What Should You Wear on a South Coast Tour?
Dress for spray, wind and fast-changing weather, and the whole day gets better.
Written with Björn Einarsson, Iceland South Coast tour guide and local specialist
Short answer
Wear waterproofs and sturdy shoes whatever the forecast says, because you get spray at both waterfalls, hard wind at the black beach, and weather that turns fast. A rain jacket, warm layers, a hat and gloves cover most days. Waterproof trousers and grippy hiking shoes are the difference between a great day and a wet, cold one.
The first waterfall on this route soaks you before you know it. At Seljalandsfoss there is a footpath that loops right behind the falling water, and the spray drifts sideways onto the trail long before you reach the curtain. People arrive in a nice wool sweater, walk the path, and come back looking like they fell in a river. So the honest starting point for what to wear here is simple: dress for water, not for the temperature on your phone.
Why the weather rules the packing list
The South Coast throws three things at you in one day. Spray at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Wind that comes straight off the North Atlantic at Reynisfjara, the black-sand beach, where there is nothing between you and the sea. And weather that flips from sun to sideways rain inside an hour, which is normal here, not bad luck. I have guided this stretch since 2022, and the travelers who enjoy it most are almost always the ones who packed like it might pour, then got lucky. The ones who suffer packed for the forecast.
You are also outside in short, sharp bursts rather than all day. The tour runs about ten hours, roughly five of them driving, so you step out into the elements, get cold or wet, then warm up on a heated minibus. That rhythm is kind. It also means you want layers you can throw on and peel off fast, not one big coat you are stuck with.
Layer by layer, from the skin out
Start with a base layer that is not cotton. Merino or a synthetic long-sleeve top holds warmth even when it gets damp, and something will get damp. Cotton soaks and stays cold.
Over that, a warm mid-layer: a fleece or a light down or synthetic puffer. This is your main heat, and you will take it on and off between stops. Bring one that packs small.
Then the piece most people underestimate, a proper waterproof shell jacket. Not water-resistant, not a fashion parka, an actual rain shell with a hood. And here is the part travelers skip and regret: waterproof trousers too. The path behind Seljalandsfoss will wet you from the waist down if the wind is up, and waterproof over-trousers you can pull on in ten seconds keep the whole day comfortable. I wrote more about that spray and the hidden second fall next door in this piece on walking behind Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, and the short version is: the people in rain trousers were grinning.
A warm hat and gloves belong in your bag even in July. Summer here is cool and windy, not warm, and at the beach or a glacier viewpoint your hands go numb quickly. They weigh nothing. Pack them.
Shoes matter more than you think
Wear waterproof hiking shoes or boots with real grip. The basalt at Reynisfjara gets wet and slick, the paths around the falls are muddy and puddled, and smooth-soled trainers slide. Grippy soles are also a safety thing on that beach, where you want to stay steady and well back from the water. Reynisfjara has genuine sneaker waves that rush far up the sand without warning, and sure footing helps you move quickly if you need to; I cover the full picture in is Reynisfjara safe. Skip white canvas shoes and anything you mind getting muddy.
Summer versus winter
In summer, June through August, the layers above are plenty. Long daylight, cool air, a lot of wind. You are dressing against wet and wind, not deep cold.
Winter is a different animal. Add a genuinely warm insulated coat, thermal leggings under your trousers, and think about traction. Ice forms on the paths and viewpoints, and a pair of strap-on microspikes over your boots turns a treacherous walk into an easy one. Days are short and roads can be snowy, so warmth and grip both go up a level. If a winter trip is on your mind, read the South Coast in winter before you pack.
What not to bother with
Leave the umbrella at home, the wind will destroy it. Skip jeans, they soak and stay cold for hours. You do not need heavy mountaineering boots or crampons unless you have booked a separate guided glacier ice-walk, which comes with certified gear anyway. And do not overpack for the vehicle; you want a small daypack, not a suitcase, at your feet.
A quick packing checklist
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Non-cotton base layer | Stays warm when damp |
| Fleece or light puffer | Main warmth, packs small |
| Waterproof shell jacket + trousers | Spray at the falls, rain any time |
| Warm hat and gloves | Wind and cold hands, even in summer |
| Waterproof hiking shoes with grip | Wet basalt, muddy paths, safety |
| Microspikes (winter) | Ice on paths and viewpoints |
| Small daypack, water, snacks | Easy in and out at each stop |
Dressed like this, the forecast stops mattering, and that is the whole point. A rainy day at these waterfalls is still magnificent when you are warm and dry inside your shell. If you are ready to go, you can check the live dates and price on the operator's Viator listing, then just pack the bag above. You can also read the full stop-by-stop rundown on the South Coast full-day minibus tour page.
Do I really need waterproof trousers, or is a jacket enough?
Bring the trousers. The footpath behind Seljalandsfoss throws spray sideways, and on a windy day a jacket alone leaves you wet from the waist down for the rest of the trip. Waterproof over-trousers pull on in seconds and keep you comfortable all day.
What should I wear in summer?
Summer here is cool and windy, not warm. A non-cotton base layer, a fleece or light puffer, a waterproof shell, and a hat and gloves cover most days. You are dressing against wet and wind rather than deep cold.
Are trainers or sneakers okay?
Only if they grip and you don't mind them getting muddy. Waterproof hiking shoes are far better: the basalt at Reynisfjara is slick when wet, the paths around the falls are puddled, and sure footing is a safety point at the beach.
Do I need special gear for the glacier?
Not for the standard tour. The Sólheimajökull stop is a viewpoint, so ordinary warm, waterproof layers are fine. Actual ice-walks on the glacier are a separate add-on and come with crampons and a certified guide, so you don't bring your own.
What about winter?
Add a warm insulated coat, thermal leggings, and strap-on microspikes for icy paths and viewpoints. Days are short and cold, so warmth and grip both matter more than in summer.