May in Iceland; What you need to know.
May in Iceland is a beautiful time of year, fresh greenery is ever where and the days are much more likely to be sunny than in April. It’s not as busy as the following months but there’s still definitely warmth in the sun!
What’s the weather like in May in Iceland?
In May in Iceland it definitely feels like summer, a cold wind can still cut right through you but mostly the weather is a very comfortable 5-10°C or 41-50°F. The rain, if you get any, passes through fast, and the whole country is looking lush and green with the long daylight hours, warm weather and light rain. There will still be a dusting of snow on the mountain tops, just to make them look extra gorgeous for your photos! Why not have a look at our guide of What to pack for Iceland.
Can you see the Northern Lights in May in Iceland?
The short answer is; no, sorry, but there are plenty of other awesome things to do. The days are so long that you can go for a night time hike and have favourite tourist spots to yourself! People often think that the midnight sun will keep them awake in a bad way – that they will feel tired and grumpy, but the opposite is true. You are truly awake and able to enjoy the wonder of a light night!
Why aren’t there Northern Lights trips on?
In order to see the Northern Lights you need three things; Clear skies, lots of solar energy, and night time. In the middle of summer we don’t get the dark skies we need to give you a great display of the aurora.
Most northern lights tours will end in mid-April because that is when the true night is over for the year.
Can you see puffins in May in Iceland?
Yes! These gorgeous birds are back from their winter at sea. They come to Iceland to breed. Learn more about puffins here. You can visit them on in Reykjavik harbour on our brilliant tours with our passionate crew.
Can you see whales and dolphins in May in Iceland?
Yes! You can see many different species of whales and dolphins all year round, but definitely in May in Iceland, and this is during of the high whale season, with breeding adults returning from their mating grounds. You can come whale watching with us on our yachts!
