Iceland Winter Packing List for December: The Ultimate Guide to Staying Warm and Photo-Ready

Visiting Iceland in December is a bucket-list dream for many—Northern Lights, snowy landscapes, geothermal lagoons, and stunning icy terrain await. But winter in Iceland is no joke. Expect freezing temperatures, slippery roads, and rapidly changing weather.

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To explore everything from Reykjavik’s cafes to glacier caves and black sand beaches, you’ll need to pack strategically. Think thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and gear for staying warm during long tours and outdoor sightseeing.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Iceland in winter in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• 🌨️ Average temperatures: -4°C to 4°C (25°F to 39°F), feels colder with wind.
• 🌬️ Wind: Strong, frequent gusts across the island.
• ❄️ Snow, sleet, and icy roads common—pack like an arctic explorer.
• 🌌 Northern Lights tours involve standing outside for hours at night.

What to Pack for Iceland in Winter in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Waterproof hard-shell suitcase – Handles slush and snow easily.
• 🎒 Thermal daypack – For tours, hikes, and quick changes.
• 🧩 Packing cubes – Separate wet gear from dry clothing.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Store muddy boots post-tour.
• 🧼 Toiletry bag – Must include strong moisturizers.
• 📂 Document organizer – Tour bookings, car rental, ID.
• 👜 Foldable tote – Great for grocery runs or spa visits.
• 🧺 Waterproof laundry bag – Wet thermals? Toss them here.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – You’ll likely pack heavy with winter gear.
• 🔒 TSA lock – Secure your gear while soaking in lagoons.
• 🎒 Zip pouch – For gloves, lip balm, hand warmers.
• 🧻 Microfiber towel – Required for some lagoon/spa visits.
• 💤 Neck pillow – Cozy up during long drives or tours.
• 😴 Sleep mask – Iceland has short days, but bright interiors.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 Merino wool base layers (3-5 sets) – Your daily essential.
• 🧥 Down or insulated parka – Waterproof and wind-resistant.
• 🧥 Fleece or wool midlayers (2-3) – Great for layering warmth.
• 👖 Waterproof snow pants – Ideal for glacier hikes or storms.
• 👖 Thermal leggings – Wear under jeans or hiking trousers.
• 👖 Lined pants (2-3) – Wear daily over thermals.
• 🧣 Thick scarf or neck gaiter – Windproof neck coverage.
• 🧤 Waterproof insulated gloves – Critical in Iceland’s cold.
• 🧦 Wool socks (6-8 pairs) – Dry, warm, and thick.
• 🧢 Thermal beanie – Windproof and covers your ears.
• 👘 Warm pajamas – Hotel heating varies.
• 🩲 Underwear (5-7) – Quick-dry options preferred.
• 🧴 Sports bras – For winter treks and comfort.
• 👙 Swimsuit – Required for lagoons, hot springs, hotel spas.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Hydrating cleanser – Icelandic air is dry and cold.
• 💦 Toner – Calms red, wind-chapped skin.
• 🧴 Heavy-duty moisturizer – Use AM and PM.
• 🧴 SPF 30 – UV reflects off snow even when it’s cloudy.
• 🧽 Oil-based remover – Melts sunscreen and makeup.
• 🧴 Gentle exfoliator – 1–2 times per week max.
• 👁️ Eye cream – Reduce puffiness from windburn.
• 🌫️ Hydrating mist – Helps during long outdoor tours.
• 🎭 Overnight mask – Revive skin post-lagoon soak.
• 💄 Lip balm (x2) – Bring one for your bag and coat pocket.
• 💊 Spot treatment – Cold weather breakouts happen too.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Moisture-rich BB cream – Light coverage with hydration.
• 🖌️ Concealer – Combat tired eyes from Northern Light tours.
• 🧼 Compact powder – Optional; keep it light.
• 💗 Cream blush – Better for dry skin days.
• ✨ Highlighter – Lovely for glowing glacier photos.
• 🟤 Bronzer – Optional but adds warmth in winter light.
• 🎨 Small palette – Natural hues or icy shimmer.
• ✒️ Waterproof eyeliner – Just in case of snow/wind tears.
• 👁️ Tubing mascara – Flake- and smudge-resistant.
• 🧴 Brow gel – Windproof grooming tool.
• 💄 Lip stain + balm – Hydrating + long wear.
• 💦 Setting spray – Lock it in with moisture.
• 🖌️ Minimal brushes – Only what’s essential.

💇 Hair Care

• 💇 Detangling brush – Knots from hats are inevitable.
• 🧷 Hair ties – Secure styles during strong wind days.
• 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo/conditioner – Iceland = dry air + hot water.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Useful between showers in remote areas.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – If styling for dinners or photos.
• 🧴 Leave-in cream – Smooth frizz and seal in moisture.
• 💨 Compact hair dryer – Some rural Airbnbs may not provide one.
• 🪞 Mini straightener – Optional, keep compact.
• 💧 Hair serum or oil – Combat brittle strands from extreme cold.
• 🎀 Thermal headband or beanie-friendly clips – For practical winter hair.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 🥾 Insulated waterproof boots – Grippy soles, warm lining = essential.
• 👟 Sneakers – Only for dry city days (Reykjavik, mostly).
• 🥿 Flip-flops – Useful at pools, lagoons, spas.
• 🧤 Glove liners – Double up on frigid nights.
• 🧣 Fleece neck gaiter – Windproof and secure.
• 🕶️ Polarized sunglasses – Snow glare = eye pain.
• 👜 Waterproof crossbody or anti-theft pack – For city or cafe days.
• ⌚ Waterproof watch – Great for tours and hikes.
• 💍 Minimal jewelry – Avoid anything metal in subzero temps.
• ☂️ Not needed – Wind is too strong for umbrellas.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Passport + copies – Iceland requires it.
• 📄 Travel insurance – Iceland’s weather = unpredictable.
• 💳 Credit/debit card – Iceland is cashless-friendly.
• 🗺️ Offline maps – GPS may lose signal in remote areas.
• 🎟️ Printed tour confirmations – Some guides prefer hard copies.
• 📒 Emergency contacts – In case of snowy delays.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Blister plasters – From hiking or boots.
• 🧻 Alcohol wipes – Clean cuts on icy hikes.
• 💊 Painkillers – For sore muscles or long drives.
• 🌡️ Thermometer – Stay safe if feeling unwell.
• ✂️ Mini scissors – Good for tags or tape.
• 🧽 Q-tips and cotton pads – Multipurpose and small.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Prescriptions – Bring extras for travel delays.
• 💢 Cold & flu meds – Iceland’s cold is real.
• 🤧 Allergy meds – For dry air or wool sensitivities.
• 🧴 Sanitizer – Required at most gas stations and cafes.
• 🧻 Pocket tissues – Your nose will run outside.
• 🧽 Feminine hygiene – Icelandic pharmacies are limited.
• 🪥 Toothbrush + paste – Hydrating mouthwash is a bonus.
• 🧴 Deodorant – Choose long-lasting for long drives.
• 🌬️ Light fragrance – Use sparingly in shared guesthouses.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Smartphone + charger – Your everything device.
• 🔋 Power bank – Cold drains batteries fast.
• 🔌 EU plug adapter – Iceland uses Type C and F.
• 📸 Camera – Iceland is *stunning* in photos.
• 💻 Tablet or laptop – Optional but useful for long stays.
• 🎧 Headphones – For long drives between towns.
• 📶 SIM or eSIM – Iceland has great coverage, but rural zones drop.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📖 Kindle or books – Read during Northern Lights waiting time.
• 🎧 Podcasts or Icelandic playlists – Enhance road trips.
• 📝 Travel journal – Document Iceland’s epic moments.
• 🎲 Small card game – For cozy lodge evenings.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Snacks – Long road trips = hungry moments.
• 💧 Insulated water bottle – Prevent freezing and save plastic.
• 🛍️ Grocery tote – Iceland is pricey; you’ll want snacks.
• 🧺 Detergent sheets – For washing thermals.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Repair tears in waterproof gear.
• 🧦 Toe warmers – Use during Northern Lights tours.
• 👃 Shoe deodorizer – Boots take a beating daily.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 📲 Download weather and Aurora apps (Veður, Aurora).
• 🚗 Book a 4×4 car if self-driving in snow.
• 🎟️ Reserve Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon in advance.
• ☃️ Dress in layers—sun and snow can both happen.
• 📸 Bring backup batteries—they freeze fast.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 🛂 Schengen visa required for many non-EU travelers.
• 📸 Bring printed passport + visa copies.
• 📅 Proof of accommodation and onward travel.
• 📄 Know customs rules—don’t bring restricted meds or food.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 Passport + visa (if needed).
• 🧥 Down jacket + snow pants.
• 🥾 Insulated boots + wool socks.
• 📱 Phone + camera + charger.
• 🧴 Moisturizer, lip balm, hand cream.
• 👜 Waterproof backpack or day bag.

👍 Good-to-Have

• 💤 Sleep mask + earplugs for guesthouses.
• 🔖 Extra thermal socks or glove liners.
• 🧦 Spare scarf or balaclava.
• 🧤 Extra hand warmers + boot dryers.