Reykjavik in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Reykjavik

10°C (50°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

53 mm (2.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Lupins season - iconic purple wildflowers bloom across the entire country, creating Instagram-worthy landscapes without the summer crowds
White nights begin - daylight extends from 4:30am to 11:30pm, giving you 19 hours to explore with magical golden hour lighting
Puffin season starts - these adorable birds return to coastal cliffs, with peak viewing at Westman Islands and Látrabjarg before tourist boats arrive
Road conditions improve significantly - F-roads to highlands open mid-May, allowing access to Landmannalaugar and remote hot springs that were inaccessible all winter

Considerations

Unpredictable weather shifts - you'll experience four seasons in one day, with sudden temperature drops from 10°C to 2°C (50°F to 35°F) requiring constant layering
Highland access still limited - many mountain roads don't fully open until late May, potentially blocking access to some remote attractions you've seen online
Persistent wind and rain - expect 15-25 km/h (9-16 mph) winds daily, making outdoor activities like glacier hiking more challenging than summer months

Best Activities in May

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa Visits

May offers the perfect balance - warm 38-40°C (100-104°F) geothermal waters feel incredible against cool 6°C (43°F) air temperatures. Morning visits (8-10am) have fewer crowds and dramatic steam effects in cooler air. The milky blue water contrasts beautifully with spring's emerging green moss.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for premium entry slots. Comfort packages (typically ISK 15,000-20,000) include towels and algae masks. Morning slots offer best photography conditions with fewer crowds.

South Coast Waterfall Tours

May brings maximum water flow from melting snow and glaciers - Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss are at their most powerful. Lupins bloom along driving routes, and extended daylight allows full-day tours without rushing. Less crowded viewing platforms than summer.

Booking Tip: Small group tours (typically ISK 25,000-35,000) provide better access and local knowledge. Book 10-14 days ahead for optimal weather day selection. Tours include crampons for behind-waterfall walking.

Westman Islands Puffin Watching

Peak puffin season begins in May with over 4 million birds returning to nest. Boat tours from Vestmannaeyjar offer close encounters before summer crowds arrive. May weather creates dramatic sky backdrops for photography, and calmer seas than early spring.

Booking Tip: Ferry combinations with puffin tours typically cost ISK 18,000-25,000. Book accommodation on mainland as island options fill quickly. Weather-dependent - flexible booking recommended through local operators.

Reykjavik Food Walking Tours

May marks spring lamb season and fresh seafood availability. Cooler weather makes walking tours comfortable, and longer daylight allows evening food experiences. Local restaurants feature seasonal dishes like spring herbs and early rhubarb desserts unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Small group food tours range ISK 12,000-18,000 for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 1 week ahead for weekend slots. Tours include indoor venues perfect for May's variable weather conditions.

Landmannalaugar Highland Access

Roads typically open mid-to-late May, offering exclusive access before peak season. Geothermal hot springs provide warm relief after cool hiking. Rhyolite mountains show impressive color contrasts against spring snow patches and emerging vegetation.

Booking Tip: 4WD day tours cost ISK 30,000-40,000 including highland vehicle access. Road opening depends on conditions - book flexible tours through operators monitoring daily access. Tours include geothermal bathing gear.

Northern Lights Photography Tours

May offers final opportunities for aurora viewing - darkness returns around midnight with clear skies between weather systems. Less competition for viewing spots, and warmer temperatures make night photography more comfortable than winter months.

Booking Tip: Late May tours (typically ISK 15,000-22,000) focus on photography techniques and include equipment. Book weather-flexible options as clear nights are less frequent than winter. Tours provide warm clothing and hot beverages.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Reykjavik Arts Festival

Iceland's premier cultural event featuring international and local artists across theater, music, and visual arts. Venues throughout the city host performances, with many indoor options perfect for May's variable weather.

Mid May

Museums Night

Annual citywide event where museums stay open late with special exhibitions and activities. Perfect for May evening exploration when weather can be unpredictable.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - essential for wet basalt rocks and muddy lupine field paths that become slippery in May's frequent light rain

Layered clothing system - bring base layers, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell as temperatures swing 8°C (14°F) daily between morning and afternoon

Waterproof camera protection - rain covers or waterproof cases necessary for outdoor photography in 70% humidity and frequent drizzle

Warm hat and gloves - essential for early morning activities and highland areas where temperatures drop to -2°C (28°F) at elevation

Quick-dry hiking pants - cotton stays wet for hours in May's damp conditions, synthetic materials dry within 30 minutes

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV reflects strongly off remaining snow patches and water, enhanced by extended daylight hours

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, critical for GPS navigation on highland roads

Swimwear and quick-dry towel - essential for geothermal hot springs and this destination visits in cool air temperatures

Waterproof day pack liner - protects electronics and spare clothes during outdoor activities in unpredictable weather

Warm evening layer - temperatures drop rapidly after 9pm despite extended daylight, especially near coastal areas

Insider Knowledge

Locals check road.is daily for highland road conditions - F-roads open sporadically in May based on weather, not fixed dates. Save disappointment by checking morning of travel.

May is when Icelanders do their first highland camping trips - follow local Facebook groups for real-time conditions and safety updates that tourist sites don't provide.

Lupine flowers peak different weeks across regions - South Coast blooms first (early May), Westfjords last (late May). Plan routes accordingly for best photography.

Geothermal pool etiquette is stricter in May - shower thoroughly before entering as locals are more sensitive to cleanliness during shoulder season when pools are their primary social spaces.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all highland roads are open by May 1st - many F-roads don't open until late May or early June, leaving tourists stranded at barriers after long drives

Packing only for mild weather - May's temperature swings catch visitors off-guard when morning sunshine turns to afternoon sleet in 30 minutes

Booking fixed outdoor activities too far ahead - May weather requires flexibility, and tours frequently reschedule or relocate based on daily conditions