What to Wear in Reykjavik
Iceland • Subpolar oceanic Climate
June-August
12°C / 54°F
0°C / 32°F
Current Weather & What to Wear Today
Essential Packing Tips for Reykjavik
Warm waterproof layers essential
Thermal underwear recommended
Sturdy hiking boots
Weather by Season in Reykjavik
☀️ Summer Weather
Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
Even in summer, Reykjavik stays mild. Bring layers as temperatures rarely get hot. A light sweater or fleece is recommended for mornings and evenings. Long pants are more practical than shorts most days.
❄️ Winter Weather
Average temperature: 0°C (32°F)
Bring a warm, insulated winter coat, thermal base layers, and waterproof boots with good traction. Gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf are essential — you lose significant body heat through your head and extremities. Consider packing hand warmers for extended outdoor time.
🌧️ Rainy Season
The rainiest months in Reykjavik are October, January, December. If you're visiting during these months, pack a waterproof jacket with a hood (more practical than an umbrella in windy rain), water-resistant shoes, and quick-dry fabrics that won't stay damp all day. A small packable umbrella is also useful for sudden downpours during otherwise dry days.
Month-by-Month Clothing Guide for Reykjavik
Estimated average temperatures and what to wear each month, based on Reykjavik's subpolar oceanic climate pattern.
January
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
February
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf.
March
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf.
April
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf.
May
Heavy layers. Winter coat, warm sweaters, boots. Hat and gloves for cold mornings.
June
Heavy layers. Winter coat, warm sweaters, boots. Hat and gloves for cold mornings.
July
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
August
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
September
Heavy layers. Winter coat, warm sweaters, boots. Hat and gloves for cold mornings.
October
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
November
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf.
December
Full winter gear. Insulated coat, thermal base layers, insulated boots, hat, gloves, scarf. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
Complete Guide to Dressing for Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland has a subpolar oceanic climate, which means your clothing choices should be guided by the specific conditions you'll encounter during your visit. With summer temperatures averaging 12°C (54°F), the warm season is comfortable but rarely extreme, making it ideal for layerable outfits.
Winter visitors should prepare for genuinely cold conditions, with temperatures averaging 0°C (32°F). The three-layer system is essential: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer (fleece or wool sweater), and a windproof/waterproof outer shell. Thermal underwear, insulated boots, and warm accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) are not optional — they're necessary for comfortable outdoor exploration.
Practical packing advice for Reykjavik: Warm waterproof layers essential. Thermal underwear recommended. Sturdy hiking boots. Be aware that October, January, December tend to be the wettest months, so include waterproof outerwear and water-resistant footwear if you're visiting during this period.
For the most accurate clothing recommendations for your specific travel dates, use our personalized outfit planner above. It analyzes real weather data for your exact dates — much more precise than the monthly averages shown here, which can vary significantly from year to year.
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