Are you visiting Iceland in the Spring and wondering what to wear in Iceland in March? In this guide we will round up what to expect from the weather in Iceland in March, what to wear for outdoor activities and more.
What to Wear in Iceland In March Information
Best Things to do in Iceland in March
We love visiting Iceland in March for many reasons. March in Iceland is still considered off season which means for those that travel in this month will be rewarded with less crowds and cheaper accommodation.
However you will have to contend with some pretty changeable weather. Therefore before we stat looking at what to put on your Iceland in March packing list, we will first look at some other practicalities such as dress codes and what the locals wear.
What do Local people wear in Iceland in March?
No matter where we are traveling we like to follow suit with the locals. The reasons for this are two fold.
Firstly by looking like a local when you travel rather than a tourist you are less likely to become a target for pickpockets which you find at any tourist attractions around the world.
And secondly, the locals know how to deal with the weather best. Weather in Iceland in March will be the main thing you should be concerning yourself when traveling in Spring and therefore following suit with the locals will help ensure you don’t get too cold.
Iceland Weather in March
Weather is the factor that is going to affect your Icelandic packing list post of all. So what is the Iceland weather in March like?
The first thing to note about Icelandic weather in March is that it is very very changeable.
When we visited Iceland in March we did in fact experience four seasons in one day having rain, wind, sunshine and snow all in 24 hours.
For this reason we recommend having lots of layers with you that are easy to remove and add on so you can alter your outfit as the weather changes.
Is Iceland too cold in March?
Best Things to do in Iceland with Kids – Seeing Icelandic Horses
Iceland is definitely cold. The average temperature in Iceland Weather temperature in March is around 28 F and 38 F.
However I wouldn’t say that Iceland in March is too cold so long as you are prepared for the cold. That is why on our pacing list you will find lots of thermals and layers to help you prepare and still enjoy Iceland even in the cold.
Is it rainy in Iceland in March?
March is one of the rainiest months to visit Iceland. You can expect to see 82 mm (3.2 inches) in Iceland March, therefore it is really important to have lots of waterproof items on your packing list for Spring.
Does it snow in March in Iceland?
Best Things to do in Reykjavik Iceland in March
Yes it can and frequently does snow in Iceland in March. However it is not the snowiest month in Iceland this is fact .
But the likelihood of snow in Iceland in March will largely depend on where in Iceland you are traveling. The further north you go the more likely you are to experience snow instead of rain.
Does Iceland have a Dress Code in March
One of the things we liked about traveling in Iceland is that it isn’t a destination where fashion comes first. Now don’t get me wrong I am not saying Icelanders are not fashionable, they are, but the main priority of locals and tourists alike is dressing practically for the weather.
Therefore you don’t really need to worry about a dress code in Iceland in March. You just need to worry about staying warm and dry.
Note: one of the few places in Iceland where you will find a dress code is the Blue Lagoon and other of the famous Icelandic hot springs. The dress code at the Blue Lagoon stipulates that swimwear is compulsory i.e. nudity is not allowed.
However you can wear whatever types of swimwear you feel most comfortable in whether that be a bikini or a burkhini.
What not to wear in Iceland in March
I wouldn’t say that there is anything you should not wear in Iceland in March from a dress code point of view however I would say you should not pack anything that isn’t practical or going to keep your warm.
Iceland is cold in March so be sure everything you have layers well and is warm or waterproof.
What to Wear In Iceland In March Packing List
what to wear in Iceland in March
So now you know the main considerations for putting together your Iceland in March packing list, we will turn our attention to putting together the perfect What to wear in Iceland In March Packing List.
Note: the layers we list below will work whether you are traveling to Iceland as a man or a woman and also serve as a good guide for families traveling to Iceland with toddlers or older children.
Waterproof Coat
As I stated above, March is one of the rainiest months in Iceland and it is still very cold. this is especially true if you are planning to head out into the night in search of the Northern Lights.
Therefore when packing your coat for Iceland in March you need to ensure if is both waterproof and warm, we recommend packing a nice down one like the one above.
We also recommend packing a longer length coat rather than a waist length jacket for added warmth.
Click here for warm waterproof coats.
Hat, Scarf and Gloves
The wind is strong in Iceland in March and really adds to the chill factor. Therefore we recommend packing a hat, scarf and gloves for added warmth.
Note: We recommend packing gloves that have a touch screen capability so you don’t have to keep taking your gloves off to take photos on your phone.
Jeans
We think jeans are one of the best bottom layers to wear in Iceland. However we will add a caveat.
That Caveat is that we don’t think you should pack ripped or very skinny jeans. The reason for this is that you may need to add thermals on underneath your jeans to keep you warm and skinny and ripped jeans will not be easy to do this with.
Thermals
As we mentioned above, the temperatures can easily drop below freezing in Iceland in March. And depending on the activities you are doing i.e. whale watching, northern lights hunting or ice cave walking, you will feel even colder.
Therefore we recommend bringing both thermal tops and leggings with you for a good base layer.
Click here to shop thermal base layers.
Underwear
This should be obvious on any packing list.
Hiking Socks
It is really important you wear the right shoes in Iceland for the activities you are doing but also to ensure your feet stay warm. Therefore we recommend packing plenty of pairs of hiking socks with you to keep your feet warm and also prevent blisters from forming.
Click here to shop hiking socks
Waterproofs
As I mentioned above, March is one of the rainiest months. Alongside the waterproof coat we recommend taking other waterproofs i.e. waterproof walking trousers in case of severe rain on your trip.
Swimwear
Woman at Blue Lagoon – What to wear to the Blue Lagoon
Now I don’t recommend taking swimwear usually on our winter and cold weather packing lists but they are absolutely essential in Iceland.
Many of Iceland’s top attractions involve water such as the Blue Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon to name just a couple.
There are no rules about what type of swimwear you have to wear in these hot springs so just bring the type of swimwear you are most comfortable in.
Robe
While you can rent robes at some of the bigger hot springs in Iceland, i.e. at the Blue Lagoon this will be at an additional charge. Therefore if you have room in your luggage we recommend bringing your own robe.
It will save you money and keep you warm when you get our of the hot spring.
Warm PJS
Iceland is cold so be sure to pack PJs that are fleecy or flannel to ensure that you keep warm in Iceland at night.
Sunglasses
Even though you can get wind, rain and snow in Iceland in March, I still recommend packing sunglasses. The sun on the snow and ice can be dazzling so it is worth bringing sunglasses with you, particularly for drivers.
Best Shoes for Iceland in March
Iceland is very much an outdoor location even in March, therefore it is really important that you pack the right type of shoes. Below are all the different type of shoes that we think you should pack for Iceland in March.
Walking Boots
Some of our favorite things to do in Iceland in March are:
Best Things to do in Iceland in March
- whale watching
- hunting for the Northern Lights
- Horse Riding
- Visiting Waterfalls
- Visiting some of Iceland’s black sand beaches.
To do all of these things we recommend having a good quality pair of hiking boots with you that are both waterproof and have a good sole that will provide some grip on icy surfaces that you may encounter.
Click here to shop hiking boots.
Boots
If you are going out in the evening in Iceland you don’t really need to worry about looking overly smart or packing formal attire.
However when I am eating out in Iceland at night I like to have a change of shoes from hiking boots. I usually pack a pair or waterproof ankle boots but if I have room in my case I would also consider opting for knee length boots for added warmth.
Slippers or Flip Flops
Given the cold weather you may be surprised that I have added some slippers or flip flops to this packing list. However these can come in very useful when you are walking the hot springs.
Iceland Packing List for Spring (Non Clothing)
Now we have discussed what you should wear to Iceland in March we thought it would be worth listing some of our other Iceland Packing List essentials.
Backpack with waterproof cover
For longer walks you will want to have a backpack with you. We recommend also taking a waterproof cover for your backpack in March to keep your stuff dry.
Toiletries
Toiletries are expensive in Iceland so to save money we recommend packing some toiletries with you.
Food
Again, Iceland is very expensive especially for food. However you are allowed to bring a limited amount of food into the country.
We recommend bringing some snack food with you to help your Iceland budget however be sure to check with customs as to what food you are allowed to bring in the country before you pack.
Universal Adaptor
Iceland uses the traditional European plugs. So if you are coming from the UK etc you will need an adapter to make your electronics work. Click here to purchase!
Power Pack
Iceland is a one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited and found amazing photo spots around every corner – I promise you your phone will be constantly out so be sure yo have apower pack with you to recharge those batteries.
Camera, lens and spare batteries
As Iceland is so beautiful we recommend packing the best camera and lens you have, along with some spare batteries.
Towel
Although towels are available for rent at hot springs such as the Blue Lagoon and the Secret lagoon we recommend taking one with you to save the rental costs.
Hair Bands
Hair Bands are really important if you are traveling to Iceland and have long hair for two reasons.
Firstly if you plan on spending times at hot springs such as the Blue Lagoon I recommend tying up your hair. The reason for this is because the water at the Blue Lagoon is full of Silica which can actually damage your hair.
Tying your hair up will definitely keep your hair healthier.
Secondly March is an extremely windy month in Iceland so it is easy to see, hike and also be in photographs in Iceland if you have your hair tied up and out of your face.
Make Up
If you like to wear make up then you should bring this with you but I would recommend that you bring waterproof mascara as the rain and hot springs will ruin your makeup otherwise.
Do you have anything else you would add to this Iceland in March Packing List? Let us know in the comments below.