Yes, May suits travelers who want waterfalls, nesting puffins and hot pools more than beach weather. Afternoons stay cool at 50°F (10°C), and the sea is far too cold for most swimmers.
Rain falls on about 13 days of the month, so the plans that work are the ones with a dry layer and a soak in a hot tub or a local pool afterward.
At a glance
- Afternoon high: 50°F (10°C)
- Night low: 40°F (4°C)
- Rainy days: 13
- Precipitation: 4 inches (102 mm)
- Sea near Vík: 47°F (8°C)
- Puffins: nesting in the Dyrhólaey cliffs from late April to mid-August
What is the weather like in Iceland’s South Coast in May?
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Rainy days | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 35°F (2°C) | 4.6 in (117 mm) | 15 | 46°F (8°C) |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 40°F (4°C) | 4.0 in (102 mm) | 13 | 47°F (8°C) |
| June | 54°F (12°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 3.6 in (93 mm) | 11 | 49°F (10°C) |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
May is cool and damp. Afternoons reach 50°F (10°C) and nights drop to 40°F (4°C), so a warm layer is part of every day.
Rain falls on 13 days, and the sea near Vík averages 47°F (8°C). Plan the outdoor sights for the dry stretches and keep a pool or museum for the rest.
April is a step colder, with a high of 45°F (7°C) and 15 rainy days. June warms to 54°F (12°C) and brings 11 rainy days, so each month later gains a little warmth and a little more dry time.
Where to go in Iceland’s South Coast in May
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
Seljalandsfoss is one of the highest waterfalls in the country, and you can walk behind it. Gljúfrabúi stands close by, about 130 feet (40 m) high. In May, rain jackets are standard here.
Skógar and Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull Glacier lies about 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Skógafoss via Road 221.
Dyrhólaey
The nature reserve is protected mainly for its birdlife, though the landscape is just as good a reason to go. Puffins nest in the cliffs from late April, so May falls inside the season.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
The canyon is roughly 1 to 1.2 miles (1.5 to 2 km) long and between 100 and 330 feet (30 to 100 m) deep, depending on the measure. It is a protected natural monument and extremely popular. Stay on the authorized paths.
Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri
These two seaside villages are on the Lighthouse Trail, along a coastline of 15 miles (25 km). Eyrarbakki has the Merchants House, built in 1765. Stokkseyri has a public pool, a good place to warm up after a cool day.
What to do in Iceland’s South Coast in May
Puffin watching at Dyrhólaey
The birds nest in the cliffs from late April to mid-August, and Dyrhólaey is one of the most reliable puffin spots in South Iceland. May puts you at the start of that season.
Bring binoculars and a warm layer for the cliff top. Reynisfjall Mountain is a second viewpoint, with views over the Atlantic and bird cliffs.
Walking behind Seljalandsfoss
The path goes behind the falls, so spray is part of the visit. Wear a full waterproof layer and shoes with grip.
Gljúfrabúi is next door, so the two waterfalls fit into one stop.
A glacier hike on Mýrdalsjökull
Mýrdalsjökull offers guided glacier hikes, year-round ice cave explorations, glacier-lagoon kayaking and snowmobiling near Katla volcano. Since the ice caves run all year, May is open for them.
Book a guided outing, and choose a dry-looking morning for the hike itself.
Soaking in a hot river or pool
The Reykjadalur hot river and the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir are the geothermal options. With nights near 40°F (4°C), a soak makes a good end to the day.
Stokkseyri’s public pool has an outdoor pool of about 59 feet (18 m) with a slide, a wading pool and two hot tubs, a fit for families.
The Icelandic Lava Show and the Katla centre
At the Katla centre, a free exhibition covers Katla volcano and the Geopark.
Is Iceland’s South Coast busy in May?
Popular spots fill up quickly in peak season, especially in Vík and along the South Coast. The canyon at Fjaðrárgljúfur is extremely popular, so go early in the day.
Rooms are easier to find when you book ahead. Hotel Vík í Mýrdal has 78 rooms, five cottages and 15 apartments. Hella has Stracta Hotel with 166 rooms and Hotel Kanslarinn with 21. Selfoss makes a convenient hub, about an hour’s drive from Keflavík Airport.
Can you swim in Iceland’s South Coast in May?
Warm water comes from the Reykjadalur hot river, the Secret Lagoon and local pools such as Stokkseyri’s.
What to pack for Iceland’s South Coast in May
May asks for warm layers and rain gear, with one dry set for the evening.
- A waterproof jacket and pants, for 13 rainy days and the spray at Seljalandsfoss
- A warm mid-layer for nights near 40°F (4°C)
- Shoes with grip for wet paths and the canyon trails
- A swimsuit for the hot river, the Secret Lagoon and the pools
- Binoculars for the puffin cliffs at Dyrhólaey
What to know before visiting Iceland’s South Coast in May
Off-road driving in Iceland is strictly prohibited, so stay on authorized paths, tracks and roads. At Fjaðrárgljúfur there are no marked walking routes through the canyon itself, and pedestrian traffic through it is not envisaged.
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a protected natural monument under regulation no. 555/2024, and Dyrhólaey is a nature reserve under regulation no. 101/1978. Heavy traffic in such a small area puts pressure on the pathway system, so keep to the marked paths.
Is May a good time to visit Iceland’s South Coast?
Yes, May is a good month for travelers who want waterfalls, puffins, glacier hikes and hot pools, and who will accept cool, showery days.
Compared with April, May has two fewer rainy days and a few more degrees. June adds warmth and fewer rainy days, but April or May fit visitors who want the puffin season to be just starting.
If you want to swim, the sea is cold, so plan on hot pools instead. With children, Stokkseyri’s pool has a slide and hot tubs. For hiking, May covers short waterfall walks and glacier outings.
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- visiticeland.com (https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-south/), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/moya/page/the-south-coast-lighthouse-way), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/afangastadaaaetlun/moya/toy/index/place/seljalandsfoss), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/destinations/nature/beaches/the-coastline-between-stokkseyri-and-eyrarbakki), checked 2026-10-30
- nattura.is (https://www.nattura.is/svaedin/fjardrargljufur), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/travel-info/travel-blog/icelandair-stopover-south-iceland-itinerary), checked 2026-10-30
- south.is (https://www.south.is/en/destinations/towns/vik), checked 2026-10-30