Iceland in May 2025: Weather and Travel

Iceland is'cool in May. There is an average of 6 hours of sunshine, low to moderate rainfall and occasional snowfall. By the middle of May, the whole country has daylight or twilight all 24 hours. We recommend visiting Reykjavík, Akureyri, Höfn, and southwestern natural highlights.

Iceland Weather in May: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 3–9°C (37–49°F)
• Total rain/snow: 6 cm (2 inches)
• Days with rain/snow: 10
• Humidity: 74%
• Sunshine hours/day: 6 hours

May Climate Comparison (Averages) for Iceland's Top Tourism Areas

In May, you can enjoy continual daylight and twilight. The weather feels mild when it is sunny, and it's inviting for the outdoors and experiencing Iceland's culture. The moderate tourism helps you find'solitude and'peace to'explore the natural highlights, the geological wonders, and the subarctic wilderness.

Southern Iceland: Reykjavík'and the southern coast are at about latitude 64° and southward. There is an average of about 18½'hours of daylight. At low elevations, the average high is about 10°C (50°F), and the low is 4°C (39°F).

Northern Iceland:'Akureyri and other northern tourist towns are'very close to the Arctic Circle at latitude 65.5° and northwards. Húsavík'is at latitude 66°, where there are 19 hours of daylight. At low elevations, the weather in Akureyri is similar to Reykjavík's but drier.

The Best Places to Visit in Iceland in May

There is abundant light for excursions out to the natural highlights around Reykjavík, Höfn, and Akureyri. Some of Iceland's'best geologic highlights are around these towns,'such as active volcanoes, easily accessible glaciers, and huge waterfalls.

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'1.Reykjavík — Visit the Highlights of Culture and Nature

Reykjavík is an unusually interesting capital city to visit. Since 2021, fiery and fantastic eruptions have been exploding out near Reykjavík each year. The most likely next eruption in the second half of 2024 is expected near the town of Grindavík that is only about 40 minutes away by driving.

The average of 7 hours of sunshine highlight the natural wonders and urban sights. Reykjavík has an average daily high of 10°C (50°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F). It's pleasant to simply stroll along the shopping lanes in warm May sunshine.

The rainfall is low, but when it falls, you could visit the National Museum.'By staying in Reykjavík, you'll experience Iceland's'cultural center. National Park,'near the city,'is a fascinating hiking area,'since you can walk across the continental juncture of the European plate and'North American. 'Öxaráfoss is a waterfall in the park, and there are wildflowers and green landscapes to enjoy in May.

Thingvellir National Park,'near the city,'is a fascinating hiking area,'since you can walk across the continental juncture of the European plate and'North American. 'Öxaráfoss is a waterfall in the park, and there are wildflowers and green landscapes to enjoy in May.

'2.Höfn — Enjoy Walking on a Huge Glacier, Hiking, and Seafood

Höfn is a tourist town on the southeastern coast with geological wonders in the vicinity. There is a glacier bigger than any in Western Europe, and it is easily accessible from Höfn since it is low-elevation. The glacier measures about 8,000 square'km (3,000'square'miles).

You could hike to blue ice caves, and see Jökulsárlón Lake that is about 70 minutes from Höfn. There are hot springs and hot tubs in the area to enjoy too. The town is a fisherman's port, so you can enjoy the best freshly caught seafood including'lobster.

May is in a moderate tourism season for Höfn, so there are fewer tourists and lower prices. On average, there are 6 hours of sunshine, highs of 9°C (48°F), lows of 3°C (37°F) and moderate rainfall,so'you can enjoy the fresh green scenery and wildflowers.

'3.Akureyri — See Whales and Hike and See Natural Wonders

Akureyri is a town of 20,000 people. It is in a big scenic fjord along the north coast. There is an average of 19 hours of daily daylight, and in the middle of May, there stops being any night. So even in twilight, you could sightsee the area.

Akureyri is one of the best towns for whale-watching tours, and May is one of the best months since big whale species start to arrive and the weather is more comfortable. Prices are also lower than in the busy summer months.

There are'about 5 hours of sunshine on average in May and semi-arid weather. The average high is 10°C (50°F), and the low is 3°C (37°F). There is good weather for seeing Dettifoss. It is Europe's biggest waterfall and is 2 hours and 15 minutes away from Akureyri.

'4.Southern Iceland — Enjoy the Natural Highlights around the Golden Circle

Starting in Reykjavík, many tourists follow a circular route along the roads east of the capital city. They may visit Thingvellir National Park, where most see a waterfall called Öxaráfoss. For some nature hiking, you could walk to the waterfall from the visitor center in'an hour.

There is also a path to the intercontinental rift ravine. Continuing the journey eastwards on the Golden Circle, you'll arrive at the Geysir geothermal area, where you would'see geysers and other geothermal oddities. From there, you could also go to see Gullfoss Waterfall, which you can walk around on paths.

In May, the landscape around Gullfoss is freshly green with colorful speckles provided by the blooming wildflowers. On the way back to Reykjavík, you might want to stop see the Kerið volcanic crater. It has an amazing blue color. The south coast has many other natural wonders too.

Moderate Tourism Season: Touring Advice for May

Iceland generally has moderate tourism in May. Schools and universities in Europe don't begin their summer vacations until June. Most international tourists arrive in Iceland near and after the summer solstice in June for the warmer summer and continual light.

The national holidays in May,'including May Day, Ascension Day, and Pentecost if it occurs in May,'bring higher tourism and flight ticket price rises during those days.

Arriving in May affords you rich blooming greenery, rivers and waterfalls roaring with snowmelt, mild weather, much daylight, and twilight colors at moderate prices.

For the most continual daylight in May, you could go further north to Tromsø or Alta in Norway. For more about these areas, see Norway Weather in July.

Public Holidays in May:

May Day'is May 1 annually. It is an official national holiday, and schools and most businesses close.

Ascension Day'is May 29 in 2025 and May 14 in 2026. The date varies. It is a public holiday, and schools and businesses close. The holiday is always 39 days after Easter and on Thursday. It commemorates the day the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven.

With Sunday (Pentecost) and Whit Monday'are May 24, 2026 and May 25, 2026 respectively. The dates vary. Sometimes these holidays are in June. Whit Sunday and Whit Monday are legal national holidays. Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit to Jesus' followers in Jerusalem.

What to Wear in May

Iceland's weather in May is changeable and unpredictable. Both rain and snow fall. Keep an eye on the weather reports. Though May is the start of Iceland's drier season that extends to August, it is still best to be prepared for rain wherever you go.

Dress in layers and wear waterproof shoes with good traction. Bring swimwear too because geothermal pools, hot springs, and heated pools are common. Bring winter gear for mountains and for walks on glaciers.

Here is a packing list for a few essentials in Iceland:

• Warm waterproof boots with good traction for the outdoors. You might wear them in-flight to travel lightly.
• Comfortable shoes with good traction
• Rain gear
• Coat and warm hat
• Cardigans or thermals
• Gloves
• Swimwear for hot springs and spas
• Polarized glasses for the glare

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Iceland

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