Are you wondering what to wear for Iceland in May?
Then you’re at the right place!
In this post I’ll quickly go over;
- What you should wear
- Daylight in May
- The Weather in May
- If you can see the northern lights
So make sure to read until the end so you know how to prepare for Iceland and what to expect!
So let’s jump into it!
What to wear for Iceland in May
May is a great time to visit Iceland.
The days are longer and you’re just ahead of the summer rush.
But what should you pack?
Packing list for Iceland In May
Planning a trip to Iceland in May requires careful consideration of what to pack in order to make the most of your time in our beautiful country.
Here are some essential items to pack to make the most of your trip:
Warm Clothing:
Despite the warmer temperatures, it’s important to pack warm clothing as the weather in Iceland can change quickly and the wind chill can make it feel much colder.
Pack layers, including;
- A warm sweater,
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal pants
- Joggers/jeans (both preferably)
- A hat
- Gloves
- A scarf (optional)
- Good socks that dry fast
Waterproof Gear:
Rain showers are common in Iceland in May, so it’s important to pack waterproof gear such as;
- A rain jacket
- Rain pants
You’ll want all your outer layers to be waterproof!
Comfortable Shoes:
Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring the rugged terrain of Iceland. Pack sturdy and waterproof shoes that can handle hiking and outdoor activities.
Nothing ruins the day as fast as wet feet.
Swimming Gear:
Iceland is home to many hot springs and geothermal pools, so don’t forget to pack your swimwear and a towel if you plan on soaking in the warm waters.
Camera Gear:
Iceland is one of the most photogenic countries in the world, so be sure to pack your camera and accessories.
A tripod and a wide-angle lens are particularly useful for capturing the stunning landscapes and waterfalls.
Power Adapters:
Iceland uses the EU electrical socket, so make sure to pack the appropriate power adapter for your devices.
Sunscreen:
Now, this might sound a bit weird but hear me out.
Even though Iceland isn’t warm the sun is quite strong. I’m not saying you should buy sunscreen specifically for your trip to Iceland.
But if you have it ready in your cabinet, bring it with you just in case!
That’s it!
These are the items needed for Iceland in May!
But what are the days like?
Daylight
May marks the start of longer days in Iceland, as the country begins to emerge from the long, dark winter.
The days in May are getting longer, providing more daylight for visitors to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, natural wonders, scenic drives, hikes, or visiting hot springs!
At the beginning of the month, we have around 13 hours of daylight while at the end, we have almost 17 hours of daylight!
So you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island!
And if you go up north, the days will be even longer!
But that won’t mean a lot if the weather isn’t good!
Weather
The weather in Iceland in May is often unpredictable, with a mixture of sunny skies and scattered rain showers.
May marks the start of the warmer weather season in Iceland (hurray!), with average temperatures ranging from around 4°C to 10°C (40°F to 50°F).
This is a great time to visit the country as the weather is usually mild and the days are getting longer, allowing for longer periods of daylight for exploring the natural wonders of the country.
In terms of precipitation, May is one of the wettest months in Iceland with an average rainfall of approximately 17mm.
Visiting Iceland in May provides the opportunity to see the country in a new light, with warmer temperatures and longer days for exploring its natural wonders.
You might also be wondering, can you see the northern lights?
Northern Lights
Sadly, May isn’t the best time to see the northern lights.
It’s too damn bright!
You’ll have to stay up late if you want to see them and even then, it’s going to be unlikely.
So if you’re planning on seeing the northern lights, you shouldn’t be coming in May.
End
That’s it!
You now know what to wear for Iceland in May and what you can expect from the weather.
If you’re winding what kind of clothes you need, check out our selection of clothes chosen by Icelanders!
