From personal experience, I know that having the right clothing and other essentials, regardless of the season here, is crucial when it comes to staying warm, dry, and comfortable.
While I am sharing 11 summer essentials to pack for Iceland in this episode, you can find all of the essentials and some non-essentials that might be worth packing, if you have the space, in my free download called the Ultimate Packing Checklist for Iceland.
The way I have structured this episode is that I will share about the weather here during the summer, because that is a major factor when it comes to what you should pack. Then I will go into the essentials. Lastly, I will share an Icelandic phrase and a random fact of the episode.
Shout Out To A Reviewer of the Podcast
Summer weather in Iceland – What to Expect
The summer season means long, bright days and warmer weather. You can experience the midnight sun (24-hour brightness) in June, July and part of August. Even if you don’t visit during those months, the country enjoys considerably longer days from early April to early September.
The average temperature in southern Iceland during the summer ranges from 10-13 ̊ Celsius (50-55 ̊ Fahrenheit). Some days the temperature might even go up to 25 ̊ Celsius (77 ̊ Fahrenheit) but that is considered a very warm day in Iceland and is quite rare.
To be safe, it is better to plan for the average temperature or a little lower, and be pleasantly surprised if better weather occurs.
Intense wind and rainstorms can happen during summer, so a water- proof outer layer is a must on your checklist.
This time of the year is my favorite because the bright days allow for you to go on so many adventures out in nature.
*Please not that there are some affiliate links in this post. If you choose to buy any items after clicking a link, I make a small commission that is at not cost to you.
Essentials to Pack for Summer in Iceland
- Layers
- Base – top layer to wick away moisture and hiking pants
- mid – Icelandic Lopapeysa
- outer layers – Rain/wind Protection
- Swimwear
- Hiking boots
- Sleep Mask
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses
- Day Pack
- Lip balm with spf
- Travel outlet adapter
- Fly net
Icelandic word of the episode
Ævintýri – adventure
Random Fact of the Episode
According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office the highest temperature ever recorded in Iceland was 36°C (96.8°C) at Teigarhorn farm in Berufjörður fjord in East Iceland on September 24 1940. This measurement, however, has been disputed and the highest undisputed measurement took place at Teigarhorn on June 22 1939: A balmy 30.5°C (86.9°F).
I find this information in an article by Iceland Mag, which was published back in 2017. Because I have been living in Iceland since 2016, I am aware that this record has not been broken yet.
Ásgarður tier shout out from My Patreon
- Jocelyn
- Jessica
- Mel
- Kim
- Melton
- Danielle
Patrons in the Áasgarður tier on my Patreon get a shoutout from me on the podcast, among other awesome perks, like a 30-minute live video group chat with me each month. If you would like to support All Things Iceland by becoming a Patreon member, check out the link in my show notes.
Just a reminder that if you are planning a trip to Iceland, I highly recommend grabbing my free Iceland Ultimate Packing Checklist. I have split it into two lists, one for winter and one for summer, so you are covered regardless of when you plan to visit.
Let's Be Social
Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega
Thank you for listening and see you soon.
Wish I had known you before my trip to Iceland, but hey, I may come back again sometime. I’m loving my second trip here but was a bit short on warn clothes. Thanks to all of those wonderful second hand shops I’m surviving;