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May is a fantastic time to explore Iceland as the country transitions from spring to early summer. You'll enjoy extended daylight hours, milder weather, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
With up to 20 hours of daylight, May offers plenty of time to see Iceland’s diverse landscapes, from waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches and geothermal hot springs. Though the midnight sun peaks in June, the long evenings create ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
This time of year brings excellent accessibility, with major routes like the Golden Circle and South Coast open and easy to navigate. May offers a perfect balance of affordability and availability. Whether you choose guided tours or self-drive trips, popular attractions are less crowded but fully open.
May is also the time when wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy peak whale-watching season and the return of puffins. Meanwhile, hikers and nature lovers can explore Iceland’s trails in comfortable spring weather.
Beyond nature, May also offers a glimpse into Iceland’s rich culture. Events like the Reykjavik Arts Festival and early Seamen’s Day celebrations make the experience better.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, trekking across glaciers, or immersing yourself in Icelandic traditions, May is an ideal time to visit, blending adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences into one unforgettable trip.
May is considered a shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds at popular attractions like the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, or Thingvellir National Park. It's an excellent time to enjoy these locations with more space to explore.
This time of year strikes the perfect balance between affordability and accessibility, with many tours operating at full capacity and accommodations more readily available than in the peak summer months.
The following are some of the most popular tours in Iceland in May:
5-Day Summer Vacation Package: Experience Icelandic highlights on this epic tour, including the Golden Circle and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
8-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Ring Road: Explore Iceland's famous Ring Road and South Coast at your own pace.
Small-Group Golden Circle Minibus Tour from Reykjavik: Take in the popular Golden Circle sights with added stops at Bruarfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater.
Golden Circle tours in Iceland are a top choice in May, offering a chance to explore the country’s iconic landmarks during spring. With longer daylight hours and milder weather, it's a great time to visit Thingvellir National Park, where two tectonic plates meet.
Watch Strokkur Geyser erupt in the Geysir Geothermal Area and see the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall plunge into the Hvita River. Also, enjoy stops at Kerid Crater or local farms. With fewer crowds and scenic landscapes, May is perfect for enjoying the Golden Circle's highlights. Here are the top Golden Circle tours in Iceland in May:
3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour: Experience the best of Iceland on this immersive tour, covering waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches.
Golden Circle Small Group Tour with Kerid Volcanic Crater: See the famous Golden Circle sights and the beautiful Kerid Crater with this small group tour.
Golden Circle Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik: Spend the afternoon touring the Golden Circle and enjoy waterfalls, national parks, and geothermal areas.
Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching opportunities as puffins return to nest along Iceland's cliffs, particularly in places like Dyrholaey or Borgarfjordur Eystri.
Whales are also active in Iceland's waters, making whale-watching tours from Reykjavik or Husavik a highlight of May. May's top wildlife tours include:
Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: Climb aboard a boat and head into Faxafloi Bay in search of these amazing sea creatures.
Family-Friendly 1-Hour Puffin Boat Tour: Learn more about Iceland’s most adorable creature, the puffin, on this incredible boat tour.
3-Hour Whale Watching and Wildlife Yacht Tour: See marine wildlife off the shore of Reykjavik, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Glacier hiking and ice-caving tours in Iceland in May offer an exciting way to explore the country's frozen landscapes, as spring arrives. Guided tours on glaciers like Solheimajokull and Vatnajokull let you walk across ancient ice, see crevasses up close, and learn about their formation.
While ice caves are more common in winter, some remain accessible in May, offering a glimpse into these natural wonders. Led by expert guides and equipped with crampons, these tours offer a safe and informative way to explore Iceland's glaciers. Here are top recommendations for popular glacier hiking and ice-caving tours in Iceland in May:
Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour: Enjoy hiking on a breathtaking glacier while enjoying the views over Iceland’s South Coast.
2-Day Tour of Iceland’s South Coast with Glacier Hiking: Glacier hiking is one of the highlights of this 2-day South Coast tour.
Beginner-Friendly Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier: This glacier hiking tour is perfect if you’ve never done anything like this before.
South Coast tours in May are a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s diverse natural landscapes. With longer daylight hours and mild spring weather, you can visit iconic sites like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, where lush flora begins to flourish.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach offers striking views of basalt columns and dramatic ocean waves. Many tours also include stops at the Solheimajokull Glacier for guided hikes or the charming village of Vik. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot puffins returning to the cliffs.
May is an ideal time to explore the South Coast’s highlights, as smaller crowds allow for a more relaxed experience. The best May South Coast tours include:
8-Day Summer Vacation Package Tour: See some of the best attractions in Iceland on this package tour.
10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland: Explore the sights of the South Coast at your own pace.
2-Day Sightseeing Tour to South Coast: Choose from ice caving or a boat tour on this ultimate South Coast adventure.
Iceland's weather in May is relatively mild, with temperatures typically ranging between 38 and 50 F (3–10 C). The weather makes May an ideal month for hiking, exploring waterfalls, or visiting glaciers.
Roads to popular highlights like the Golden Circle and the South Coast are open and easily accessible, and by the end of the month, Highland roads may begin to open, depending on snow conditions.
Additionally, the chances of encountering icy roads or harsh winter conditions are much lower compared to earlier months.
May in Iceland is a vibrant time for cultural celebrations as spring breathes new life into the country. The Reykjavik Arts Festival, one of Iceland’s oldest and most prominent cultural events, showcases performances, exhibitions, and workshops across the capital city.
Another highlight is Seamen’s Day, celebrated on the first weekend of June, but events often kick off in late May. This tradition honors Iceland's fishing heritage with local festivities in coastal towns featuring competitions, music, and food.
These events offer a glimpse into Iceland's rich culture and provide opportunities to connect with the community during a lively season.
May is a great time to visit Iceland, offering an ideal balance of adventure, nature, and culture. With long daylight hours and fewer crowds, travelers can explore iconic spots like the Golden Circle and the South Coast at a relaxed pace.
Wildlife lovers can witness puffins nesting on coastal cliffs and enjoy world-class whale-watching experiences, while thrill-seekers can hike on glaciers or explore Iceland’s volcanic terrain. May also brings cultural events, with festivals and traditions adding depth to the journey.
Whether chasing waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, or setting out on a self-drive adventure, May offers great access, value, and experiences. This shoulder season combines scenic sightseeing, immersive outdoor activities, and unique encounters with fewer crowds, making it one of the best times to explore Iceland's diverse wonders.
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