Can I see puffins in May?

Yes. Puffins arrive at coastal cliffs in early to mid-May. Látrabjarg in the Westfjords and Dyrhólaey on the South Coast are top viewing spots.

How much daylight is there in May?

May brings 17–20 hours of daylight, making it excellent for long road trips and hikes. The midnight sun effect begins later in the month.

Is May crowded in Iceland?

May is the start of the busy season but still quieter than June–August. Accommodation prices begin to rise, so booking ahead is recommended.

Are all roads open in May?

Main roads and the Ring Road are typically clear. Highland F-roads usually remain closed until mid-June or later. Check road.is for real-time updates.

Weather

Iceland Weather in May: Bright Hikes & Puffin Season

Longer days and bright hikes—spring arrives, roads open up, and the landscape starts to glow.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Daylight

17–20h

Sunrise ~04:20, sunset ~22:30 (Reykjavík, mid-May). Near-midnight sun by late May — almost no true darkness.

Temperatures

3 to 10°C (37–50°F)

Avg precipitation 44 mm, avg wind 18 km/h. Driest spring month. Snow melts at lower elevations; highland roads begin opening late May.

Vibe

Bright hikes

Fresh green edges, clear air, and calm energy.

Best for

Puffin watching at Látrabjarg, Vestmannaeyjar, and Borgarfjörður Eystri
Whale watching in Húsavík and Reykjavík (season in full swing)
Ring Road — main route fully open, fewer crowds than June–Aug
Hiking — Fimmvörðuháls trail, Esja, Glymur waterfall
Waterfalls at powerful snowmelt flow (Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss)
Snæfellsnes peninsula day/overnight trip

Pack list

Light insulated jacket + waterproof windproof shell
Moisture-wicking base layer
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots for trails
Sunglasses + sunscreen (long bright days)
Eye mask for sleeping (near-midnight sun)
Light gloves and warm hat for windy spots
Swimsuit for hot springs

Planning help

May Weather FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.