Iceland in May: Campervan Trip Guide

Iceland in May marks a transitional travel season shaped by longer daylight, variable weather, and partial road access. Seasonal changes affect both regional mobility and travel planning, where main roads like the Ring Road begin to open, while F-roads remain mostly closed due to lingering frost and runoff.

These changing conditions make the campervan an ideal way to travel: it offers flexibility for open routes, shelter in unpredictable weather, and on-the-go adjustments to daylight and terrain. May also marks the return of cultural events, increased access to geothermal areas, and seasonal wildlife activity. 

As such, campervan travel in Iceland during May requires planning that accounts for changing weather, road conditions, site access, and vehicle readiness.

Weather in Iceland in May

May in Iceland is defined by variable weather, which controls every aspect of campervan travel. Weather conditions during this month affect driving surfaces, route openings, and campsite operations. 

Compared to Iceland in April, May offers improved accessibility and stability, but still requires weather-aware planning. Such changes require specific vehicle setups and trip adjustments. Planning a campervan trip in May depends on understanding how temperature, wind, precipitation, and daylight impact travel logistics.

Iceland’s Temperature in May

Iceland’s temperature in May marks a shift from winter cold to early-summer mildness, yet remains a central factor in how campervan trips are planned. Though daytime temperatures often rise above freezing, nights, especially in inland or higher-elevation areas, frequently dip below freezing, making heating and insulation essential for overnight comfort.

Thermal differences between coastal and inland areas affect route choices, campsite readiness, and road safety. Colder regions thaw more slowly, and freezing nights can cause surface ice to return, particularly on gravel or unpaved roads. For drivers, temperature stability is directly tied to traction and safe vehicle handling.

Temperature also determines whether precipitation falls as rain or snow and how quickly frost recedes, shaping access and usability of campsites and roads. 

For campervan travelers, this variability directly influences which roads are accessible, when campsites become usable, and how campervan travelers must adapt their daily plans across Iceland in May.

Wind Patterns

Wind in Iceland during May is a major environmental factor that influences campervan control, route planning, and daily travel decisions. As warmer Atlantic air replaces winter systems, atmospheric pressure changes across Iceland’s landscape cause unstable airflow. This leads to frequent gusts and crosswinds, especially on coastal lowlands, open plains, and elevated roads.

Exposed areas along the Ring Road, such as Hellisheiði, Mýrdalssandur, and Öxnadalur, often experience strong side winds that disrupt vehicle stability and require slower speeds. Bridges and fjordside roads are prone to wind funneling between mountains, increasing lateral force on tall campervans. 

Once the highland routes open later in the month, they present even stronger gust exposure due to the lack of natural barriers.

Wind shapes more than just driving, as it affects departure times, route choices, campsite setup, and safe parking. Campsites in windy zones need careful alignment to avoid vehicle sway or door damage. 

Government wind warnings can restrict access to bridges or mountain passes, and ignoring them can lead to dangerous loss of control.

Precipitation in May

Precipitation in May in Iceland is frequent and varied, directly affecting road safety and travel efficiency. Rain, sleet, and residual snow remain common, especially in coastal areas and higher elevations. 

Wet road surfaces reduce traction and influence how campervans brake, turn, and maintain speed, particularly on gravel or unpaved segments. On elevated terrain, sleet accumulates along drainage paths, creating soft mud and localized water buildup that impairs vehicle movement.

Campsites are also affected by sustained precipitation and poor drainage, which causes ground saturation, limiting access and increasing the risk of wheel sinkage. Inside the campervan, continued exposure to moisture leads to condensation and humidity, requiring active ventilation and heating to maintain a dry interior. 

May’s precipitation patterns lead to slower driving, careful route timing, and campsite selection based on drainage conditions. 

Daylight in May in Iceland

Daylight in May in Iceland increases quickly throughout the month. Northern parts of the country get more daylight than the south, but all areas see longer daylight hours. This gives campervan travelers more time for driving and reduces the need to arrive at campsites early.

The gradual change between day and night means there’s still enough light to see even before sunrise and after sunset. This helps with driving and navigation, especially on remote roads without streetlights. It also reduces the need for indoor lighting in the campervan, helping conserve battery power when traveling off-grid.

As part of Iceland in spring, May offers longer daylight, which enhances route flexibility, supports longer outdoor activities, and improves overall travel efficiency in mobile conditions.

Road Conditions in Iceland in May

Road conditions in Iceland in May are transitional and directly influenced by temperature, daylight, and terrain thaw. While road access to primary lowland routes and populated coastal areas begins to improve, many inland and highland roads remain restricted due to soft surfaces, snow cover, or regulatory closures.

The national road network includes two primary types: the paved Ring Road (Route 1), which generally remains accessible to standard vehicles, and the gravel F-roads, which typically remain closed in May due to unstable terrain and delayed snowmelt. These differences involve not only surface types but also legal permissions that govern where campervans may drive.

For campervan travel, road conditions determine which regions can be reached, what vehicle type is required, and how routes must be planned. Paved routes may still pose localized risks, such as wind or flooding, while unpaved or elevated roads are often inaccessible without 4×4 clearance. Trip logistics must adjust to surface conditions and real-time access status.

Since road readiness varies with weather and geography, all route planning in May must reflect current limitations by road category. For travelers prioritizing regional access and road stability, late May often aligns more closely with the best time to travel in Iceland by campervan, as surface conditions begin to normalize and daylight hours support longer driving windows.

Ring Road Conditions

The Ring Road (Route 1) is Iceland’s primary route for campervan travel in May due to its paved surface, routine maintenance, and relative accessibility. It remains operational across most regions, while the highland F-roads remain closed.

By May, the road is plowed and largely cleared of snow, especially in low-lying and coastal areas. Elevated and inland segments, particularly in the north and east, can still experience snow patches, black ice, wind shear, and fog. Maintenance crews manage drainage, thaw effects, and surface erosion, which supports but does not guarantee full passability.

Route 1 is subject to localized disruptions due to runoff, reduced traction, and lowered visibility. Conditions can shift daily; campervan drivers must monitor official road and weather updates and plan with flexibility.

While Route 1 is the most reliable route in May, it requires caution and responsive itinerary adjustments.

F-Roads Accessibility

F-roads in Iceland during May remain closed or heavily restricted due to snow cover, thaw instability, and waterlogged terrain. These highland routes are unpaved, cross rivers, and traverse remote interior areas at higher elevations than the main road network. 

The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration enforces legal closures throughout May because the terrain remains unstable and unsafe, regardless of visual passability.

Access is restricted to 4×4 vehicles with river-fording capability. Standard campervans are prohibited, regardless of tire type or clearance.

The highlands receive no winter maintenance, and thaw conditions delay road stability into summer. F-roads are not part of any lawful May driving plan.

F-roads are excluded from May campervan routes and remain inaccessible until formally reopened.

Campervan Renting in Iceland in May

Campervan rental in Iceland during May enables flexible travel adapted to seasonal conditions. As daylight increases and roads gradually reopen, cold, wet, and variable weather remain constraints. In this transitional period, the campervan functions as both transport and shelter, adapting to wet terrain and cold nights where fixed infrastructure is limited.

Iceland’s conditions in May require vehicles equipped for cold-weather operation. Thermal insulation, onboard heating, and reliable drivetrains are essential for safety and route eligibility. 

Campervan renting depends on spring fleet availability, shaped by off-season logistics and terrain limitations. Fleet units must be road-capable and aligned with early-season travel zones.

Campervan Requirements for May Trip in Iceland

Campervans used in Iceland during May must meet specific operational requirements due to low overnight temperatures, high humidity, and variable road conditions. These requirements are mandatory for safety, legal compliance, and uninterrupted travel.

Each vehicle must include thermal insulation and an internal heating system to maintain safe sleeping conditions and energy efficiency during sub-zero nights. Moisture control systems, such as ventilation and damp resistance, are required to manage condensation and preserve air quality and equipment function.

Drivetrain configuration and ground clearance must support travel on gravel roads and thaw-softened surfaces. Adequate traction, undercarriage protection, and structural sealing are necessary to handle unstable terrain and lateral wind exposure, especially near Ring Road segments and F-road thresholds.

Interior layouts must support safe sleeping, cooking, and energy use under variable daylight and adverse weather conditions. Campervans lacking these features may be subject to route restrictions, increased mechanical failure risk, or non-compliance with seasonal regulations.

Campervan Fleet Availability in May

Campervan fleet availability in Iceland during May is phased and weather‑dependent. May begins the operational ramp‑up for rental providers, but not all vehicles are ready at once. Many remain in off‑season maintenance for de‑winterization, insulation checks, and safety inspections before entering service.

Vehicle rollout is constrained by environmental thresholds and inspection clearance. Early in the month, only cold‑ready or high‑clearance units are activated, while lighter summer models are held back until conditions stabilize.

As temperatures rise and roads dry, the operational fleet expands, increasing model variety and access. Some summer‑specific vehicles, however, stay out of rotation until later. Fleet availability in May is determined by readiness and safety standards, not by calendar scheduling.

Campsites in May in Iceland

Campsites in Iceland begin partial operations in May based on regional thaw and surface conditions. As core infrastructure for campervan travel, they provide legal overnight stays and vehicle support. 

Availability of campsites in Iceland is staggered, with southern and Ring Road sites, such as near Vík, Selfoss, and Egilsstaðir, often opening in early to mid-May. Reykjavík sites typically maintain stable access. 

In contrast, highland and northern areas remain closed longer due to snowmelt delays and soft ground. This regional disparity makes campsite access a planning constraint; functional sites must be confirmed in advance to ensure legal stopovers.

Where to Go in May in Iceland?

The South Coast of Iceland in May functions as the most accessible route for campervan travel. Its alignment with the Ring Road, combined with lower elevation and early thaw, enables stable, thaw-ready road conditions, even as inland routes may still be restricted.

This region allows standard rental vehicles to operate legally without modifications, making it the most practical choice for early-season itineraries. Unlike F-roads or northern areas, the South Coast stays within campervan rental limits and remains consistently open.

Campsites here open earlier and more reliably than in other regions, forming a network of legal overnight points. Towns like Selfoss, Hvolsvöllur, and Vík anchor essential services that support campervan mobility.

With road access, thaw status, and support infrastructure all aligned, the South Coast offers the lowest-friction corridor for spring travel. Other regions present higher access thresholds due to elevation or limited road readiness.

South Coast

The South Coast of Iceland in May is the most accessible region for campervan travel. Its full integration with the Ring Road provides continuous, thaw-ready, low-elevation road access without inland detours. This corridor meets spring fleet requirements, including legal access and clearance compatibility.

Campsites near Selfoss and Vík remain operational, forming a reliable support network with fuel, supplies, and repair access. These zones align with early-season infrastructure standards when interior and northern areas remain limited.

This route defines the primary travel axis for May itineraries, offering consistent mobility and overnight options in contrast to weather-limited regions.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland can be accessed by campervan in May, but only under limited, weather-dependent conditions. Though outside the Ring Road, it connects via secondary routes and is often added after South Coast itineraries. 

Roads consist of both paved and gravel sections, with an increased risk in exposed or elevated areas due to delayed thaws and strong coastal winds.

Campervan travel viability depends on road surface adaptation, weather monitoring, and vehicle readiness. Campsite access is partial, with limited availability near Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður. Services may be minimal or change with short-term weather. Infrastructure support remains reactive and varies across western Iceland.

Snæfellsnes should only be included in May travel plans if real-time road and weather updates are actively tracked and the campervan setup is suited for variable terrain.

West Iceland

West Iceland in May is accessible for campervan travel via paved roads and moderate elevations. The road network remains stable and supports standard vehicles under typical weather. Key segments enable low-elevation travel with limited exposure and connect service points along western routes. 

Campsite access is partial, with some facilities near lowland areas operating from mid-May. The weather is generally stable but requires monitoring for wind and precipitation. This region can be included in May itineraries as a functional western extension requiring no off-road capability.

North Iceland

In May, North Iceland allows only partial campervan access due to weather-related constraints. Road conditions are affected by elevation, snow retention, thaw delays, and exposure to late spring storms. Route reliability is low, with many upland and inland roads remaining closed or intermittently blocked.

Campervan travel requires cold-weather readiness and 4×4 capability. Standard vehicles are unsuitable for higher terrain. Real-time monitoring is necessary due to unstable surfaces and route changes.

Campsite availability is limited. Facilities are fewer, concentrated near towns, and often open later than in the South or West. Infrastructure is partially active and changes weekly.

North Iceland in May is viable only for equipped travelers with flexible plans and weather-adapted vehicles.

Westfjords (if roads open)

The Westfjords in May remain largely inaccessible for campervan travel due to road closures caused by snow cover, thaw-cycle instability, and steep terrain. Most routes remain closed, with unpaved and sloped segments affected by structural degradation. Conditional openings may occur on select lowland roads, but only with real-time confirmation from sources like umferdin.is.

Even when open, these roads present risks, including steep grades, surface instability, and F-road adjacency, that restrict access for standard campervans. Two-wheel-drive vehicles are not suitable.

Infrastructure is minimal and delayed; campsites typically do not open until late May or June, and overnight stops are unreliable without prior confirmation. The Westfjords should be considered outside the core travel network in May and approached only if all road, weather, and service conditions are fully verified.

What to Do In Iceland in May?

Visit Hot Springs

Hot springs in Iceland during May remain accessible regardless of wind, cold, or precipitation. Their geothermal consistency ensures that natural springs continue to operate independently of weather changes. Many are located near main travel routes in South and West Iceland and do not require access via F-roads. 

This positioning makes them directly compatible with campervan travel routes. As fixed, low-risk activity points, hot springs in Iceland support early-season itineraries without depending on forecast stability or elevation clearance.

Hiking in May

Hiking in Iceland during May is partially available and constrained by elevation, thaw cycles, and unstable terrain. Inland and highland trails often remain closed due to snow cover and incomplete thaw. Low-elevation routes in South and West Iceland may allow access earlier in the month, though conditions vary daily and must be verified due to frequent weather shifts.

For campervan travelers, hiking feasibility is further limited by road access, campsite availability, and route compatibility. Hiking in May is a selective activity that requires alignment with real-time trail and travel conditions.

Exploring Glaciers

Glacier exploration in Iceland during May is available only through guided tours. Access is restricted to regulated zones and requires licensed operators, who provide safety gear and supervision under defined protocols. Tours depart from designated access points along campervan-compatible routes, primarily on the South Coast. Participation depends on weather, road access, and tour coordination. Self-guided glacier access is not permitted and must be excluded from May itineraries.

Ice Caving

Ice caving in Iceland during May is a limited, safety-regulated activity restricted to early-month availability. As glacier melt increases, most caves begin closing due to structural instability and rising risk.

Tours may still run in early May, but only under suitable weather and glacier conditions. Access is exclusively through licensed operators, with mandatory safety gear and guided supervision; self-guided entry is not permitted.

Campervan travelers must ensure their routes align with designated tour departure zones, primarily along the South Coast. Operator availability must be confirmed in advance, as tours depend on environmental clearance and route compatibility.

Lava Caving

Lava caving in Iceland during May is accessible year-round and remains unaffected by snowmelt or elevation-based closures. This weather-independent activity is offered exclusively through guided tours with required helmeted, supervised entry. Tours operate near main roads, primarily in South and West Iceland. 

Departure zones align with spring campervan routes and do not require off-road vehicles. Due to stable underground terrain and regulated access, lava caving is a reliable, low-variance option for campervan travelers in May.

Whale Watching

Whale watching in Iceland during May begins its seasonal operation, with marine tours starting from coastal areas reachable by campervan. Tours operate under sea and weather conditions, with most departures available by mid-May when stability improves. 

The activity is fully tour-based and boat-operated, requiring no access to inland areas or specialized vehicles. Departure points connect to paved coastal routes, making it easy for campervan travelers to include whale watching as a low-effort, coordinated part of early-season itineraries.

Puffin Spotting in May 

Puffin spotting in Iceland during May marks the start of the nesting season, as colonies return to fixed cliffside zones along the south and west coasts. These areas are typically accessible via paved or gravel coastal roads, without requiring F-road travel or high-elevation access, making them compatible with campervan routes.

Observation points are near low-elevation cliffs where roadside proximity allows viewing. Visibility depends on daylight, calm weather, and safe trail surfaces. While puffins remain in defined nesting zones, access is conditional on clear paths and stable conditions, keeping puffin spotting a viable but weather-dependent inclusion in early-season campervan itineraries.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland in May?

No, this is due to the absence of astronomical darkness, as daylight extends up to 20 hours per day, and the sky never reaches a true night phase. The resulting skyglow blocks aurora visibility entirely, making solar activity unobservable. Campervan travelers may remain active overnight, but light conditions prevent any auroral observation. May falls outside the aurora season, which ends in April and resumes in late August.

Cultural Events in Iceland in May

Reykjavík Arts Festival

Reykjavík Arts Festival takes place in May and is held across venues in Iceland’s capital. It is a multidisciplinary event covering music, visual arts, and performance.

As Reykjavík is a common start or end point for campervan routes, the festival is accessible to travelers transiting through the city.

While it aligns with typical May itineraries, the event functions as an optional cultural stop rather than a core travel driver.

Reykjavík Folk Festival

Reykjavík Folk Festival is a small, Reykjavík-based music event held in May, focused on local and Nordic folk performances. It is part of the city’s cultural calendar and typically runs for a few days.

For campervan travelers, the event may align with arrival or pickup days in the capital, which serves as the main campervan launch zone. It complements early-season itineraries as an optional, city-staged cultural stop at the beginning or end of a road trip.

Reykjavík Peace Festival

Reykjavík Peace Festival is a cultural event held in May in central Reykjavík, focused on symbolic programming, including talks, art, and music related to civic themes. It is limited in scale and forms part of the city’s spring cultural calendar. 

The event takes place near central venues and may coincide with campervan travel for those starting or ending their trip in Reykjavík. While not essential for trip planning, it contributes to the capital’s cultural context during May and may align with short stopovers.

What to Pack for a Campervan Trip in Iceland in May?

Packing for a campervan trip in Iceland in May must account for unpredictable weather, limited cabin heating, and limited storage space. Temperatures range from 0 °C to 10 °C (32 °F to 50 °F), with frequent wind and rain, requiring compact, weatherproof, and layered gear.

Clothing should include a thermal base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a rain- and wind-resistant shell. Moisture-wicking fabrics and rainproof outerwear are necessary. Gloves, a hat, and quick-dry socks help prevent heat loss during outdoor exposure.

Sleep gear must support unheated van nights. Use an insulation-grade sleeping bag (rated to 0 °C / 32 °F), thermal liner, and an extra blanket or fleece. Moisture-barrier mats reduce condensation, and compression sacks optimize space.

Driving and safety items include headlamps or LED vests, power banks, physical maps, a first-aid kit, and traction aids for wet or icy surfaces. These support autonomy where roadside service is limited and daylight hours vary.

Activity gear must match May’s tours: waterproof boots, shell trousers, and thermal gloves for hiking; water-resistant outerwear and helmet-compatible hats for glacier or lava-cave excursions.

Pack only essential, weather-aligned items that fit within the space and climate limits of spring campervan travel in Iceland.