A little birdie told me you were visiting Iceland in autumn… Brilliant move! This season is short and the weather is very unpredictable, so having a fool-proof Iceland fall packing list is a must for anyone planning a trip during this time.
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons in Iceland…
👉 You still have some beautiful green landscapes with a hint of fall colors.
👉 The temperatures are still quite pleasant, but with a crispness in the air.
👉 And just like that, the Northern Lights appear!
I know you’re going to love this time of year!
But if you want to make the most of your trip, you’ve got to come prepared. Trust me – having the right gear is key to enjoying all the cool stuff Iceland has to offer.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to pack like a pro for autumn.
Discover what Iceland’s fall weather is like and what to wear to stay comfy while exploring. From must-haves to “wish-I-had-that” items, you’ll be prepared for all the fun Icelandic experiences – without overstuffing your suitcase!
I’ll also share my favorite product picks. And don’t worry – I’ve got you covered for those nights out in Reykjavík too! 😉
I’ve been through trial and error (and trust me, there’s been plenty), so you don’t have to.
Get ready to confidently explore this beautiful country with this Iceland fall packing list.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- When is Autumn in Iceland?
- Iceland Fall Weather
- How to Pack for Iceland in Autumn/Fall
- Ultimate Iceland With a View Packing List + Guide
When is Autumn in Iceland?
Blink and you might just miss it!
I’ve spoken before about how there are basically two seasons in Iceland: winter and winter light.
Iceland’s autumn months are really short, just September and October.
But even though the season is brief, there’s a lot to love about Iceland in the fall. The landscapes are painted with reds, oranges, and yellows, the air is crisp, and there are fewer crowds.
Of course one of my absolute favorite things is that the Northern Lights are out to play, and that makes me a very happy gal! 💃
Because fall is considered shoulder season, you may have a tough time deciding what to pack for Iceland in September/October.
That’s why I created my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide!
You’ll find monthly weather averages, my top packing tips, and a layering cheat sheet that breaks down the items you need to stay warm and dry while exploring and more!
Download the FREE PDF here.👇
Iceland Fall Weather
You’ll notice a few specific weather patterns in the fall.
Autumn in Iceland tends to be the rainiest season of the year, so having good quality rain gear on your Iceland fall packing list is essential!
You might experience all four seasons in a single day – rain, strong winds, sunshine or even snow are all possible, especially in October!
If you’re curious about what October has in store for you, take a look at the ultimate guide here.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland in October: Everything You Need For The Perfect Autumn Getaway
How Cold is Iceland in the Fall?
In autumn, Iceland’s temperatures typically range from 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (2-10 degrees Celsius)
It’s not too cold yet and with 15 hours of daylight at the start of the season and 8 hours by the end of it, you still have plenty of time to explore outdoors.
As I mentioned before, I absolutely love Iceland at this time of year!
Want to know what to expect for a September trip to Iceland? Check out the full blog post here:👇
➡️ READ: Iceland In September: Everything You Need To Know For The Best Trip Ever
How to Pack for Iceland in Autumn/Fall?
The weather in Iceland is super unpredictable, and with the threat of rain in the autumn, you’ve got to come prepared!
The key to how to dress for Iceland is layering your clothing and making sure that your outer layers are weatherproof.
This Iceland fall packing list covers all the essentials, from warm layers to waterproof gear, so you can enjoy your trip without any worries.
Outerwear
Your outerwear pieces are the most important. This is where you’ll want to invest your money when buying clothes for your trip.
Weatherproof Shell: The best advice I can give for your outer layer is to make sure that your jacket is not only water but also wind-resistant. Try to opt for one with a hood, it’ll come in handy when Iceland’s “sideways wind” hits!
Rain jacket + Pants: The autumn months are the rainiest months of the year, so having good quality rain gear on your Iceland fall packing list is essential. Please invest in something that’ll keep you completely dry. Let me tell you, you do not want rain ruining your adventure and Frogg Toggs are great to keep the water completely off of you. These will also come in handy when you plan on visiting the waterfalls!
Hiking pants: Outdoor hiking pants are an absolute must. This is the best way to keep yourself protected and explore Iceland. Make sure they’re lightweight and flexible like these prAna Women’s Halle Pants.
Packable down jacket or vest: I like these down packable jackets; it just depends on how much warmth I need. This vest also comes in handy and I love that they’re both really compact and pack away into a small bag.
Hat/headband: My headband goes with me everywhere I go. If it’s colder, then I’ll use some sort of hat as well. I really like Love Your Melon. It’s good to have both options, especially over the shoulder seasons.
Gloves: The weather is going to be cold, windy, and possibly wet. You need to have gloves to protect your fingers. My personal favorites are ones that have touchscreen friendly fingertips so I can still use my devices when I’m out and about. For a waterproof option, these Ozero gloves are my pick!
Buff: If it’s a warmer day, I’ll use a buff, but if I need a little bit extra warmth, then I like to wear a fleece-lined Gator. I find that scarves are a bit too bulky to carry around when I’m out exploring.
Layers
For your basic layering pieces you want to have some kind of undergarment, long sleeve shirt, and pants that’ll go underneath your main gear. Let’s take a closer look at which layering pieces you need to add to your Iceland fall packing list.
Thermal base: Be on the safe side for warmth and comfort, I suggest a thermal base, you’ll want to pack both a top and bottom. You’ll be happy you did, especially if you’re planning on visiting the interior of Iceland or camping.
Shirts: I like to have long-sleeve shirts with me, including a fleece-lined one for extra warmth. Other long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts are great for lounging around and going out to dinner.
Sweaters: If I can give you a pro tip, it’s this: get your very own Icelandic Lopapeysa at the beginning of your trip! It’s one of my absolute favorite clothing items, I wear mine all the time and it keeps me super warm. For the ultimate guide on how to choose your very own Lopapeysa, check out this post.👇
➡️ READ: Icelandic Lopapeysa: Your Guide to Buying Authentic Icelandic Wool Sweaters
Fleece: A fleece is great for layering, or to wear on its own when it’s not that cold or if it isn’t raining.
Leggings: I like my fleece-lined pair of leggings because I can pop them underneath either jeans or my outerwear pants. Remember that comfort is key when knowing how to dress for Iceland and these leggings are nice and stretchy!
Jeans: When thinking about what to pack for Reykjavík, jeans are perfect for going out for a meal or visiting with friends. You can wear a nice pair of jeans, a shirt, a sweater and add a pop of flare with a scarf. Voilà!
Before you start packing for your trip make sure you check out my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide so that you know that you’ve got everything you need.
Get clothing suggestions, shopping lists for each season, and a list of documents you need to bring. I’ve even included suggested items to pack if you’re traveling with kids.
So if you’re stuck on what to pack for Iceland in autumn, download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below.
Your suitcase will thank you!
Footwear
Footwear is also super critical. You’ll want something sturdy and waterproof for those unpredictable Icelandic trails. And don’t forget a pair of comfy walking shoes for when you’re just hanging out!
Hiking boots: I like to wear my hiking boots when going on longer hikes. Getting a hiking boot that’s waterproof with great grip and support around the ankle is so important when you’re hiking in rugged Icelandic terrain.
Walking shoes: For more casual days walking around and exploring, I like wearing hiking shoes. I love my Merrell walking shoes which also have a really good grip on the bottom, not quite as waterproof, but will still handle the elements pretty well.
Flip flops: You’re going to want to add flip flops to your Iceland fall packing list. You’ll definitely need them when you’re visiting the hot springs. Having a shoe that you can quickly slip on and off is super convenient!
Hiking socks: For autumn, you want to have a few pairs of really warm socks. Wool is always my go-to for warmth and these socks from Smartwool are a really great option.
What Else to Add to Your Iceland Fall Packing List
Other than all the toiletries in your bathroom bag, let’s check what else you should add to your Iceland autumn packing list, shall we?
Swimsuit: For starters, you need to have a swimsuit for all the wonderful hot springs and geothermal pools. Pool culture is woven into the Icelandic way of life and soaking in a hot spring is just something you’ve got to check off your list when you visit Iceland.
Curious about the best free hot springs? Check out this post to find out more.👇
➡️ READ: Top 10 Free Hot Springs in Iceland: Unwind & Discover These Hidden Gems
Quick dry towel: This is such a handy item to have, and one you might overlook adding to your Iceland fall packing list. You’ll be happy you brought a quick-dry towel, you’ll need it for the hot springs, camping, or if you’re staying in a hostel.
Sunglasses: Do you need sunglasses in Iceland in October? Yes! Always bring your sunglasses with you. While there are a lot of rainy days during this season, the weather can change pretty quickly here, so I always recommend bringing your sunglasses.
Tripod: Autumn means the start of the Northern Lights season, so do not forget a tripod. Your camera needs to be steady if you’re going to capture those smooth Northern Lights photos.
Backpack rain cover: This is a must-have item to keep your gear dry, especially in autumn, so be sure to include it in your Iceland fall packing list. This backpack rain cover is my favorite.
Walking poles: There is a fair amount of rain over the fall and hiking paths can be more unstable. Walking poles are a great help when hiking in these conditions.
Water bottle: Don’t forget a water bottle, because, of course, you can drink straight from the tap in Iceland. If you’re hiking, a water bottle is a must and what’s so cool is that you can fill up at a stream on your hike. Don’t you just love Iceland?!
Day Bag: I recommend a day bag for holding together all of the things that you’re going to need to bring with you throughout your adventures. I like that this one by Lowepro has a strap where you can attach your tripod.
Camera: Iceland is literally a photographer’s paradise! Be sure to pack all the camera gear you need to capture those epic shots. For road footage, like the kind you see in a lot of my videos, a window mount is a must-have to securely hold your phone or your GoPro.
If you’re wondering what camera gear you need for the best photos, I go into more detail in this blog post.👇
➡️ READ: Photography in Iceland: Gear & Tips on How to Capture Stunning Photos
Car chargers: This is important, especially if you’re planning on road-tripping to areas a little off the beaten path. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no phone!
Extra phone battery: It’s getting colder at this time of year, which means that your battery gets drained quicker. Bringing extra batteries or a charging pack for your devices is so important so that you can make it throughout the day.
Electrical adapters: You’re going to need to have an electrical adapter with you. If you are coming from the UK or the US. This is my favorite adapter. It has different conversions and two USB slots for extra charging.
If you’re not sure about plugs, adapters and converters, you’ll find this post really helpful.👇
➡️ READ: The Definitive Guide to Iceland Plugs, Outlets, Adapters & Converters!
Medicines/prescriptions: Highly suggest bringing with you any kind of medicines or prescriptions that you’re going to need. It’s harder to find some medications in Iceland, especially over the counter.
👉 Pro Tip: Please do NOT bring an umbrella. Autumn is rainy but trust me, an umbrella will not survive the winds in Iceland!
Ultimate Iceland With a View Packing List + Guide
I don’t mean to brag…
but my Iceland Packing Guide is definitely turning heads!
You can finally stop overthinking it and simplify your packing because I’ve got you covered.
Literally! 😃
Download the FREE PDF Guide and get access to packing lists for Iceland in September + October. (plus every other month, too).
But hang on, there’s more than just a checklist inside…
Here’s a little reminder of what you’ll get:
✅ My insider tips on what to bring to Iceland and a monthly weather guide.
✅ Essential gear for every season, along with my top product recommendations and shopping lists.
✅ How to layer like a savvy traveler and stay cozy in Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
I hope you’re already feeling more confident about what needs to be on your Iceland travel packing list.
Now go forth friends, and pack like a pro! 💪
Happy Planning,
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Get your FREE Summer/Autumn packing list!
- Wondering what to pack for your Summer/Autumn trip in Iceland? Don't worry - I got you covered so you don't forget a thing!
