Change trip
What to pack for Iceland in May
Typical May, built from ten years of weather
Some links are affiliate links. It keeps the site free.
Typical for your dates
Highs 48°F, lows 39°F, rain 19 of 31 days
coldwetwindy
Sunset lands around 10:35pm. Wind averages 13 mph. There is paperwork on this one, so start with Before you go.
Packing for
Essentials
15 items · 0 packed
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
19 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
Swipe for all 5 options →
Insulated puffy (down or synthetic)
Lows around 39°F. Goes under the shell when the wind picks up.
Swipe for all 5 options →
Merino base layer top
Wear one, dry one. Cotton stays wet all week here.
Fleece or midlayer
The layer you'll wear more than any other.
Warm hat (beanie)
Lows of 39°F and 21 km/h wind chill your head fast.
Gloves
Wind at 21 km/h makes bare fingers go numb within minutes.
Polarized sunglasses
UV index of 4.5 bounces off water and snow glare.
Travel first aid kit
Rural terrain and coastal cliffs make injuries hard to reach quickly.
Before you go
4 to sort
Recommended
9 items
Neck gaiter / buff
Thermal socks
Reusable water bottle
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
AirTag / tracker for bags
Packing cubes
15% off