Guide to Iceland in May

In this article, we unveil it all for you: the best things to see in Iceland in May, our favorite activities to do at that time, and what you can expect of the weather (with a useful packing guide).

We even share our top reasons to make Iceland your next May getaway – just in case you need more convincing.

Yes! Actually, May is an excellent month to visit Iceland. And we’ve got all the reasons you might need to book your Icelandic getaway in late spring or early summer.

Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Iceland in May:

Not convinced yet? Continue reading to find out what you could get up to and all the amazing places you could visit.

May marks the beginning of the summer season in Iceland. The country is opening up again with better weather and more travel opportunities. But in May, things are only starting to ramp up. And therefore quieter than during the peak summer months of June to August. 

May, together with September in Iceland, is known as the shoulder season. These are good times to visit Iceland if you want to enjoy decent weather, longer daylight hours, and fewer visitors.

As a transitional month between spring and summer, the weather in Iceland in May is generally mild but can be unpredictable. While conditions are improving, it’s still important to be prepared for a variety of weather during your trip.

Here’s what you can typically expect from Iceland's weather in May:

Overall, May offers a great balance between improving weather and quieter travel conditions. This makes it an ideal month for sightseeing, road trips, and outdoor activities—just be sure to pack for all seasons.

With the arrival of the summer season, Iceland enjoys longer daylight hours. And that means it’s easier to explore more of the country and take part in outdoor activities.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Iceland in May:

Iceland hiking in May becomes more accessible as snow retreats from lower elevations and coastal paths reopen. Some of the best day hikes in Iceland are in the South Coast, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Westfjords. Here, you can enjoy dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and nesting seabirds in a quieter shoulder-season setting.

Soaking in the hot springs in Iceland is a must, and May offers a quieter experience than summer. Beyond the Blue Lagoon, consider natural spots like Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Reykjadalur Hot River for a more authentic experience.

Horse riding tours are widely available in May. Especially so around South Iceland, Reykjavík, and Skagafjörður, one of the country’s main horse-breeding regions. The mild weather makes it an ideal time to experience the Icelandic horse’s unique gait while admiring the surrounding blooms.

May is ideal for glacier experiences before peak summer. Join glacier hikes on Sólheimajökull, Vatnajökull, or Langjökull. Or explore meltwater lagoons like Jökulsárlón, where small and large icebergs float on its blue water.

Lava tunnels are accessible year-round and showcase Iceland’s volcanic history. Well-known options include Raufarhólshellir near Reykjavík and Víðgelmir in West Iceland. Some ice caves, like Katla Ice Cave, are also open year-round.

May marks the beginning of the whale season, making it one of the best months for whale watching in Iceland. Tours depart from Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Húsavík, with good chances of spotting minke whales, dolphins, and sometimes humpbacks. Depending on your travel style, you can book a larger-group boat tour or a smaller-group RIB experience.

Puffins return to Iceland in May to nest along the coast. Some of the best places for puffin spotting in Iceland include Dyrhólaey and the Westman Islands along the South Coast. Látrabjarg Cliffs in West Iceland and Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland are also worthy spots.

Iceland’s beaches are striking and varied. Visit Reynisfjara on the South Coast for its famous black sand and basalt columns. Or head west to Rauðasandur, known for its red and golden hues.

With improving road conditions and long daylight hours, May is an excellent time to tour the Ring Road (Route 1). Highlights along the way include Skógafoss, Lake Mývatn, the East Fjords, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. There are also several towns along the route that you can base yourself in between travels.

Snowmelt increases water flow in May, making waterfalls in Iceland especially powerful. Don’t miss iconic sites like Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Dettifoss, all impressive at this time of year.

To make the most of your trip, look into the many day tours in Iceland you can add to your itinerary. Plan ahead for popular experiences, even during the quieter shoulder season.

From April and May, Iceland opens up after the dark winter, offering plenty of celebrations to enjoy across the country. May is a particularly lively month for cultural events and festivals.

Some of the key festivals and events in Iceland in May include:

These festivals offer a great opportunity to experience Icelandic culture during the quieter shoulder season.

And where should you go if you’re visiting Iceland in May? You have probably heard of some hot spots, but here are our suggestions:

It’s never a bad time to visit Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. But in May, the buzzing summer atmosphere starts to set in. You’ll find even more events, festivals, and activities to take part in.

Here are the top things to do in Reykjavík in May:

You could also book an array of day trips from Reykjavík, from visiting the Golden Circle to taking helicopter rides.

If you’re in Iceland for a shorter period, don’t miss visiting the highlights of the famous Golden Circle route. It’s perfect for a city break as it is a fantastic day tour from Reykjavík.

See the wonderful waterfalls of Faxifoss and Gullfoss. Explore Þingvellir National Park, where you can observe the tectonic plates and even go snorkeling between them.

And finally, see the OG of geysers! Geysir isn’t as active anymore, but its neighbor Strokkur erupts columns of hot water into the air every 6–10 minutes.

There are so many highlights to check off your bucket list on Iceland’s South Coast, so we had to include it as one.

Some of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, are located here. Seljalandsfoss is especially popular because you can walk behind the fall, giving you a different perspective.

You’ll also find two of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland. Reynisfjara is near the lovely town of Vík í Mýrdal. From here, you can admire the basalt columns of the cliffs and see the rock formations of Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar.

A word to the wise: be careful of the waves on Reynisfjara. They can come up quickly, and the currents are really strong.

Further along, Diamond Beach is a stunner. You’ll be able to admire glistening chunks of ice on the stark black sand. And literally across the road from here, you can admire more icebergs along the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

As you journey from the South Coast to North Iceland, you’ll travel along the Vatnajökull National Park. It stretches this far, covering nearly 15% of Iceland’s landmass.

With such a diverse landscape, you’ll find plenty to enjoy inside this vast park. The protected area includes 10 volcanoes and a large ice cap. It’s no wonder it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

We recommend you visit the Skaftafell area in the south. Here, you’ll find plenty of great hiking trails, with scenic valleys and mountains to explore. In Jökulsárgljúfur, in the north, don’t miss the glacial river canyon and the many majestic waterfalls.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches 86 kilometers (55 miles) into the Atlantic Ocean from Iceland’s western coast.

It’s renowned for being “Iceland in miniature.” It means that in this region, you’ll find a bit of everything that makes up the Icelandic landscape. From vast lava fields to grand waterfalls, scenic cliffs to quaint fishing villages, and more.

It’s also the location of the Snæfellsjökull National Park and its subglacial volcano.

Points of attraction include:

As May is the start of the hiking season in Iceland, drive up to the Westfjords for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This region, in the north-west of Iceland, is a fantastic destination for coastal scenery.

We recommend you visit the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. It’s ideal for long walks with scenic views. Here, you’ll also find one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs, Látrabjarg. And from late April until August, you can observe the cute puffins who make it their home.

You could visit the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) from Reykjavík. Or add them to your itinerary as you visit the South Coast.

The main island, Heimaey, is ideal for a day tour to learn about this volcanic island’s history. Don’t miss the crater and lava left from the 1973 volcanic eruption that buried a part of the island.

You could even book a boat tour around the island. This way, you’d get to admire the teeming birdlife, including the world’s largest puffin colony. And maybe even spot some whales.

So, you’ve heard of the Golden Circle, but not the Diamond Circle? This is another one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing routes.

It’s located in the north of the island. And it encompasses the amazing landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area, the Tjörnes Peninsula, and the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park.

Don’t miss:

Check out these self-drive tours of Iceland.

Did you hear about the fantastic hiking trails located in this remote area of Iceland? They are colorful, memorable, and ideal for hikers looking for their next challenge.

If that’s something you’re interested in, visit Iceland between June and August. The roads into the Highlands open depending on the weather and are usually only accessible at this time of year. So May is a bit too early.

Driving in Iceland in May is generally easier than in winter. Road conditions continue to improve, and longer daylight hours allow for more flexible travel days. Most main roads, including the Ring Road (Route 1), are fully accessible, making May a great time for road trips.

However, May is still a transitional month, and conditions can vary depending on location and weather. While lowland roads are usually clear, mountain F-roads leading into the Highlands often remain closed until later in summer. Weather can also change quickly, so it’s important to stay informed and plan accordingly.

Overall, May offers a good balance for self-drive travelers. Expect safer driving conditions with fewer cars on the road compared to peak summer.