (We were able to get a good portion of our spending back, but not all of it.)

The items below are then of the “nice to have” variety. They’re not essential for us, but they may be for you depending on your habits while abroad.

Camera Gear

I’m only listing this as “optional” because I don’t know your travel style. If you’re traveling with just your smartphone, make sure you have plenty of space for all of the incredible photos you’ll be taking. Otherwise, pack the relevant gear, batteries, etc.

Flashlight

Daylight is precious in the winter months. If you’re someone who regularly lets their phone die, you may benefit from a small flashlight to help you navigate the great outdoors after dark.

Hand Warmers

Hand warmers may come in handy for winter travelers to Iceland, especially if you’re doing any tours that include time outdoors after dark. That includes night tours to chase the Northern Lights.

Hiking Poles

I like bringing along trekking poles when I know I’ll be tackling steep trails or hikes at elevation. We just didn’t do much of that on our Iceland trip as we explored the Golden Circle, and preferred to pack as light as possible.

Leave-in Conditioner

If you’re planning for hot springs, you may want to bring along a travel-sized bottle of leave-in conditioner. The sulfur compounds can do a number on your hair. They’ll have some for you to use at the Blue Lagoon, but the other locations may not.

Traction Cleats

Ice cleats aren’t necessary on most trips to Iceland, even in the winter, if you have a good pair of boots on. If you’re booking excursions that involve glacier hiking, they’ll provide you with the right gear.

The suggestion here is more for the adventurous folks out there doing self-guided walks out in the wild. Just make sure you’re prepared to do so, and that you’re only exploring areas that are sanctioned for hiking.

What NOT to Wear in Iceland on Winter Trips

People normally wear whatever keeps them warm in Iceland. You’ll see a lot of hand-knitted sweaters and wool jumpers if you go browsing for clothing while you’re here.

That means you really don’t need to worry too much about fashion on your Iceland vacation. People wear sneakers, leggings, and yes, even jeans.

I’ve seen bloggers say there’s no point in bringing jeans, but I don’t see the harm in bringing a pair for dinners out in Reykjavik and along the South Coast if you have space. They’re just not great for hiking, as they won’t keep you dry and warm.

Generally, you shouldn’t wear anything that won’t protect you from the elements in Iceland. Thin socks, heels, shoes without any traction, and any clothing that’s on the fancy side just isn’t necessary. You can leave the pleather pants and sequins at home.

November is a great time to see Iceland.

It’s just important to come prepared. Even if you think you’re used to winter temperatures — we’re both from the Midwest — Iceland is a different animal completely.

The weather during an Iceland winter can change on a dime, and you need to be ready for a number of different scenarios, even in just a few days.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best for a trip that’s comfortable and safe, and your visit to Iceland will quickly get on your shortlist of favorite trips ever.

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