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Iceland in May
Written by Arundhati Toshniwal on May 3, 2022 Share on

Iceland in May – A Complete Time to Experiencing the Spring Magic!

The beauty of Iceland cannot be described in mere words, you will have to visit it and see it through your own eyes. Visit Iceland in May to explore the country to the fullest as the weather is mild and comfortable enough to visit. Nature is blooming a bit more, all museums and other attractions are open to visit for extended hours, the delicious Icelandic food, moreover it is a perfect time for whale-watching and puffin watching. In conclusion, May makes up a perfect time to visit Iceland.

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Weather in Iceland in May 

Iceland is a majestic place where you can experience rapidly changing weather. You can discover greater changes in weather in different parts of Iceland. The average temperature in Iceland in the month of May is around 7°C. It is a perfect time to visit and explore the country with no harsh winds or storms. The average low temperature is around 5°C (41°F) whereas the average high temperature is comfortable at 10°C(50°F). It might rain sometime but for a short period of time. 

  • Low Temperature (Average): 5°C (41°F)
  • High Temperature (Average): 10°C(50°F)
  • Rainfall (Average): 11 days
  • Average Sunshine Hours: More than 20 hours per day by the end of May
Weather in Iceland in May
Source – Pexels

What to pack for your trip to Iceland in May

In whatever month you visit Iceland it is always recommended to pack layers (not kidding). The temperatures in Iceland keep changing so it is better to be prepared in advance. Be ready to experience warm, wet, sunny, cold, dry or maybe harsh winds with rain. Packing up basic layers will give you the option of wearing and removing layers according to the weather.

You need to pack:

  • Jackets
  • Coats
  • Sweaters 
  • Hat, Gloves, Warm woollen socks, and Scarves (just in case)
  • Bathing suit, Sunscreen and Sunglasses
  • Waterproof gear (just in case)
  • Comfortable shoes and Hiking boots
What to pack for Iceland in May
Source – Unsplash

Top Things to do in Iceland in May 

1. Visit the Colourful Capital City – Reykjavik

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is located just 2 degrees south of the Arctic Circle. The city has many hidden treasures that will blow your mind, find and explore them. This colourful city promises you plenty of fun activities and magnificent attractions to make your vacation even more memorable. Participate in food tasting tours, meet the puffins, and go on bike riding or horse riding, in other words, you can’t get bored at Reykjavik. 

Reykjavik - Top Things to do in Iceland in May
Image credits: Pexels.com

2. Snorkelling In Silfra Fissure

Silfra Fissure is one of the most unique water bodies in the world because of its distinctive location. This nature’s miracle is located across both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is the only area where it is possible to dive, swim or snorkel like anywhere else. Snorkelling or diving in Silfra Fissure is a must-do activity when you are in Iceland. You can snorkel or dive in any month of the year here, not kidding. The place has the purest and cleanest water in the world and can be drunk as well. The water every month is very cold at Silfra Fissure and it is predominantly done wearing a dry suit.

Snorkelling In Silfra Fissure - Top Things to do in Iceland in May 
Source – Unsplash

3. The Blue Lagoon – Relaxing Remedy!

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal spa in the world with the bluest and clearest water. It experiences a large number of visitors each year with booking tickets online in advance, you can not just show up and go in. In the summer months, the time durations are also extended which gives you the benefit of staying longer. This relaxing paradise is full of white mud called Silica which is full of minerals and known to be great for human skin. In conclusion, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions and is highly recommended to visit.

The Blue Lagoon - Top Things to do in Iceland in May
Image credits: Pexels.com

4. Meet & Greet the lovely Puffins 

In the summer months (around mid-May and mid-August) the large population of lovely puffins migrate to the coastal regions of Iceland. You can participate in city tours or go by yourself by renting a car. There are plenty of spots where you can meet these little creatures. Visit Látrabjarg, VigurIsland, Dyrhólaey, Papey, Vestmannaeyjar, Tjörnes, Grímsey, and these are not the only places but the top ones. 

Meet & Greet the lovely Puffins - Top Things to do in Iceland in May
Source – Pixabay

5. Drive and Explore the Famous Iceland “Ring Road”

The ring road is a 1,300km long single route that travels all around Iceland and offers all the great attractions and landscapes on the way. It is the longest road and is primarily paved as well connecting many towns and villages to each other. The road is safe to drive in the summer months but it is difficult to drive in the winter months due to snow and blizzards.

Attractions along the road are:

  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach 
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
  • Dettifoss Waterfall
  • the Skogafoss Waterfall
  • HvitserkurBasalt Stack
  • Small towns and villages
Ring Road - Top Things to do in Iceland in May
Image credits: Pexels.com

Major Festivals in Iceland in May

DatesFestivals
May 1Labour Day 
May 4–8Design Festival, Reykjavík
May 20–22 (likely)Vaka Folk Festival, Reykjavík
May 26Ascension Day
Festivals in Iceland in May
Source – Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions For Iceland in May 

What is the temperature in Iceland in May?

The average temperature in Iceland in the month of May is around 7°C. It is a perfect time to visit and explore the country with no harsh winds or storms. The average low temperature is around 5°C (41°F) whereas the average high temperature is comfortable at 10°C(50°F). It might rain sometime but for a short period of time. 

What is the Ring Road in Iceland?

The ring road is a 1,300km long single route that travels all around Iceland and offers all the great attractions and landscapes on the way. There are plenty of main attractions by the way including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, JokulsarlonGlacier Lagoon, Dettifoss Waterfall and many more.

Why is Silfra Fissure so famous?

Silfra Fissure is one of the most unique water bodies in the world because of its distinctive location. This nature’s miracle is located across both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is the only area where it is possible to dive, swim or snorkel like anywhere else. Snorkelling or diving in Silfra Fissure is a must-do activity when you are in Iceland. 

Are you ready to explore this stunning paradise? Iceland is beautiful in every season and month but is very special in May because of its mild weather. Book your Iceland holiday package from Pickyourtrail at attractive prices. Here you can also customise your Iceland itenary just as you want. To have the best customer experience, visit and book now! All you have to do is click, choose and fly!

checkout iceland during other months

Iceland in January | Iceland in February | Iceland in March | Iceland in April | Iceland in June | Iceland in July | Iceland in August | Iceland in September | Iceland in October | Iceland in November | Iceland in December

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