Preparing for your Iceland tour

This guide answers common questions about weather, packing and practical travel considerations, helping you prepare for an Iceland tour with confidence and realistic expectations.

Planning a trip to Iceland? This guide answers common questions about weather, packing, driving, and practical travel considerations, helping you prepare for Iceland’s unique conditions while travelling responsibly and comfortably.

Is Iceland cold, and what is the weather like?

Iceland’s weather is shaped by its northern location and exposed landscapes, and conditions can change quickly at any time of year. While winters are cold, even summer travellers should expect cool mornings and evenings, wind and rain.

Despite its small population of around 400,000 people, Iceland receives more than two million visitors each year, particularly during the peak summer months. Protecting the country’s natural environment is therefore a priority for both locals and visitors.

The coldest temperatures are usually experienced inland and at higher elevations, while coastal areas may feel milder but windier. With the right clothing, however, Iceland remains a comfortable and rewarding destination year-round.

How should you pack for a trip to Iceland?

An unforgettable trip and a well-packed bag go hand in hand. Clothing in Iceland is always practical, whether you are crossing remote landscapes or dining in a restaurant.

The most important principle is layering:

• Inner layers keep your body warm
• Mid layers provide insulation
• Outer layers protect against wind and rain

This allows you to make fast, easy adjustments as conditions change throughout the day.

You should be prepared for sunny weather, but also for cold, fresh mornings and evenings. On outdoor and mountain excursions, warm accessories such as a hat, gloves and a scarf are essential.

For detailed guidance on layering, materials and what works best in cold, wet and windy conditions, see our Snow Clothing Essentials guide.

Do you need special clothing or equipment in Iceland?

You do not need expedition-level gear for most Iceland tours, but you do need clothing that performs well in variable conditions.

We recommend:

• Waterproof and windproof outer layers
• Warm mid layers such as wool or fleece
• A warm hat, gloves and scarf for outdoor activities
• Comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain

Practical clothing is the norm throughout Iceland, including in towns and restaurants. Comfort and weather protection are always prioritised over fashion.

Is it safe to drive in Iceland?

Driving conditions in Iceland can vary significantly depending on the season, weather and location. For this reason, 50 Degrees North only offers self-drive itineraries from May to September.

Outside of this period, winter conditions, limited daylight and rapidly changing weather make self-drive travel less predictable. During the colder months, our itineraries are designed around guided tours or professionally operated transport, allowing travellers to experience Iceland safely and comfortably without the challenges of winter driving.

For travellers visiting Iceland during the self-drive season, it is still essential to:

• Stay on marked roads and tracks at all times
• Never drive off-road, even briefly
• Follow local signage and weather advice carefully

Driving off-road causes permanent damage to Iceland’s fragile landscapes and can result in heavy fines, vehicle damage or serious accidents.

If you have questions about transport options for your specific itinerary or travel dates, our team can advise on the most suitable and safe way to travel in Iceland.

How can you travel responsibly in Iceland?

Many walking tours in Iceland pass through undisturbed and remote environments. Streams are often drinkable, and in some areas there may be no other people in sight.

We ask all visitors to help protect Iceland’s natural surroundings by:

• Staying on marked paths
• Respecting local guidelines
• Leaving no trace

Iceland’s landscapes are part of what makes the country so special, and careful travel helps ensure they remain unspoilt.

What should you know about time zones and connectivity in Iceland?

Iceland has a reliable and modern telecommunications network.

• Internet access is available at most hotels
• Mobile coverage is generally good
• Pre-paid SIM cards can be purchased at petrol stations across the country
• The country code for Iceland is +354

Iceland's time zone

Iceland operates on Western European Time (WET), which is the same as Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0). Unlike most European countries, Iceland does not observe daylight-saving time, so the time remains the same year-round.

Final preparation tips

On 50 Degrees North tours, we provide detailed pre-departure information tailored to your itinerary, including practical packing guidance. If questions arise at any point, our team is always happy to help, so you can focus on enjoying Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, fresh air and sense of space.