What to Wear in Iceland in August: A Guide for Road Trippers

By Johanna Sigurðardóttir Verified Expert

Let’s get one thing straight. What to wear in Iceland in August depends on one thing: chaos. One second you’re warm. The next? Freezing wind and wet socks. If you're road-tripping, it gets worse. 

You’ll be getting in and out of the car all day. Rain at Skógafoss. Wind at Dyrhólaey. Sweat halfway through a ‘quick’ walk to a crater. This isn’t a guide for influencers. It’s for people living out of a rental car. We’ll cover the gear that actually works, what to leave behind, and how to stay dry without packing your entire closet.

Understanding the Icelandic Weather in August

They say August is supposed to be summer. What a joke. Some days start calmly, sure. Then the wind shows up like it owns the place, and suddenly, you’re questioning every packing choice you’ve ever made. Consistency? Not a thing here.

• Most days wobble between 10 and 15°C (50 to 59°F), which Icelanders apparently call ‘pleasant.’
• If the sun decides to grace you with its presence, you might get a 20°C (68°F) high. Don’t count on it.
• Nights drop to 7–10°C (45 to 50°F), which feels colder when you're standing outside a gas station at midnight, wondering why you didn’t bring better socks.
• Rain? Obviously. Around 12 wet days and up to 65 mm (2.6 inches) of the cold, sneaky kind that gets in everywhere.
• Wind averages 19 km/h (12 mph), but that’s the friendly version. Gusts can knock the confidence out of you fast.
• The south and west? Wetter and moodier thanks to Atlantic storms. The north stays sunnier.

Iceland in August: Temperature and What to Wear guidelines

Still want to know more about Icelandic weather? Go for it, but spoiler: it doesn’t get more predictable.

Before we dive into gear and what your Iceland August packing list should be, sort your ride out. A good rental can make the difference between a ‘nice trip’ and ‘why are we doing this?’. So rent your car in Iceland here.

Essential Clothing for a Comfortable Road Trip

People ask how to dress in Iceland in August like there’s a simple formula. There isn’t. But if you’re spending hours driving, stopping, walking, sitting, drying off, warming up, cooling down, and doing all that on repeat, layering is your best bet. 

The top trick in this clothing guide in August is to wear stuff you can pull off fast, throw on again without thinking, and shove into a bag without it turning into a wet, useless ball. No one wants to be the person freezing in a T-shirt while their jacket is packed under everything else in the trunk.

Even inside the car, things get weird. Sometimes it’s stuffy. Sometimes it’s ice-cold for no reason. And when your windows fog up and your socks are drying on the dashboard, you’ll be glad you didn’t dress like it was a one-temperature kind of day.

Let’s go through each layer, top to bottom, and figure out what actually works out there.

The Ideal Outer Layer: Waterproof and Windproof

You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need a jacket that pulls its weight. For real. The best outfits for Iceland in August always include a shell that’s waterproof, windproof, and not just for show. Get one with a hood that actually covers your head. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised.

Breathable materials like Gore-Tex help a lot. Keeps the rain out, lets the sweat out too. You want something that can handle movement without sticking to your arms or falling apart on day three. If it holds up during a windy photo stop and doesn’t trap moisture, you’re golden.

Mid-Layers and Thermals: Stay Warm Without Overpacking

Still wondering what to wear in Iceland in August without dragging around a second suitcase? Keep it simple. Mid-layers are your best friend. A fleece or a wool sweater? Great choice. It keeps you warm, lets air move, and won’t hog all the space in your bag.

Now, add a puffer. Down or synthetic, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure it squishes down small. You’ll thank yourself when it’s cold and early and your hands are still waking up. Thermals? Yes. Merino or synthetic. Wear them under everything. They keep the heat in and the damp out. Iceland isn’t always freezing, but it sure isn’t gentle either.

Here's a quick guide to layering in Iceland in August:

Pants for Driving, Hiking, and Everything in Between

Let’s get this out of the way. Jeans are useless here. We don’t care how good they look. Once they’re wet, and they will get wet, they turn cold, stiff, and insanely heavy. Not exactly what you want clinging to your legs at a wind-blasted overlook.

So, what counts as appropriate clothing for Iceland in August? Start with pants that actually work. Quick-dry, stretchy, built to handle long drives and sudden hikes without complaining. Bonus if they block a bit of wind.

Softshells are great. Leave room underneath for thermals. You’ll need it when the weather decides to remind you who’s in charge.

Footwear Tips for August Adventures

Here’s the deal. Iceland’s ground gets gross fast. Mud, rocks, puddles, whatever. You’ll want boots that can take it. Something waterproof, with ankle support. Not optional. Just smart. 

Just something that keeps your feet dry when you’re slogging through wet moss or slipping on gravel. Driving in those? Not ideal. You’ll want something softer for the road. Sneakers or whatever you can slide on fast.

Also, bring flip-flops or sandals. Not for style. For hot springs and campsites. Trust me, putting wet boots back on after a soak is actual punishment. Two pairs are enough. One for walking through nonsense. One for everything else.

Must-Have Accessories to Pack

Figuring out how to dress in Iceland in August doesn’t stop at jackets and boots. The small stuff matters too. Toss in a warm hat and gloves, something light but good enough to block the wind when it cuts sideways. A buff or neck gaiter helps a lot, too. You’ll also need sunglasses and sunscreen.

Clouds don’t block UV like you’d think. Your skin still gets roasted. So yeah, bring sunscreen and shades. A power bank? Non-negotiable. Your phone will burn through battery fast, especially when you’re snapping pics all day.

And don’t forget a quick-dry towel. You’ll want it for hot springs, wet feet, or whatever else comes up. Reusable water bottle, too. Icelandic water is clean, cold, and everywhere. If you’ve got space, toss in a waterproof daypack, some lip balm, and a travel adapter. They’re the kind of things you miss the second you don’t have them.

What to Keep Inside Your Rental Car

When you're driving in Iceland, your car becomes your basecamp. Stock it right, and you won’t have to dig through a suitcase every time the sky decides to get weird. Here’s what to keep close:

• Extra socks. Because once your feet are wet, the mood goes downhill fast.
• Gloves and a beanie. Light ones are fine. Weather shifts fast, especially near glaciers.
• Quick-dry towel. Great for hot springs, wet seats, or drying off after rain.
• Layering bin or bag. Keep your fleece, shell, and thermals easy to grab.
• Headlamp or flashlight. Summer nights are bright, but not everywhere, not always.
• Snacks and water. Some stretches are quiet. Like, really quiet.
• First aid kit, reflective vest, emergency gear. Hopefully unused. Still necessary.
• Power bank and offline maps. You’ll lose signal. Be ready for that.
• Trash bag and reusable utensils. For roadside lunches that don’t trash your space.

What Not to Wear or Pack for Iceland in August

If you're wondering what not to wear in Iceland in August, here's your no-nonsense checklist. Save the space in your bag for things that actually work out there.

• Skip cotton. 
• Leave jeans at home. 
• Umbrellas are pointless. 
• No high heels or dress shoes. 
• Avoid non-waterproof sneakers. 
• Don’t bring heavy winter gear. 

Keep it functional. Comfort beats style every single time. For more practical advice like this, check out these travel tips and get ahead of the chaos.

Final Tips for Dressing Smart on the Road

At this point, you’re probably just trying not to overpack. Makes sense. If you’re still figuring out how to dress for Iceland's weather in August, here’s what actually helps once you’re on the road.

• Choose clothes that feel right, not just look right.
• Quick-dry stuff is gold. Same for anything waterproof or easy to layer.
• Laundromats aren’t common. Hotels and some hostels usually help with laundry.
• If not, wash what you need in the sink. Let it hang. Most places are warm enough inside for things to dry overnight.
• Use a carry-on or a backpack. Less to carry, less to lose.
• Bring gear that plays more than one role. One jacket. One thermal. Done.
• You’ll end up switching outfits midday. Layers make that less of a chore.

Want the full picture? Here’s the full guide to Iceland in August.

Stop Guessing What to Wear in Iceland in August

So, what should you wear in Iceland in August? Simple. Clothes that keep you dry, warm, and sane. Layer smart. Keep your feet happy. Don’t waste space on stuff that won’t hold up in real weather. And if you’re dressed right, you’ll love it for that.

Pair the right gear with the right car, and your trip goes from ‘fine’ to unforgettable. No stress, no soggy socks, no digging through your bag on the side of the road.

Ready to hit the road in Iceland? Browse our rental cars here and lock in your ride.