Iceland in January really is a trip you'll never forget.
If you're one of those people who prefers winter wonderlands to winter sun, it's the destination that will tick every box.
But although Iceland is one of the most visually standout locations you could visit, its weather is unforgiving.
What to Pack for Iceland in January
Packing for an adventure in the minus temperatures isn't just about practicality, it's also about comfort.
Although looking reasonably photogenic can't hurt either.
So grab a cuppa and let's dive into exactly what you need to pack for Iceland in January.
Layering Is Life - What Clothes to Wear in Iceland
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The secret to staying warm in Iceland isn't wearing one massive coat and hoping for the best. It's layers. Many, many layers.
One of the many amazing things about Iceland is that most buildings are heated by geothermal water.
This means that hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants are surprisingly warm for a country just South of the Arctic Circle.
You see where I'm going with this - you go inside, it's too warm, you go outside, it's too cold.
Hence, layers are the key to getting your body temperature, much like Goldilocks’ elusive porridge temperature, just right.
Think of yourself as a human thermostat and you've got it.
Base Layers
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Thermal tops and leggings are essentials for a trip to Iceland in January.
Look for ones made of merino wool or synthetic materials like polyester.
This is one of the rare occasions in life where cotton is your enemy.
It absorbs sweat and isn't so great at drying in this climate.
Mid-Layers
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A fleece or wool jumper will trap heat and keep you toasty.
You'll thank this layer when the icy wind tries to cut through your soul.
Outer Layers
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With outer layers, waterproof and windproof is the name of the game.
Opt for a good-quality insulated jacket that can handle sub-zero temps.
Bottoms
Thermal leggings are great, but don't forget waterproof trousers.
Bonus points if they're stylish enough for your Instagram shots at Gullfoss. Which, incidentally, is the coldest place I have ever been in my entire life.
Accessories
Image by Elena We from Pixabay
- Gloves - Insulated, waterproof and touchscreen-friendly. You'll need to upload those Northern Lights pics in real time.
- Hat - A wool or fleece-lined beanie that covers your ears.
- Scarf or snood - Picture it - you planned like a boss and bought the perfect coat, only to have a cold neck. Don't let it happen.
- Wool socks - No one ever said, "I packed too many socks" - you really can't have enough in a cold, wet climate.
- Footwear - It's all about grip. Iceland's terrain is treacherous. One minute you’re strolling on an icy path, the next you're doing an impromptu audition for Dancing on Ice.
- Hiking boots - Sturdy, waterproof and with excellent grip. Think crampon-compatible if you’re planning serious glacier hikes.
- Ice grips - Slipping over your boots, these make walking on ice a breeze and are also useful for navigating steep, icy streets.
- Thermal insoles - Keep your feet warm during those long hours chasing the Northern Lights.
Skincare
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Among all the wool-shopping and suitcase-weighing, it's easy to forget your most useful organ - your skin.
Icelandic wind doesn't mess around. It'll slap you in the face and steal your moisturiser if you're not careful.
Here's what you need to keep it at bay.
- Moisturiser - Go for a heavy-duty one to protect your skin from drying out.
- Lip balm - With SPF. Chapped lips are not cute in holiday snaps.
- Sunscreen - Even in winter. Snow reflects UV rays like a disco ball.
- Hand cream - Because dry, cracked hands are not the souvenir you're after.
Tech Gear - Stay Connected and Snap Happy
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Iceland in January is Instagram heaven.
But freezing temps can wreak havoc on your gadgets. Here's what you need:
- Extra portable power banks - Cold weather drains batteries faster, so pack an extra.
- Camera and tripod - If you're chasing the Northern Lights, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal. Don’t forget a sturdy tripod for those long exposure shots.
- eSIMs for travel - Fiddly plastic SIM cards? Please. Use eSIMs to stay connected effortlessly across Iceland. With eSIMs from Airalo, you'll have reliable data for Google Maps, weather updates and aurora forecasts.
- Dry bag - For keeping your tech safe from the elements.
Extras That Will Save the Day
- Reusable Water Bottle - Iceland's tap water is some of the purest in the world. Bring a bottle and stay hydrated without the guilt of single-use plastic.
- Snacks - Supermarket food in Iceland isn't cheap. Save a few pounds and pack a few high-energy snacks like protein bars to keep you going.
- Daypack - A waterproof one is best for carrying your essentials during day trips.
- Swimwear - Blue Lagoon and other geothermal pools are an absolute must. Nothing beats soaking in hot water while snowflakes fall around you.
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Packing Tips for Reykjavik
Reykjavik is nicely compact, walkable and full of quirky spots you'll want to explore.
But with limited daylight in winter and harsh winds to deal with, you'll need a few extras for these arctic circle city break walks.
- A stylish yet warm coat for strolling around the city.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for pavements rather than glaciers.
- A reusable tote bag for picking up souvenirs or groceries.
Image by Ludovic Charlet from Pixabay
What Not to Pack for Iceland
Save your suitcase space and skip these items.
- Umbrellas - I can tell you from personal experience that the Icelandic wind will destroy your innocent umbrella in seconds. Instead, make sure your coat has a sturdy hood. Plus, rain showers are the perfect excuse to duck into bakeries, coffee shops or hipstery bars.
- Impractical coats and jackets - If it’s not waterproof and insulated, leave it at home.
- Surplus clothes - Layers will do the work for you, so you won’t need those 15 jumpers you bought especially (although they do look fantastic).
Data Deals to Keep you Chill
Packing for Iceland in January might feel daunting.
But with the right gear, you'll be ready to conquer the cold, see the sights and make those all-important memories.
Just don't forget your eSIM.
Iceland can be expensive, so avoid roaming fee surprises and stay in control of your spends with the right data package for your trip here.
Trust me, navigating Iceland without data is about as fun as dropping your phone in the Blue Lagoon. Bon voyage!
