What to Wear in Iceland in March

What to Wear in Iceland in March

March in Iceland is a month of transition. You will see snow, rain, wind, and maybe even sunshine in a single hour. The temperature usually hovers between 25°F and 40°F (-4°C to 4°C). The key is not extreme cold, but unpredictable conditions and strong winds. You need a layering system that adapts quickly.

Your goal is to stay dry and block the wind. If you do that, you will be comfortable. If you ignore the wind, you will be miserable. Here is exactly what to pack.

The Base Layer: Start with Merino Wool

Do not bring cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and moisture, then freezes against your skin. You will feel cold and clammy all day. Instead, pack merino wool tops and bottoms.

Merino wool is thin, soft, and does not itch. It regulates your temperature whether you are hiking on a glacier or sitting in a café. A 150-200 gsm weight is perfect for March.

For bottoms, wear merino wool leggings under your pants. If you run warm, a lighter pair of thermal bottoms works. But wool is the safest bet.

Pack at least two sets. You will likely sweat during activities, and you need a dry set for the next day. You can wash one set in the sink at night. It dries quickly.

The Mid Layer: Insulation You Can Remove

Your mid layer traps heat. A fleece jacket or a lightweight down puffy jacket works best. Both are easy to pack and compress.

A fleece is great for high-activity days like hiking. It breathes well and wicks moisture. A down puffy jacket is warmer for still days when you are sightseeing. If you can only bring one, bring a synthetic insulated jacket. It handles damp conditions better than down.

Look for something with a hood. March winds are biting, and a hood under your outer shell adds serious warmth. You do not need a heavy parka. The layering system does the work.

The Outer Shell: Your Wind and Water Barrier

This is the most important piece. Your outer layer must be waterproof and windproof. A hardshell jacket with taped seams is ideal. Gore-Tex is the gold standard, but any reliable waterproof-breathable fabric works.

Do not wear a wool coat or a stylish peacoat. They absorb water and weigh you down. You need a technical shell that you can layer under.

Look for pit zips. They let you vent heat without taking the jacket off. This is crucial when you are walking uphill or entering a warm museum.

For pants, you need waterproof over-trousers. You can wear them over your normal pants. They are not glamorous, but they keep you dry in rain and snow. You can also use them as a windbreak. Many travelers skip them, but they are a lifesaver if you plan to see waterfalls or walk near the ocean.

Footwear: Waterproof Boots Are Non-Negotiable

Your feet will face slush, ice, and puddles. You need waterproof boots with good traction. Hiking boots with a rubber sole and a waterproof membrane are your best choice.

Look for boots with a deep lug pattern. This grips ice and wet rock. Leather or synthetic uppers both work, but make sure they are fully waterproof. Suede will not cut it unless it is treated, and even then, it is risky.

Break them in before you go. Do not show up with brand-new boots. You will get blisters. Wear them around your house for a week with the socks you plan to use.

For socks, pack thick wool hiking socks. Merino or a wool-blend is best. Bring at least four pairs. If your feet get wet, change socks immediately. Cold feet ruin a trip fast.

Do not wear insulated snow boots unless you are doing serious glacier travel. They are too bulky for walking around Reykjavík. A good pair of 3-season hiking boots is more versatile.

Accessories: The Small Things That Matter

You lose most of your body heat through your head and hands. Pack a wool beanie and a warm scarf or neck gaiter. A merino buff is versatile and takes up no space.

Gloves are essential. Look for insulated, waterproof gloves. If you plan to use your phone for photos, get gloves with touchscreen fingertips. Or bring a thin merino liner glove under a heavier mitten. This gives you dexterity and warmth.

Bring sunglasses. The sun sits low in the sky in March, and snow glare is intense. You will need them even on cloudy days.

A small daypack is useful. You will shed layers as you walk. A 20-25 liter pack fits a water bottle, snacks, and a spare layer.

What Not to Bring

Leave jeans at home. They are heavy, take forever to dry, and offer no warmth when wet. If you must wear them, only wear them for a short dinner in town.

Skip high-heeled boots and fashion sneakers. They are dangerous on ice and useless in slush. You will be miserable.

Do not pack a huge suitcase. You will wear the same layers repeatedly. You need one outfit that works, not five different outfits. A carry-on is often enough for a week.

Bring a swimsuit. Heated pools and hot springs are a huge part of Icelandic culture. You will want to go, and you will regret not having one.