Is Iceland in May Worth It? Absolutely Unforgettable!
If you’re wondering what to do in Iceland in May, you’re about to discover why this month might be one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
Iceland summer starts to whisper its arrival in May — with longer days, blooming landscapes, returning wildlife, and the first lively festivals of the year.
Here’s your complete guide to experiencing Iceland in May — including events, nature activities, local tips, and travel advice to make your trip unforgettable.
Is May a good time to visit Iceland?
May is the ultimate sweet spot between winter and summer in Iceland.
It’s the beginning of warmer days, lupine fields start to bloom and quieter roads all around the country. Prices for flights and hotels are still lower than peak summer, and popular sites like the South Coast, Golden Circle, and Snæfellsnes are easily accessible.
By late May, daylight stretches to 18+ hours a day, giving you endless time to explore without rushing. Locals are enjoying the warmer days outdoors. Plus, festivals start to pop up all across the country, making May the perfect blend of adventure and culture.
Weather and Daylight in May
Expect mild spring temperatures, usually between 4–10°C (39–50°F). If it isn’t windy, locals are often seen wearing summer clothes.
Rain showers can happen, and it’s still chilly in the Highlands, but the overall weather is comfortable compared to Icelandic winter.
Daylight increases dramatically — by the end of May, sunsets can be as late as 11:30 PM, giving you long golden evenings for photography and sightseeing.
Local Tip:
Always dress in layers. Icelandic weather can change quickly, especially in spring! You can find the most reliable weather forecast for Iceland on vedur.is.
Events and Festivals in Iceland in May
May is when Iceland’s cultural calendar starts to warm up alongside the weather. Whether you’re into music, Icelandic horses or local traditions, there’s something happening every week. Here are some of the best events for travelers to experience during your visit to Iceland in May.
May 1–3, 2025
Reykjavík
A cozy, music-focused festival hosted at Iðnó in downtown Reykjavík. This small but vibrant event is perfect for travelers looking to hear Icelandic folk and acoustic music in an intimate setting. It’s a relaxed, cultural way to kick off your Iceland in May trip.
May 1, 2025 Nationwide
This day celebrates Iceland’s most iconic animal — the Icelandic horse. Visitors can enjoy open farm events, riding demonstrations, and even saddle up themselves. A great chance to get close to a unique breed known for its five gaits and friendly character.
May 12–16, 2025 Reykjavík
This city-wide celebration of innovation, creativity, and design brings together entrepreneurs, artists, and curious minds. While it’s focused on the startup scene, many events are open to the public — from keynotes and exhibitions to casual pop-up experiences across town.
May 17, 2025 Akureyri
Join local guides for a peaceful morning birdwatching tour along Eyjafjörður. A great way to spot seabirds and migratory species in one of North Iceland’s most scenic fjords.
May 30–June 14, 2026 Reykjavík
One of Europe’s oldest and most respected arts festivals, Reykjavík Arts Festival brings world-class music, dance, theatre, and visual art to the city’s galleries, concert halls, and public spaces. Many exhibits and performances are free and open-air, making it an easy and enriching addition to any visit. The Reykjavík Arts Festival is every two years.
Find Even More Events on Visit Reykjavík
If you’re planning your trip to Iceland in May, one of the best resources to stay updated on festivals, concerts, and local happenings is the Visit Reykjavík Events Calendar.
The site lists everything from major arts festivals to cozy neighborhood concerts, and it’s updated regularly, so you’ll always find what’s happening during your stay.
Some examples of events you might spot for May 2025 include:
DesignMarch (Late April into early May) — Iceland’s biggest design festival showcasing local and international creativity
Open House Reykjavík — a weekend where you can explore iconic Icelandic architecture for free
Smaller local concerts and art exhibitions popping up across Reykjavík’s lively neighborhoods
Local Tip:
Check the calendar a few weeks before you arrive and again just before your trip — Icelanders love spontaneous pop-up events, and you might catch an outdoor concert, art opening, or even a street party!
Iceland’s Incredible Wildlife in May
Puffins: Puffins return to land in May for their nesting season, and one of the best places to see them in South Iceland is on a guided puffin tour to Ingólfshöfði, where you can observe them up close in a protected coastal habitat.
Whale Watching: Visiting Iceland in May offers excellent chances to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and occasionally orcas or even blue whales, especially in areas like Húsavík, Reykjavík, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Seals: The curious animals are often spotted lounging on icebergs or swimming near the shore at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby black sand beaches, making it one of the best places in South Iceland to observe them in the wild.
Birdlife: A treat for nature lovers. Arctic terns, eider ducks, and migratory birds nest along cliffs, wetlands, and coastlines. There are safe, marked pullouts for birdwatching all along the Ring Road — perfect for spotting wildlife without leaving your route.
Top Outdoor Activities in May
Glacier Hiking from Freysnes:
May is one of the best months for a guided glacier hike on Falljökull, part of Vatnajökull, Europe’s biggest glacier.
Perfect ice structures, safe conditions and small groups make it an incredible experience.Kayaking among Icebergs:
With melting ice creating more open lagoons, kayaking tours on Jökulsárlón and Heinabergslón are breathtaking.Hiking:
Trails in Skaftafell National Park (including Svartifoss Waterfall) and Þórsmörk are opening again.
Lower elevation trails are lush with spring growth and fewer crowds.Road Trips:
The Ring Road is fully open and safe for driving without needing a 4×4 in most places. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula and South Coast are perfect for May adventures. Best to always check the conditions on road.is.
Driving and Travel Tips for Iceland in May
Most main roads are clear and open, but mountain (F-roads) are usually still closed
Car rental prices are lower than in High Season
Weather apps to check daily: Vedur.is (weather) and Road.is (road conditions).
Local Tip:
Booking accommodations earlier is smart — May is getting more popular every year!
Make the Most of Your Trip to Iceland in May
May is a magical time to experience Iceland waking up for summer — without the crowds.
Between blooming landscapes, vibrant festivals, incredible wildlife, and the freedom of long daylight hours, Iceland in May offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
From dancing at Reykjavík Arts Festival to hiking across Falljökull’s blue ice, every day in Iceland summer starts early for those who know where to look.
Plan your May trip now and experience Iceland before the summer rush!
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Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best?
Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike in Iceland: Which Is Best? Planning a glacier adventure in Iceland but not sure whether to explore a natural ice cave or hike across the ice? The ice cave tour vs glacier hike decision depends on more than which activity looks best in photographs. Your travel season, fitness level and interests all make a difference. At Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, the experiences change with the seasons. Summer is the time for traditional glacier hiking on Falljökull, while winter brings opportunities to discover natural ice caves and blue ice formations on Breiðamerkurjökull. But winter visitors don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Some adventures combine glacier hiking with blue ice exploration, offering a different experience from a focused ice cave visit. At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, we’ve been guiding visitors since 1991. Here’s how the experiences compare, what to expect in each season and which adventure is right for you. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: What’s the Difference? The main difference between an ice cave tour vs glacier hike is the focus of the activity. A glacier hike takes you onto the glacier’s surface to explore its terrain, ice formations and surrounding landscapes. An ice cave tour focuses on visiting a naturally formed cave, tunnel or another accessible blue ice feature. At Local Guide, there is also an important seasonal difference. In summer (May–September), we offer dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, near Skaftafell. In winter (October–April), our tours operate on Breiðamerkurjökull, near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Visitors can choose a focused ice cave experience or an adventure combining glacier hiking with blue ice exploration. Ice Cave Tour vs Glacier Hike: Quick Comparison Feature Ice Cave Tour Glacier Hike Main focus Natural ice cave or blue ice formation Walking and exploring glacier terrain Experience Focused ice feature exploration Active glacier walking Walking Approach walk; varies with conditions A central part of the activity Photography Ice caves, tunnels and blue ice textures Landscapes, ridges and ice formations Local Guide’s season Winter Summer, plus combined winter adventures Glacier Breiðamerkurjökull Falljökull in summer; Breiðamerkurjökull in winter Best for Travellers prioritising natural blue ice Travellers interested in hiking and exploration The key takeaway: If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, a traditional glacier hike is an excellent way to explore Vatnajökull. If you’re travelling in winter, you can choose between a focused ice cave visit and a glacier hike combined with blue ice features. What Is a Glacier Hike in Iceland? A glacier hike is a guided walk across the surface of a glacier, using specialised equipment such as crampons to travel over ice. Rather than visiting one particular formation, the experience focuses on exploring the glacier itself. Your guide leads you through a landscape shaped by ice movement, melting and changing weather. Along the way, you may encounter fascinating ice formations, ridges, crevasses viewed from suitable positions and remarkable mountain scenery. Glacier hikes can vary in difficulty, from shorter introductory walks to longer adventures involving more elevation gain. Summer Glacier Hiking on Falljökull From May to September, Local Guide operates its dedicated glacier hikes on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Skaftafell National Park. This glacier is known for its dramatic icefall, rugged terrain and impressive glacial landscapes. Our summer experiences include: Glacier Encounter — A shorter, approximately three-hour introduction to glacier hiking, ideal for first-time visitors and families who want to experience walking on glacier ice. Glacier Discovery — A more active, approximately four-hour glacier hike exploring farther up Falljökull towards its impressive icefall. Both experiences introduce visitors to the glacier’s natural environment, with different amounts of walking and physical commitment. Summer glacier hiking is an excellent option for travellers who enjoy outdoor activities, want to learn about glaciers and prefer exploring wide landscapes rather than concentrating on entering a cave. For a more detailed explanation of glacier terrain and equipment, read our Ultimate Guide to Glacier Hikes in Vatnajökull. What Is an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland? An ice cave tour focuses on exploring natural formations within or along a glacier, rather than hiking extensively across its surface. These formations develop as meltwater, glacier movement and seasonal conditions reshape the ice. Depending on the location, visitors may encounter tunnels, cave passages, sculpted blue ice walls or other remarkable features. Natural ice caves are constantly changing. Their size, colour, accessibility and shape can differ significantly between seasons, and even from one week to the next. Winter Ice Cave Tours on Breiðamerkurjökull From October to April, Local Guide’s winter operations move to Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Our Ice Cave Tour is designed primarily around visiting the best safely accessible natural ice cave or blue ice formation available on the day. After meeting your guide at Jökulsárlón, you’ll travel towards the glacier in a modified 4×4 vehicle. From there, you continue on foot to reach the selected formation. An important distinction: our Ice Cave Tour is not a dedicated glacier hike. Although walking is required, and the route may occasionally involve travelling across glacier ice, the main purpose is to explore a natural ice cave or another suitable blue ice feature. Walking distances depend on the season, weather and glacier access. Visitors should still be prepared for uneven, slippery or snowy terrain. The experience normally lasts approximately 2.5–4 hours in total, including transport and preparation. This is a good choice for visitors who are particularly interested in natural blue ice formations and prefer a focused experience rather than a longer glacier hike. If you’re researching an ice cave tour vs glacier hike for a winter visit, this distinction is especially useful: the Ice Cave Tour prioritises the ice formation, while our other winter adventures include more substantial glacier hiking. Can You Go Glacier Hiking and Visit Blue Ice Caves in Winter? Yes. You can enjoy a guided glacier hike and explore blue ice formations during the same winter adventure. This is where the ice cave tour vs glacier hike comparison becomes