May just might be the perfect time to visit Iceland! With winter formally ended and increased daylight hours, maximizing your time for adventures, there’s much to love about an Icelandic May. The month of May falls just outside Iceland’s peak summer season, so you can take advantage of good weather, smaller crowds, and affordable travel deals.
Certain areas of Iceland that are inaccessible during the winter, like the Highlands, start to reopen in May, making much more of the country accessible to you. Wildlife begins to thrive, festivals start to ramp up, and warmth begins to return. Discover everything you need to know about venturing to Iceland in May.
Weather in Iceland in May
In May, you can begin to expect more mild weather conditions. Average high temperatures in May in Iceland range between 41F (5C) and 50F (10C). The lows can be anywhere between 34F (1C) to 39F (4C).
Even though winter is gone, May can present unpredictable weather. Dress accordingly and be prepared for a mixture of sun, rain, and wind.
What to Pack
There’s a common saying in Iceland; “if you don’t like the weather, wait an hour.” Iceland is well-known for its quickly changing weather conditions year-round. For this purpose, we tend to recommend that you pack the same, no matter what time of year you plan to visit Iceland. The general rule of thumb is to pack layers and a few high-quality waterproof items, as well as some study outdoor shoes. Our guide to packing for Iceland in the summer provides more advice.
Best Things to Do in Iceland in May
The beauty of Iceland is that you can do most activities year-round. While things like exploring ice caves will be off-limits in May, you can still explore glaciers, tour volcanoes and so much more. But if you want to experience the best of the month in May, there are a few highlights you want to avoid missing out on!
Visit Iceland’s Waterfalls
Iceland is home to - literally - thousands of waterfalls in Iceland, ranging from cascading giants to modest and hidden gems. If you’re a movie and TV buff who wants to see familiar scenes, head to the Kirkjuvell waterfall (and accompanying mountain as seen in Game of Thrones), Skógafoss (as seen in Vikings, Thor films, as well as Game of Thrones), Seljalandsfoss (featured in music videos from Justin Beiber and Björk, or Dettifoss (recognizable as the opening scene in Alien: Prometheus).
If you’d rather find some secluded and less-traveled waterfalls, there are plenty of options for this too. Hike to Hvernafoss, nestled deep in a river gorge, or Gljúfrabúi, a magical waterfall hidden in a canyon.
Hit the Road
With the country waking up from winter, there’s no better time than May to embark on a road trip. Whether you want to complete the Golden Circle or explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, our rental cars provide the perfect transportation for the trip of a lifetime.
Wildlife in May
For those who are lovers of the natural world, Iceland boasts fascinating and thriving wildlife.
Whale-watching: May is an ideal time to take a whale watching tour from either Reykjavík, Husavik, or Dalvik. At this time of the year, many species migrate back to Icelandic waters for feeding. Glimpse a variety of species, like humpbacks, minke whales, orcas, blue whales, and white-beaked dolphins.
Seal Spotting: If you enjoy watching seals slumber on the shore or frolic in the shallows, May is a great time to visit Iceland. Seals can be seen all year round, but May offers better weather conditions and optimal visibility for glimpsing these amusing creatures. The species you’re most likely to see in Iceland are gray seals and harbor seals. Head to Ytri Tunga Beach in Snæfellsnes or the Vatnsnes Peninsula in Iceland’s Northwest for the best opportunity to spot them.
Bird watching: With migratory species returning to Iceland for nesting, May is prime bird-watching season! Puffins nestling along rocky cliffs are a must-see, and you’ll never forget spotting Iceland's national bird (the gyrfalcon). You can also expect to see golden plovers, arctic terns, and eiders at this time of year. Some of the best places for birdwatching in Iceland are the Mývatn wetlands and the south coast’s Lóndrangar and Dyrhólaey areas.
A trip to Iceland in May makes for an unforgettable holiday, and the first step is arranging your hire car! Our team is on hand to support you with any queries or concerns you may have.