Akureyri in May
In May, Akureyri averages 7°C (45°F) during the day and 2°C (35°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (58 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Akureyri. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Akureyri
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Akureyri (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (6°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (3°C) and warms a further 6°C into June (13°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Akureyri
Times shown for Akureyri local time (Atlantic/Reykjavik), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Akureyri — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Akureyri's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Akureyri in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Akureyri's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Akureyri
Akureyri is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Akureyri
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Akureyri in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C / 32°F | -5°C / 23°F | 122 mm | 26 | — |
| February | 0°C / 32°F | -5°C / 24°F | 113 mm | 22 | — |
| March | 1°C / 33°F | -4°C / 25°F | 103 mm | 24 | — |
| April | 3°C / 38°F | -1°C / 29°F | 59 mm | 18 | — |
| May | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 35°F | 58 mm | 21 | — |
| June | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 71 mm | 21 | — |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 47°F | 89 mm | 22 | — |
| August | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 86 mm | 20 | — |
| September | 10°C / 51°F | 5°C / 41°F | 134 mm | 23 | — |
| October | 5°C / 40°F | 0°C / 32°F | 145 mm | 23 | — |
| November | 2°C / 35°F | -3°C / 26°F | 113 mm | 21 | — |
| December | -1°C / 31°F | -6°C / 22°F | 153 mm | 22 | — |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Akureyri in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Akureyri in May?
In May, Akureyri averages a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 2°C (35°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Akureyri in May?
May is quite rainy in Akureyri, with about 21 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Akureyri?
May is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Akureyri in May?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Akureyri for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.