Iceland in May. Welcoming the Midnight Sun!
May is the first month when the Northern Lights are no longer visible in the Icelandic sky. But Mother Nature is offering us another exciting show in the sky: the midnight sun!
After six months of darkness, neverending days are much needed here in the North. For visitors, this phenomenon is either unique or strange. Locals are enjoying summer as much as they are enjoying winter. Or maybe more than winter.
It is the early start of the summer season here in Iceland, although the days are getting longer. The sun rises at 4:53 am and sets at 9:58 pm at the beginning of the month (17 hours of daylight).
Later, at the end of the month, the sun rises at 3:25 am and sets at 11:27 pm; this means 20 hours of sunlight.
In the old Icelandic calendar, the first summer day was celebrated every year on the first Thursday after the 18th of April. Icelanders celebrate it yearly with a day dedicated to the growing daylight and pleasant weather.
During May, it is also the end of the shoulder season when places are less crowded, and you can find more hotels and activities available.
Weather in Iceland in May
In May, Iceland experiences a transition from spring to early summer, offering a diverse mix of weather patterns across the island. The temperatures gradually increase, averaging around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southern regions, while the northern parts might still linger a bit cooler.
May often brings longer daylight hours, providing ample opportunities to explore the breathtaking landscapes under the midnight sun. However, Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, with frequent changes between sunshine, rain, and occasional snowfall, especially in the highland areas.
It’s a time when you might witness a bit of everything—dramatic skies, gusty winds, and moments of brilliant sunshine—making it an exciting and dynamic month for travellers visiting this captivating country.
How to dress in Iceland in May
Dressing appropriately for Iceland in May requires flexibility due to the ever-changing weather. The key is layering: begin with a moisture-wicking base layer to regulate perspiration, add insulating layers such as a fleece or sweater, and finally, top it off with a waterproof and wind-resistant jacket.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential for navigating diverse terrains comfortably. Packing various long-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants, and waterproof trousers is a wise choice.
Remember essential accessories like a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf to shield against brisk winds, and don’t forget sunglasses to counter the prolonged daylight.
Being ready for abrupt weather shifts ensures comfort while exploring Iceland’s stunning landscapes during May.
In this period of the year, many activities become available, and you can explore more parts of Iceland than during winter. You have more time to spend sightseeing and doing some memorable activities. To name a few:
Whale watching is an all-year activity, but it is available only in certain places in Iceland during winter. During summer, there are many places where you can go whale watching, including Reykjavik.
Once the summer season is coming, the Atlantic Ocean’s marine life returns around Iceland for breeding. The summer season for whale watching started this year on the 1st of April.
Check this blog to find the best places to see whales in Iceland.
Puffin watching is a popular summer activity. In some parts of Iceland, puffins are coming earlier. This year, people spotted some puffins in Borgarfjörður Eystri at the beginning of April. Starting in May, many puffin-watching tours are available all over Iceland.
Check this blog to find the best places to see puffins in Iceland.
There is no right time for a geothermal bath. And it is a must-do in Iceland. Check our blog for the best places to relax like a true Viking.
Also, book your ticket now if you plan to come to Iceland in May.
The warmer weather allows us to do some exciting activities here in Iceland. Some of those activities are boat tours. On the glacier lagoons or to the Vestmannaeyjar, boat tours are the most adventurous activities you can do.
Snorkelling at Silfra
The site at Silfra is a unique place where one can snorkel between two continental plates.
However, you have to meet some conditions to do this, and you can find all those details on our blog about Snorkelling between two continents.
You can even go exploring an ice cave.
The temperatures are rising, and the ice caves at Vatnajökull glacier have become dangerous to explore. However, some ice caves are available for exploration all year.
One ice cave is the Katla ice cave in South Iceland. It is located in the Kötlujökull Glacier, part of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
And the other one is the ice cave at Langjökull Glacier. The ice cave at Langjökull is artificial, so there has been an entire process of carving into the glacier and forming the tunnel. Local authorities opened the ice cave to the public in 2015, and the tunnel inside the glacier is 550m long and goes 30 meters into the glacier.
These are excellent options if you want to explore some ice caves.
There are many activities you can enjoy doing in Iceland during May. Some of them are ATV tours, glacier hiking, museum visits, snowmobile tours, dog-sledging, helicopter tours, lava cave exploring, zipline and many more. Find all those activities on our website.
May is the best time for sightseeing and enjoying activities in less crowded places.
Celebrate together with Icelanders
Labour Day-1st of May
Like many other European countries, Iceland celebrates Labour Day on the first day of May. This is a National Holiday in Iceland, and many people have a day off. Trade unions and other groups will organise parades on this day and march through towns nationwide. Stores will be open on this day.
Visit Iceland at the beginning of the Summer and enjoy the beauty of the Land of Fire and Ice.
