What to Pack for Travel in Faroe Islands

By Guide to Faroe Islands Verified Expert

What are the essential things to pack and wear when exploring the Faroe Islands? Wondering which clothing to take with you on your Faroe Islands vacation? Should your travel bag reflect the different seasons? This is your guide helping you know how to pack your bag for travel in Faroe Islands.

Dip into the largest selection of Day Tours in the Faroe Islands
Find the Top 10 Tours in the Faroe Islands
Check out this wide selection of Faroe Islands Vacation Packages
Be sure to check this One Week Itinerary in the Faroe Islands
See also: 18 Things to Know for your First Trip to Faroe Islands

Once you have decided to visit Faroe Islands, you might already know that the weather in the Faroe Islands is unpredictable and ever changing. Here is your complete packing list and wardrobe tips for both the summer and winter season.

Bosdalafossur Guide to Faroe Islands — The breathtaking view at the end of Lake Sørvágsvatn. The cliff on the left hand side is the free-standing Geituskorardrangur that elevates 116 metres above sea level. Photo by Brad Harris also know as @bharwcb on Instagram.

The packing list covers all the season. It will give you tips what to wear both when the wind is howling and when the islands are calm and peaceful.

One thing is for sure, following this packing list is your ticket to a memorable vacation in the Faroe Islands. It will let you enjoy the wide array of available outdoor activities all ready for you to experience. Have a look at the Best Hikes in the Faroe Islands where wearing the right clothing is key.

Temperatures in the Faroe Islands

Puffin in rain — *Puffin finding shelter during rain. Photo by Kah-Wai Lin.*

Travellers are out hiking and doing other kinds of outdoor activities all year round in the utterly untouched nature. No matter what the season, always check the weather forecast the evening before any nature wander.

As a general rule, temperatures only occasionally reach 20 °C (68 ºF) in the warmest months in July and August. The temperature in summer will usually be between 12-15 °C (54-59 ºF). While the air is cool, there are almost 24-hours of sunlight during this period.

Slættaratindur covered in snow — View of the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands, Slættaratindur, during the winter months. You get this view close to the village Elduvík on Eysturoy Island. Photo by Lucas de França known as @lucasdefranca_ on Instagram.

In the course of the darkest months in December, January, and February, you can expect the temperature to drop under 0 °C (32 °F). The outside temperature will be 5°C (41°F) most of the time.

Even though temperatures do not vary that much, what you put in your luggage at home before heading to all the top attractions in the unspoiled archipelago in the North Atlantic is crucial. You certainly need some particular items that can shield you from the elements.

Prepare for Rain and Wind

Person in front of waterfall — *Fossá waterfall on Streymoy island. Photo by Julia Pylak also known as @letsgoto_pl on Instagram.*

Unpredictable. That is the best way to explain the weather no matter what the season. Clear skies are never guaranteed. Neither is rain.

Nevertheless, with an average of 250 days with showers, rainproof clothing is always recommendable. Even though the heavens might not open for a couple of days or more, bring a rain coat or a water resistant jacket. Then you can enjoy waterfalls such as Fossá Waterfall right in front of you.

Mom and kid with waterfall in behind — *You will pack warm clothing even in summer. Photo by @colinandmeg on Instagram.*

Pack some waterproof pockets too. These will come handy when you want to keep your essentials dry.

Windproof clothing is also important. Both rainproof and windproof clothing will keep you comfortable when exploring the great outdoors.

Holding shells in hand — Wearing gloves comes down to personal taste. Nevertheless, having gloves with you is a wise thing when exploring the Faroe Islands in winter from November throughout March. Photo by Lucas de França known as @lucasdefranca_ on Instagram.

Most travellers will experience both wind, rain, and sunshine in the same trip. Whenever you visit the Faroe Islands, always remember to pack layers, including a raincoat and a wool or fleece sweater.

It is essential to dress in layers be it in summer or winter. Skip the umbrella as sea breezes are quite common.

Local Outdoor Store in Tórshavn

Outdoor store Tórshavn — *The outdoor store Útirok is located in Tórshavn city centre. You will find everything from hiking poles to quality clothing.*

Seasoned travellers know that unexpected challenges can arise, and having the right gear can make all the difference. For those in need of extra equipment and clothing while in the Faroe Islands, the outdoor store Útirok located in the capital Tórshavn has you covered.

The family run store in the heart of Tórshavn city centre has everything you need when you want to get close to the nature and hike in the Faroe Islands. Outdoor enthusiasts themselves, the staff will guide you to the best weather-protective gear and more.

Winter hikers in Faroe Islands — *You can expect snow from late October to late April. There is no snow guarantee, though. Even the darkest month of December can pass without any snow. Photo credit: Útirok.*

One thing is for sure, you will experience wind while you are in the Faroe Islands. So clothing that will keep you feeling toasty in the brisk wind is very important.

Útirok means ‘Outdoor spray’ in Faroese and the travel essentials you get here will let you embrace the elements. Whether you are summiting Klakkur Mountain Ridge, enjoying secluded places such as Sandoy Island or need equipment to set up water to boil for a cup of warm outdoor tea, this shop in Tórshavn city centre has it all. The store has several top outdoor brands available.

What to Pack for the Faroe Islands in Summer

*The tidy village Tjørnuvík in summer. During winter the villagers never see the sun because of steep mountains surrounding the village.*

When you make your »what to pack for Faroe Islands list«, here is what you need. The list is made for people who come to experience the natural scenery and want to bring time in the rugged mountains and between turf houses in small villages. As a rule of thumb, weather is cool and there are showers most days.

First, here is what to wear in the summer months. This is when you visit Faroe Islands between May and September.

Waterproof boots
Base layers (tights/leggings)
Windbreaker
Wool sweater/thick fleece sweater
Waterproof pants
Hat
Dry bag
Sleep mask (almost 24h daylight in summer)

What to Pack for the Faroe Islands in Winter

Highland Cattle in Faroe Islands — *You will find Highland Cattle roaming in the Faroe Islands. Photo by Lucas de França.*

Are you coming between October and April? Here is what you need to pack for Faroe Islands when visiting in winter and early spring. Expect there to be more wind and rain in winter but still absolutely unbelievable sites when doing your Faroe Islands itinerary.

Gloves
Wool socks
Scarf
Hat
Waterproof boots
Base layers (tights/leggings)
Windproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Wool sweater/thick fleece sweater
Dry bag

Actually, much of your moral when exploring the great outdoors depends on keeping your feet dry. Make sure to bring waterproof boots!

Waterfall in the Faroe Islands — *Gásadalur in winter. You will most likely see epic rainbows while you are in the Faroe Islands both during summer and winter.*

Besides these clothing for the chilly winter days, you should of course bring clothes to wear for your evenings out in Tórshavn or other smaller settlements around the islands. So even though you want to explore those must-see places in the Faroe Islands, you should definitely remember your second pair of shoes and clothes for restaurants and relaxing.

The locals are mostly in casual clothes when going out in the evening. So a good advice is to change your adventurous outdoor clothes before going out.

Kid in front of waterfall — *Dress in layers, bring a wind-proof jacket and mak sure to pack a hat. Photo by @colinandmeg on Instagram.*

Follow the packing list mentioned here and you will make the most of time spent in the unbelievable Faroe Islands. Be it on an exciting boat tour or an adventurous hiking tour in the mighty mountains.

Feeling inspired to learn more about the Faroe Islands, the weather, nature, and how to get the untouched archipelago? Plan ahead and check out flights to the Faroe Islands and take the next step.