Iceland packing list for families
Iceland can deliver sun, sleet and wind in a single afternoon, and waterfalls soak anyone who gets close. This list helps you pack waterproof, warm and pool-ready so the whole family stays comfortable on the road.
Photo by Lukas Tennie on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Iceland
- Iceland's pools and lagoons are a highlight for kids. Everyone showers without a swimsuit before getting in, so talk little ones through it ahead of time.
- Weather and road conditions change fast, so I build a buffer day into every itinerary and check Iceland's official road and weather sites each morning before driving.
- Northern lights are not a sure thing, so plan the trip around everything else and treat a clear aurora night as a bonus. Glacier hikes and ice caves usually have minimum ages, so check before you promise anyone.
Iceland
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Carry-on8
Clothing4
Shoes1
Beach & pool3
Adventure1
Safari1
Cold weather7
Little ones4
Health & toiletries3
Documents & tech3
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For the grown-ups
- A waterproof parka or shell
- Chunky knit sweater
- Waterproof boots with real grip
For the kids
- Snowsuit or waterproof pants
- Merino base layers
- Mittens on a clip so they don't get lost
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
Iceland weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36°F 2°C | Cold, windy and dark, about four to five hours of daylight in December, snow and ice | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights Ice cave tours inside glaciers |
| February | 37°F 3°C | Cold, windy and dark, about four to five hours of daylight in December, snow and ice | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights Ice cave tours inside glaciers Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavik |
| March | 38°F 3°C | Cold turning cool, daylight returns quickly, mix of snow and rain | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights Ice cave tours inside glaciers |
| April | 42°F 6°C | Cold turning cool, daylight returns quickly, mix of snow and rain | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights |
| May | 48°F 9°C | Cold turning cool, daylight returns quickly, mix of snow and rain | Puffins nesting on coastal cliffs |
| June | 53°F 12°C | Cool and changeable, nearly round-the-clock daylight in June | Puffins nesting on coastal cliffs Midnight sun around the summer solstice |
| July | 56°F 13°C | Cool and changeable, nearly round-the-clock daylight in June | Puffins nesting on coastal cliffs |
| August | 55°F 13°C | Cool and changeable, nearly round-the-clock daylight in June | Puffins nesting on coastal cliffs |
| September | 50°F 10°C | Cool, windy and wet as darkness returns | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights |
| October | 44°F 7°C | Cool, windy and wet as darkness returns | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights |
| November | 39°F 4°C | Cool, windy and wet as darkness returns | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights Ice cave tours inside glaciers |
| December | 37°F 3°C | Cold, windy and dark, about four to five hours of daylight in December, snow and ice | Northern lights season on clear, dark nights Ice cave tours inside glaciers |
Iceland with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Iceland with kids?
The best time is Jun–Aug; auroras Sep–Mar. Cool and changeable, nearly round-the-clock daylight in June
What's the weather like in Iceland?
Typical daytime highs range from about 36°F (2°C) in January to about 56°F (13°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Iceland?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Iceland?
Type C/F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Iceland with kids?
Iceland's pools and lagoons are a highlight for kids. Everyone showers without a swimsuit before getting in, so talk little ones through it ahead of time.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.