Iceland In May: 6 Things To Know Before You Go

Are you traveling to Iceland in May? We’ve got you covered with 6 things to know before beginning your journey!

This list will include some of the best Iceland tips for May including the blooming Icelandic landscapes, whale watching tours, beautiful hot springs, and how to see puffins! Get ready for a truly incredible experience!

This is the best month for Iceland before peak tourism and summer pricing hits. Though it’s certainly still a popular time of year to visit, any reprieve from the summer tourist crowds, however small, is always welcome. 

With snow leaving the roads and driving conditions improving, May in Iceland is the perfect time to take longer trips outside of the capital, even staying overnight in some of the more remote corners of the country. If you’re looking for things to do in Iceland in May we’ve got you covered with everything from joining in on local traditions to soaking in hot springs.

6 Things To Know Before Visiting Iceland In May

The Country Sheds Its Winter Coat And Comes To Life

• Temperatures in Iceland in May are remarkably pleasant, hovering between 40°F and 50°F. It’s a welcome change from the harsh winters.
• What’s more, daylight hours keep getting longer, giving you ample time for outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect season for exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes.

May in Iceland brings new life, little to no snow, and the promise of summer. And with plenty of National Holidays throughout the month to break up the work schedule, locals fully embrace the month. 

Iceland weather in May is more than reasonable hovering between 40 and 50 degrees F. The daylight hours continue to get progressively longer as well which means you’ll have endless hours for outdoor adventures.

May driving in Iceland is a sight to behold! As you drive the ring road out of the city, you’ll be graced with the sight of blooming flowers and a beautiful mossy green. New animal life also makes its debut in the form of adorable lambs frolicking through the vast landscape and foals following close to their mothers grazing the new shoots of grass. 

Swimsuits Are A Must To Take Advantage Of The Local Pools And Hot Pots

• If you want a more serene experience, you can visit natural hot pots scattered throughout the country.
• For a touch of luxury, visit the Blue Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths.

Visiting Iceland during May is the perfect time to take advantage of the heated pools and relaxing hot tubs. Every Icelandic town has a public swimming pool with some of the larger complexes featuring an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and multiple hot tubs of differing temperatures. 

Another option that allows you to take advantage of the newly green Icelandic landscape is to hit up any number of the natural hot pots peppered throughout the country. It’s a magical experience to be gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean or dramatic mountain ranges while thawing out in the warm water. 

Iceland is also home to a handful of more tourist-oriented hot water lagoons such as the famous Blue Lagoon or the Mývatn Nature Baths (the Blue Lagoon of the North). These beautiful lagoons are luxurious and require entrance fees, but are worth enjoying at least once. 

May Starts The Whale Watching Season In Iceland

• While June to August is prime time, May still offers whale sightings.
• You can find whale watching tours all around the country, but for some of the best experiences, consider heading north to Húsavík, known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, or opt for a tour from Reykjavik through Faxaflói Bay.

If you’re looking for what to do in May in Iceland, consider adding a whale-watching tour to your itinerary. Although June, July, and August are considered the peak whale-watching months, you’re still likely to be able to get a look at these gentle giants in May. 

As the weather takes a turn for the better, the idea of boarding a traditional oak ship or a speedboat to search the ocean for whales becomes increasingly appealing. 

There are plenty of whale watching tours offered around the country. For some of the best whale watching you might consider venturing up north to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland. You can also choose to stay close to the capital and take a tour from Reykjavik through Faxaflói Bay. 

Whichever tour option you choose, be sure to dress appropriately in warm-weather clothes. Most tours offer waterproof overalls to help keep you warm, but the more you can bundle up on your own, the more comfortable you’ll be. Though the weather is more favorable in May in Iceland, it’s still Iceland which means it’s cold and the weather can shift at any moment.

Puffins in May in Iceland

• Puffins often nest on cliffs, so it’s essential to exercise caution when observing them. Safety, both for you and the puffins, is a priority.
• Some of the best places to see puffins include Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) and the Westfjords.

With their distinctive orange beak and goofy, adorable demeanor, puffins are a big draw for tourists traveling to Iceland in May. In the summer the puffins come back to the land to breed making them easier to spot if you know where to look. 

Because puffins often nest on cliffs, it’s important to be cautious when visiting puffin viewing locations both for your sake and theirs. The cliff edges are dangerous and unstable so you’ll want to keep a respectable distance. It helps to lie down on your stomach to view the puffins both to keep yourself safe from the edge and not alarm the puffins.

There are a number of places you can see puffins throughout the country, but some of the best places to look include Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) and the Westfjords. 

Vestmannaejyar is home to the largest Atlantic Puffin colony in Europe, so naturally, Heimaey, its main island, is an ideal puffin viewing spot. You’ll want to head to Stórhöfði where you’ll find puffins in mass quantities. 

If you’re venturing to the Westfjords we suggest stopping at the Látrabjarg cliffs. These cliffs are both the westernmost point in Iceland and home to a huge population of birds including puffins.

If you’d rather not venture out in search of puffins on your own there are a lot of puffin tours available many of which are paired with whale-watching tours. 

Traveling To The Westfjords Becomes Easier In May

• The Westfjords, in particular, are a hidden gem. Here, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, breathtaking ocean views, puffins, and the beauty of limited tourist crowds.
• While the journey to the Westfjords may take some time, I recommend spending at least a few days in this region.

In Iceland in May, the winter thaws and spring emerges meaning the roads are easier and safer to navigate. This is particularly good news for those wishing to venture to more remote regions of the country where the roads are not always as well maintained. 

The Westfjords in Iceland are spectacular with waterfall after waterfall cascading down the mountains, beautiful ocean views, puffins, a red sand beach, and perhaps best of all, limited tourist crowds. Despite its jaw-dropping natural beauty, few people make the journey to the Westfjords so it has maintained its quiet, remote charm. 

If you’re making the trip to the Westfjords, be prepared to spend significant amounts of time in the car. The good news is that you’re driving through spectacular landscapes and the views never get old. 

We recommend spending at least a few days in the Westfjords. Because it takes a while to reach, you can better appreciate all that it has to offer if you can afford to stay the night and make a home base in towns such as Ísafjörður or Patreksfjörður. 

Locals March Through Reykjavik On May Day To Protest Work Conditions

• Reykjavik comes alive with a procession of locals led by a brass band. While some join for the spectacle, the main purpose is for workers to voice their concerns about workplace issues.
• It’s a unique and vibrant celebration that provides a glimpse into Icelandic culture and social values.

May in Iceland is kickstarted by a National Holiday referred to by several names including May Day and International Workers Day. If you’re wandering Reykjavik on May 1, you’ll likely catch the procession of locals winding their way through the capital led by a brass band. 

The main point of the holiday is for workers to have the opportunity to peacefully protest against anything unfair in their place of work. From wage disputes to unemployment benefits, May Day gives the workers a voice. 

The first May Day march was held back in 1932 as a protest against work hours. Today the marches cover a large range of demands both big and small. Feel free to join in the procession or watch from the side. If you’re out and about in other parts of the country you might find other towns holding their own protests, but Reykjavik’s gathering is always the largest.

Weather in May in Iceland Tips

It’s important to note that seeing the Northern lights in Iceland during May is very unlikely, due to the increased daylight hours. The midnight sun is approaching, and the skies are not dark enough for the lights to be visible! Traveling to Iceland in May is still an amazing experience, nonetheless! Offering wonderful blooming landscapes and Spring activities. However, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable no matter the time of year, requiring visitors to be well-prepared. Here are my tips!

May weather in Iceland:

• Transitioning to Spring: May is a transitional month with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland in May are not likely.
• Average Temperatures: Iceland temperature in May ranges from about 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
• Rainfall: While May is one of the drier months, be prepared for occasional rain showers.
• Hiking Conditions: If you’re planning to hike, especially in mountainous areas, be aware that some trails may still have snow or be muddy. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
• Icelandic Pools: Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit. May is a great time to enjoy Iceland’s geothermal pools, and swimming pools which are less crowded than in peak summer months.

Reykjavík Weather in May:

• Milder Conditions: Reykjavik tends to be slightly warmer than the rest of the country with similar average temperatures, but it can still be breezy.
• Outdoor Activities: With more daylight and milder weather, it’s a great time to explore outdoor attractions in and around the city.
• City Exploration Comfort: The milder May weather in Reykjavik is ideal for city walks and outdoor dining. Enjoy the city’s cafes, parks, and waterfront areas.
• Local Events: There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik in May with various cultural events and festivals. Check local listings to participate in events during your visit.

Additional Weather Tips

• Enjoy Daylight: May offers extended daylight hours, giving you more time to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.
• Dress in Layers: Make your Iceland packing list for May. The weather can still be quite variable, so dressing in layers remains the best approach.
• Waterproof Gear: A waterproof jacket and shoes are essential to stay dry during rain showers.
• Sun Protection: Longer daylight hours mean more sun exposure, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen.

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to plan a trip to Iceland in May. There’s so much natural beauty to soak in and appreciate and an abundance of adventures to embark on. There’s a special magic that accompanies watching a country come back to life after a long winter. 

If you have any questions as you begin preparing for your trip, please feel free to ask us in the comments section below.