Cold-Ready Iceland Spring Packing List for Windy, Unpredictable Weather

Heading to Iceland between March and May? When planning your trip, this Iceland Spring Packing List helps you prep for quick changes, long sightseeing days, and regional differences—so you can pack with confidence and stay comfortable from city streets to waterfalls.

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Use the categories to build your bag fast. Aim for layers, rain protection, and walk-friendly essentials, then round it out with skincare, health items, tech, and documents that make travel days smoother.

Note: This article is all about Iceland Spring Packing List. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt it to your needs and share your tips in the comments!

How Is the Weather Like in Iceland in Spring?

Spring in Iceland is famously unpredictable, and that affects every packing choice. Expect chilly days and cold nights, often around 0–10°C (32–50°F), with wind and frequent rain. The South Coast can feel wetter, while the North and higher areas can stay colder and more wintry, so flexible layers matter.

Iceland Spring Packing List

Luggage & Packing Tools

• Carry-on suitcase – More comfort on tight connections: I can roll it straight to the gate and skip the baggage carousel, keeping essentials close and stress low—worth packing.

• Water-resistant daypack
• Packable waterproof cover for daypack
• Compression packing cubes
• Dry bag for boat tours and waterfall spray
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Reusable silicone zip bags for damp swimwear
• Foldable tote bag for groceries and extra layers
• Luggage ID tags
• TSA-approved suitcase locks
• Portable luggage scale

Clothes

• Thermal leggings – Cold morning hikes feel instantly cozier, and I stay warm without bulky layers. I’d toss these in—lightweight warmth makes everything easier.

• Thermal base layer top – Cold mornings hit fast on early starts, and having this on keeps me warm without bulk. I’d pack it again for steady comfort all day.

• Waterproof breathable rain jacket with hood (1 PCS)
• Lightweight insulated jacket or puffer (1 PCS)
• Wool or fleece midlayer sweater (2 PCS)
• Long-sleeve tops for layering (2–3 PCS)
• Quick-dry T-shirts for indoor heat and activity (2–3 PCS)
• Water-resistant hiking pants (1–2 PCS)
• Comfortable jeans or travel pants for Reykjavík (1–2 PCS)
• Warm sleepwear for chilly accommodations (1 PCS)
• Wool hiking socks (3–5 PCS)
• Thermal socks for colder days (2–3 PCS)
• Underwear (5–7 PCS)
• Sports bra for hikes and hot springs (1–2 PCS)
• Swimsuit for lagoons and local pools (1 PCS)
• Quick-dry towel for hot springs and pool showers (1 PCS)

Skincare

• Hydrating cleanser for wind-exposed, sensitized skin
• Rich moisturizer for cold, dry air and indoor heating
• Barrier repair cream for cheeks and irritated patches
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ for bright Spring daylight
• SPF lip balm for wind and sun exposure
• Hand cream for frequent washing and cold air
• Soothing face mist for dryness during long drives
• Gentle exfoliant for flaky skin from dehydration
• Body lotion for post-shower dryness after pools
• Aloe gel for unexpected sun and wind irritation

Makeup

• Hydrating skin tint or foundation for dry conditions
• Cream concealer for under-eye darkness on early tours
• Cream blush for wind-chilled skin and dry texture
• Setting powder for T-zone shine in heated interiors
• Water-resistant mascara for rain and misty viewpoints
• Brow gel to hold shape in wind
• Tinted lip balm for comfort and easy reapplication
• Makeup setting spray for long travel days
• Makeup remover balm for waterproof products

Hair Care

• Travel hair dryer – After a quick shower, I can dry and style fast even when the hotel one is weak—less frizz, more comfort. I’d still pack a travel hair dryer.

• Hair straightener – Frizz-free hair in five minutes makes mornings calmer before a meeting or dinner out. I’d toss the hair straightener in—small effort, reliably polished results.

• Moisturizing shampoo for dry air and frequent hat use
• Rich conditioner for wind tangles and rough ends
• Leave-in conditioner for frizz control in gusts
• Hair oil or serum for dry lengths and shine
• Anti-frizz cream for damp, rainy days
• Wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling after hats
• Hair ties and claw clips for windy viewpoints (6–10 PCS)
• Travel-size dry shampoo for road trips and early tours

Shoes & Accessories

• Waterproof sneakers – Dry feet make the whole day easier. When sidewalks turn to puddles mid-walk, waterproof sneakers keep me moving without soggy socks—definitely worth packing.

• Ankle boots – Rainy sidewalks or a chilly evening out feel easier when my feet stay dry and supported, and they dress up jeans fast—I’d bring ankle boots.

• Compact travel umbrella – Sudden drizzle on the way to dinner is no big deal—I stay dry without wrestling a soaked jacket. I’d toss this compact travel umbrella in your bag.

• Waterproof hiking boots with good traction (1 PCS)
• Warm beanie that covers ears (1 PCS)
• Windproof gloves for cold mornings and viewpoints (1 PCS)
• Neck gaiter or scarf for gusty coastal stops (1 PCS)
• Wool hat liner for added warmth under hoods (1 PCS)
• Sunglasses for low-angle glare and bright days (1 PCS)
• Baseball cap for sun and light drizzle (1 PCS)
• Microspikes for icy paths in early Spring (1 PCS)
• Reusable water bottle for long drives (1 PCS)

Documents & Essentials

• Passport
• Driver’s license for car rental pickup
• International Driving Permit if required for your license
• Travel insurance policy details
• Flight, hotel, and tour confirmations
• Credit cards and a backup payment card
• Small amount of Icelandic króna for rural stops
• Emergency contact list
• Copies of documents stored offline
• Refillable card holder or slim travel wallet
• Pen for forms and notes

First Aid

• Travel first aid kit – Faster fixes mean less stress when a blister or headache hits mid-transit. I keep a small travel first aid kit handy so I can patch up and keep moving—worth bringing along.

• Blister prevention patches
• Hydrocolloid blister bandages
• Ibuprofen or naproxen for soreness after hikes
• Acetaminophen for headaches from wind exposure
• Motion sickness tablets for rough roads and boats
• Antihistamines for seasonal allergies and reactions
• Bandage tape and gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes
• Small scissors and tweezers

Health & Hygiene

• Electrolyte powder – After a long flight or a sweaty hike, mixing a packet into my water helps me bounce back faster and avoid that drained headache—electrolyte powder is worth tossing in.

• Toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss picks
• Deodorant
• Travel-size body wash
• Razor and shaving gel
• Feminine hygiene products
• Wet wipes for roadside stops
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Quick-dry travel washcloth
• Personal medications in original packaging

Tech & Electronics

• Universal travel adapter – Landing late and finding the plug doesn’t match is the worst—this keeps your phone and laptop charging without hunting down a new charger. Worth tossing in.

• Power bank – Staying charged keeps the day smooth—no hunting for outlets between flights and maps. Toss a power bank in your bag; it’s a quiet little safety net.

• Wall charger – Late-night arrival? Plug in and you’ll wake up with everything topped off—no hunting for a working port or sharing outlets. Definitely worth tossing in.

• Noise-cancelling headphones – Instant calm on a noisy flight or in a busy terminal—music and podcasts stay clear while the chaos fades. I’d bring noise-cancelling headphones; the difference in comfort is huge.

• Bluetooth speaker – Instant good vibes at the rental—music while unpacking makes it feel like home fast. I’d toss a Bluetooth speaker in the bag for easy background sound anywhere.

• E-reader – Long layovers feel shorter when I can disappear into a book without hauling paperbacks. Lightweight, weeks of battery, and it keeps my bag uncluttered—worth tossing in.

• Phone
• Charging cables for all devices
• Car charger for road trips
• Camera with strap for windy viewpoints
• Extra camera battery for cold days
• Memory cards
• Waterproof action camera for hot springs (optional)

Entertainment

• Downloaded offline maps for rural areas
• Podcasts playlist for long drives
• Audiobooks for early tour starts
• Compact travel journal
• Pen and highlighter for planning routes
• Travel card game
• Crossword or puzzle book
• Streaming downloads for evenings

Extras

• Swim goggles for geothermal pools
• Waterproof sandals for communal pool showers (1 PCS)
• Hair mask packet for post-lagoon dryness
• Reusable snack container for car days
• High-protein snacks for remote stretches
• Collapsible trekking poles for uneven trails (1 PCS)
• Binoculars for seabirds and whales
• Small flashlight or headlamp for darker evenings
• Zip-top laundry bag for damp socks

Travel Tips

• Dress in layers to adjust fast between