Iceland in May: Weather, What to Do, and Travel Tips
May is one of the most underrated months to visit Iceland. Days stretch to 18–20 hours of light, the landscape turns green faster than you’d expect after winter, puffins start arriving on cliffs around the country, and prices sit well below June–August peaks. Highland F-roads are still closed for most of May, but the Ring Road and all main routes are fully open.
Weather in Iceland in May
| Region | Avg High | Avg Low | Daylight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | 9 to 12°C | 3 to 6°C | ~18 hrs | Variable: sunshine and showers often the same day |
| Akureyri | 8 to 13°C | 1 to 5°C | ~19 hrs | Can be noticeably warmer than Reykjavík on sunny days |
| South Coast | 8 to 11°C | 3 to 6°C | ~18 hrs | Higher rainfall than inland; Vík and Dyrhólaey best early in the day |
| East (Egilsstaðir) | 8 to 13°C | 1 to 5°C | ~19 hrs | Drier than the south; warm afternoons possible; snow possible at elevation |
Approximate averages as of 2026. Iceland’s weather is highly variable — check vedur.is for current forecasts.
Best Activities in May
Puffin watching — Puffins arrive from mid-April through May, and May is one of the best months to see them before the main crowds. Dyrhólaey (south coast) and Ingólfshöfði (east coast near Skaftafell) are the most accessible locations. Ingólfshöfði tours are tractor-drawn across a tidal causeway, from approximately ISK 10,000 per person as of 2026 — book through the local farm operator.
Glacier walks — Sólheimajökull glacier is in good condition in May with full operator support. Extreme Iceland and Local Guide run 3-hour guided glacier walks from approximately ISK 9,900 as of 2026. The snow-covered glacier in May offers a different visual quality compared to the blue-grey ice of summer.
Whale watching — Season is well underway by May. North Sailing and Gentle Giants both operate from Húsavík, rated Iceland’s best whale-watching port for humpback encounter rates. Adult tickets from approximately ISK 13,900 as of 2026. Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavík Old Harbour also runs daily, from approximately ISK 12,900.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula — One of the best drives in Iceland, and May hits it before the summer coach-tour traffic. The Snæfellsjökull glacier cap, Kirkjufell mountain near Grundarfjörður, and Arnarstapi sea stacks are all accessible.
Landmannalaugar — F-roads here typically open in late May or early June. Check road.is for current status. Bus service from Reykjavík (Reykjavik Excursions / Trex) follows the road opening; day trips from Reykjavik from approximately ISK 13,900 as of 2026.
Events in May
First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn Fyrsti) — Iceland’s traditional national celebration of summer, held on the first Thursday after April 19 (falls in late April or early May). Parades, outdoor markets, and sporting events take place around the country. Reykjavík’s celebration centres on Austurvöllur square — free to attend.
Reykjavík Arts Festival (Listahátíð) — Iceland’s largest cultural festival, held in late May to early June (dates vary by year). Events span visual art, theatre, dance, and music across multiple Reykjavík venues including Harpa Concert Hall and the National Theatre. Some events are ticketed (approximately ISK 3,500 to ISK 8,000 per show), many are free. Check listahatidreykavik.is for the current programme.
Ásatrú Sumarsending — The Norse pagan community marks the start of summer with seasonal ceremonies; small but notable if you’re interested in Iceland’s pre-Christian heritage.
Where to Stay in May
Reykjavík: May is shoulder season — prices are rising but haven’t reached peak. Hotel Borg (Pósthússtræti) suits those wanting central 4-star comfort, from approximately ISK 30,000 to ISK 38,000 per night as of 2026. Centerhotel Arnarhvoll offers harbour views from approximately ISK 25,000 per night.
South Coast: Hörgsland Guesthouse near Skógar is a popular base for Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls; from approximately ISK 18,000 per night as of 2026.
Akureyri: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri from approximately ISK 22,000 per night as of 2026. Worth staying a night to explore the botanic garden — it’s at its freshest in May.
Where to Eat in May
Reykjavík’s Grillmarkurinn (Lækjargata 2a) is one of the city’s best meat-focused restaurants, with Icelandic lamb and beef from local farms. Mains from approximately ISK 5,500 as of 2026; the lamb burger at lunch is good value.
Sægreifinn (Geirsgata 8, Old Harbour) is worth stopping at for a bowl of lobster (langoustine) soup for approximately ISK 2,200 as of 2026 — simple, genuinely good.
In Akureyri, Strikið (Skíðaból 14) has the best rooftop view in the north and a menu that leans on Icelandic fish and lamb; mains from approximately ISK 4,500 as of 2026.
Northern Lights in May
Aurora season is over by mid-May. Nights no longer get dark enough for aurora viewing. The window re-opens in late August when darkness returns. Don’t plan a May trip around Northern Lights.
Road Conditions
Check road.is before every drive. May-specific notes:
- Highland F-roads: Opening happens late May for some routes, but conditions vary by year — confirm at road.is
- Mountain passes: Clear of snow by mid-May on most routes
- Winter tyres: Mandatory until April 15 (already off hire cars by May)
- Ring Road: Fully open and clear throughout May
What to Pack for May
- Waterproof jacket and trousers — rain remains common despite the warmth
- Warm insulating mid-layer (fleece or light down jacket)
- Merino base layer for hiking in variable conditions
- Hat and gloves for exposed coastal stops and highland viewpoints
- Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Eye mask for sleeping — nights start getting light in May
- Sunscreen — UV increases sharply in May and catches many visitors off guard
- Swimwear for geothermal pools (Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, Secret Lagoon)
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Get travel insurance for Iceland — policies covering glacier hikes, F-road driving, and volcanic disruption.
Related Guides
- Iceland in April — The month before: early spring conditions and the last aurora chances
- Iceland in June — The month after: midnight sun season begins and peak puffin viewing
- Best time to visit Iceland — Full year comparison of weather, crowds, and activities
- Iceland F-roads guide — Highland F-roads begin opening in late May or June
- Puffin watching in Iceland — Puffins arrive in late April — May is one of the best months for sightings
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Iceland?
- Greenery returns. Long days. Highland roads beginning to open late May. Busier than winter. Best activities: Puffin watching, hiking, glacier walks, whale watching. Highland bus starts.
- What is the weather like in Iceland in May?
- Reykjavík averages 9 to 12°C for highs in May. Weather changes rapidly — pack waterproof and warm layers regardless. Akureyri and North Iceland can be colder and drier than the south.
- Can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland in May?
- Northern Lights season is effectively over by mid-May — nights are too light for aurora viewing. The season returns from late August.