# Visiting Iceland in May: Your Complete Guide - URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/iceland-in-may/ - Published: 2026-05-04 - Last updated: 2026-10-05 > Iceland in May means long golden evenings, returning puffins, and fewer crowds. Here's everything you need to know before you pack your bags and go. Iceland in May is one of those sweet spots where everything starts waking up at once. The snow pulls back, the puffins fly in, and the waterfalls run hard on melting snow. You get long golden days, open roads, and prices that haven't caught up with summer yet. This guide covers the full picture of what May in Iceland actually looks like. Read on for everything you need to know before you go, from weather and packing to wildlife and the best things to do. ### Weather in Iceland in May [Iceland's weather](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/weather-and-climate) in May keeps you guessing in the best way. Sun, rain, and wind can all show up on the same day, sometimes within the same hour. Temperatures range from 36°F (2°C) in early May to around 52°F (11°C) by late May. Reykjavik tends to be the warmest part of the country because it sits on the sheltered southwest coast. The north and east fjords run a few degrees colder, and early mornings there can still feel like winter. Wind chill matters more than the thermometer suggests, especially along the south coast. Daylight grows quickly through the month, from around 17 hours at the start to nearly 20 hours by the end. ### Driving in Iceland in May Those long days mean more time behind the wheel, which is a good thing. The Ring Road is fully open and in good shape through most of May. Early in the month, patches of ice or snow can still appear in the East Fjords and [North Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-north), so checking road.is before you set out is a smart move. F-roads into the highlands stay closed all through May to protect the soft, thawing ground. Most open in late June or early July, so it is best to leave them for your next visit. ### Puffin Season in Iceland Starts in May [Atlantic puffins](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/meet-the-peculiar-puffins-in-iceland/) start flying back to Iceland in late April, and by mid-May, they are nesting along cliffs all around the country. Iceland is home to around 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population, so spotting them is less a matter of luck and more a matter of showing up. These small, orange-beaked birds spend most of the year out at sea before coming back each spring to breed. They nest in burrows along clifftops stretching from the [Westfjords](https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-westfjords/) to the East Fjords. *Image: Puffins return to Iceland in May and nest along coastal cliffs around the country. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson / Arctic Images* ### Puffin Season in Iceland Starts in May [Atlantic puffins](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/meet-the-peculiar-puffins-in-iceland/) start flying back to Iceland in late April, and by mid-May, they are nesting along cliffs all around the country. Iceland is home to around 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population, so spotting them is less a matter of luck and more a matter of showing up. These small, orange-beaked birds spend most of the year out at sea before coming back each spring to breed. They nest in burrows along clifftops stretching from the [Westfjords](https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-westfjords/) to the East Fjords. ### 10 Best Things to Do in Iceland in May Iceland in May gives you access to most of the country's best experiences, with quieter roads and longer days to enjoy them. Here is a look at what is worth your time this month. ### 1. Explore the Golden Circle  The [Golden Circle](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-golden-circle/) is Iceland's most popular day route, covering around 300 km (186 miles) from Reykjavik and back in a single day. [Thingvellir National Park](https://visiticeland.com/article/thingvellir/), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the first stop. Walk the rift valley between two tectonic plates, or book a Silfra fissure tour to swim between them underwater. From there, watch Strokkur erupt every five to ten minutes at the Geysir geothermal area. End at Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall dropping into a 70 m (230 ft) canyon, running at full force from May snowmelt. ### 2. Drive the South Coast The [South Coast](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/south-icelands-dynamic-geosites-geysers-glaciers) stretches around 200 km (124 miles) from Reykjavik to [Vík](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/adventures-in-vikland). It follows the Ring Road past some of Iceland's most well-known scenery. You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss on a path that circles the waterfall. From there, climb the steps at Skógafoss to see its 60 m (197 ft) drop from above. Reynisfjara black sand beach comes next, where tall basalt columns line the shore and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise straight out of the sea. The waves here move fast and reach further than they look, so staying well back from the waterline is the safest way to take it all in.  *Image: Vatnajökull glacier is open for guided hikes and ice cave tours in May, with stable conditions and long daylight hours. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson / Arctic Images* ### 3. Hike a Glacier in Iceland Sólheimajökull and [Vatnajökull](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/vatnajokull/) are both open for guided glacier hikes and [ice cave exploration](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/ice-cave-exploration) throughout May. Most tours provide crampons and ice axes at the start. This month is a good time for this, as the ice is stable and the long days provide plenty of light before and after the hike. ### 4. Go Whale Watching in Iceland May is when [whale season picks up across Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/whale-watching/). Minke whales appear regularly, and humpbacks start showing up as the month goes on. [Húsavík](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/a-day-in-husavik) on the north coast is the most well-known place for whale watching in Iceland. North Sailing and Gentle Giants both run daily departures from Húsavík harbor throughout May. If you are based in Reykjavik, Elding and Special Tours both operate from the Old Harbor. Tours last around three hours, and wearing warm layers is worth it since the open water feels much colder than it looks from shore. ### 5. Explore the East Fjords The [East Fjords](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-eastfjords) run along the southeast coast of Iceland. The Ring Road passes between tall mountains and small fishing towns sitting right on the water. By late May, the moss turns green, and the first lupine flowers start to appear. Most of the landscape in the north is still brown and yellow at this time, slowly coming back to life after winter. [Egilsstaðir](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/egilsstadir) is the main town and a good base for this part of the route. Seyðisfjörður is a colorful village at the end of a winding road into the fjord. It is worth a short side trip from Egilsstaðir. Watch the hillsides for reindeer, as they come down from the mountains in spring.  ### 6. Spot Puffins in Iceland Iceland is home to around 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population, so choosing where to go is the hardest part. The Westman Islands are reachable by a short ferry from Landeyjahöfn harbor. Látrabjarg is a long cliff on the western tip of the Westfjords. It is worth the drive if you want to see puffins with almost no one else around. Early morning and early evening are the best times for [birdwatching in Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/birdwatching) when they come and go from their burrows. Keeping a calm distance means they will carry on as if you are not there. If you want to get closer, lie flat on the ground and stay still. Puffins are naturally curious and will often walk right up to you. *Image: The Blue Lagoon near Keflavik is one of Iceland’s most popular geothermal spas, with milky-blue water that makes for a perfect first or last stop on your trip. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson / Arctic Images* ### 7. Soak in a Hot Spring in Iceland After a long day on the road, slipping into warm geothermal water is one of the best things Iceland does well. The [Blue Lagoon](https://www.visiticeland.com/service-provider/5ec7d096a90548233654dd62) near Keflavík airport is the most famous option and works well as a first or last stop on your trip. The milky-blue water sits at around 102°F (39°C) year-round. The [Sky Lagoon](https://www.visiticeland.com/service-provider/608684d3a99d67000a838aed) is a 10-minute drive from Reykjavik and has an infinity edge overlooking the North Atlantic. The [Secret Lagoon](https://www.visiticeland.com/service-provider/5ec7d096a90548233654e4f5) in Flúðir, a small village an hour from the capital, is one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools with a natural, unhurried feel. ### 8. Catch the Midnight Sun in Iceland By late May, Iceland gets close to 20 hours of daylight, and the sky never fully goes dark. The sun does not stay above the horizon all night until June, but May comes close. Most nights, a warm golden light hangs in the sky well past 10:00 pm. The hour around 10 pm is the best time to photograph it, when the light sits low and turns everything a deep amber. If you are in Reykjavík, you can head to Hallgrímskirkja church or the Seltjarnarnes peninsula for an open view of the sky. Or simply pull over anywhere on the Ring Road and watch the light change across the landscape.  If you are in North Iceland, like places like [Akureyri](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/a-day-in-akureyri) or [Húsavík](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/a-day-in-husavik), the sun stays up for even longer, typically about 20 - 30 minutes later than Reykjavík. Making it a great place to see the long summer nights.  ### 9. Head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula [Snæfellsnes](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/snaefellsnes-peninsula/) is a 90 km (56-mile) stretch of [West Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-west/) about two hours from Reykjavik, and it covers more ground than most full-day routes in the country. Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland, sitting on the north shore of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The small waterfall beside it makes the view one of the most recognizable in the country. [Snæfellsjökull glacier](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/snaefellsjokull-national-park/) sits inside a national park and inspired Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth. The walk up is worth it for the views across the peninsula. Stop at Ytri-Tunga beach on the way back, where harbor seals rest on the rocks in May and are easy to spot from the shore. *Image: Driving Iceland’s Ring Road in May means open roads, long daylight hours, and the freedom to explore the country at a relaxed pace. Photo: Axel Sig.* ### 10. Start a Ring Road Adventure The [Ring Road](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-ring-road/), also known as Route 1, circles Iceland for 1,332 km (828 miles). It passes through most of the country, from the south coast and east fjords to north Iceland and the west. Most travelers take seven to ten days to drive it, with enough time to stop and explore each stretch without feeling rushed. May is one of the best months to drive it, as road conditions are good and [car rental](https://www.visiticeland.com/service-provider/5ec7d096a90548233654dd5f) rates are lower than in peak summer. The long days give you up to 20 hours of daylight, so there is plenty of time to drive and still stop often. Check road conditions in the East Fjords and North Iceland early in the month, as snow is still possible.  ### Northern Lights in Iceland in May By May, the sky stays light for close to 20 hours a day, which means the [northern lights](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/northern-lights-in-iceland/) take a break until autumn. The [Perlan Museum](https://perlan.is/articles/northern-lights-iceland-months) notes that the northern lights season typically wraps up in early April, once the nights stop getting dark enough. The good news is that 20 hours of daylight leaves plenty of time for everything else on this list. ### Packing List for Iceland in May [Packing for Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/what-to-wear-in-iceland) in May means preparing for four seasons in one day. Here are the essentials to bring. **What to Wear** - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (this is the one item worth spending on) - Thermal or Merino wool base layers - Fleece or lightweight down jacket as a mid-layer - Warm hat, waterproof gloves, and a neck gaiter - Wool or thermal socks, at least two to three pairs **What Shoes to Bring** - Sandals or slip-ons for hot spring changing rooms - Waterproof hiking boots (high-ankle preferred) **Gear and Essentials** - Swimwear and a quick-dry towel - Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen - Lip balm and a small moisturizer - A portable charger and a headlamp - Eye mask or blackout sleep mask for sleeping, since daylight runs close to 20 hours by late May - A rain cover for your backpack or a dry bag - Motion sickness medication for boat tours - Reusable water bottle (tap water is clean and free) - Power adapter for Type F plugs - Offline maps as backup for rural areas *Image: A little planning goes a long way in May, with changing conditions, long days, and plenty to see, being prepared helps you make the most of your trip. Photo: Ragnar Th. Sigurdsson / Arctic Images* ### Helpful Tips for Visiting Iceland in May A little planning before you leave makes a big difference on the ground. Here are a few things worth knowing before you go: - Book early. [Glacier hikes](https://www.visiticeland.com/service-provider/5ec7d096a90548233654dc82), whale watching tours, and lagoon visits fill up faster than most people expect, even in May. - Check [road.is](https://road.is) daily. Road conditions change quickly, especially in the east fjords and north Iceland, early in the month. - Get travel insurance. Outdoor activities like glacier hikes and boat tours come with real weather risks. - Bring a card. Iceland is almost completely cashless, and cards are accepted everywhere, including small towns and rural stops. - Watch for sheep. From May onward, sheep roam freely across the countryside and often wander onto roads. - Download offline maps. Cell signal drops in rural areas, so having a route saved before you leave is worth it. ### Why Iceland in May Is Worth It Iceland in May sits right before peak summer, which means lower prices on flights, accommodation, and car rentals. The days are long, the Ring Road is open, the puffins are back, and the waterfalls are running hard on melting snow. Some of the best moments will be unplanned. Think of a roadside waterfall, a quiet hot spring, or an evening drive that went longer than expected because the light was too good to leave. Sort your tours and [accommodation](https://www.visiticeland.com/accommodations/) ahead of time, especially for glacier hikes and lagoon visits. These tend to fill up faster than most people expect, even in May. ## FAQs ### Q: Is Iceland in May a good time to see the Northern Lights? A: Not in May, since the sky barely gets dark at this time of year. The northern lights season wraps up around early April, when the nights start losing their darkness. If the northern lights are your main goal, autumn or winter trips give you the best window. ### Q: Is May in Iceland considered peak season? A: May is shoulder season, which means car rental and accommodation prices sit lower than in June through August. Popular stops like the Golden Circle also see lighter traffic, so you get more space to enjoy them at your own pace. ### Q: Are the waterfalls more powerful in Iceland in May? A: Yes, May is one of the best months to see the waterfalls. Snow melting in the highlands sends extra water downstream, so the falls at Gullfoss and Skógafoss run at or near full power. ### Q: Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Iceland in May? A: If you are sticking to the Ring Road, a 2WD is usually fine. A 4WD is a better choice for the Westfjords or North Iceland, where late-season slush is still possible early in the month. ### Q: When exactly do the puffins arrive in Iceland? A: Atlantic puffins begin arriving in late April and are reliably nesting by mid-May. Dyrhólaey and the Westman Islands are two of the easiest spots to see them.