Why You Should Consider Driving in Iceland in May

It’s a transitional month

May represents the changeover from low to high season. As such, you should note that the cost of flights hasn’t yet reached its peak. Accommodation is in demand but not at summer levels, so this better availability often translates to more affordable room rates. This makes it an enticing prospect for travelers on a budget. Yet, there’s plenty of daylight, nature is signaling that spring is well and truly on its way and the worst of the weather is behind you. Camping will be more pleasant than during the winter; seasonal campsites will be open too. For a traveler, therefore, May is a smart choice where if luck is on your side you really can have the best of both worlds. 

Lengthening days make day trips more feasible

If you’re keen to enjoy the flexibility that comes with having your own rental car but prefer to be based in Reykjavik, traveling in late spring opens up a wealth of possibilities. While you can drive the Golden Circle in a day, you’ll appreciate having a little extra daylight to be able to venture further afield. For instance, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature” because of the diversity of its remarkable landscapes; it’s around a two-hour drive from the capital. It will take a little longer to reach Vik on the south coast, from where you can visit some of the country’s most extraordinary glacial and coastal landforms.

Weather considerations

May is really the first month of the year where there’s a decent chance of mild weather, though nothing’s guaranteed. Typically, the temperature averages about 10°C in the capital region and a few degrees colder in the north and east. While few of us would consider that T-shirt weather, it’s not unpleasant for anyone intending to go hiking or enjoy other outdoor activities. If you’ve ever considered driving in Iceland in March, you’ll know how different the conditions can be, with colder temperatures, snow, and the need for extra caution on the roads. In contrast, May is also relatively dry and though rain showers can’t be ruled out, statistically, you have a better chance of a dry day than it being wet. Of course, Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, so always keep a close eye on the forecast and seek local advice if you aren’t sure about the driving conditions. 

You can cut down the time it takes to tour the ring road

The ring road, also known as Route 1, is a major highway that loops the whole country. As such, it’s a popular choice for visitors keen to enjoy an epic road trip. If you were to drive the entire route in one go, it would take you about 17 hours, but a non-stop approach is a non-starter in a country where the scenery is as good as here. Instead, many travelers prefer to take it at a much more leisurely pace. 

However, work and family commitments as well as budgetary constraints mean that sometimes we can’t afford as much time as we’d like. By May, the long days mean that you can fit more sightseeing into each 24-hour period, so a 5- or 7-day ring road adventure is much more achievable than it would be in winter.

Wildlife-focused activities are more enjoyable

Visitors to Iceland can book a whale-watching trip year-round, but in practice, winter excursions are more likely to be canceled because of strong winds or other inclement weather. By May, you can have a lot more confidence that the sailing you have booked is going to happen. When it comes to birdlife, seasonal visitors such as puffins have arrived – check on a webcam to make sure before setting out if you plan to drive a longer distance. In remote parts of Snæfellsnes you might even catch sight of an Arctic fox, and if the weather is still cold enough keep an eye out for reindeer in the coastal lowlands of East Iceland.     

May is the lambing season in the Icelandic countryside

Sheep are a big deal in Iceland and if you eat meat, you’ll quickly become aware that lamb features on most restaurant menus. For the farmers of Iceland, May is a busy month as it means the lambing season has arrived. If you’re able to spare the time, some farms look for seasonal workers at this time of year, but a farm guesthouse stay will give you an insight into what it takes to rear livestock. From this month on, keep a close eye out for sheep on the road while driving through the Icelandic countryside. If you see that lambs have been separated from a ewe, be especially vigilant as they are likely to cross to join their mother with little warning – they have zero road sense so it’s down to you to miss them.  

The F-roads might be an option

Iceland has a network of mountain roads known as F-roads. These are seasonal routes that aren’t accessible to regular vehicles except for a brief period from late spring or early summer through to early autumn. While the barriers blocking many of these roads aren’t lifted until June, in a handful of cases – and if the weather is playing ball – you might be able to drive on them earlier. For instance, F208 to Landmannalaugar has sometimes been open as early as late May. Route 35 (whilst no longer an F-road it shares a lot of their characteristics) is another early-season prospect. If you’re planning to drive Iceland’s F-roads, you’ll need a suitable 4x4; read our in-depth article for more information.

Small compacts are a smart budget choice

Once the chance of winter weather has receded as it has by May, the thought of driving a rental car without AWD is a lot less stressful. If you’re watching the krónur, hiring a small compact enables you to take advantage of the flexibility that comes with having your own wheels yet at an affordable price. As the roads are far less likely to be snowy or icy, you won’t be compromising your safety or spending your vacation in a heightened state of stress as a result. For those traveling solo or with a partner or friend, a spring road trip makes financial sense in this respect.

We think you really should consider driving in Iceland in May as it’s one of the best months of the year for anyone planning a road trip. Take a look at the vehicles we have and start the ball rolling for an epic adventure on four wheels.