A Local Guide to Visiting Iceland in May 2026
Planning a trip to Iceland in May 2026? Longer days, fewer crowds, and milder temperatures make May the best month in the off-season to visit the Land of Fire and Ice.
What to Pack for Iceland in May
While it’s a shoulder month, May is often considered the first month of summer. You can get fantastic weather in May - May 2025 saw some of the best weather of the year in Reykjavík!
That said, the weather in Iceland is unpredictable, and that’s especially true in May. Weather forecasts can change in an instant; rain, wind, sleet, and sun are all possibilities on any given day. One thing we’ve learnt from living in Iceland is to dress in layers, layers, layers.
Three layers is the golden rule for Iceland. They’ll keep you warm when you’re out in the cold, and you can always take a layer off if you get too warm. Bring along a small bag on excursions so you have somewhere to stash your clothes.
Here’s a packing list to help you prepare for your trip to Iceland this May:
- Thermals - the perfect base layer for Iceland. Thermals trap in body heat and have moisture-wicking properties, which transport sweat and moisture away from your skin to the thermal’s surface, keeping you dry.
- T-shirts - A good base layer for exploring and touring Reykjavík when temperatures are at their mildest.
- Fleeces, hoodies, sweaters - They’re not waterproof, but make an excellent middle layer for staying warm between your thermals and outer layer.
- Water- and wind-proof jacket - An essential clothing item for Iceland, protecting you from strong winds and sudden downpours.
- Woolly hat and scarf - Your head and neck are most likely to be exposed to the elements in Iceland, so bring along a hat and scarf to stay warm from head to toe!
- Sturdy hiking boots - Whether you're strolling around Reykjavík or trekking through Vatnajökull National Park, it’s wise to wear a sturdy pair of warm hiking boots.
- Swimsuit - Ensure you bring a swimsuit so you don’t miss out on Iceland’s world-famous hot springs!
- Sunscreen - Even though it isn’t particularly warm in May, the Icelandic sun can be deceiving. Avoid sunburn and wear sunscreen!
- Smart/party outfits - Reykjavík has a legendary nightlife scene with plenty of pubs and clubs, as well as some world-class restaurants you’ll want to visit, so bring along smart clothes for a night out.
- Camera - From breaching whales to erupting volcanoes, Iceland has no shortage of incredible photo opportunities. A high-quality camera is recommended!
Pro tip: Pick up a traditional lopapeysa (Icelandic sweater) to keep warm in the local style!
Best Things to Do in Iceland in May 2026
May is arguably the most underrated time of year to visit Iceland. You may not be able to do classic winter activities like exploring ice caves or watching for the Northern Lights, but the longer days, lower tourism levels, and return of iconic wildlife make it an ideal time for outdoor adventures.
Read on for a breakdown of the best things to do in Iceland in May 2026, including relaxing getaways, out-of-this-world road trips, and urban adventures in Europe’s most northern capital, Reykjavík.