When traveling in Iceland we recommend layers! - Lightweight woolens - A sweater or warm fleece - Rainproof coat (and trousers if you have them) - Walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended A swimsuit is essential if you want to take advantage of the geothermal and/or natural pools. Makes sure you check the weather forecast frequently as the weather is known to change suddenly.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland isn’t as cold as it sounds. Temperatures are moderate year-round. Average June temperatures are around 51 degrees in Reykjavík - the north and east are often the warmest parts in the summer. Snow is not the norm and only settles intermittently in Reykjavík but tends to stay longer in the north. In the summer, light clothing is often all you need - but always be prepared for both cold and wet weather at all times of the year. The weather can be extremely changeable. Icelanders often say, "If you don't like the weather, just wait 15 minutes." And always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. A favorite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermal heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 77-85 degrees. We highly encourage you to take advantage of the natural pools or lagoons during your stay as they are one of the best and most unique features that Iceland has to offer.
The Icelandic days range between super short and super long. In June, the average low temperature is 48 degrees and the average high is 59 degrees. The sun barely sets in the summer in Reykjavík and it’s light round-the-clock in the north at the peak of summer. In mid-winter, expect only about four to five hours a day of daylight. During the wedding weekend we will barely see darkness, with the sun setting around 12PM and the sun rising by 3AM. That being said, it will feel like 24 hour sunlight with "sunset" only being as dark as dusk.
Service and VAT are invariably included in prices in Iceland and tipping is not required. However, if you are very pleased with the service provided, Icelanders are not offended if they are offered a tip.
We visited in September and utilized ApplePay everywhere we went (super easy and convenient). If you prefer to use cash or card, remember to notify your bank of your travel plans prior to leaving the states. You may also want to check with your credit card company to see if they charge foreign transaction fee's.
Food in Iceland can be a bit expensive! Remember, since it's an Island- If it can't be grown there, it has to be imported. Therefore, we suggest eating locally caught/grown as much as possible. Lamb, fish and root vegetables are common on most menu's in Iceland. Please don't eat the whales.