Weather in Iceland in May

Iceland’s weather in May is generally fair. The worst of winter has passed, and you can expect a better chance of blue skies and sunshine. That doesn’t mean Iceland can’t be a bit chilly in May. Average temperatures range from 2 C (36 F) to 11 C (53 F).

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• See also: Weather in Iceland & Best Time To Visit

But there is a big difference depending on when in the month you visit in May. The weather gets warmer as the month goes on. The average temperatures in early May are around 2 C (36 F) with 18 daylight hours. In late May, the average temperature is around 11 C (53 F) with 20 daylight hours.

Is Iceland snowy in May?

The weather in Iceland is quite unpredictable, but usually, in May, it stops snowing. Even though the Icelandic weather is known for varying from bright sunshine to hail storms throughout the course of one day. That said, by May, the likelihood of snowfall is exceptionally low. Some mountain tops are still white and snowy, so you could experience some climbing high up in the mountains.

Daylight in Iceland in May

In early May, the sun rises at 5 AM and sets at 10 PM. By late May, the sun rises at 3:30 AM and sets at 11:30 PM, meaning there are only 4 hours of darkness. The result is that it never actually gets fully dark, which is why you can’t see the northern lights in May.

Chasing the Midnight Sun in Iceland in May

As the month of May progresses, the longer hours of daylight mean that come late May, you’re getting close to experiencing Iceland’s famous midnight sun.

• See also: Midnight Sun in Iceland

During this period, you can get some amazing pictures of Iceland. The lingering sun and clearer skies — not to mention fewer travelers — make May an excellent time to capture beautiful scenic photographs of Iceland.

What to Wear in Iceland in May

As the weather can fluctuate so much, it’s recommended that you pack for every type of climate when you visit Iceland in May. You will need a mixture of warm and waterproof clothing, along with some lighter spring apparel.

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Our recommended packing list for clothes to take when visiting Iceland in May

• A water- and windproof jacket
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Fleece and other layers
• Plenty of socks
• Scarves, hats, and gloves
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuits
• Cap

The weather in Reykjavik tends to be a little warmer than in the rest of the country. So if you’re only visiting the capital and the surrounding area, you might get away with fewer winter clothes.

Best things to do in Iceland in May

Visiting Iceland in May means you’ll have the opportunity to participate in many activities, ranging from the cultural and relaxing to the exciting and adrenaline-fuelled.

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Though some regions of the country are still inaccessible—such as the Central Highlands—many experiences are still available as the summer months roll in.

Some of the tours you can be a part of include whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, ATV trips, horseback riding, lava caving, glacier hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing; the list is endless. And the longer daylight hours can turn Iceland into a non-stop adventure in May!

There are also several Icelandic festivals and public holidays in May.

Music lovers can go to the RAFLOST — the Icelandic Festival of Electronic Arts. While animal lovers can join in the celebrations of the International Day of the Icelandic Horse.

Read on to check out what to see and do in Iceland in May!

Hot Springs and Swimming Pools in Iceland in May

Hot springs are Iceland’s more popular summer attractions. Despite the difference in surroundings and temperature, Iceland’s many geothermal pools are not only good for a relaxing soak but also beautiful to visit.

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As opposed to hunting for hot springs in the winter — which involves sub-zero temperatures — the May weather in Iceland is considerably milder.

• See also: The 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

There are many great geothermal spas all around the country with modern amenities and luxury treatments that visitors can engage in.

With so many hot spring pools scattered across the landscape, they can sometimes be difficult to find. Be sure to find out where the pools are before you set out.

Be mindful that if you want to bathe in natural hot springs, some of the springs in Iceland are on private land and require permission from the landowner to enter. Ask locals for recommendations, or join a hot springs tour to find the best spots and ensure you don’t get lost.

If you prefer a more luxurious spa experience, you can visit one of the country’s many swimming pools. Reykjavik alone has over 17 public swimming pools!

• See also: The Best Swimming Pools in Iceland and The Best Swimming Pool in Reykjavik

Iceland’s swimming pools are more than just a pool to swim laps in, they usually have saunas, steam rooms, and multiple hot tubs. They’re a great way to get rid of jet lag and start your holiday with some relaxation.

One of the most popular and accessible public swimming pools for visitors is Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik. Aside from geothermal hot tubs, the pool offers water slides, a steam room, and sauna, a gymnasium next door, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and an area for kids to play. There’s also a shallow, heated pool perfect for stretching out and chilling in the sunshine. The water slide also has no upper age limits (after all, you’re never too old!).

Make sure you’re aware of the rules regarding local public pools, though. In Iceland, it’s required to shower naked before entering the water. This helps stop the spread of bacteria and keeps the water clean.

Diving and Snorkeling in May in Iceland

Photo from Meet on Location 30 Minute Snorkeling Tour in the Crystal Waters of Silfra

You can also go snorkeling or even diving in Iceland in May. The UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir National Park, is 29.5 miles (47.5 kilometers) east of the capital and is home to one of the top diving and snorkeling sites in the world: the Silfra fissure glacial gorge.

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