Reykjavik in May: What to Expect

May is a compelling time to visit Reykjavik. Daylight extends dramatically as the midnight sun approaches, the highlands are just beginning to open up, puffins arrive at their coastal nesting sites, and the summer tourist peak hasn't hit yet. If you want Iceland at its most accessible and most atmospheric, May is worth serious consideration.

Weather

Temperatures in May range from 4°C to 11°C. It's cold by most standards but milder than Iceland's reputation suggests in late spring. Expect wind, rain, and the possibility of sunshine all within the same day. Dress in layers: a thermal base, mid-layer, and a windproof waterproof outer layer. This is not a packing situation where you can wing it.

Crowds and Prices

May is below the peak summer season, which runs from June through August. Flight prices and accommodation are lower, and the popular Golden Circle and South Coast tour routes are less crowded. Reykjavik's cafes and restaurants are busy but not at capacity. Book accommodation in advance, particularly if you want options in the city centre.

What's On

1 May is a public holiday in Iceland (Labour Day). The city has a festive, community feel. Some smaller businesses close.

Puffin watching is one of May's specific draws: Atlantic puffins return to their nesting colonies at places like Grimsey Island and the Westfjords from late April. Boat tours from Reykjavik to spot them start in May.

The Aurora Borealis becomes increasingly difficult to see in May as darkness shortens, though the very start of the month can still produce sightings on clear nights. By late May, the nights are effectively bright all the way through.

One Thing to Watch

The F-roads into Iceland's highland interior, the Fjallabak route and access to Landmannalaugar and the highland huts, typically open in late May or early June depending on snow levels. If a highland road trip is part of your plan, check the current status with the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration before your trip. Driving a standard vehicle onto F-roads is prohibited and the snowmelt timing varies significantly between years.

Our Reykjavik travel guide covers the city and the key day trips so you can plan Iceland properly before you fly.