Reykjavík in May
In May, Reykjavík averages 9°C (48°F) during the day and 4°C (39°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (45 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May in Reykjavík is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Reykjavík
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Reykjavík (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (7°C). May runs 3°C warmer than April (6°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (12°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Reykjavík
Times shown for Reykjavík 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 Reykjavík — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Reykjavík's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Reykjavík 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 Reykjavík's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Reykjavík
Reykjavík 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 Reykjavík
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.
Sea temperature in Reykjavík — May
Across the year Reykjavík's sea swings from 1.9°C (January) to 12.4°C (August) — May sits at 7.1°C.
Reykjavík in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -2°C / 28°F | 75 mm | 14 | 8 |
| February | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F | 70 mm | 13 | 7 |
| March | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F | 80 mm | 13 | 6 |
| April | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 60 mm | 12 | 3 |
| May | 9°C / 48°F | 4°C / 39°F | 45 mm | 10 | 1 |
| June | 12°C / 54°F | 7°C / 45°F | 55 mm | 10 | 0 |
| July | 14°C / 57°F | 9°C / 48°F | 50 mm | 10 | 0 |
| August | 13°C / 55°F | 9°C / 48°F | 60 mm | 11 | 0 |
| September | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F | 70 mm | 11 | 0 |
| October | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F | 95 mm | 14 | 1 |
| November | 4°C / 39°F | 0°C / 32°F | 80 mm | 13 | 4 |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F | 80 mm | 14 | 7 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Reykjavík in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Reykjavík in May?
In May, Reykjavík averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 4°C (39°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Reykjavík in May?
May can be fairly wet in Reykjavík, with about 10 rainy days on average and roughly 1 snow days.
Is May a good time to visit Reykjavík?
May is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Reykjavík in May?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Reykjavík for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.