Iceland in May is pretty special. Winter fades away completely, revealing a green, lively landscape ready to explore—without the summer's tourist masses. As any local will tell you, May hits that sweet spot for experiencing the best of Iceland.
You get long, bright days to check out waterfalls, spot cute puffins, and watch for whales—all while keeping more money in your pocket. The weather warms up enough to be outside comfortably but stays cool enough for hiking without sweating buckets.
Key Takeaways
May brings nicer weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices than summer months
Days stretch to 17-20 hours of light, giving you extra time to explore
Wildlife viewing is at its best with puffins returning and whale watching season starting
Most main roads are open and clear, though mountain roads stay closed
Pack layers for weather that can flip from sunny to rainy in an hour
Hotels and guesthouses cost about 20-30% less than peak summer
Overview of Iceland in May
May is when Iceland wakes up from winter and gets ready for summer. Snow melts at lower levels, feeding huge waterfalls and uncovering green grass and colorful spring flowers. The countryside bursts back to life.
The days get crazy long in May. Early in the month, you already get about 17 hours of daylight, with the sun up at 5:00 AM and setting around 10:00 PM. By the end of May, you're looking at 20 hours of daylight with just a short dim period instead of actual darkness. This means tons of time for adventures and taking photos.
May sits right between seasons, giving you benefits other months can't match. The nasty winter weather is mostly gone, yet the summer crowds haven't shown up yet. You get a more real experience with enough places open for visitors but without the headache of packed attractions.
In May, you'll see way fewer tourists at popular spots. The Golden Circle sites, like Geysir and Gullfoss, won't be swarming with tour buses. At Reynisfjara black sand beach, you can snap photos without strangers photobombing every shot. Even the Blue Lagoon feels more peaceful.
More reasonable prices
Travel costs drop significantly in May compared to summer. Hotel prices can be 20-30% cheaper, while rental cars and many tours offer shoulder season deals. These savings let you either stay longer or splurge on a helicopter ride or a fancy restaurant.
Great Camping Conditions
May is perfect for camping in Iceland. Campsites open up all over the country, and the weather is just right—not too cold at night but before summer's bugs show up. With daylight lasting well into the evening, you won't stress about setting up your tent before dark. You'll save tons of money, too. While hotels cost $150 or more per night, campsites only charge about $10-15 per person. Many spots let you sleep right next to amazing waterfalls or glaciers. Pack a decent tent and a sleeping bag that is good for freezing temperatures, and you're all set.
See Amazing Wildlife
May is prime time for spotting wildlife in Iceland. Puffins come back to coastal cliffs to nest, making it perfect for seeing these adorable birds. Whale watching also gets better as humpbacks and minke whales become more active near the shore. For animal lovers, the timing couldn't be better.
Perfect Weather for Hiking
May hits the sweet spot for hiking—not too cold, not too hot. Trails at lower heights are clear of snow, opening up routes that were closed all winter. The super-long daylight means you can start hikes later or take your time without worrying about getting caught in the dark.
Impressive Waterfalls
Melting snow makes May one of the best times to see Iceland's waterfalls at full power. Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Dettifoss roar with massive amounts of water, creating jaw-dropping scenes. The mix of rushing water against fresh spring greenery makes for amazing photos.
Iceland's May weather isn't exactly warm, but it's much better than winter. Temperatures typically range from 4°C (39°F) to 9°C (48°F), with Reykjavík usually around 7°C (45°F). While you won't be sunbathing, these temperatures work fine for exploring if you dress right.
Weather Changes Quick
The old saying that Iceland can give you all four seasons in one day is definitely true in May. A sunny morning can turn into afternoon rain, followed by wind, then calm evening skies. Always check the forecast and be ready for quick changes.
Different in Each Region
Weather varies a lot depending on where you are. Southern spots like Vík and the Golden Circle usually have milder conditions, while the North around Akureyri might be cooler. The Westfjords and East can be less predictable and sometimes hold onto winter a bit longer.
Rain and Snow
May typically has about 10-15 days with some rain, but heavy downpours are rare. Rain tends to be light, often passing through quickly. Snow is unlikely in lower areas but might show up briefly at higher elevations, especially early in the month.
Wind is a Big Deal
Wind deserves special attention when talking about Iceland's weather. May winds usually blow at 10-20 km/h, but can pick up suddenly, especially in open areas. This makes windproof outer layers essential, even on seemingly calm days.
What to Pack for Iceland in May
Iceland's changing May weather means packing smart is key. Here's what you'll need:
Waterproof jacket and pants - For those sudden rain showers
Warm mid-layers - Fleece or wool sweaters that trap heat without being bulky
Base layers that wick sweat - These keep you dry from the inside
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - Your feet will thank you on wet trails
Warm hat and gloves - For cool mornings and windy spots
Sleep mask - You'll need this for rest during bright nights
Swimsuit - For hot springs and pools (don't forget this one!)
Day backpack - To carry layers as you add or shed them
Sunglasses - The low sun can be surprisingly bright
Water bottle - Tap water in Iceland is clean and delicious
Phone power bank - For long days of taking photos
If you forget something, Reykjavík has outdoor clothing shops, but prices will likely be higher than back home.
Things to Do in May
May opens up tons of options in Iceland, mixing the tail-end of winter activities with other fun activities that are better with milder weather.
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching hits its stride in May. Puffin colonies get busy along coastal cliffs, especially at Dyrhólaey, Látrabjarg, and the Westman Islands. These cute birds are easiest to spot in the evening when they come back from fishing.
Whale-watching tours from Reykjavík, Húsavík, and Akureyri give you great chances to see humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins. The odds of sightings jump way up in May compared to winter months.
Outdoor Adventures
The weather makes May a great month for outdoor activities. Check out these options:
Glacier Walks: Guided hikes on Sólheimajökull or Langjökull let you experience these massive ice sheets up close. Some ice caves stay open in May, though many close as temperatures rise.
Hot Springs: Iceland's hot springs and swimming pools offer warm relaxation and are the perfect balance for cool days. Beyond the famous Blue Lagoon, try less crowded spots like Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or the new Sky Lagoon near Reykjavík.
Hiking: Lower trails clear of snow by mid-May. The Reykjadalur hot spring hike combines an easy trail with the reward of soaking in a naturally heated stream. Coastal paths near Vík or the one connecting Arnarstapi and Hellnar give you dramatic ocean views without summer crowds.
Cultural Experiences
May hosts several cool events worth checking out:
May Day (May 1st): Labor Day brings parades and events in Reykjavík and bigger towns.
Independence Movement Day (June 1st): While technically in June, preparations start in late May for this celebration of Jón Sigurðsson, a hero of Iceland's independence.
Local Festivals: Different towns host spring festivals as the weather improves. Look at event calendars for music shows, art exhibits, and food festivals during your visit.
Sightseeing Highlights
The usual tourist routes—Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula—are all open in May but with fewer crowds. This means more time enjoying attractions and less time waiting for parking or the perfect photo spot.
For photography fans, May's long "golden hours" near sunrise and sunset create perfect lighting that lasts much longer than in summer. The low sun adds depth to photos of mountains, waterfalls, and coastal features.
Driving in Iceland in May
Driving gives you the most freedom to explore Iceland, and May offers good conditions for road trips.
Road Conditions
Main roads, including the entire Ring Road (Route 1) and Golden Circle routes, are fully open and mostly in good shape. By May, winter hazards like black ice are typically gone, though occasional overnight frost is still possible in some areas.
The highland F-roads stay closed until late June, meaning places like Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk can't be reached by regular cars. But most popular spots are accessible via normal roads.
Vehicle Selection
For most May travelers, a regular 2WD vehicle works fine for main routes and popular attractions. Think about getting a 4WD vehicle if you plan to explore:
Areas with river crossings (though major crossings will still be closed)
No matter what vehicle you choose, always get good insurance, including gravel protection and sand/ash damage coverage, as May winds can still cause these problems.
Rent a campervan in Iceland
Make the most of your May trip with the best vehicle possible
Download offline maps for areas with spotty cell service
Drive slower on gravel sections
Fill up when you hit half a tank in rural areas
Watch for single-lane bridges where you need to yield
The super-long daylight means you won't have to worry about driving in darkness, but it can sometimes make you tired from longer driving days. Take regular breaks to stay alert.
Tips for Visiting Iceland in May
Visiting Iceland in May is pretty straightforward, but useful tips can make your trip even smoother.
Booking Strategy
Book your hotels and rental cars at least 2-3 months ahead. While May isn't as busy as summer, rooms in smaller towns can fill up, especially on weekends and holidays.
For activities like whale watching, the Blue Lagoon, or special tours, book a week or more in advance. This makes sure you get the times you want while keeping some flexibility in your schedule.
Local Insights
Swimming pools are a big part of Icelandic culture. Almost every town has a public pool with hot tubs where locals hang out. These give you an authentic cultural experience and cost just $8-10 compared to $50+ at tourist hot springs.
Icelandic tap water is some of the best in the world. Bring a reusable bottle and fill up instead of buying bottled water. This saves money and helps the environment.
Money-Saving Tips
Grocery shopping cuts food costs big time in this expensive country. Bonus and Krónan offer the best deals. Make simple meals and save restaurant visits for special occasions.
Think about getting an Íslandskort card if you'll visit multiple museums or swimming pools. These passes pay for themselves after just a few uses.
Iceland on a budget: Tips to save money on your trip
Escape the usual tourist paths with these less-visited destinations:
East Fjords: Small towns like Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður eystri offer stunning scenery with way fewer visitors than southern areas.
Westfjords: Though some roads may still have limited access early in the month, the dramatic landscapes and wildlife make this region worth considering if you’re visiting in late May.
Reykjanes Peninsula: Most tourists head straight from the airport to Reykjavík, missing the moon-like landscapes, geothermal areas, and coastal features just minutes away.
Conclusion
May gives you a special chance to experience Iceland at its best. The mix of long daylight, returning wildlife, powerful spring waterfalls, and smaller crowds creates ideal conditions for exploring. The money you save by traveling during shoulder season can extend your trip or let you splurge on cool tours and activities.
Whether you're watching puffins return to their summer homes, feeling the spray from spring waterfalls, or just relaxing in a hot spring under the evening sun, May in Iceland delivers amazing experiences that summer crowds might miss entirely.
