Visiting Iceland in May is a great choice for spring travel. The weather is milder, the days are longer, and most roads and attractions are open and easy to access.
May is also the sunniest month across the south and west of Iceland. Our 26-year sunshine study found the whole stretch from Keflavik through Reykjavik to Hofn, plus the Westman Islands, get their best sunshine odds this month.
May gives the same open roads as June with fewer people on them, according to our study of the best and worst months to visit Iceland. That makes it a strong month for a self-drive trip at a quieter pace.
With these conditions, it is easier to plan what to do in Iceland in May, such as nature trips and adventure tours. It is also one of the best times to explore the South Coast, join Golden Circle tours, and go puffin and whale-watching.
If you prefer more freedom, self-drive tours in Iceland are also a great option in May. Driving in Iceland in May is generally easier, with improved road conditions and long daylight hours that give you more time to explore safely and comfortably.
Overall, May is a flexible and easy month to explore Iceland, whether you prefer guided experiences or traveling on your own.
Our study on how many days you need in Iceland found that nine to ten days is ideal for a self-drive trip and six for a Reykjavik-based one. The Ring Road itself takes seven to eight days.
Top Golden Circle Tours in May
Among the best Iceland tours in May are Golden Circle adventures that offer a chance to explore the country’s iconic landmarks.
With longer daylight hours and milder weather, it's a great time to visit Thingvellir National Park, watch Strokkur Geyser erupt in the Geysir Geothermal Area, and see the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall plunge into the Hvita River.
Here are the top Golden Circle tours in Iceland in May:
Popular South Coast Tours in May
South Coast tours in Iceland in May are a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes as conditions improve for travel. Expect waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches, all easy to access with longer daylight hours and fewer crowds.
Here are some of the most popular South Coast Iceland tours in May:
Best Sightseeing Tours in Iceland in May
May is a shoulder season in Iceland, so popular sights like the Blue Lagoon, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Thingvellir National Park are typically less crowded. This means it’s easier to explore these places at a relaxed pace.
At the same time, most tours are already running at full capacity, and travel is more flexible with better availability for sightseeing activities and hotels and accommodations in Iceland.
Here are some of the most popular sightseeing tours in Iceland in May:
Best Wildlife Tours in Iceland in May
May is one of the best months for wildlife tours in Iceland. It’s the start of peak whale-watching season in the country and the return of puffins along the coast, making it an ideal time for nature lovers to explore Iceland’s marine and birdlife.
Below are some of the top wildlife tours in May:
Top Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving Tours in Iceland in May
Glacier hiking tours in Iceland are a popular way to explore the country’s icy landscapes, even in spring. Guided hikes on glaciers like Solheimajokull and Vatnajokull let you walk on solid ice, see crevasses up close, and learn how glaciers are formed and constantly changing.
While ice caves are more common in winter, some remain accessible in early May, depending on conditions. These tours are always guided and include proper safety equipment, offering a rare chance to explore inside a glacier when available.
Here are some of the top glacier hiking and ice-caving tours in Iceland in May:
Best Vacation Packages in Iceland in May
Vacation packages in Iceland are a convenient way to explore the country’s top attractions with everything planned for you. With longer daylight hours and easier road conditions in May, it’s a great time to cover more ground, from waterfalls and glaciers to the South Coast and Golden Circle.
Here are some of the most popular May vacation packages:
Popular Self-Drive Trips in Iceland in May
Spring self-drive tours in Iceland are a popular choice for travelers who want flexibility and control over their itinerary. From the Golden Circle to the Ring Road, May is a great time for road trips across Iceland.
Below are Iceland’s most popular self-drive trips in Iceland in May:
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1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle – A self-drive itinerary covering the Ring Road and Golden Circle, with stops at waterfalls, glaciers, and scenic coastal routes at your own pace.
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1-Week Self-Drive Tour of West and South Iceland with the Golden Circle – A flexible road trip covering the Golden Circle, South Coast, and West Iceland, with stops at waterfalls, lava fields, and scenic coastal areas.
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10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes – A full Ring Road itinerary including waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for a complete Iceland road trip experience.
Weather in Iceland in May
Spring in Iceland brings milder and more stable weather compared to winter. In May, temperatures usually range from 38 F to 50 F (3 C to 10 C), making it more comfortable for outdoor travel and sightseeing. You can also expect long daylight hours, averaging around 17 to 20 hours per day, especially toward the end of the month.
Weather conditions are generally more stable than in winter, with fewer storms and much lower chances of icy roads. While rain and wind are still possible, travel conditions are usually suitable for most tours and self-drive trips.
Overall, May offers a good balance of accessibility, lighter crowds, and manageable weather for exploring Iceland comfortably.
Experience the Best of Iceland This May
May is one of the easiest and most rewarding times to explore Iceland. With longer days, open roads, and a wide range of tours available, you can see more of the country without the peak-season crowds.
Whether you’re planning guided trips or a self-drive adventure, May gives you the flexibility to experience Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers, coastlines, and wildlife at a comfortable pace.
May opens up the shoulder season. The Reykjavik hotels are a solid base as more routes reopen. Pick a May tour above.
