Visiting Iceland in May or June
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 worth visiting in May? 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.
Then, 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.
Can you drive the Ring Road in Iceland in May? The good news is for sightseeing, almost all areas of Iceland are accessible in May, so this is super exciting for those May travelers. The normal spots, Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Ring Road, North Iceland, Snaefellsness, even the Westfjords you can travel in May.
FAQ
Is there snow in Iceland in May?
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.
Is Iceland expensive? According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, Iceland currently ranks as the third most expensive country in the world. Local banks have also studied the essential travel costs for tourists, and the numbers are staggering.
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.
What should I wear in Iceland in May? For a summer trip to Iceland (between May and September), it is a good idea to bring both light and warmer layers with you. Light layers include t-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts as well as shorts. For your warmer set, make sure to bring some trousers or jeans, and layers such as a fleece or thick jumper.
Is Iceland dark for 6 months?
As a result, both the North Pole and the South Pole have the midnight sun, sporting continuous daylight for six months. It’s bright at the North Pole and dark at the South Pole from late March to late September, while the other half of the year sees this reverse.
Is there a black beach in Iceland? Iceland boasts a number of black beaches awash with silky dark sand including Diamond Beach on the eastern coast near to Iceland’s highest mountain peak Hvannadalshnúkur, and Djúpalónssandur Beach on the west coast near Snæfellsjökull National Park.
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.
Can you see whales in Iceland in May? One of the smaller whale species is the minke whale which, at 10 metres in length, is still impressive to see. They can be spotted from May to October in the fjords and coastal areas of South and West Greenland, especially near Disko Bay.
What clothes to wear in Iceland in May?
For a summer trip to Iceland (between May and September), it is a good idea to bring both light and warmer layers with you. Light layers include t-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts as well as shorts. For your warmer set, make sure to bring some trousers or jeans, and layers such as a fleece or thick jumper.
What should you not wear in Iceland?
What Not to Wear in Iceland
- Light layers. Iceland’s climate is actually 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.
Do they speak English in Iceland? English is taught as a second language in Iceland and almost every Icelander speaks the language fluently. And more so, most Icelanders speak several other languages including Danish, German, Spanish and French and welcome the opportunity to practice their language skills. Hope to see you soon in Reykjavík.
What should you avoid in Iceland?
10 Things to Avoid in Iceland (…and what to do instead!)
- Avoid: Busy and expensive hot springs.
- Do: Go and find quieter or cheaper hot springs.
- Avoid: Buying bottled water.
- Do: Drink from the tap.
- Avoid: Spending all your time in Reykjavik.
- Do: Get out and explore the rest of the country.
- Avoid: Expensive day tours.
Is Iceland safe for tourists? Iceland is the Safest Country in the World 2020
Global Finance Magazine ranked Iceland the world’s safest country for 2019 due to its low crime rate and a low risk to life. When it comes to traveling, Iceland was recently named one of the safest countries to visit in 2020.
How long does it take to drive from one side of Iceland to the other?
A: The Ring Road which encircles the island is approximately 1,333 kilometers. Assuming that it takes around one hour to complete 100 kilometers, you can drive around Iceland in 12-13 hours.
Why are there no trees in Iceland? The country lost most of its trees more than a thousand years ago, when Viking settlers took their axes to the forests that covered one-quarter of the countryside. Now Icelanders would like to get some of those forests back, to improve and stabilize the country’s harsh soils, help agriculture and fight climate change.
Which country has 6 months day and night?
In Svalbard, Norway, the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, there is no sunset from approximately 19 April to 23 August. The extreme sites are the poles, where the Sun can be continuously visible for half the year. The North Pole has midnight sun for 6 months from late March to late September.
What can you not bring into Iceland? There are various import restrictions and prohibitions you have to be aware of when traveling to Iceland:
- Food. …
- Alcoholic beverages and tobaccos. …
- Angling gear and riding clothing. …
- Used riding gear. …
- Live Animals. …
- Prohibited articles. …
- Tax free – VAT refund. …
- Natural Objects.
