Best May Tours in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

May is a fantastic time to explore Iceland as the country transitions from spring to early summer, offering extended daylight hours, milder weather, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. With 16-20 hours of daylight, travelers have plenty of time to experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes, from waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches and geothermal hot springs. While the midnight sun doesn’t fully arrive until June, the long evenings create ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

This time of year brings excellent accessibility, with major routes like the Golden Circle and South Coast open and easy to navigate. Whether you prefer guided tours or self-drive adventures, May offers a perfect balance of affordability and availability, with popular attractions less crowded while still operating at full capacity. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy peak whale-watching season and the return of puffins, while hikers and nature lovers can explore Iceland’s trails in comfortable spring weather.

Beyond nature, May also offers a glimpse into Iceland’s rich culture, with events like the Reykjavik Arts Festival and early Seamen’s Day celebrations adding to the experience. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, trekking across glaciers, or immersing yourself in Icelandic traditions, May is an ideal time to visit, blending adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences into one unforgettable trip.

Best Sightseeing Tours in Iceland in May

May is considered a shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds at popular attractions like the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, or Thingvellir National Park. It's an excellent time to enjoy these locations with more space to explore.

This time of year strikes the perfect balance between affordability and accessibility, with many tours operating at full capacity and accommodations more readily available than in the peak summer months.

The following are some of the most popular tours in Iceland in May:

• 5-Day Summer Vacation Package: Experience the highlights of Iceland, including the Golden Circle sightseeing route and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on this epic tour. 

• 8-Day Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Ring Road: Explore Iceland's famous Ring Road and South Coast at your own pace.

• Small-Group Golden Circle Minibus Tour from Reykjavik: Take in the popular Golden Circle sights with added stops at Bruarfoss waterfall and Kerid crater.

Top Golden Circle Tours in May

Golden Circle tours in Iceland are a top choice in May, offering a chance to explore the country’s iconic landmarks during spring.

With longer daylight hours and improving weather, this is an ideal time to visit Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.

Witness the powerful eruptions of Strokkur geyser in the Geysir geothermal area and admire the majestic Gullfoss waterfall as it cascades into the Hvita river. Many tours also include stops at Kerid crater or local farms.

May offers fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes, making it perfect for enjoying the Golden Circle sightseeing route’s highlights.

Here are the most popular Golden Circle tours in Iceland in May:

• 3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour: Experience the best of Iceland on this immersive tour.

• Golden Circle Small Group Tour with Kerid Volcanic Crater: See the famous Golden Circle sights and the beautiful Kerid crater with this small group tour.

• Golden Circle Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik: Spend the afternoon touring the Golden Circle and enjoy waterfalls, national parks, and geothermal areas.

Best Wildlife Tours in May

Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching opportunities as puffins return to nest along Iceland's cliffs, particularly in places like Dyrholaey or Borgarfjordur Eystri.

Whales are also active in Iceland's waters, making whale-watching tours from Reykjavik or Husavik a highlight of May. May's top wildlife tours include:

• Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: Climb aboard a boat and head into Faxafloi Bay in search of these amazing sea creatures.

• Family-Friendly 1-Hour Puffin Boat Tour: Learn more about Iceland’s most adorable creature, the puffin, on this incredible boat tour. 

• 3-Hour Whale Watching and Wildlife Yacht Tour: See marine wildlife off the shore of Reykjavik, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

Top Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving Tours in May

Glacier hiking and ice-caving tours in May offer a thrilling way to explore Iceland's frozen landscapes as the weather transitions to late spring.

Popular locations like Solheimajokull and Vatnajokull glaciers provide guided opportunities to walk across glacial ice, learn about their formation, and witness unique features like crevasses and ice sculptures.

While ice caves are more common in winter, some remain accessible in May, offering a glimpse into these natural wonders. Led by experienced guides and equipped with crampons, these tours offer a safe and informative way to explore Iceland's glaciers.

May’s longer daylight hours and smaller crowds enhance the experience, making it even more memorable. Here are top recommendations for popular glacier hiking and ice-caving tours in Iceland in May:

• Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour: Enjoy hiking on a breathtaking glacier while enjoying the views over Iceland’s South Coast.

• 2-Day Tour of Iceland’s South Coast with Glacier Hiking: Glacier hiking is one of the highlights of this two-day South Coast tour.

• Beginner-Friendly Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier: This glacier hiking tour is perfect if you’ve never done anything like this before.

South Coast Tours in May

South Coast tours in May are a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s diverse natural landscapes. With longer daylight hours and mild spring weather, you can visit iconic sites like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, where lush flora begins to flourish.

Reynisfjara black sand beach offers striking views of basalt columns and dramatic ocean waves. Many tours also include stops at the Solheimajokull glacier for guided hikes or the charming village of Vik. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot puffins returning to the cliffs.

May is an ideal time to explore the South Coast’s highlights, as smaller crowds allow for a more relaxed experience. The best May South Coast tours include:

• 8-Day Summer Vacation Package Tour: See some of the best attractions in Iceland on this package tour.

• 10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland: Explore the sights of the South Coast at your own pace.

• 2-Day Sightseeing Tour to South Coast: Choose from ice caving or a boat tour on this ultimate South Coast adventure.

Weather in Iceland in May

Iceland's weather in May is relatively mild, with temperatures typically ranging between 38 and 50°F (3–10°C). The weather makes May an ideal month for hiking, exploring waterfalls, or visiting glaciers.

Roads to popular highlights like the Golden Circle and the South Coast are open and easily accessible, and by the end of the month, Highland roads may begin to open, depending on snow conditions.

Additionally, the chances of encountering icy roads or harsh winter conditions are much lower compared to earlier months.

Cultural celebrations in Iceland in May

May in Iceland is a vibrant time for cultural celebrations as spring breathes new life into the country. The Reykjavik Arts Festival, one of Iceland’s oldest and most prominent cultural events, showcases performances, exhibitions, and workshops across the capital city.

Another highlight is Seamen’s Day, celebrated on the first weekend of June, but events often kick off in late May. This tradition honors Iceland's fishing heritage with local festivities in coastal towns featuring competitions, music, and food.

These events offer a glimpse into Iceland's rich culture and provide opportunities to connect with the community during a lively season.

Experience the Best of Iceland This May

May is a remarkable time to visit Iceland, offering an ideal balance of adventure, nature, and culture. With long daylight hours and fewer crowds, travelers can explore iconic landscapes like the Golden Circle and the South Coast at a more relaxed pace. Wildlife enthusiasts can witness puffins nesting on coastal cliffs and enjoy world-class whale-watching experiences, while thrill-seekers can embark on glacier hikes or explore Iceland’s dramatic volcanic terrain. The season also provides a perfect opportunity to experience Iceland’s cultural side, with festivals and traditions adding depth to the journey.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaking in geothermal pools, or setting out on a self-drive adventure, May offers excellent accessibility, affordability, and unforgettable experiences. From scenic sightseeing to immersive outdoor activities, this shoulder season ensures a trip filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique encounters, making it one of the best times to explore Iceland’s diverse wonders.