September is my favorite month to dress for in Iceland, and also the trickiest. The days are still long, the moss is turning red and gold, and temperatures commonly sit somewhere around 42°F to 52°F. Then a band of rain and wind comes through and that same afternoon feels like winter. So I pack a three-part system, a base layer that moves sweat off the skin, a warm middle layer and a waterproof shell, and build every outfit from it. Quick-drying fabrics matter more than warm ones, and small extras like a beanie or gaiter do a lot of the adjusting. The fifteen looks below cover Reykjavik, waterfalls, a glacier walk, hot springs and dinner, with photos in mind as well as weather.
How Early and Late September Differ in Iceland
September in Iceland isn't one season. The month starts with something close to late summer and ends with a taste of winter, and I pack differently depending on which half I'm traveling in.
First half of the month
Daylight in Reykjavik is still around fourteen hours at the start of the month, so you'll be outside a long time. A light fleece under the shell is usually enough during the day, and the puffer is for mornings and evenings. Highland routes are often still open early in the month, which means rougher trails and more need for real hiking boots.
Second half of the month
By the equinox around the 22nd, day and night are roughly equal and the evenings turn cold quickly. This is when I'd pack insulated gloves, fleece-lined pants and a proper parka for aurora nights. Storms become more frequent and highland roads begin closing as conditions change, so a flexible itinerary helps as much as the right jacket.
Either way, check the forecast and road conditions every morning. A beanie and gloves live in my pocket all month, even on a sunny day.
1. Iceland September Waterproof Jacket And Hiking Pants Outfit
If I could only pack one outfit, it would be this one. A fitted merino or synthetic long-sleeve base, a zip-front fleece and a hooded waterproof, windproof shell. The zip on the fleece matters; you can vent it on a climb without taking anything off. Quick-drying hiking pants instead of cotton, which stays wet and cold for hours. Waterproof boots with textured soles for wet paths. Wool socks, a compact backpack, a beanie and light gloves. A blue, red or yellow jacket pops against black lava fields. Check whether your hiking pants are fully waterproof or just water-resistant; if it's the latter, rain pants go in the pack.
2. Iceland September Puffer Jacket And Thermal Leggings Outfit
Early September mornings can be properly cold before the sun gets going, and a light puffer handles that without eating suitcase space; most pack down into their own pocket. Wear it over a breathable thermal top and a thin quarter-zip fleece. Fleece-lined outdoor leggings are comfortable on long drives, but they need to be made for outdoor use. Thin everyday leggings go see-through when you bend and let wind straight through. Waterproof lace-up boots, thick wool socks and a warm beanie. Puffers aren't waterproof, so when rain arrives, a roomy shell goes over the top. A longline puffer covers more; a hip-length one is easier for active days.
3. Iceland September Reykjavík Wool Sweater And Trousers Outfit
Reykjavik is where most people want to look less like they're about to climb a mountain. A fine thermal top under a wool sweater in cream, charcoal, navy or a Nordic pattern does that and stays warm. Black straight-leg trousers in a stretchy quick-dry fabric look smart and dry fast if you get caught in a shower. Waterproof Chelsea boots, and a knee-length raincoat or slim waterproof parka. A crossbody bag with a secure zip. The scarf and beanie come off in cafés and museums. I'd skip very wide trousers here, because the hems soak up water from wet pavement and stay damp all day.
4. Iceland September Golden Circle Fleece And Joggers Outfit
Golden Circle days are stop and start: twenty minutes in the car, ten minutes in the wind at a geyser or waterfall, then back again. A midweight zip fleece over a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt is the layer that does the work, because you can take it off in the car without fuss. Tapered technical joggers are more comfortable seated than stiff hiking pants, and thin thermal leggings go under them if it's cold. A waterproof shell on top, waterproof hiking boots, cushioned wool socks, a knit beanie and touchscreen gloves so you don't strip off a glove for every photo. Zip pockets on the joggers keep your phone from falling out at a viewpoint. Rain pants and a spare gaiter in a small backpack.
5. Iceland September South Coast Rain Jacket And Rain Pants Outfit
The South Coast is where you'll get wettest, between the rain, the wind and the waterfalls. This is the outfit where I'd wear full waterproofs: a fully waterproof hooded jacket and matching overpants over a merino base and warm fleece. Underneath the overpants, thermal leggings or slim hiking trousers that won't bunch up at the knee. Mid-height waterproof boots for ankle support on rocky, muddy paths. Wool hiking socks, waterproof gloves and a snug beanie that fits under the hood without pushing it forward over your eyes. Black overpants with a rust, teal or cobalt shell look coordinated rather than technical. Clean lines and one color make even full rain gear photograph well.
6. Iceland September Waterfall Sweater And Waterproof Shell Outfit
Near a waterfall, the spray drifts much farther than it looks from the parking lot. A wool sweater over a thin thermal top is warm even if a bit of damp gets through, which is why I'd pick wool over cotton knits here. A waterproof shell with an adjustable hood, sealed seams and room to move goes over both. Softshell hiking pants, with waterproof overpants packed for heavy spray. Sturdy waterproof boots, merino socks, gloves and a neck gaiter. Braid long hair or put it in a low bun; loose hair whipped by wet wind is miserable and tangles fast. A shell in a vivid color helps photos against the white water. Phone and small items go in a zippered waterproof pouch.
7. Iceland September Glacier Tour Thermal And Fleece Outfit
On a glacier walk your tour operator will usually supply crampons, a helmet and a harness, so your clothes need to fit comfortably underneath them. That rules out long coats and bulky puffers. A close-fitting merino or synthetic thermal top and matching bottoms, a breathable fleece, and stretchy, durable hiking pants that let you step high. A waterproof shell on top, plus overpants if rain or sleet is in the forecast. Crampons need a stiff boot with a firm sole, so check the operator's footwear requirements; many rent boots if yours won't do. Wool socks, a thin beanie that fits under a helmet, a gaiter and gloves you can still grip with. Jeans are the worst option here: stiff, cold and slow to dry.
8. Iceland September Northern Lights Parka And Fleece Pants Outfit
By mid to late September the nights are dark enough for northern lights, and waiting for them feels far colder than the daytime temperature suggests, because you're standing still. A thermal base set, a thick fleece or wool sweater, and an insulated parka with a weather-resistant outer. Fleece-lined hiking pants or insulated trousers are much warmer than leggings alone; legs get cold faster than people expect. Thick-soled waterproof boots keep the cold ground from seeping through. Heavy wool socks, a lined beanie, a gaiter and insulated gloves. If the parka isn't waterproof, bring a big shell to go over it. Hand warmers help during long waits. Deep green or burgundy adds a bit of color to night photos.
9. Iceland September Hot Spring Swimsuit And Puffer Outfit
Most people pack a swimsuit and forget everything else, then shiver on the way out. Wear a one-piece under quick-dry leggings or loose travel pants and a moisture-wicking long-sleeve top, with a zip-front fleece and a light puffer for before and after. A waterproof shell covers the walk between the car, the changing rooms and the water. Slip-on waterproof sandals for the pool deck; warm socks and boots for the rest of the day. A long puffer is the most comfortable thing to pull on afterward because it covers your thighs. Pack a compact towel, a wet bag, a hair tie and clean underlayers. A thin cotton cover-up does nothing in September wind. Expect to shower without your swimsuit before entering, which is the norm at Icelandic pools.
10. Iceland September Road Trip Flannel And Vest Outfit
A brushed flannel shirt is one of the more comfortable layers for a long drive, soft and warm without the bulk of a sweater. Wear it over a fitted thermal shirt, with a light insulated vest on top. The vest keeps your core warm while leaving your arms free for steering. Stretchy technical pants or thick outdoor leggings, and waterproof ankle boots instead of sneakers, since a five-minute roadside walk often crosses wet grass. Keep the rain shell, beanie, gloves and scarf on the back seat, not in the trunk. Flannel is cotton, though, so it's fine in the car and around town but not as a hiking layer in the rain. Earthy green, rust, navy or burgundy plaid.
11. Iceland September Café Turtleneck And Jeans Outfit
Jeans are fine in Iceland on a city day when you can duck into a café as soon as it rains. They're the wrong choice anywhere you'll get soaked, because wet denim stays cold and heavy. Dark straight-leg denim with a fitted thermal turtleneck, a soft wool cardigan or crewneck sweater, and a waterproof trench or slim raincoat on top. Weather-resistant Chelsea boots handle wet pavement better than suede or fabric shoes. Wool socks, a structured crossbody and a scarf. An umbrella is a backup at best; a hooded coat does more in the wind. A neat full-length or slightly cropped hem keeps the jeans out of puddles. If the day includes a coastal walk, take waterproof trousers.
12. Iceland September Dinner Knit Dress And Boots Outfit
A knit dress is the easiest way to look dressed for dinner without packing anything formal. Merino or a substantial soft knit in a long-sleeve midi length packs small and doesn't crease. A thin thermal camisole and warm tights underneath, and waterproof leather ankle boots with a low heel or flat sole, because you'll still be walking on wet streets. A tailored wool coat looks the part, though wool gets heavy and smells of wet sheep in a downpour, so bring a raincoat to wear over it. A compact shoulder bag, simple jewelry and a soft scarf. Black, camel, forest green or burgundy all go with the rest of your outerwear. Keep the hem above the ankle so it stays dry.
13. Iceland September Colorful Raincoat And Cargo Pants Outfit
Gray sky and dark volcanic rock make one bright jacket look its best. Choose a fully waterproof shell in red, cobalt, turquoise or golden yellow, and keep everything under it neutral: a thermal shirt and a charcoal zip fleece. Tapered technical cargo pants with secure pockets and a quick-dry finish carry your phone, snacks and lip balm without a bag. Black waterproof hiking boots, wool socks, matching gloves, a plain black beanie and a water-resistant daypack. Resist adding a second bright color; two strong shades together look busy in photos. A single bold jacket also makes you easy to find in a wide landscape shot.
14. Iceland September Tunic Fleece And Leggings Outfit
A longline fleece or tunic-length layer gives coverage over the hips and seat, which is welcome in wind and comfortable for anyone who prefers not to have leggings on show. Wear it over a soft thermal top, with fleece-lined leggings designed for the outdoors. The waterproof jacket goes on top and should close easily without pulling across the shoulders or hips. If it pulls, size up; a tight shell lets wind in at the gaps. Wide-calf waterproof boots or a lace-up style you can adjust give a better fit than a fixed shaft. Wool socks, a beanie, light gloves and a crossbody with an adjustable strap. Two-way zips and adjustable hems let the jacket open from the bottom when you sit. Black underneath with an olive, plum or blue jacket.
15. Iceland September Carry-On Capsule Outfit
This is the outfit I build a whole trip around, and every other look on this list borrows from it. A black merino long-sleeve, slim technical trousers and black waterproof boots, plus a neutral zip fleece, a light insulated jacket and a colorful waterproof shell. Gray beanie, wool scarf, gloves and a compact crossbody. Wear the boots and the bulkiest jacket on the plane to save room. The black trousers go with a wool sweater for Reykjavik, or over thermal leggings for a cold excursion. Merino tops can be worn several days without washing, which is how a carry-on stretches to a week. Keep every color in one family so everything mixes.
Turning Hiking Layers Into a Dinner Outfit
Not everyone wants to pack a dress just for dinner. You can make the clothes you already brought look evening-appropriate with a few swaps:
- Keep the merino turtleneck or long-sleeve base, which looks like ordinary knitwear once the fleece is off.
- Swap hiking pants for the black stretch trousers or dark jeans you wore in Reykjavik.
- Change into Chelsea boots, so the hiking boots stay by the door to dry.
- Add one piece of jewelry, a pair of earrings or a pendant, which takes no luggage space.
- Leave the bright shell in the car for the walk and wear the wool sweater or a scarf as your visible layer.
Restaurants in Iceland are generally relaxed, and plenty of diners turn up in outdoor gear. The swap is for how you want to feel, not a dress code.
Outdoor Gear Fit on Curvy, Tall and Plus-Size Bodies
Technical outerwear is often cut straight and narrow, which is a problem if your hips are wider than your shoulders or you're longer in the body. Look for shells with a two-way zip, which opens at the bottom when you sit or climb, and adjustable hem toggles that let you widen or close the bottom. A drop tail at the back covers the lower back when you bend.
For tall travelers, sleeve length matters most; cuffs should cover the wrist with your arms stretched forward, or wind and rain get into your gloves. Plus-size travelers should check that the jacket closes over the thickest layer you plan to wear, not just over a T-shirt. Fleece-lined leggings and pull-on rain pants with an elastic waist are usually easier to fit than structured hiking pants, and they layer well.
A Small Capsule Covers the Whole of September
A September wardrobe for Iceland comes down to warmth you can adjust, a shell that actually keeps water out, and pieces that mix. These outfits go from glacier walks and waterfalls to Reykjavik cafés, hot springs and dinner, but they share the same base layer, warm layer and shell. Quick-drying pants and supportive waterproof boots beat heavy denim for any day outdoors. Wool socks, gloves, a beanie and a neck gaiter take up almost no room and make the biggest difference when the wind picks up. Pack a small coordinated capsule instead of a different outfit for every activity. You'll carry less, stay comfortable and look like yourself in every photo.
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