Outerwear for September Trip

No matter what time of year, it can be sunny, raining, windy, cold, etc. Always dress in layers, and make sure you have waterproof pants and jacket. And a warm hat and gloves. Don't wear jeans or anything cotton because if you get wet you'll be miserable. We went in late August/early September, and I even wore long underwear a couple of days because I got cold.

I agree wit the above post. We have been 5 times, twice summer, twice in October and February. For the most part the clothing is al the same. Waterproof and layers, year round. It is not just the temperature, but the wind. It is crazy there and will make you feel much colder, especially if you get wet. I do suggest two pairs of gloves because if/when one gets wet, then you have an immediate backup. I lost a pair on our Feb. trip and was miserable until I was able to buy a replacement pair.

I agree with the previous posts. You don't say exactly where you're going, but when I traveled the Ring Road in September, the weather in the north was much cooler than in the south. It even snowed one morning near Myvatn. I found that merino wool layers and waterproof pants were lifesavers!! Also, a packable down vest 😉

I was there in June. And I think it was probably cooler and rainier than normal (several days it rained pretty much non-stop rather than on and off), but we were COLD.

So I'd bring a pretty serious winter coat that is waterproof. And a rain coat. Rain pants. Hat/Gloves/Scarf. Fleece-lined legging. I'd say in half my pictures I have on my stocking hat. I wore the rain pants probably 75% of the time. And I had a coat on probably 75% of the time (and some of that was a winter coat).

I loved Iceland and would go back in a heartbeat!

Have a stocking cap if it’s cold. The wind will blow of a normal hat.

Hi cgillmac, I was in Iceland last week, about a month earlier than your trip. I came prepared with two rain jackets (one heavyweight, one light), puffer liner, rain pants (bought them for this trip, never going to wear them), hats, gloves, long underwear, head net for bugs... The weather was cloudy but warm (60s). I wore the light rain jacket every day. Never unpacked anything else. Check the forecasts before you leave. I think your idea of a waterproof jacket with a removable liner for September is a good one.

Edit to add: we were in ĺsafjördur and Reykjavik.

Do check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. A rain coat is a must and items to keep you warm if needed. Gloves, hat, scarf. You may need a winter coat and long johns. I carried a bag with me on my bus tours with extra items, poncho, hat, gloves to use when visiting the waterfalls. A couple of places it was super windy and colder, but the rest of the time we had warm weather, with no jacket needed, but this was unusual I think. Sept. is going to be different.

Also note that it depends on where in Iceland you are going. If you are staying in Reykjavik, you an easily get by without the hats etc, but if you head out at all, these will quickly become "must haves". The forecast for Iceland is useless until at most 2 days ahead of time, but usually just a day in advance. Just the location alone makes it very hard for meteorologists.

My husband and I are currently in Reykjavik. The weather has been--we are told--uncharacteristically warm. We have often been down to shirt sleeves and still warm. We have seen several young men in shorts. So, ... definitely layer.

Thank you for sharing your recommendations. I definitely plan on taking the rain coat and liner. We each just got a pair of waterproof pants, which I think will serve us well. And layers, layers, layers! Thank you again!

Hopefully you can pull your rain pants on over your shoes. I’d gone with a less expensive pair several years ago only to realize this fault. They velcro at the bottom instead of having side zippers. They are fully waterproof so that works fine but I wish I’d spent more for a better pair. I’m just ending 2 weeks on Orkney and Shetland and wore them quite a bit.

Pam, the waterproof pants we got are REI brand from REI. They zip up the outer leg and also come in petite and short (men's) sizes.
They were on sale, so I was happy to buy them when we did. I was in Shetland September 2022 for Wool Week and I could see how they will be handy there for future trips, as I hope to return!