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Your Complete Guide to Iceland in May

02-04-2024

Iceland in May

    Visiting Iceland in May is a great idea for a variety of reasons. And as you’ll be arriving mid-spring, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see on your trip. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about May in Iceland, what to expect from a trip to the island during this time, and how to prepare – from packing to planning your trip itinerary.

    So, read on if you’ve always wanted to come to Iceland and have always wondered when would be the best time for you to visit. May might just be the month for you.

    Is May a Good Time to Go to Iceland?

    As we mentioned, traveling to Iceland in May is a wonderful idea for various reasons. Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the right fit for you, as every visitor’s needs, budgets, and Iceland bucket lists differ. That’s why we’ve created a nifty overview of all the pros and cons of visiting Iceland in May so you can ultimately make the decision for yourself:

    Pros

    • The weather in Iceland in May is quite nice. As we touched on, May will essentially be mid-spring here on the island, so temperatures will be steadily on the rise, and you won’t need to worry about some of our extreme weather elements, such as blizzards and 35+ kilometer-an-hour winds.
    • Daylight hours are also increasing, and the mere 4 hours one gets to work with mid-winter are a thing of the past. The extra daylight hours give you plenty of opportunity to explore the island, especially when it comes to outdoor adventures.
    • Driving in Iceland during the colder months of the year can be quite challenging since you have to navigate strong winds as well as snow and ice on the roads. Even the start of spring can be quite nerve-wracking to some, as one can still find ice and snow melting across the island. By the time you arrive in mid-May, road conditions will be back to normal again.
    • The summertime in Iceland is considered our peak season, so you can expect peak season crowds flooding the island. Since May is a shoulder month, but it’s also mid-spring, you can have most of the perks of the summer season but without the pesky peak season crowds.
    • Peak season also usually brings peak season prices along with it, so the fact that you’ve chosen a shoulder month to visit the island means that your budget will stretch much further.
    • Visiting Iceland in May is a great idea if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. May is when the Iceland Puffins come home for the breeding season, and we also have many migratory whales that call the island home during our whale season (which starts in April).

    Cons

    • For some who want to experience certain natural phenomena on the island, the daylight hours might either be too many or too few. For those wondering whether you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland in May, it’s not good news – the daylight hours and the weather conditions don’t make it a great time to go Northern Lights hunting. For those who’ve always wanted to experience the Midnight Sun, you’ll also be a few daylight hours shy of achieving that goal during May in Iceland.
    • If you’re hoping to explore the island via a road trip, you might run into a few roadblocks (literally). That’s because certain roads in the more remote parts of the country (we call them the F-roads in Iceland) are closed throughout the colder months of the year and only open in June. This especially impacts those who want to explore the Highlands and the Westfjords.
    • When it’s not peak season here on the island, things get “slower” on the island, and operational hours change. This change impacts everything from shops to attractions and even transport. So, you’ll need to spend some extra time double-checking operating hours when planning a trip in a shoulder month like May.

    The Weather in Iceland in May

    Generally, the Iceland climate in May treats visitors fairly well. Here’s what you can expect from the weather during your trip:

    Temperatures in Iceland in May

    The Iceland temperature in May ranges between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius, with the average being about 6 degrees Celsius. The good news is that you don’t need to worry about our below-0 freezing temperatures during your trip in May. When it comes to the temperatures in Iceland in May, there are a few fun facts and myths. Firstly, many swear that Reykjavik is warmer than the rest of the island when visiting the capital city.

    Iceland's weather in May

    But this is merely an illusion created by the shelter the buildings offer against the harsher weather elements. So, even though it may feel warmer than the city’s outskirts, it isn’t really. Secondly, the temperature in Reykjavik in May actually does differ when compared to the northern parts of the island. That’s because the north will always be colder than the southern part of Iceland. So, just be prepared if you’re planning on exploring the north.

    Daylight Hours in Iceland in May

    The daylight hours in Iceland in May are ever-increasing, and where you will start the month off with 18 hours of daylight each day, you’ll end the month of May with 20. This is already too many daylight hours to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland in May, yet too few to experience the Midnight Sun.

    Sunrise and sunset will obviously also continuously change along with the increasing daylight hours, but you can look forward to sunrises ranging from around 05:00 to 03:30 and sunsets ranging from 22:00 to 23:30.

    Rainfall in Iceland in May

    There is a chance that you may experience some rainfall during your trip, but it won’t be on torrential downpour levels. In fact, the rainfall during the month of May is often the lowest of the year, with an average of around 42 mm.

    Snowfall in Iceland in May

    When it comes to snowfall, you have almost a 0% chance of having to deal with any, unless you are planning on exploring the highest parts of the mountains in Iceland, of course.

    What to Pack and Wear When Visiting Iceland in May

    You can check out our detailed article if you want a general idea of what to pack for a trip to Iceland, but you’ll need to keep the following in mind when it comes to an Iceland packing list in May:

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    • Remember to use sunscreen and apply it throughout the day. Iceland’s weather can be incredibly deceptive, and even though it may be overcast and not feel very hot, you can still end up with a nasty sunburn.
    • Remember sunglasses. Once again, don’t underestimate our sunlight, especially when it reflects off water. 
    • Take a raincoat. This isn’t to be prepared for the off-chance of it raining but to be prepared for visits to our waterfalls. These powerful falls create incredible amounts of mist and spray that can easily leave you drenched. 
    • Take waterproof clothing and hiking boots. These are for a wide variety of situations you may find yourself in here on the island, from visiting the waterfalls and our natural hot springs with their muddy and wet pathways to going hiking, where you might end up crossing a stream or two. 
    • Don’t pack clothes based on a per-day system, but rather a layering system. Packing a shirt a day simply won’t cut it in our fickle Iceland weather. You need to wear layers so you can always put something on or take something off. Ensure that you pack enough clothes to layer up daily.

    The Best Things to Do in Iceland in May

    Since it’s mid-spring and the weather is nice and mild, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do in Iceland in May, especially when it comes to our outdoor attractions and activities. Here are a few things you can consider adding to your trip itinerary:

    Go on the Reykjavik Food Walk

    If you would like to explore and learn more about the capital city from an experienced guide, all while stuffing your face with delicious local delicacies and some of our finest craft beers, then the Reykjavik Food Walk is the activity for you.

    Food enthusiasts exploring Reykjavik's culinary scene on a guided food walk, tasting traditional Icelandic dishes and local delicacies

    Visit the Waterfalls

    We have plenty of waterfalls in Iceland (over 10 000 to be exact), each with their own unique characteristics. So whether you wish to walk behind a veil of water of one of our tallest waterfalls on the island, or experience the second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe – you’ll find it here in Iceland.

    Take a Dip in Our Hot Springs

    The island is famous for its natural hot springs. Iceland’s hot springs are due to all the volcanic activity on the island heating up the underground water supply. You can enjoy these springs in their natural and original form or as part of our geothermal pools.

    Turn Yourself into a Viking

    Many experiences here in Iceland will take you back to the time Vikings roamed the island and sailed the seas. You can get dressed in traditional gear and garb and have your Viking portrait taken at Mink Studios. Or you can experience what it was like living in a Viking Village. You can even go sailing on a Viking ship.

    Visit Our Museums

    Iceland boasts some of the most interesting museums in the world. Check out our Saga Museum and learn more about the history and legends surrounding the Icelandic people. Or visit the Icelandic Phallological Museum, where you can see the penis of every mammal on the island, including that of a human (thanks to a man who willed his member to the museum).

    Go on a Hike

    Irrespective of your age, fitness level, or hiking experience, you’ll find a hiking trail that’s right for you here on the island. By just checking out some of Iceland’s national parks, you’ll already find a myriad of hiking trail options ranging from short day hikes to multi-day treks.

    Hikers trekking through the vibrant green landscapes of Iceland in May, with snow-capped mountains in the background

    Take a Tour to Spot Our Wildlife

    As mentioned, May is a great month to visit Iceland if you’re into wildlife. Go on a whale watching boat tour to see if you can spot some of our gentle giants, or go on a Puffin tour to see if you can spot these penguin-like birds with their colorful beaks.

    Native wildlife of Iceland, including puffins and arctic foxes, captured in their natural habitats during the lush month of May

    Dive or Snorkel the Silfra Fissure

    Iceland offers a very unique experience; to lie suspended between two continents. The Silfra Fissure is the tear where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates push apart. This tear is filled with crystal clear glacial water in which one can go diving or snorkeling. Just keep in mind that diving requires a diving license and sufficient experience, while anyone is welcome to come to snorkel the Silfra.

    Explore Iceland on Horseback

    Not only is this an incredibly unique experience exploring the unique and contrasting Icelandic landscape this way, but you’ll also be doing it on the island’s own breed of horse, the Icelandic Horse. These horses look somewhat pony-like, can perform an extra gait, and are known for their friendliness.

    Traverse a Glacier

    There are many ways to explore the icy surfaces of our glaciers. You can hike a glacier, ride a Super Jeep, go snowmobiling across a glacier, and more. Just remember that you can only explore the glaciers like this via guided tour due to safety reasons.

    Check Out Our Black Sand Beaches

    You will find the most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland. These black sand beaches are incredible experiences, not just because of the unusual coloration, but because the black sand is, in fact, hardened lava that has eroded over millennia – a tribute to why we are called the Land of Fire and Ice.

    Panoramic view of Iceland's stunning black sand beaches, contrasting with the dramatic waves and rugged coastal cliffs

    Explore a Lava Cave

    This is yet another natural wonder created by the volcanic activity on the island. There are more than 500 lava caves across the island, although only a few are open to the public. They are also only accessible via a guided tour due to safety concerns.

    Icelandic Festivals and Events in May

    If you’re still wondering what to do in Iceland in May, you can also check out the following local festivities:

    Whitsunday & Whit Monday

    These, of course, are the Christian Pentecost holidays, which means that it’s public holidays here in Iceland. Take note because this will affect operating hours, but also means that you’ll find lots of special events all across the island.

    International Museum Day

    International Museum Day is celebrated on the 18th of May each year and promises to be quite the experience. On this day, museums celebrate a specific theme that changes every year and host special events. Keep an eye out for what’s happening at a museum near you, especially with all the interesting museums in Iceland.

    Driving in Iceland in May

    As we already mentioned in the pros of visiting Iceland in May, driving in May is a breeze compared to the colder months of the year. Due to the nice and mild weather conditions, and improved road conditions, many opt to take a road trip around the island. You’ll find many routes here on the island that are very popular, such as the Ring Road, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast Way.

    If you want to venture into regions such as the Westfjords or the Highlands, you will need to do careful planning since our F-roads will still be closed during the months of May. And if you would like to take the roads-less-traveled in the more remote parts of the island, we highly recommend that you get a 4x4 vehicle and chat with your rental agent regarding the required rental insurance in Iceland.

    We also recommend getting a motorhome if you’re planning on doing a road trip around the country. This will take care of both your transport and accommodation, and you’ll find plenty of 4x4 motorhome options. Although you won’t be faced with extreme weather or sudden road closures, we still recommend keeping an eye on the Iceland weather forecast.

    We have a local saying that goes, “you can experience all four seasons a day here in Iceland”, and although weather changes may not derail your plans or entire trip itinerary during May, you still want to be prepared.

    Iceland in May: All the Summer Perks Without the Pains

    Visiting Iceland in May is a great way to avoid peak season crowds, and peak season prices. It’s also the perfect time to take advantage of the summer weather and plenty of daylight hours. For the ultimate unique and budget-friendly adventure, we recommend renting a motorhome in Iceland.

    Not only will you be sorted in the transport and accommodation departments, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of our various camping sites, which will get you in the middle of the action and give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic Icelandic nature without having to "rough" it. May you have an aMAYzing trip (we couldn’t resist)!

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