Not sure what to wear in Iceland in December? This what to wear Iceland December guide breaks down everything you need to stay warm and protected.
Iceland’s winter weather is intense, so you’ll need thermal layers, waterproof jackets, insulated boots, and warm accessories.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to layer for snow, wind, and outdoor activities without feeling bulky.
You’ll discover essential clothing tips that keep you comfortable and confident throughout your Iceland adventure.
This post is all about what to wear Iceland December.
What to Wear in Iceland in December
Weather & Climate 🌫️
December in Iceland is cold, dark, and often snowy. Average temperatures hover between -1°C and 4°C (30°F to 39°F), but wind chill can make it feel much colder.
Expect limited daylight—only about 4 to 5 hours—along with high chances of snow, sleet, or icy rain. The weather can shift rapidly, so dressing for all conditions is essential.
You won’t need to look stylish for every photo—but you will need to stay warm, dry, and safe in unpredictable winter terrain.
Frosty Blue Winter Layers with a Cozy Finish
This soft blue and white layered outfit is all about comfort and warmth, perfect for snowy days and alpine escapes.
✨ Get the Look:
Light Blue Puffer Jacket / Chunky White Knit Turtleneck / White Wide-Leg Pants / Blue Knit Beanie / Matching Earmuffs / White Knit Gloves
How Locals Dress ✨
Icelanders prioritize function with a touch of rugged style. Think insulated parkas, thermal base layers, wool sweaters, and hiking boots—all worn with a sense of cozy minimalism.
Locals can wear natural wool, technical gear, and layered knits that stand up to wind and cold.
The iconic Lopapeysa (traditional Icelandic wool sweater) is worn proudly and pairs beautifully with waterproof trousers and warm boots. It’s all about gear that looks good but functions even better.
Quilted Mustard Coat for Stylish Winter Travel
This long-line quilted coat in golden tones delivers warmth and flair for winter getaways or chilly urban strolls.
✨ Get the Look:
Mustard Quilted Coat / Black Knit Pom Hat / Black Scarf / Skinny Jeans / Tall Black Boots / Black Gloves / Crossbody Bag
Outerwear 🧥
You absolutely need a waterproof, windproof insulated jacket—ideally a down parka or GORE-TEX shell with a warm mid-layer underneath.
Hoods are essential, especially lined ones, and your coat should cover your hips for extra warmth.
Don’t pack a fashionable wool coat—save that for city-only trips. This is a land of ice, wind, and snow, so outerwear must be expedition-level.
Or you can find a very warm wool coat and wear your layers with hats, scarf and gloves, for dinner time, or for a event you won’t need to be outdoors all the time.
Layers & Fabrics 🧵
Start with thermal base layers—top and bottom—made from merino wool or performance synthetics. Avoid cotton at all costs—it traps moisture and makes you cold.
Add a wool sweater or fleece pullover for warmth, then top with your insulated shell. Layers should trap heat, wick moisture, and allow for movement. Every piece matters when you’re in wind or snow for hours.
Wine Tones & Leather for Arctic-Inspired Elegance
This deep burgundy leather jacket and matching scarf create a luxe winter statement that’s equal parts cozy and polished.
✨ Get the Look:
Burgundy Leather Jacket / Chunky Knit Maroon Scarf / Gold Hoop Earrings / Sleek Black Shoulder Bag / Natural Makeup / Low Bun Hairstyle
You could wear something like the leather jacket below, as long as it is a warm and oversized, paired with scarf, gloves and hats, and a very warm turtleneck top, for dinners and when you know you won’t spend lots of time outdoors.
Tops 👚
Pack long-sleeve thermals, merino pullovers, and zip-up fleeces for layering. If you’re going out in Reykjavik, a chunky knit sweater over a thermal base looks stylish and stays warm. For extra versatility, bring a down vest or mid-layer jacket to add warmth under your main coat.
Cozy Cable Knit & Cargo Layers for Indoors and Out
This mustard cable-knit sweater with black joggers nails that comfy-but-ready vibe for chilly lounging or errands.
✨ Get the Look:
Chunky Mustard Cable-Knit Sweater / Black Jogger Pants / Tan Lace-Up Boots / Neutral Pom Beanie / Round Sunglasses / Loose Waves
Utility Green Puffer for Frosty Outdoor Adventures
This deep green puffer and hiking boot combo delivers no-fuss warmth for snowy walks or weekend escapes.
✨ Get the Look:
Dark Green Longline Puffer Coat / Cream Knit Beanie / Rolled Skinny Jeans / Brown Hiking Boots / Cozy Crew Socks
Bottoms 👖
Thermal leggings under fleece-lined trousers or insulated hiking pants are essential.
For city wear, black jeans with thermals underneath can work, but anything cotton-based will feel freezing when wet.
For excursions, you’ll want snow pants or shell trousers to keep dry. Comfort and warmth outweigh fashion here.
Sporty Light Blue Parka for Crisp Winter Days
This bright and practical look combines a sky-blue coat with rugged winter boots for an active cold-weather vibe.
✨ Get the Look:
Light Blue Parka Jacket / Black Joggers / Beige Fur-Lined Lace-Up Boots / Plaid Winter Scarf / Black Knit Beanie / Loose Hair with Wave
Dresses 👗
Dresses aren’t practical for most Icelandic winter activities unless layered well. If you’re going to a dinner in Reykjavik, a wool-blend sweater dress with wool tights and boots can work beautifully.
Top it with a parka and you’re good to go. Keep hemlines below the knee and avoid light or thin materials.
Soft Neutrals for Elevated Outdoor Cold-Weather Style
This all-cream puffer ensemble delivers cozy sophistication with subtle pattern mixing and tonal layering.
✨ Get the Look:
Cream Quilted Puffer Jacket / Check Beige Scarf / Ribbed Knit Cream Pants / White Earmuffs / White Mini Shoulder Bag / Natural Makeup
Shoes 👢
You’ll walk on snow, ice, gravel, and wet pavements—so bring insulated, waterproof boots with strong grip and warm lining.
Snow boots or hiking boots with traction soles are ideal. Wear wool socks daily and consider foot warmers for longer outdoor trips.
Avoid anything leather-soled, heeled, or unlined—it’s not safe or warm enough for Iceland in December.
Ivory Puffer Layers for Cozy Winter Adventures
This all-cream look with warm accessories is a soft and stylish choice for snowy treks or alpine strolls.
✨ Get the Look:
Ivory Quilted Parka / Chunky Cream Knit Scarf / Cream Pom Beanie / Camel Suede Gloves / Light Wash Skinny Jeans / Tan Lace-Up Snow Boots /
Accessories 🧣
Bring a wool beanie, neck gaiter or scarf, and thermal gloves—preferably waterproof or with liner gloves underneath.
A headlamp is handy for early evening outings, and UV sunglasses protect against glare if there’s snow. Add ear warmers or a balaclava if you’re going into the highlands or glacier areas.
A backpack rain cover and dry bags help protect your gear on wet or snowy days.
Navy & Neutral Layers for Casual Cold-Weather Comfort
This cozy utility-inspired look pairs a fitted puffer with relaxed cargo pants for an effortlessly practical vibe.
✨ Get the Look:
Navy Fitted Puffer Jacket / Light Beige Cargo Pants / Chunky Grey Knit Beanie / Taupe Hiking Boots / Loose Curls / Natural Glow Makeup
Color Palette & Style Vibe 🎨
Think Arctic neutrals—black, navy, charcoal, forest green—paired with nature-inspired tones like rust, ochre, or wine red.
The style vibe is adventure-ready with Nordic charm. Layered knits, cozy textures, and bold accessories like beanies or scarves keep things interesting while staying practical.
Neutral Winter Layers for Effortless Outdoor Warmth
This soft ivory look with checked accessories balances texture and tone for a refined winter layering moment.
✨ Get the Look:
Ivory Quilted Puffer / Beige Plaid Scarf / Cream Ribbed Pants / White Earmuffs / Mini White Shoulder Bag
Daytime vs Evening Outfits 🌞🌙
Daytime is all about survival and mobility—snow boots, base layers, technical jackets, and thermal gloves.
For evening, especially in Reykjavik, you can swap to chunky sweaters, dark jeans (with thermals), and stylish boots.
Icelanders know how to dress up warmth—so layer strategically and feel free to add a red lip or statement earrings under your beanie.
Classic Shearling Layers with a Pop of Red
This cozy winter outfit blends a rich shearling jacket and chunky knit in festive red for layered warmth and style.
✨ Get the Look:
Chocolate Brown Shearling Jacket / Red Cable-Knit Sweater / Cream Sherpa Earmuffs / Brown Knit Gloves / Dark Denim / Soft Curls
Common Mistakes / What to Avoid 🚫
Don’t wear cotton—it gets wet and stays cold. Avoid fashion sneakers, slippery soles, or non-waterproof coats.
Don’t pack only jeans or leggings without thermals. Heeled boots and open jackets are a no-go outside of city bars.
And don’t underestimate the cold—it’s not just temperature, but wind and wet that bite hardest.
Final Tips & Best Practices ✅
Layer up thoughtfully—every piece matters in Iceland. Wear your heaviest items on the plane to save luggage space.
Waterproof your boots, use wool socks daily, and bring backup gloves in case one pair gets wet.
Consider moisture-wicking underwear and a dry bag for electronics. Focus on warmth, dryness, and movement—fashion is optional, but safety and comfort are not.
Final Outfit Checklist 📝
For Iceland in December, wear thermal base layers under wool sweaters and fleece-lined trousers, top with a waterproof down parka, add insulated hiking boots, wool socks, and accessories like a beanie, scarf, gloves, and neck gaiter—and don’t forget snow pants or shell layers for outdoor adventures, ensuring you’re ready for ice caves, northern lights, and every winter wonderland Iceland has to offer.
