The last month before the summer crowds, May, is one of the best times to visit Iceland. Spring is well underway, trading in snowy landscapes with swathes of green land blanketed in purple lupine flowers, tourist crowds are still light, and the days are long—you can expect daylight to last until midnight.

Weather

Spring is full on by the end of the month. May is especially a wonderful time to visit Iceland as nature comes to life with blossoming lupine flowers, roaring streams and waterfalls, and baby animals, like the puffin. The fresh scent in the air and long daylight hours create a happy buzz around Iceland as temperatures creep into the 40s (Fahrenheit) during the day. Pack your shades as the sun sets around 11:30 pm and rises before 3:30 am, providing endless sunsets and sunrises.

Overall, the weather is slightly less changeable, with only 11 days of rain on average. Sudden storms are rarer than in winter, so you'll want to wear layers and have a windproof and waterproof jacket on hand.

Crowds & Costs

The last month before you see a noticeable uptick in prices makes May one of the best months to snag a decent hotel rate and plane ticket, while the weather and longer daylight hours are relatively nice for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Minor roads are likely accessible toward the end of the month, granting an all-access pass to the country. And if that wasn't good enough, you aren't likely to run into as many fellow travelers as you do in June, July, and August.

Where to Go

May's warming weather makes it a great month to explore Iceland on foot, in a rental car, on a fjord cruise, by kayak, and on horseback, with less-traveled roads opening up after the long winter season. However, the Central Highlands are likely still inaccessible. Most travelers begin and end their stay in Reykjavík. Home to design-forward architecture, cool boutiques, trendy restaurants, and plenty of Viking lore, the capital is a great jumping-off point to popular attractions in the Reykjanes Peninsula, like the Golden Circle and South Shore.

While on the southwest coast, consider a trip to the town of Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey island, if not for its remote and geographical beauty, then for the colorful nesting puffins. And now that the road conditions are more favorable, return to the mainland and continue along the Ring Road to Akureyri, the capital of Northern Iceland, and another access point to notable sites, including Lake Mývatn for your choice of volcanoes, geothermal hot springs, caves, and lava fields.

If following the Ring Road, a trip to Húsavík on Skjálfandi Bay in north Iceland should not be missed before carrying on clockwise around the island. Go at your own pace, stopping periodically to explore the island's highlights, like Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, Seyðisfjörður on the innermost point of the eponymous fjord on the east coast, and Höfn to stretch the legs, have a cocktail, and admire views on Ósland from the Seaman's Monument.

Plan your trip to Iceland
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

With the warmer weather and longer daylight hours, there's much to do in Iceland. Explore cities like Reykjavík, Akureyri, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Siglufjörður, and Húsavík for the best museums, restaurants, and drool-worthy natural attractions. Here's a guide on what to do in Reykjavík. Renting a car is your best bet for taking advantage of the bonus daylight. So, get into the countryside and discover coastal villages along rugged fjords and fairytale-esque turf houses and churches toward the interior.

Sporty types should consider a rafting excursion on the Hvítá River in the Gulfoss Canyon and hiking in Þórsmörk on the stunning Fimmvörðuháls trail, or do a combination of hiking and camping in Þríhyrningur in the country's southwest. For a truly unique and adventurous experience, consider a day of heli-skiing in Iceland's Troll Peninsula.

Alternatively, join a responsible whale watching tour and board a (quiet) wooden boat to seek out one or two of the two dozen cetacean species. Faxaflói bay off of Reykjavík is a great option, though if you're in the north, consider a visit to Húsavík, known for its sightings of multiple species. Preclude your venture with a visit to the Húsavík Whale Museum.

Events in May

Labor Day (or May Day). Head to Reykjavík to watch locals participate in a march with homemade signs, exercising their right to protest (about anything).

Listahátíð í Reykjavík. For 16 days in mid-May (sometimes in June), the capital city comes to life during the Reykjavík Arts Festival with artists, theater, music, and crafts. World-famous singers join their lesser-known Icelandic counterparts and offer free concerts in Reykjavík's parks and open areas.

Saga Fest, Selfoss. A progressive two-day music and art festival near Selfoss at Stokkseyrarsel farm. The annual event aims to connect Icelanders to each other and nature through storytelling, dance, meditation, yoga, and poetry readings.

Vaka Folk Festival, Akureyri. Taking place in Akureyri in late May (sometimes into June), this four-day event offers traditional music and song performances, like rimur ballads, played on the langspil and fiðla, singing and instrumental workshops, and open jam sessions.

Traveling to Iceland in May? Check out these great itineraries

Coastal Iceland Tour: Snæfellsnes, Golden Circle & Westman Islands - 14 Days. With a rental car, you'll start in West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visiting the crashing waterfalls and powerful hot springs of Reykholt. See black-sand beaches, walk through historic Þingvellir National Park, and ferry over to the Westman Islands for beluga whales and puffins. Walk among massive icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, then end your stay in the vibrant capital city of Reykjavík.

Self-Drive Highlights of Iceland's Ring Road - 16 Days. Iceland is famous for its scenery, and it's only while road-tripping down the Ring Road can you fully appreciate the "land of fire and ice." This self-drive adventure takes you on an epic journey around the country's iconic waterfalls, sea cliffs, glaciers, and lava fields as you follow famous circuit routes like the Golden Circle. Other highlights include stops at the scenic Eastfjords, soaks in geothermal springs, whale watching, hiking rugged sea cliffs, and more.

More Helpful Information

Iceland in April
Iceland in June
Best Time to Visit Iceland
How Many Days to Spend in Iceland