Iceland in May: The Self-Drive Travel Guide 

May marks the true arrival of spring in Iceland. The snow retreats from the lowlands, flowers begin to bloom, and the days stretch toward near-endless light. It’s the month when the country shakes off winter’s grip but hasn’t yet reached the peak crowds of summer. For many travelers, May in Iceland is the sweet spot: long days, mild weather, accessible roads, and plenty of opportunities to explore without the intensity of high season prices.

Whether you want to circle the Ring Road, go hiking on glaciers, see puffins return to their nesting cliffs, or soak in geothermal hot springs under the midnight sun, May offers something for every kind of traveler.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Iceland in May.

• Related links: Iceland in April; Rent a Car in Iceland

Table of Contents

• Iceland Weather in May
• What to Pack for Iceland in May
• Driving Conditions in Iceland in May
• The Best Rental Car for Iceland in May
• Is May a Good Time To Go to Iceland?
• Best Things to Do in Iceland in May
• Best Festivals and Events in Iceland in May
• Self-Drive Itinerary for May
• What Does Iceland in May Look Like?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Iceland Weather in May

May in Iceland is peak spring season. It is relatively colder then June, July and August, the summer months of Iceland, but it is also less crowded with tourists compare to those peak travel season for Iceland. You’ll miss the harsh and unpredictable winter weather and experience more enjoyable and comfortable temperatures. 

The Average Temperature of Iceland in May

Depending on when you visit in May, the temperature can be pretty varied. At the beginning of May, the average temperature is around 5°C (41°F), but by the end of the month, the average rises to 10°C (50°F). Nights are still chilly, sometimes dipping close to freezing, but daytime highs are pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Daylight in Iceland in May

At the beginning of May, you’ll have about 18 hours of daylight, and by the end of the month the sun barely sets, leaving only a few hours of twilight. This gives you endless time to explore, drive long distances, and enjoy Iceland’s landscapes without worrying about darkness.

Is Iceland Cold in May?

Compared to winter, May in Iceland feels pleasantly mild, but it can still be chillier than many travelers expect. Snow is mostly gone from the lowlands, though you’ll still see white-capped peaks in the north and Highlands. Rain and wind are common, so even with spring’s longer days, you’ll want layers and a waterproof outer shell to stay comfortable.

What to Pack for Iceland in May

Packing for Iceland in May means preparing for variety: chilly mornings, mild afternoons, windy coastlines, and occasional rain. The key is layers you can add or remove depending on conditions. Here at the essential items to pack for a trip to Iceland in May:

• Waterproof and durable hiking boots 
• Comfortable walking pants 
• Thermal base layer 
• Windproof and waterproof jacket 
• Many pairs of thick socks
• Bathing suit 
• Warm sweater 
• Hat and gloves 
• Waterproof backpack

Find a complete Iceland packing list here. 

Driving Conditions in Iceland in May

May is one of the best months for a self-drive adventure in Iceland. Most of the Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South Coast routes are fully open and clear of snow and ice, making them safe and straightforward to drive.

The Highlands and F-roads remain closed until June, so you won’t be able to access those areas yet. In the north and Eastfjords, you may still encounter patches of snow or icy roads in higher passes, but for the most part, travel is smooth and easy compared to winter.

The main challenges in May are wind and rain. Strong gusts can make driving difficult, especially for campervans or high-sided vehicles. Always check conditions on road.is for real-time road updates and vedur.is for weather forecasts before setting out.

The Best Rental Car for Iceland in May

When choosing a rental car for Iceland in May, your decision depends on both your itinerary and group size. With snow and ice mostly gone by late spring, many major routes are accessible in a standard 2WD, but a 4×4 SUV remains the most versatile and practical choice for travelers who want more flexibility.

If you’re planning to stay around Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, or the South Coast, an economy or compact car will usually be sufficient. For those venturing further, such as driving the full Ring Road, exploring Snæfellsnes, or heading into North or East Iceland, then a larger 4WD is recommended for added comfort and stability on longer drives and occasional gravel stretches.

Keep in mind that the Highlands are still closed in May, so F-roads aren’t an option until summer. However, if you want to prepare for unpredictable spring weather or explore less-developed areas, a 4×4 gives you peace of mind. Campervans are also a popular option in May, thanks to mild nights and the many campgrounds opening for the season.

Is May a Good Time To Go to Iceland?

Yes. May is one of the best-kept secrets for visiting Iceland, offering the perfect balance between winter’s quiet beauty and summer’s vibrant energy. Crowds are still light compared to June, July, and August. While tourism starts to pick up, you’ll find far fewer people at waterfalls, hot springs, and national parks than in peak season. This makes sightseeing more relaxed and enjoyable.

Prices are also more affordable. As May is still considered shoulder season, you can usually find better deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals than in summer. For many travelers, this makes May one of the most budget-friendly times of year to visit.

May also features Iceland’s nature at its best. Most of the snow has melted in the lowlands, opening up the Ring Road and countless hiking trails, while mountains remain capped in snow, creating striking contrasts. Spring flowers start blooming, and puffins return to their nesting grounds, making May one of the best months for wildlife watching. Plus, the longer daylight hours make exploring easier.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in May

If you’re visiting Iceland in May, here are the top things to do:

Self-Drive Iceland’s Ring Road

The Ring Road is the name given to Route 1, which is a 1,332-kilometer loop around the country. This route provides access points to many of Iceland’s top attractions, including Skogafoss waterfall Iceland, the DC3 plane wreck, and Reynisfjara black sand beach.

You’ll also pass by the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Myvatn Nature Baths, and Hverfell Volcano. You can find our complete guide to Icelands Ring Road. Although you could technically drive non-stop around the whole Ring Road in 16 hours, we recommend spending between 10 to 15 days if you want to see everything. 

Glacier Adventures: Guided Hiking or Snowmobiling

Spring is prime for blue-ice textures, stable surfaces, and big views. Go with certified guides on Sólheimajökull or in Vatnajökull National Park (Skaftafell) for crampon hikes across crevasses and moulins. If you prefer speed to steps, snowmobiling on Langjökull delivers huge panoramas with minimal effort. Guides provide all technical gear; you bring warm layers and a sense of wonder.

• Book a local tour in Iceland with one of our tour operation partners

Snorkel (or Dive) Silfra Between Two Continents

In Thingvellir National Park, the Silfra fissure’s glacier-filtered water offers 60–100 m visibility most days. Drysuit tours keep you comfortable; the long daylight and generally calmer spring weather make May an especially good month. It’s a rare “only-in-Iceland” bucket-list experience, even if you’ve never snorkeled before.

• Find the best Silfra tours

Ride an Icelandic Horse

With trails drying out and temperatures mellowing, May is ideal for short family rides or longer treks. You’ll feel the Icelandic horse‘s signature tölt (smooth and surprisingly fast) on beaches, lava fields, or farm tracks. Many stables run open days around May 1 (see festivals below), so it’s a great time for first-timers to try a ride.

• Find Iceland horseback riding tours here

See Puffins and Other Seabirds Return to the Cliffs

Iceland is home to some incredible wildlife, including mink, arctic fox, seals, and reindeer. But visitors come from around the globe to see Icelands puffins. May is puffin-arrival season. Top viewing includes the Westman Islands, Dyrhólaey (check seasonal closures), Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, and the Tjörnes peninsula in the north. Go early morning or late evening, stay behind ropes, and use a zoom lens to observe better behavior and maintain safer cliff etiquette.

Go Whale Watching

There are over 20 species of whales that pass through Iceland’s waters, including sperm whales, minke whales, orcas, and humpbacks. The prime season for whale watching is between April and September, so there’s a very good likelihood of seeing them in May in Iceland. Whale watching tours from Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Húsavík frequently spot humpbacks and minkes, with occasional orcas. The seas are often calmer than in winter, and the low-angle spring light is gorgeous for photography.

Soak in Geothermal Pools

Contrast cool evenings with warm mineral water: the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Mývatn Nature Baths are open year-round, while smaller spots like the Secret Lagoon or local town pools are authentic, affordable, and everywhere. Pack a swimsuit and quick-dry towel; you’ll use them more than you think.

Best Festivals and Events in Iceland in May

Although your schedule will already be jammed packed with all the activities available to you in Iceland in May, there are also a couple of local events you should be aware of. 

Ascension Day 

Ascension Day is a public holiday in Iceland and always falls on a Thursday in May. As Iceland is a primarily Christian country, this day is to celebrate the day that Christ’s body ascends to heaven, 40 days after Easter. Icelanders have been celebrating this day as far back as 400 AD.

Schools and many businesses are closed, and most people spend the day with their families, enjoying food and outdoor activities together. Just bear in mind that some services like banks and retail stores may be closed on this day. 

International Day of the Icelandic Horse

May 1st is the International Day of the Icelandic Horse. These sturdy, calm animals definitely deserve a day for recognition! Riding clubs and farms open their gates for shows, breed demos, and short rides that showcase the Icelandic horse’s unique gaits.

The horse ranches around Iceland open their doors to the community, offering educational demonstrations, trail riding, horse races, and presentations of the Icelandic horse’s fifth gait. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about these beautiful animals that are only found in Iceland. 

Iceland Innovation Week

Iceland Innovation Week takes place in Reykjavik each year, almost always sometime in May. This city-wide festival celebrates tech, design, sustainability, green energy, and startups. Expect keynotes, open houses at labs and companies, pitch events, and pop-ups in venues around Reykjavík. It’s a fun window into Iceland’s inventive side, and many sessions are traveler-friendly.

Labour Day

Labour Day is an important public holiday in Iceland, celebrated every year on May 1. It’s a day dedicated to workers’ rights, often marked by parades, speeches, and demonstrations in Reykjavík and other towns. The largest gatherings usually take place on Austurvöllur Square in front of Parliament, where labor unions and organizations come together. Many shops and services close for the day, but for visitors, it’s an opportunity to witness Icelandic social values and see the community spirit that shapes the nation.

Suggested 7-Day Self-Drive Itinerary for Iceland in May

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík, explore the city, visit Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and soak in the Sky Lagoon.

Day 2: Golden Circle – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss. Optional stop at Secret Lagoon.

Day 3: South Coast – Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Vík. Overnight nearby.

Day 4: Vatnajökull & Jökulsárlón – Explore Skaftafell, hike a glacier, visit Diamond Beach. Overnight in Höfn.

Day 5: Eastfjords – Drive scenic coastal roads, visit Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir. Overnight in the east.

Day 6: North Iceland – Whale watching in Húsavík or Akureyri, explore Mývatn geothermal area, relax at Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 7: West Iceland – Visit Hraunfossar waterfalls and Borgarfjörður before returning to Reykjavík.

What Does Iceland in May Look Like?

Picture waterfalls in full flow, puffins perched on sea cliffs, glaciers glowing under long spring light, and Reykjavík alive with festivals. The mountains remain snowy in the distance, but the lowlands are green and blooming. It’s a month of contrast, with spring at sea level, winter on the peaks, and summer just around the corner.

Iceland in May FAQs

• • Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in May?
    It’s unlikely. By May, the nights in Iceland are already very short and full darkness doesn’t return until late August. The northern lights require clear, dark skies to be visible, so May isn’t a good time for aurora hunting. Instead, you’ll experience the midnight sun phenomenon with long, bright evenings that allow for extended sightseeing.

• • Is Iceland green in May?
    Yes, May is when Iceland really starts to wake up after winter. The snow has melted in most lowland areas, and green grass, moss, and early wildflowers begin to color the landscape. The countryside, especially in the south and west, looks much greener than in the colder months, though the highlands remain snow-covered until summer.

• • What time does it get dark in Iceland in May?
    By mid-May, there are about 18–20 hours of daylight. In Reykjavík, the sun typically rises around 4:30 AM and sets close to 10:30 PM. Even after sunset, the sky doesn’t get completely dark—it stays in a twilight glow throughout the night, which is why May is considered the start of the midnight sun season.

• • Can you go hiking in Iceland in May?
    Absolutely. Many of Iceland’s most popular hiking trails are open by May, especially in coastal and lowland areas like Þingvellir National Park, Skaftafell, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. However, the famous Highland routes such as Laugavegur are usually still closed until late June due to lingering snow. Always check trail conditions before heading out.

• • Can you go camping in Iceland in May?
    Yes, camping is possible in May, and many campsites officially open for the season this month. The weather is milder, but still cool at night, so warm sleeping gear is essential. Some campsites in the highlands remain closed until later in summer, but coastal and popular tourist route campsites are ready to welcome visitors.

• • Is Iceland expensive in May?
    Compared to peak summer months, May is a more affordable time to visit. Flights, car rentals, and accommodations are often cheaper because it’s still considered shoulder season. You’ll also benefit from smaller crowds at major attractions while still enjoying great weather and long days.

• • Does it snow in Iceland in May?
    In most parts of the country, snow is rare in May. Lowland areas are usually clear, but you may still see snow on mountaintops and in the highlands. Occasionally, the north and Eastfjords might experience a light snowfall early in the month, but it generally doesn’t last long.

• • Are the roads open in Iceland in May?
    Most major roads, including the entire Ring Road, are open and safe to drive in May. However, the F-roads (mountain roads in the highlands) remain closed until late June or early July due to snow and muddy conditions. If you plan to stick to the Ring Road and coastal routes, May is a great month for a self-drive trip.

Iceland in May

May is one of the best times to visit Iceland for travelers who want the best of both seasons: long days, milder weather, puffins and whales, but without the heavy summer crowds. It’s a fantastic month for a self-drive road trip, with open roads and endless light. Just be sure to book your rental car in advance with Hertz Iceland to secure the best vehicle for your trip.

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