Need to know what to pack for Iceland in June? This Iceland summer packing list has everything you need for Iceland in June, July and August.
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From what to wear in Iceland in June to Iceland packing list essentials that are easily forgettable, this guide will solve all your unanswered questions.
What To Pack For Iceland In June (Overview)
- Fleece-lined leggings.
- Rain pants.
- Waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood.
- Zip-up sweatshirts.
- Warm sweaters.
- Hat.
- Mittens or gloves.
- Scarf.
- Hiking boots.
- Hiking socks.
- Swimsuit.
- Waterproof sandals or flip-flops.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Eye mask for sleeping.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip balm.
- Moisturizer.
- Ice cleats.
- Portable charger.
- European outlet adaptor.
- Camera gear.
- Handwarmers.
- Feet-warmers.
- Thermal base layers.
Now, let’s break these Iceland summer essentials down and answer some of the questions you have about packing for Iceland in June.
What should you wear in Iceland in June?
In Iceland in June, you should wear warm clothes and layers, including full-length pants, sweaters, sweatshirts, warm close-toed shoes, a jacket, and possibly even a hat, scarf and mittens.
Even though June is one of Iceland’s summer months, Iceland’s summer weather is far from warm and sunny.
In Iceland in June, you will likely encounter cold rain and freezing Arctic winds. So, it’s important to prepare.
1. Fleece-Lined Leggings
Fleeced-lined leggings or other fleece-lined pants are essential in Iceland for a few reasons.
One, you can wear fleece-lined leggings on their own when the weather is warm enough. Two, fleece-lined leggings, such as these leggings I packed from Eddie Bauer, are much warmer than traditional non-lined leggings. Three, they serve as a perfect base layer on Iceland’s unpredictably cold days.
Here are the Eddie Bauer fleece-lined leggings that I personally love and wear regularly.
They are form-fitted, flattering and never lose their shape. Plus, they come fully equipped with numerous pockets, which is ideal for traveling and hiking.
2. Rain Pants
Rain pants keep you warm and dry when exploring the windy beaches, waterfalls and mountains in Iceland.
Everyone in Iceland wears rain pants (seriously, everyone), so you don’t need to worry about sticking out from the crowd when wearing them. In fact, I chose not to wear rain pants in Iceland, and I felt like I was the one who stuck out.
Likewise, there were a couple days on my June trip when my non-waterproof pants wound up completely soaked, so the next time I visit Iceland, I will be bringing rain pants like this pair from Eddie Bauer.
3. Thick Waterproof, Windproof Jacket With A Hood
On the same note, a thick jacket that is both waterproof and windproof will be your saving grace in Iceland in June.
Despite June being a summer month, Iceland weather in June is still very wet and cold. If you attempt to brave Iceland’s mega waterfalls and black sand beaches without a jacket, you will wind up completely chilled — and probably sick.
I bought this thick Eddie Bauer rain jacket before my trip, and I’m so thankful I did. Not only does it have a thick protective material and multiple pockets, but it also has a hood. Because of the strong winds in Iceland in June, I would have been absolutely miserable without a hood.
Plus, this specific jacket’s light blue color looks fantastic in Iceland photos, if I do say so myself.
4. Zip-Up Sweatshirts
Next, if you’re wondering what to pack for Iceland in June in terms of tops, sweaters and sweatshirts will be your best bet.
Zip-up sweatshirts are best for Iceland because they are thin, which means they are better for layering under jackets than thick hoodies, yet they still provide warmth.
For this reason, I was so glad I packed this zip-up from Eddie Bauer because even though it is made from thicker high-quality material, it is still plenty thin enough to layer under my jacket.
Also, it has thumb holes on each sleeve to keep your hands warm.
(I swear this blog post isn’t sponsored by Eddie Bauer… I just happened to find everything I needed for my June Iceland trip there. Eddie Bauer was truly my one-stop shop for Iceland summer apparel.)
5. Warm Sweaters
Similarly, warm sweaters are perfect for your nicer Iceland itinerary days when you may be visiting a larger town, planning a dinner out, etc.
A fisherman-style mock neck, like this one from L.L. Bean, that is made from 100% cotton is great for Iceland in June because it will layer more comfortably than thick wool cable knit sweaters.
6. Hat, Mittens And A Scarf
Packing a hat, mittens and scarf is never a bad idea for Iceland trips, no matter the time of year.
As Wisconsinites, we incorrectly assumed that we would be able to bear the cold without hats, mittens or scarves, but we were sorely mistake.
Our neglect lead to overpaying for souvenir-shop hats (another reason to pack a jacket with a hood). Learn from our mistake.
7. Hiking Boots
Furthermore, as you know, Iceland has tons of opportunities to hike.
Whether you’re a novice sightseer, hobby hiker or an experienced backcountry backpacker, hiking boots are the best shoe of choice Iceland in summer.
In particular, hiking boots with ankle support will help protect your ankles from unnecessary strain.
I love my Timberland hiking boots because they are waterproof (important), lightweight, supportive and slim. I’ve found that they aren’t as chunky as other hiking boot brands.
8. Hiking Socks
If you’re planning on hiking in Iceland in June, you may consider packing thick socks that are designed for hiking, too.
I know many travelers swear by these Smartwool socks for hiking (a variety of colors are available), as Smartwool prevents sweating while still providing warmth and foot protection.
However, I’m personally allergic to wool. So, for now, I’ll stick to my cotton Hanes crew socks instead.
9. Swimsuit (What To Pack For Iceland In June)
On the contrary, although Iceland is quite frigid even in the summertime, there are still dozens of opportunities to swim in the country’s natural geothermal hot springs. So, consequently, you’ll need to pack a swimsuit.
I brought this basic black one piece from Amazon, and I adore it. It provides the perfect amount of coverage (not too cheeky but not saggy either) at an extremely affordable price.
The most popular hot spring to visit is Blue Lagoon, where naturally bright, milky, aquamarine water bubbles up from the Earth’s surface. It’s now a full-service resort and spa that brings in thousands of visitors every day.
If you want to experience Blue Lagoon for yourself, you must book your tickets well in advance. Unsurprisingly, tickets do sell out. You can book your Blue Lagoon tickets now by clicking here.
10. Waterproof Sandals Or Flip-Flops
Likewise, if you plan on swimming in any public geothermal pools (or showering in a hostel), you should definitely bring a pair of waterproof sandals or flip-flops.
I skipped bringing waterproof shoes to Blue Lagoon, and I instantly regretted it. The locker room floors are sopping wet toward the end of the day, and, as prestigious as Blue Lagoon is, this was not a luxurious type of wet.
My all-time favorite waterproof sandals are these Teva Verra sandals. They are super cute, walkable and have a smooth sole for added comfort. I’ve worn these shoes on almost every trip for nearly a decade.
11. Eye Mask For Sleeping
In addition, if you’ve been planning a trip to Iceland in June, you’re probably well aware of (and excited for) the midnight sun.
In June, the sun basically never sets in Iceland. Clearly, this means that, in June, Iceland never gets dark.
That’s why you need to pack an eye mask for sleeping.
Most Iceland hotels and short-term rental properties will have black-out curtains. However, you shouldn’t rely on them to provide black-out curtains. It’s better to purchase and pack an affordable eye mask, such as this silk eye mask that I use all the time, to ensure good nights’ sleep.
12. Sunglasses
Speaking of, sunglasses are also important to remember when packing for Iceland in June.
Although sunglasses are easily forgotten thanks to Iceland’s chilly climate, you’ll miss having sunglasses when you’re outside exploring every single day.
Moreover, if you’re visiting any snowy parts of Iceland, such as the glaciers or mountains, know that snow reflects sunlight, and this can be blinding.
I’m constantly recommending this pair Zenni Optical prescription sunglasses. From Zenni, you can buy a pair of prescription sunglasses for as little as $15 USD with a basic prescription. Yes, really!
13. Ice Cleats (What To Pack For Iceland In June)
Last but not least, if icy activities like glacier hiking, ice cave touring or ice climbing made your summer Iceland itinerary, bring ice cleats.
Ice cleats provide additional traction that you won’t get from any average hiking boot. In turn, these ice cleats also provide added safety. The last thing you want when you’re on a mountain or glacier is to slip.
Yaktrax are the most popular ice cleats among seasoned travelers. They are lightweight, effective, highly rated and don’t contain metal spikes like other ice cleats.
Now, to make sure you’re thoroughly packed for Iceland in June, let’s review some commonly asked questions.
Do you need a coat in Iceland in June?
Yes, you need a coat in Iceland in June, or at the least a thick windproof, waterproof jacket.
Although you do necessarily need to pack a huge winter coat for Iceland in June, you certainly wouldn’t regret bringing one either.
You can expect Iceland temperatures to feel like an average of 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) in June with windchill and rain.
At the minimum, bring a thick jacket that is windproof and waterproof.
What Jacket To Wear In Iceland
When it comes to choosing a jacket to wear in Iceland, you’ll want a jacket that fulfills four criteria: thick, layer-able, windproof and waterproof.
First, obviously, you want your Iceland jacket to be thick and warm. If you haven’t gotten the hint yet, Iceland is chilly year-round. Thin windbreakers won’t cut it here. You need a thicker raincoat, like this one I brought from Eddie Bauer, instead.
Second, you want your Iceland jacket to be layer-able, meaning you can comfortably fit multiple layers underneath. For this reason, you might consider sizing up when you buy your jacket.
Third, Iceland is very windy. Your jacket needs to be windproof. Because Iceland is so close to the Arctic Circle, don’t be surprised if you experience cold hurricane-force Arctic winds on your trip.
Lastly, for obvious reasons, your Iceland jacket needs to be waterproof. Between the unpredictable rain and snow, constant misty wind, and exciting waterfall excursions, you’ll be sorry not having a waterproof jacket.
Can you wear shorts in Iceland in June?
Do not wear shorts in Iceland in June. You’ll freeze.
Even though June is one of Iceland’s sunniest months with 24/7 sunshine, Iceland is never hot. As mentioned, you can still expect near-freezing temperatures in Iceland in June, so do yourself a favor and skip packing shorts.
Trust me, you will be miserably cold in shorts in Iceland, even in June.
Can you wear jeans in Iceland?
Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland. Jeans are perfectly acceptable in Iceland. However, you’ll be cold and wet.
When jeans get wet, they feel very heavy and take days to dry. In Iceland, you will likely get wet every single day — whether from rain, waterfalls or misty wind — so jeans are generally discouraged.
That’s why fleece-lined pants and rain pants are the best choice of pants for Iceland.
Although, if you are planning to spend a day in a city, such as Reykjavik or Vik, without any outdoor exploration, jeans are definitely a viable clothing option.
Are rain pants needed for Iceland?
While rain pants are not needed for Iceland, they are highly recommended.
Even on Iceland’s sunniest days, the strong winds can pick up water from the beach, river, waterfall or wherever you maybe sightseeing and spray you until you’re soaked.
What Color To Wear In Iceland
In Iceland, the best colors to wear are yellow, red and blue.
Most of the sceneries you will explore in Iceland are composed of shades of green. Red, yellow and blue are complimentary to the color green, meaning wearing these colors will make you pop in your travel photos.
White also looks fantastic against green backgrounds, so if you prefer to wear neutral colors, white or cream are great alternatives.
What do locals wear in Iceland in June?
In Iceland in June, locals wear jeans, long-pants, sweaters and waterproof jackets.
Of course, this is considering that the locals are not hiking or exploring the outdoors. If the locals are hiking, you will see them wearing the same warm hiking clothes as listed above.
Basically, when it comes down to it, don’t be afraid to layer up in Iceland. You’ll fit right in.
Do you need bug spray in Iceland in June?
Although you may encounter non-biting midges in Iceland in June, bug spray is not necessary.
These bugs are pesky, but they don’t bite like mosquitos.
You might consider packing bug spray for Iceland in June only if you plan on camping near lakes or still water. For the most part, though, Iceland is too windy and cold for bugs. So, bug spray isn’t a dire need.
Have more questions about what to pack for Iceland in June? Leave a reply below, or follow and send me a DM on Instagram!
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