Iceland in May: Spring Weather and Enchanting Scenery
May is a lovely time to tour Iceland. Winter is long over, but it is not quite summer yet, which means pleasant spring weather conditions. Since most of the winter snow has melted by May, many of the country’s inaccessible mountain paths are open, allowing you to explore the outdoors and visit all corners of this country. From whale-watching and hiking to delightful trips on roads and trails, there are many wonderful things to do in Iceland during this month.
- Trish C.
- From USA
Iceland Weather in May
Iceland’s weather in May can be best described as mild. The average daytime temperature across the country is 8°C (46°F), while the average nighttime temperature is 4°C (39°F).
As spring takes hold, days become longer with more daylight hours. You can enjoy around 18 hours of daylight at the beginning of May and up to 20 hours near the end of the month. The extended daylight hours are perfect for getting out and about. However, occasional rain showers are common, so packing layers and waterproof gear is advisable. As the weather in Iceland in May becomes more pleasant, it's an excellent time to explore the country’s diverse beauty and vibrant, blooming landscapes.
For a more in-depth seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Iceland.
Weather in Iceland in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -1 | -1 | -1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | -2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 36 | 36 | 36 | 41 | 47 | 54 | 56 | 56 | 49 | 43 | 38 | 34 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 31 | 31 | 31 | 34 | 40 | 45 | 49 | 47 | 41 | 36 | 32 | 29 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 47 | 33 | 40 | 36 | 32 | 25 | 25 | 37 | 40 | 30 | 29 | 35 |
| Apr | May | Jun | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 5 | 8 | 12 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 41 | 47 | 54 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 34 | 40 | 45 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 36 | 32 | 25 |
Why Visit Iceland in May
A trip to Iceland in May unveils a harmonious blend of nature, wildlife, and cultural richness, making it perfect to bask in the country's diverse offerings without the peak-season rush.
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Lower crowds and rates: May is a sweet spot between winter and summer when you can expect fewer tourist crowds and better rates on accommodation and activities. You can enjoy the popular attractions without the summer rush. This is also the time to take advantage of cheap airfare before it skyrockets in June.
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Blooming landscapes: May transforms Iceland into a canvas of colors, with colorful wildflowers carpeting meadows, and landscapes. This is your chance to witness the country's spectacular natural beauty in full glory. Head to Akureyri Botanical Garden or Thingvellir National Park to enjoy the springtime blooms.
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Puffin and whale season: Calm waters and increased wildlife activity make May one of the best months for whale-watching in Iceland. The month also heralds the return of puffins to coastal cliffs in places like Dyrhólaey that grant unparalleled opportunities to observe these charming seabirds up close.
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Cultural celebrations: Experience the Reykjavik Arts Festival, where the city comes alive with creativity. From art exhibitions to music performances, this vibrant festival is perfect for learning more about Icelandic culture. The Vaka Folk Festival, which starts towards the end of May and ends in the first week of June, is held in Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, and features charming traditional dances and music.
Where to go and what to do
Take a trip to Iceland in May for incredible landscapes and unique experiences. Start your journey in the capital city of Reykjavik, stroll through the vibrant streets, check out funky street art, and grab a cup of Icelandic coffee at a cozy café. Then hop on the tourist trail and explore the Golden Circle. Visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and other natural wonders along the route, without the peak season rush.
Don’t forget to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. May brings a unique spectacle as icebergs from the Vatnajökull Glacier drift lazily in the lagoon. There are boat tours that can get you close to these frozen giants.
Head to the Westman Islands, the largest puffin colony in Iceland, to catch the arrival of these magnificent arctic creatures. For the ultimate off-the-grid adventure, consider Hornstrandir in the Westfjords. May is when this remote and rugged area starts to wake up from its winter slumber. Hike through untouched landscapes, encounter Arctic foxes, and revel in the tranquility of a place where nature reigns supreme. Go horseback riding near Skógafoss waterfall, where the rolling hills are covered in springtime lupine flower blooms.
Need help planning your May trip to Iceland?
Iceland in May brings mild weather, unveiling vibrant landscapes and various activities. From visiting puffin colonies on coastal cliffs to taking a whale-watching trip to exploring off-the-beaten trails, May offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters and natural wonders amid pleasant spring weather.
Fill out our customized Iceland trip form and let our local travel experts help you create a perfect itinerary.
For more ideas and inspiration, look at our Iceland guide and let us take care of the details.
Our related travel guide articles:
Iceland in April
Iceland in June
