Weather & Clothing
Iceland's Weather — Expect the Unexpected
The Icelandic saying "Ef þér líkar ekki veðrið, bíddu í fimm mínútur" (If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes) is no exaggeration. In a single day, you can experience sunshine, rain, hail, snow, and storm — sometimes simultaneously.
The weather is determined by the collision of polar and tropical air masses over the North Atlantic. The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures milder than the latitude suggests (Reykjavík is at 64°N, but the average January day is 1°C — warmer than New York!), but it also brings constant moisture.
The Layer Principle
Dress in layers — the most important advice for Iceland:
- Base: Merino wool or functional underwear (NO cotton — gets wet and cools down). Merino regulates temperature and doesn't smell even after days
- Insulation: Fleece or lightweight down jacket (synthetic is better in rain than down)
- Outer layer: Wind and waterproof jacket and pants — the most important piece! Look for fully sealed seams and a hood that can be tightened in a storm
- Accessories: Hat, gloves, and buff/scarf — even in summer for mountain tours and glacier hikes
Shoes
Waterproof hiking boots with good tread are essential. Sneakers are enough for Reykjavík, but for everything else, you need sturdy shoes. For glacier hikes, high hiking boots are mandatory (crampons are strapped over them). Rubber boots are useful for fording, the Gljúfrabúi waterfall, and wet hiking trails.
Wind — The Underestimated Enemy
The wind in Iceland is brutal. Storm gusts of 100+ km/h are not uncommon, and even on "normal" days, it blows strongly. Consequences:
- Open car doors carefully and hold them! The wind rips off doors — the most common insurance event with rental cars in Iceland
- Fly drones only in calm conditions (max. 5 m/s)
- Lightweight items (tents, bags, hats) are immediately blown away
- Be careful in exposed places (cliffs, mountains): The wind can literally knock you over
- The vedur.is app shows wind speeds and warnings — check it every morning
