May is a beautiful month to visit the island of ice and fire . The terrain is now green and flowery and the waterfalls even more powerful. It is close enough to the summer season so the weather is warmer and the summer tours have opened up but still not close enough to have high peak prices yet.
Is end of May a good time to visit Iceland?
May is an excellent period for travelers to maximize their holiday experience , hoping to get in as many sights and activities as possible. While the midnight sun is not at its full peak, May is a shoulder season friendly to visitors’ budgets.
Is Iceland warm in May?
The weather in May in Iceland
In May the overall average temperature in Reykjavík is 7 °C, the average at the warmest part of the day is a surprisingly comfortable 10 °C, with the average low being 4 °C. So, usually 40 °F to 50 °F.
When can you hike in Iceland?
Iceland’s beautiful landscape looks excellent in all seasons, but the best time to hike in Iceland is in the summer. June, July, and August are ideal , and hiking in July in Iceland under the midnight sun is a beautiful experience. It’s also best to avoid the winter because of the short daylight hours and cold weather.
Is Iceland crowded in May?
May is still off-season for Iceland, meaning you will miss the largest crowds of tourists (don’t expect to see few fellow travellers, though; even during off-season, Iceland is a popular destination). During the off-season, May is considered by many to be the best month to visit Iceland.
Does it get dark in Iceland in May?
Iceland is the land of the midnight sun. In Reykjavík it will not get dark at night from May 21 until July 30 , as the sun barely sets in summer. Around the summer solstice (June 21st), the sun is visible for the full 24 hours in the Westfjords and North Iceland.
What should I pack for Iceland in May?
- Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater.
- Rainproof/windproof jacket.
- Rain pants.
- Sturdy walking shoes with a good tread/grip.
- Gloves.
- Scarves.
- Hat (toque/beanie)
- Swimsuit.
How many days do you need in Iceland?
8-12 days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Iceland as it means you can explore different regions. You could drive around the Ring Road in a full circle to reach the diverse corners of Iceland, from the South Coast to eastern fjords, around North Iceland and over to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The best time to see the aurora borealis in Iceland comes down to 2 factors: time of year and time of day. The best months are between October and March . The best time of day would be the hours around midnight.
Can I see Northern Lights in May?
They’re often visible from August to May , becoming more intense between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. No matter where you are, remember the lights can be unpredictable, and you may have to look for them over a period of time. Even experts can’t always predict when the bright ribbons and swirls can be seen.
What season is May in Iceland?
Spring arrives in April when temperatures begin to warm up and nature awakens from its winter rest with sprouting green grass and flowers. April and May represent spring shoulder season for savvy travelers trying to score a travel deal before the summer tourists arrive.
Can I hike anywhere in Iceland?
There are hiking trails everywhere and it’s very easy to escape the crowds if you’re willing to walk a few kilometers. One of the most popular hiking destinations in the region and the country is Skaftafell Nature Reserve, known as the hikers’ oasis.
How difficult is hiking in Iceland?
Main Challenges: Very steep climbs . A chance of bad weather. Aside from being an important base for Iceland’s two most famous multi-day treks, Thórsmörk offers some amazing hiking trails that can be completed in just one day.
Can you hike without a guide in Iceland?
You (probably) don’t need a guide
Guided hiking tours are a lucrative business in Iceland and they will indeed try to convince you that you need a guide for your trip, even if it is short and simple.
What’s the best month to visit Iceland?
Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit Iceland, thanks to the midnight sun and warmer temperatures. Hikers should consider July and August, when all the trails are open. Don’t discount winter, though – February, March, September and October are the best time to travel to Iceland for the Northern Lights.
What should you not wear in Iceland?
- Light layers. Iceland’s climate is milder than you’d expect, considering its location in the Arctic circle. ...
- Non–waterproof coats and jackets. Do not wear jackets and coats that will not protect you from the rain. ...
- Thin socks. ...
- Slippery shoes. ...
- Fancy clothing. ...
- Jeans.
Is there snow in May in Iceland?
The average rainfall in Reykjavik is approximately 42 mm (1.65 inches) in May which is generally the lowest of the year. This precipitation will generally come as light rain with almost no chance of snow , unless you are high up in the mountains.
How long is daylight in Iceland in May?
Time of daylight. The months with the most daylight hours in Iceland are May, June, July and early August ( 15 to 22 hours daily ). The midnight sun can be enjoyed at this time of year and means that the sun is almost 24h a day, just the opposite of the polar night.
Is it dark 24 hours a day in Iceland?
The daylight in Iceland is from mid-May to mid-August and the sun only sets for around 3 hours per day, and there is effectively light for the whole 24-hour period . In midwinter, there are around 5 hours of effective daylight.
Can you wear jeans in Iceland?
Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland . The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair.
What is breakfast in Iceland?
Hearty is the name of the game when it comes to breakfast: One of the items most central to an Icelandic breakfast is hafragrautur, or oatmeal , according to Serious Eats. To make the dish, oats are simply cooked with water or milk in a pot.
Do you need sunglasses in Iceland?
Sunglasses
The sun in Iceland is extra strong and sunglasses are needed 365 days out of the year . Especially when driving or hiking.
What part of Iceland is best to stay?
Because of the access to so many tour options, restaurants, nightlife, services and shopping, Reykjavik is arguably the best place to stay in Iceland, particularly if you’re only visiting on a short trip like an Icelandair stopover.
Where can I base myself in Iceland?
Reykjavik is a great spot to base yourself , you aren’t too far from 2 of Iceland’s airports and most day tours are based out of Reykjavik.
Is Iceland crowded with tourists?
When travelling around Iceland, however, one can clearly see that Iceland is not overcrowded . You can, in fact, enjoy large distances of highways or hiking trails without encountering a single soul, even during the high-season summer months.
