What should I pack for Iceland in August?

[IcelandQuestion]

Have you been in summer? What did you pack/ wear?

We are going for 4 days in August. It's to visit family who will also be visiting, as it's almost half way between us. DH, myself and DC who will just be 5.

I've googled the average weather, temperatures etc. For some reason I can't really get my head round what we'll need - I know it shouldn't be that hard to work out! I veer between panicking we're going to freeze and whether I need to buy thermals, to thinking 'what if it's actually really warm and we should have had shorts and summer dresses'. I think the fact that we're only taking cabin bags is throwing me too.

For DC for example, I was thinking she'd be fine in leggings, long sleeve t-shirts with a hoodie/ jumper/ cardigan. But I'll also take a warmish but lightweight coat for her. Trainers/ walking shoes rather than sandals is that right? And similar things for us.

Standard tourist itinerary I'd imagine - nothing extreme, sightseeing and out for a few meals in the evening (not fancy ones probably with young kids in tow).

Layers! Like everywhere in the north. Light trousers suitable for walking are an excellent option (mine are craghoppers), base tops both vest and long sleeve, mid layer fleece and waterproof jacket, hat, good boots if you are hiking and take waterproof over trousers if doing hiking.

A few layers. Leggings or jeans are fine. T shirt, jumper and then a warmish coat like a lightweight puffy. Definitely a waterproof. Walking boots if you are doing hikes....Definitely for glacier hikes. I've been in July and it's mild but can be chilly and wet, bright and breezy and you usually always want a jumper / sweatshirt on unless actually hiking.

@BjorkdiditExcept just wandering around, seeing the pond, big relief map of the island in the town hall, rainbow street, water front, food and drink, loads of museums including Perlan, swimming pools, going up the church tower, quirky shops, concert hall.
Definitely go on some tours, but you can easily fill a couple of days in Reykjavik too.

🫣 umm, you haven’t convinced me. I liked having a look around but not the most interesting or vibrant of cities. I think it would be a shame to spend time there when you could be out exploring the stunning countryside outside of the city. Whilst Iceland is one of my favourite holiday destinations, Reykjavik has to be one of the most underwhelming cities I’ve visited. It’s so small, it’s hardly suprising.

OP can have a google and see what she thinks.

The last time we were in Iceland we spend ten days there in August and it was good weather almost all the time. We had a little rain but noth8ng to worry about. Mostly it was cool but sunny.

Plenty of money! Amazing but so expensive! Hope you're have a great time. I wore a leather jacket with black thermal jumper underneath

@Anxioustealady Going with the same company to Norway next summer. We thought about driving ourselves but there’s something wonderful about seeing everything from the sea.

Not taking my leather jacket. I’m expecting some rain. Waterproof being packed!