May is one of the best months to explore Iceland on a budget. The snow is almost gone, the roads are open, and the long daylight hours let you drive and explore at your own pace. Spring is in full swing — birds are nesting, waterfalls are roaring, and locals are starting to spend more time outdoors again.
If you’re planning a self-drive trip with a cheap rental car, May offers a perfect balance of good weather, easy driving conditions, and affordable prices. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from May weather and road conditions to local events, hidden gems, and budget travel tips.
🌤️What is the weather in Iceland in May?
May is often described as the first real month of spring in Iceland. Days are bright and mild, but you’ll still need your jacket — and probably your raincoat too!
- Average temperatures: 9–11 °C (48–52 °F) in Reykjavík, dropping to around 3–5 °C (37–41 °F) at night.
- Northern regions: slightly cooler, around 6–9 °C during the day.
- Precipitation: around 40–60 mm for the month — usually light rain or drizzle.
- Snow: unlikely in Reykjavík or along the South Coast, but possible in mountain areas early in the month.
- Wind: variable, sometimes strong near coasts and fjords.
💡 Local insight: May is when locals begin camping, hiking, and heading out for weekend road trips. You’ll see more campervans, cyclists, and families enjoying the first long, bright days of the year
☀️Daylight hours in May
By May, Iceland enjoys some of the longest days in Europe. The midnight sun season is approaching and while it doesn´t shine all night yet, twilight last for hours.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
| May 1 | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM | 17 hours |
| May 15 | 4:20 AM | 10:45 PM | 18,5 hours |
| May 31 | 3:30 AM | 11:30 PM | 20 hours |
🌅 Photographers love May for its golden light — sunsets last almost an hour, bathing the landscape in pink and orange tones.
💡 Local tip: Bring an eye mask if you’re a light sleeper — some guesthouses and summer homes don’t have blackout curtains.
🛣️ Road Conditions in May
May is the beginning of easy driving season. The main roads are open, ice is mostly gone, and you can reach nearly all lowland attractions.
What to Expect:
- Ring Road (Route 1): fully open and well-maintained.
- Gravel roads: mostly clear but can be muddy after rain — slow down to avoid slipping or throwing stones.
- F-roads (mountain tracks): still closed until June or July due to snow and river crossings.
- Northern regions: sometimes get late snow flurries early in May.
Check road.is for up-to-date conditions and vedur.is for weather forecasts before heading out.
🚙 Best Cheap Car Options for May
May offers great flexibility for self-drive travelers. You don’t need a big 4×4 unless you’re planning to explore beyond the main routes, but having one gives you extra comfort and confidence for longer drives.
All the car types below are available directly on Firefly.is and are well-maintained, and include unlimited mileage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and seasonal tires.
🔹 Economy & Compact Cars (2WD)
Perfect for driving in and around Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, or along the paved Ring Road.
- VW Up or similar – Manual
- VW Polo or similar – Manual or Automatic
- VW Golf or similar – Manual or Automatic
- VW Golf Wagon or similar – Manual or Automatic
These cars are fuel-efficient, easy to park, and great for travelers on a budget who want to keep things simple.
🔹 4×4 SUVs
Ideal for longer road trips and mixed spring conditions in May, especially if you’re visiting North or East Iceland.
- Dacia Duster or similar – Manual 4×4
- Suzuki Vitara or similar – Manual 4×4
- VW Tiguan or similar – Automatic 4×4
- Kia Sorento or similar – Automatic 4×4
- Mitsubishi Pajero or similar – Automatic 4×4
These models offer higher clearance and better stability on gravel roads or windy stretches — a smart choice for comfort and flexibility.
🔹 Vans & Group Travel
Travelling with family or friends? A 9-seater gives everyone space to stretch out.
- Ford Transit or similar – Manual, 9 seats
📍 Best Places to Visit in Iceland in May
With roads clear and long daylight hours, you can travel almost anywhere — except deep into the Highlands. Here’s where locals recommend going this mont
Drive past Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and the charming village of Vík. In May, the waterfalls are stronger than ever, fueled by melting snow.
The classic route — Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss — is fully open and less crowded than in summer.
💡 Local tip: Stop at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, a smaller and cheaper hot spring alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature,” Snæfellsnes has lava fields, fishing villages, and the glacier Snæfellsjökull, famous from Journey to the Center of the Earth. Roads here are dry by May and easy to drive.
4. Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
By late May, the ferry from Landeyjahöfn operates regularly, and puffins start returning to nest — a favorite local trip for birdwatchers.
The snow melts later here, but by mid-May, you can easily visit Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, and Húsavík for whale watching.
6. Westfjords (Early Access)
The southern part of the Westfjords becomes drivable again in May. Dynjandi Waterfall is at its most powerful, though some high passes may open later in the month.
🌸 What Happens in Iceland in May
May is a lively month full of local traditions and outdoor events that mark the shift from winter to summer.
- 🏃♀️ Spring Races and Outdoor Events: Locals celebrate the improving weather with small community runs and outdoor gatherings around Reykjavík and Akureyri. You´ll often see friendly 5K races, cycling meetups and hiking events organized by local clubs, a sign that summer is finally here.
- 🎣 Fishing season begins — rivers open for salmon and trout. You’ll spot anglers in waders across the countryside.
- 🕊️ Birdwatching season: Millions of migratory birds arrive, including puffins, Arctic terns, and golden plovers. The plover is said to “bring the summer” — locals get excited when they spot the first one!
- 🌷 Locals start gardening: You’ll see flowers and Icelandic flags appear on balconies around Reykjavík during the first sunny weekends of May.
💡 Local tip: If you’re in Reykjavík, grab an ice cream at Ísbúð Huppu at Seltjarnanes and walk along the seaside path at like the locals do — it’s a May tradition, no matter the weather!
🧳 Packing Tips for Iceland in May
The weather may look mild on paper, but it can still feel cold due to wind. Dress in layers and prepare for sudden showers.
Clothing checklist:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Lightweight down or insulated jacket
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Hiking boots or waterproof shoes with good grip
- Comfortable sneakers or casual shoes for city walks
- Thick socks and a few extra pairs (wool or synthetic)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun can be strong even on cool days)
- Swimsuit for hot springs, pools, or saunas
- Quick-dry towel
- Sleep mask (for bright May nights)
- Casual clothes for cafés, museums, or restaurants
- Compact umbrella or rain poncho
- Backpack for day trips or short hikes
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight travel blanket or neck pillow for long drives
💡Packing tips: See full guide what to wear in Iceland.
💸 Budget Tips for a May Road Trip
May is one of the best-value months to visit Iceland. Prices are lower than in summer, and nearly all attractions are open.
Here’s how to keep your trip cheap without missing out:
- Book early – May gets busy with travelers, so book your rental and hotels ahead.
- Refuel wisely – Check where the cheapest gas stations are before your trip to save money on fuel. Prices are usually lower in Reykjavík, Selfoss and larger towns than in remote areas.
- Cook when you can – buy groceries at Bónus or Krónan and use guesthouse kitchens.
- Stick to free nature spots – most of Iceland’s waterfalls, beaches, and hiking trails cost nothing to visit.
- Bring reusable water bottles – Icelandic tap water is pure and cold from the source.
💡 For more saving ideas, check out our full guide: Is Iceland Cheap? Best Budget Tips for an Iceland Road Trip
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is May a good time to visit Iceland?
Yes, it´s warm enough for road trips but before the summer crowds arrive. May is also cheaper and has long daylight hours.
- Can I drive the Ring Road in May?
Yes! The Ring Road is fully open and conditions are ideal for a fully circle trip. Just remember, the highlands (F-roads) are still closed.
- What´s open in Iceland in May?
Everything except highland trails. Museums, national parks, hot springs and tours are fully operating. Some smaller guesthouses reopen after winter.
- Can I see the Northern Lights in May?
No, the nights are too bright. Instead, enjoy endless daylight and colorful sunsets.
- Is Iceland expensive in May?
Prices are lower than in summer, especially for rental cars and accommodation. Traveling with Firefly helps keep your costs even lower.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Iceland in May
May is a month of change — waterfalls thunder with snowmelt, the grass turns green, and the air feels fresh after a long winter. It’s the perfect time to rent a car, hit the road, and see Iceland before the summer rush.
With Firefly Iceland, you can get a cheap rental car right at Keflavík Airport, drive wherever you want, and discover Iceland’s spring beauty at your own pace.
🔥 Book now on firefly.is and experience Iceland’s best kept secret — May, when the whole island wakes up again.
