Planning a trip to Iceland? May might be the perfect month to visit. As a shoulder season between spring and summer, it offers a sweet balance of milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and fewer tourists than peak summer months - all without the high-season prices. Whether you're chasing waterfalls along the south coast or soaking in geothermal pools, May's unique conditions create the ideal backdrop for adventure.
Let's dive into what you need to know about Iceland's May weather to make your 2025 trip unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
May in Iceland brings mild temperatures between 4-9Β°C (39-48Β°F), with differences across regions
Expect rain in 9-16 days, depending on where you are, while snow is rare except in the Highlands
Daylight jumps from 17 hours in early May to over 20 hours by month-end
May hits the sweet spot with decent weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices
Pack layers, including waterproof gear, and make the most of open roads for exploring
Overview of May's Weather in Iceland
May marks Iceland's shift from spring to summer, bringing nicer weather that's perfect for exploring. As a local, I can assure you it's a great time to visit. The days get much longer, it's not too cold, and you won't deal with summer crowds.
Weather in May can change quicklyβyou'll get some sunny periods, cloudy days, and rain. Winds can pick up out of nowhere, so always be ready for sudden changes. The good news is that May is one of the drier months, making it great for road trips and exploring outdoors.
For travelers looking at their budget, May is perfectβthe weather is getting better, and hotels and car rentals cost less than in summer. This mix makes it great for travelers who don't mind wearing an extra layer.
Temperatures in May usually range from 4-9Β°C (39-48Β°F), but it varies depending on where you are. In ReykjavΓk and the southern parts, daytime highs can reach 10-12Β°C (50-54Β°F), while nighttime drops to about 3-4Β°C (37-39Β°F).
Early May starts cooler, around 2-5Β°C (36-41Β°F), but by the end of the month, you can see up to 11Β°C (52Β°F) on nice days. The north, including Akureyri, tends to be a bit cooler, especially in the evenings when the wind picks up.
It feels warmer than the numbers suggest when the sun is out and there's no wind. But when it's windy, it can feel much colder, especially near the coast. On calm, sunny days, you might find yourself taking off layers while hiking.
Does it Rain and Snow in May in Iceland?
Rain is part of the deal in Iceland, even in May. You can expect wet weather on 9-16 days during the month. ReykjavΓk gets about 60mm of rain spread across 16 days, while areas like Akureyri might see around 44mm over 15 days.
The good news is that May is one of the drier months. When it rains, it often doesn't last all day, so you can still see plenty between showers. The rain tends to be light rather than heavy downpours.
Snow becomes rare as May goes on. You might see a bit in northern areas or highlands during the first week, but coastal and southern regions are typically snow-free all month. Mountain tops and the Central Highlands often keep their snow through May, which limits access to some hiking trails and mountain roads.
Daylight Hours
One of May's biggest perks is the massive increase in daylight. Early May already gives you about 17 hours of light, with the sun up before 5 AM and setting after 10 PM. By the end of the month, you'll enjoy over 20 hours of daylight, with only about 4 hours of darkness.
This extra daylight is great for taking photos and lets you pack more into each day. You can start early and explore until late evening. The light in May is also specialβthe sun stays low on the horizon, creating beautiful golden hours that last much longer than in southern countries.
The downside of all this daylight is that you won't see the Northern Lights, which need dark skies. If seeing the aurora is on your bucket list, May isn't the time to visit.
Weather in Iceland in May by Region
Iceland's weather changes quite a bit from one area to another:
South (ReykjavΓk, Vik, Golden Circle):
The friendliest weather, with temps of 4-10Β°C (39-50Β°F) and about 60mm of rain. Roads are open, and most attractions are ready for visitors.
North (Akureyri, HΓΊsavΓk):
A bit cooler than the south, especially at night. Average temps are around 7Β°C (46Β°F) with about 44mm of rain over 15 days. Early May might have some light snow.
East
Usually drier than the west, but temperatures match the north. The wind can be strong, especially along the fjords.
West
Can be wetter than other areas, with unpredictable weather. Winds often pick up in the afternoon.
Central Highlands
Still mostly closed in May due to snow and mud. It's much colder here than in coastal areas, and snow sticks around all month in many spots.
Westfjords
Often the last place to warm up, with some roads possibly closed in early May. The weather gets much better by late May.
2024 Overview
Looking at what happened in 2024 gives us a good idea of what to expect in 2025:
ReykjavΓk had no snow throughout May, with an average temp of 7Β°C (44.6Β°F). Rainfall was about 73.3mm, which was 40% more than usual.
Akureyri in the north had patchy snow during the first two days of May, with an average temp of 7.8Β°C (46Β°F). This was 1.6Β°C warmer than the long-term average, showing the warming trend Iceland has seen in recent years.
The southwest and west were wetter than normal, while the northeast and east were drier. These regional differences are typical and worth keeping in mind when planning your trip.
What to Pack
Smart packing is key for Iceland in May. Focus on layers rather than heavy individual pieces:
Base layers: Thermal or wool underwear that pulls moisture away from your body
Mid layers: Fleece or wool sweaters (a traditional Icelandic lopapeysa works great)
Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
Accessories: Hat, gloves, scarf, and extra socks
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for outdoors
Casual clothes: For restaurants and indoor activities in ReykjavΓk
Swimwear: For hot springs and pools like the Blue Lagoon
Sunglasses: The sun can be bright with long daylight hours
Sleep mask: Helpful for getting rest when it's still light outside
Remember that in Iceland people say, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." Dressing in layers lets you adjust quickly when conditions change.
Things to Do in May
May opens up lots of possibilities across Iceland:
Road Trips
The Ring Road and most main routes are fully open, making it perfect for driving yourself around. Some mountain roads remain closed, but the main attractions are all accessible. Rent a 4WD if you plan to drive on gravel roads.
Whale Watching
May is great for seeing marine life, with whales like humpbacks and minkes returning to Icelandic waters. Tours run from ReykjavΓk, HΓΊsavΓk, and Akureyri.
Puffin Spotting
These cute birds come back to Iceland in May. Visit the Westman Islands, LΓ‘trabjarg in the Westfjords, or DyrhΓ³laey near VΓk to spot them.
Hiking
Many trails open up in May, though Highland paths may still have snow. Good options include trails around Γingvellir National Park, the Reykjadalur hot springs hike (about an hour from the parking lot), and coastal walks in the SnΓ¦fellsnes Peninsula.
Cultural Events
The ReykjavΓk Arts Festival usually happens in May, with performances and exhibitions. It's a great way to experience Icelandic culture beyond nature.
May's milder weather makes it comfortable to ride and experience the unique Icelandic horse.
Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools
These feel especially good after a day of exploring in the cool May air. Beyond the Blue Lagoon (around $100 entry), check out Sky Lagoon near ReykjavΓk or find natural hot spots in the countryside.
Glacier Activities
Glacier hiking, ice cave tours, and snowmobiling are still running in May on glaciers like SΓ³lheimajΓΆkull and LangjΓΆkull.
Iceland in May gives you the perfect mix of decent weather, fair prices, and fewer crowds. The long daylight hours mean more time to explore, and most attractions are open. While you should be ready for some rain and cool temps, the weather won't stop you from enjoying everything this amazing island has to offer.
