Iceland Tours in May 2026

What our customers ask about Iceland Tours in May 2026

• What wildlife can I see in Iceland during May?

  May brings diverse wildlife viewing opportunities across Iceland. Puffins make their return to coastal regions including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach while whales surface in the fjords near Akureyri. The East Fjords region offers glimpses of Arctic foxes and near Egilsstaðir visitors often spot herds of reindeer roaming the landscape. Many tours base themselves at Hotel Herad in this area. As one TourRadar traveler noted "we were lucky enough to spot seals at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon."

• How crowded are tourist attractions in Iceland during May?

  The shoulder season of May provides a balanced experience between winter quiet and summer crowds. Visitors to major sites like Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area find more space to explore than during peak months. This extends to Thingvellir National Park and Vik's black sand beaches. One traveler observed "we got to enjoy the magnificent scenery without the tourist crowds."

• What accommodations are available in Iceland during May?

  Iceland's May accommodation options span from city hotels to rural lodges. In Reykjavik the Berjaya Reykjavík Natura Hotel welcomes guests while near the glacier Fosshotel Vatnajökull provides nature-focused stays. Hotel Klettur in Reykjavik and Fosshotel Nupar along the South Coast receive strong reviews from TourRadar travelers. A guest noted "the hotels were clean and served reasonably good breakfast perfect for May weather conditions."

• What unique activities are available in Iceland during May?

  The month presents prime conditions for glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull whale watching from Dalvík and exploring newly opened highland roads. Visitors can snorkel the Silfra fissure between continental plates while Akureyri's Botanical Gardens burst into bloom. Boat tours begin operating at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The glacier hike in May was incredible - the ice was super blue and clear and our guide said it's one of the best months for glacier activities."

• What are the best waterfalls to visit in Iceland during May?

  The spring melt creates ideal conditions for waterfall viewing. Key sites include Seljalandsfoss with its walkable path behind the cascade Skógafoss dropping 60 meters Godafoss in the northern region and Gullfoss along the Golden Circle route. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Visiting Seljalandsfoss in May was magical - there was enough warmth to walk behind the falls and the surrounding area was turning green with spring vegetation."

• What are the best day trips from Reykjavik in May?

  Spring temperatures make for excellent day touring from the capital. Popular routes include the Golden Circle (Þingvellir Geysir and Gullfoss) South Coast excursions to major waterfalls and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The Blue Lagoon and broader Reykjanes Peninsula are readily accessible. As one TourRadar traveler said: "We took amazing day trips from Reykjavik in May - the weather was perfect for exploring and we could fit multiple sites into each day thanks to the long daylight hours."