Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Thinking of visiting Iceland in May (1st May - 10th May)

Country forums / Scandinavia & the Nordics / Iceland

Was thinking of visiting Iceland within the first 2 weeks of May, I understand that its during the spring season?

I would like to ask how green the scenery would be, for instance at areas such as Seljalandsfoss. Would it still be brown-ish or can you already see a lush green colour?
If I want to have a chance to see lush green scenery, is this a good time? (assuming I may not be able to travel in other times of the year)

Thank you!

Spring indeed, but jolly windy. There's not that much lush green anywhere at any time in Iceland.
Even on mid-summer's day it's still pretty cold and only the brave walk around in shorts. I was there in June and wore about 3-4 layers every day.

1

Thanks for your reply! I have seen many photos of green scenery in Iceland (at waterfalls and other areas), but I shouldn't be expecting them too much, especially in May?

2

We've been there in early June. In lower regions, everything was green and flowers bloomed everywhere, in der higher regions, especially in the north east, there were still many snow fields.

I think from your question that you'r aim is primarly photographic? Than I would suggest to search one of the images boards like 500px or flickr for pictures of places you want to visit and check if there's exif data on the image, like this you can see if it is likely to have green around your photo spots.

3

It's nearly impossible to say. With the winter being so cold like it's been now. I doubt that it is going to be green in the first 2 weeks of may.

However, I'm hoping we'll get an early start to the summer, because me and all the other locals are sick and tired of the never-ending winter, it hasn't stopped snowing since November.

If you're in need for a car rental, I recommend you give www.gocarrental.is a look, safe travels!

4

I have seen many photos of green scenery in Iceland (at waterfalls and other areas), but I shouldn't be expecting them too much, especially in May?

The green you are seeing at places like waterfalls is largely moss. It will be green.

There are 2 categories of main grass in Iceland. There is grass grown for hay in pasture, which is green in summer, probably due to the application of fertiliser. I expect this is what #4 is referring when he says it may not have greened up yet.

There is also extensive untended grassland, eg moorland, and this tends not to be green even in summer. It isn't in Britain either.

There's some nice photos here of a tour of Iceland in April which may show you what things will be like in early May after a cold winter.
http://cile.home.xs4all.nl/

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