Weather in May in Iceland

May is a great time to visit Iceland. The days are long, the landscapes are turning green, and the sealife is returning for the summer. Plus, many exciting events are taking place, including the Reykjavík Art Festival and the Festival of the Sea.

But what can you expect from the weather in Iceland in May? In this post, we share the details, along with some Icelandic adventures and experiences to enjoy, whatever the weather.

Icelandic weather in May: What to expect

Visit Iceland in May and you have the best chance to see the country at its warmest and driest. The season is spring and the summer solstice, when hours of daylight are longest, is not far away.

However, this is still Iceland, on the border of the Arctic Circle. Even in May, there’s a chance of low temperatures and the odd shower—so bring a jacket! Here’s what you can expect.

What are the daylight hours in Iceland in May?

May is one of the months with the most daylight in Iceland. With the sun still up late in the day, you’ll have lots of time to explore the country’s natural beauty.

In Reykjavík on May 1st, the sun rises at 04:58 and sets at 21:53. That gives you roughly 17 hours of light each day.

But throughout the month, these daylight hours will only get longer. During May, there’s 6 minutes more light each day. By June 1st, in Reykjavík the sun rises at 03:21 and sets at 23:31. That adds up to over 20 hours of daylight.

The further north you go in Iceland, the more daylight you’ll get in May. The sun rises half an hour earlier in Akureyri on May 1st, and nearly an hour earlier on June 1st.

What’s the temperature in Iceland in May?

In May, temperatures are gradually increasing as we approach the height of Arctic summer in July.

In Reykjavík, the average high temperature is 10.1°C (50.2°F) and the average low is 4°C (39.2°). In Akureyri, average temperatures are slightly more varied: 10.3°C (50.5°F) is the average high, while the average low is 3.2°C (37.8°F).

These figures are only averages, though. Record high temperatures have reached 24.6°C (76.3°F), while the record low is –10.4°C (13.3°F).

How much rain does Iceland get in May?

While June is officially Iceland’s driest month, May isn’t far behind. How much rain you’ll get will depend on where you are.

Reykjavík receives about 52.6 mm (2.07 in) across the month. On average, it rains on 10.8 days. Akureyri gets less than half as much: 24.1 mm (0.95 in). On average, it rains on just 5.9 days.

Usually, this falls as light rain. However, in May, there’s still a slim chance of snow, but it normally falls on the highest hills.

What to do in Iceland in May—no matter the weather

May is the perfect time to visit Iceland. No matter what the weather’s doing, here are three exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable things to get up to.

1. Sample Iceland’s springtime delicacies

Iceland is building a reputation as a unique culinary destination. With its impressive and varied restaurants—from casual eateries to fine dining—there’s something for everyone. And spring is one of the best times to sample our country’s delicious offerings.

At Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya, our restaurants provide the perfect opportunity for you to try the finest seasonal produce. In all our locations across Iceland, we’re proud to work with the freshest ingredients, grown, reared, or caught locally.

For instance, at Slippbarinn, at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, you can eat fresh fish straight from the sea. Or at Lyng, in Egilsstaðir, try lovingly prepared local delicacies such as reindeer, gravlax, and traditional Icelandic cured meats.

There are many more restaurants to try, from Iceland’s capital to Akureyri, the so-called “Capital of the North”.

2. Relax in an Icelandic spa

Whether it’s sunny outside or you’re in the middle of a springtime shower, an Icelandic spa can offer the perfect sanctuary. They’re designed to rejuvenate the body and soul throughout the changing seasons.

Think of Icelandic spa resorts and famous destinations such as the Blue Lagoon will likely first come to mind. Yet there’s much more to the country’s wellness scene than these big names.

At Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya, we have three intimate and supremely relaxing spas in Reykjavík, where you can unwind and peacefully forget the outside world. The Natura Spa, for instance, is in our Reykjavík Natura Hotel and features soothing, luxurious facilities such as a warm pool and hot tub.

Or if you’re a guest at the Parliament Hotel, make sure to visit the Parliament Spa. With its facial and massage treatments—alongside a sauna, steam room, and geothermal pool—it offers the perfect Icelandic spa experience.

3. Go on an outdoor adventure

In May, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy fine weather on your trip to Iceland. While you’re here, make time to head out into the great outdoors to explore the country’s stunning scenery on an outdoor adventure.

There’s so much for you to try in this season. For instance, the spring is the perfect time for a glacier hike, when you can venture across these icy expanses with a knowledgeable local guide.

Alternatively, take to the sea to witness whales. May is the month when many species return north to Iceland’s waters—making it a great opportunity to glimpse these magnificent creatures.

May is one of the best times to see Iceland’s varied sights too. If you’re staying in one of our hotels in Reykjavík, head out to explore the Golden Circle or the wonders of the south coast.

Plus, if you have time, explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula. With its glacier-topped volcano, iconic hills, and rugged coastline, it’s often known as “Iceland in miniature”.

Two top tips for enjoying Iceland’s May weather

There’s so much to see and do in Iceland. To enjoy it at its best, though, it’s worth keeping these two things in mind.

1. Make the most of the extended hours of daylight

One of the most magical aspects of visiting Iceland in May is the long hours of daylight. Throughout the month, you can enjoy the sunshine until as late as 11pm.

So, it’s not technically the midnight sun just yet. But the bright nocturnal skies are a beautiful phenomenon nonetheless.

Stay out late in one of Reykjavík’s bars, camp beneath the stars, or take the opportunity to visit one of Iceland’s top sights in the dusky light. Ultimately, it’s such a shame to go to bed early when the sun is still shining.

2. Stay prepared for changes in the weather

Just because May is one of the best months for the weather in Iceland, we won’t pretend that it’s nice all the time. In Reykjavík, there’s likely to be some rain on a third of days in May, while it can still be quite cold in the evenings and early mornings.

That’s why you should always bring waterproofs and warm layers, whatever time of year you’re visiting Iceland. Even if it’s sunny when you leave your hotel in the morning, conditions frequently change throughout the day. You’ll regret not having your jacket with you.

It’s worth always keeping an eye on the weather forecast too. The Icelandic Met Office has up to date forecasts for all locations across the country. Check it before you head outside, particularly if you’re going into the highlands or a national park.

Quick summary: Why May is a special time to visit Iceland

With relatively dry weather, long hours of daylight, and rising temperatures, May is the perfect time to visit Iceland. Plus, it’s not yet the peak season, meaning that prices can be lower and you’ll find fewer visitors at the most famous attractions.

So, why not come and visit this May? At Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya, we can help make all aspects of your trip unforgettable. We have luxurious and welcoming hotels across Iceland that can cater for your every need.

Check out our full range of hotels and book your Iceland adventure today.

Frequently asked questions about May weather in Iceland

Still got questions about the weather in Iceland in May? Here we provide some answers.

Is May a good time to visit Iceland?

May is a great time to visit Iceland. It’s the month when the country fully emerges from the long northern winter and approaches the warmer season.

You can expect long hours of daylight, rising temperatures, and among the lowest rates of rainfall of any month of the year. It’s almost summer—and so, Iceland’s landscapes appear green and flowers will be in bloom.

Of course, this is not to say that May is necessarily a better time to visit than other months. Whether you visit Iceland in winter or at the height of summer, you’ll find it to be dramatic, beautiful, and inspiring.

What’s Iceland’s weather like in May?

In Iceland, May is largely dry and, as the month progresses, increasingly mild. Generally, it’s a really pleasant time to explore the country.

More specifically, you can expect temperatures between 4 and 10°C (39—50°F) across the country. Rainfall is typically limited to between 5 and 10 days across the month.

However, these are only averages. And, like in most countries at most times of year, the weather can vary dramatically. When traveling to Iceland, always pack a waterproof.

What to do in Iceland in May?

Visit in May and enjoy some of the unforgettable adventures that Iceland has to offer. Here are some of our favorite activities:

• Go whale watching from Reykjavík to glimpse orcas, dolphins, and more
• Visit an Iceland spa resort to unwind among luxurious and traditional facilities
• Join an Iceland tour to see the country’s top sights, including the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and more
• Sample seasonal delicacies and local favorites from the best restaurants in Iceland
• Embark on an active Iceland adventure, exploring dramatic coastlines, rugged glaciers, and more, by foot, off-road vehicle, bike or horseback

There’s so much more to do in Iceland. Check out our Iceland tour packages to discover more.

Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in May?

To see the northern lights, you need dark skies. Only in the darkest conditions will the glow of the aurora borealis be visible.

In Iceland in May, the sun doesn’t set until 10 or 11pm and it rises again a few hours later. That means that it doesn’t get dark enough for you to see the northern lights.

Instead, if you want to see the northern lights, you’ll need to visit Iceland during the winter months, from September to March.

How should I dress for the weather in Iceland in May?

A typical May day in Iceland is mild and dry. In the evenings and early mornings, however, temperatures are typically lower. And at any time of day, conditions can change: the wind can pick up and rain can come.

That means it’s best to be prepared for any weather. So, layers are a good idea. Sometimes you’ll get away with a t-shirt and jeans, but it’s important to have a jumper and jacket handy in case you need it.

Is it common to experience rain in Iceland during May?

Typically, rain falls on between 5 and 10 days throughout the month of May. This is just an average though, so it can be more common than that.

Are there any specific weather-related travel advisories for Iceland in May?

There’s nothing in particular that you need to be aware of when traveling in Iceland in May. It’s among the safest of months to travel in Iceland, as the risk of snow and heavy rain is very low.

Can I go glacier hiking in Iceland in May?

May is a good time to go glacier hiking in Iceland. The chances of clear skies are high and there’s likely to still be substantial snow cover after the winter.

Check out our glacier hiking tours here.

Is May a good time for whale watching in Iceland?

The best months for whale watching in Iceland are between April and September. During this time, whales have come north to Icelandic waters in search of food. A total of 23 different species of whale and dolphin have been spotted in Icelandic waters. Join a whale watching tour to see them in their natural habitat.

How do the weather conditions in May affect driving in Iceland?

The weather in May is typically dry and mild—very generally speaking. That means that driving in Iceland shouldn’t pose any particular challenges.

That said, you may find that F-roads—the unpaved roads that travel through the highlands—are not yet open, due to the winter snow. These are only passable when the snow has melted, which typically happens in May or June.

Are outdoor activities like hot springs and hiking recommended in May?

Visiting hot springs and exploring hiking trails offer exciting adventures throughout the spring and summer months. Here are some of our favorite destinations:

• Skaftafell Nature Reserve, for a dense network of hiking trails
• Þingvellir National Park, for hiking among historic surroundings

• Reykjadalur, a hike up the “smokey valley” for a dip in a geothermal river
• Hveravellir, a hot spring in an active geothermal landscape

Explore our active Iceland adventures here.

What’s the best way to stay updated on the weather in Iceland during my visit in May?

We’d always recommend checking the forecast before you go out in Iceland—no matter the season. The best place to do this is on the website of the Icelandic Met Office.

However, whichever weather app you use at home will likely work well in Iceland too.